Guide to Backcountry Cooking

Cooking in the backcountry doesn’t have to mean pre-packaged freeze-dried meals full of sodium and preservatives. I have camped for years protesting the often, not so enjoyable prepackaged “backpacking meals.” Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for these quick and weight saving meals-in-a-pouch, but it doesn’t have to be your go to.

Why are we in such a rush to prepare our meals when we often have plenty of time to relax, set up camp, and unwind at our final destination?

I will provide some meal ideas and tips for preparing and packing, proving to my friends that going into the woods doesn’t require compromising on good food.

Planning and Prepping

Veggies

I don’t want to spend time cutting vegetables before or during the trip, so I prefer going to my local health food store. They have an amazing salad bar where I can find already prepared food for my journey. The amount of food needed depends on the number of people joining the trip. It’s better not to go overboard, since you will be responsible for carrying the food in and taking any leftovers with you.

How to get your protein into the woods

To make use of leftovers, prepare chicken or beef for dinner a couple of nights before your trip, making a little extra. Chop the cooked meat into small pieces and store it in a freezer bag, placing it in the freezer. Ensure that it is the final item you pack to maximize its frozen state. By the time you reach your campsite, it will have thawed, if not completely. Moreover, it acts as an ice pack for any other perishable items you are carrying.

In addition to freezing leftover Chinese food, pulled pork, or other proteins that are safe for the freezer, another advantage is that if your stove is not functioning or you are unable to start a fire, these proteins are already cooked and can be consumed cold. Although it may not be as satisfying, it will prevent you from going hungry.

Other tricks

I attempt to make use of additional items available at the salad bar area.

Typically, the items included are salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, mini cream cheese packets, and more. To store them, I utilize small plastic containers and pack them in a compact insulated lunch box with a small ice pack or frozen protein to keep everything cool until it is time for the evening meal. Since it is usually just me, a friend, or my husband, I do not require a large amount of perishables. Additionally, I save condiments from takeout, such as parmesan and red pepper flake packets from pizza, soy sauce packets from Chinese food, or ketchup packets from fast food. Instead of wasting them, I store them in a bag in the refrigerator and bring them along when necessary. Your friends will be amazed by your resourcefulness!

Breakfast Ideas

According to popular belief, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. However, we believe that dinner is equally important when it comes to backpacking meals. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that a good dose of energy in the morning is essential for getting your muscles in motion. On days when you’re packing up and traveling a considerable distance, a fast and possibly uncooked breakfast is often preferable. However, if you’re staying at a base camp for a day or two, you can indulge in a more elaborate and gourmet-style meal if you wish (check out our trick for making eggs below!).

Instant Oatmeal, Grits, or Hot Cereal
Dried Milk & Granola
Powdered Eggs
Powdered Meals
Pop-Tarts
Cereal
Oatmeal with Nuts & Raisins
Eggs & Bacon
Salmon Bagels
Nutella Wrap With Bananas

For those base-campers who have a bit more space to incorporate additional ingredients, may I suggest an alternative method to prepare a Breakfast Skillet?

Lunches

Depending on your schedule and personal preference, you may or may not choose to have a sit-down lunch on the trail. Sometimes it is more practical to continuously snack throughout the day, especially if you have a long distance to cover or difficult terrain to navigate. However, in certain situations, taking a relaxing break during midday to have a proper meal can be exactly what you need.

Meal Bars
Bagels/Tortillas with Spreads:

Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
Jelly or Honey

Cheese & Crackers with Meats:

Hard Meats (salami, summer sausage)
Hard Cheeses (Parmesan, Romano)
Tuna or Chicken (foil packets)

Pita Wrap with Veggies & Hummus
Pizza Wrap

Dinner

When you are nearing the end of a tough day of hiking, the thought of dinner can be what keeps you going. While some backpackers prefer gourmet meals, it is important that the evening meal is something enjoyable to anticipate – delicious, nourishing, and easy to prepare. It is generally recommended to have a combination of instant or quick backpacking meals for long and challenging days, and slightly more elaborate dinners for when you have more time at camp.

Freeze-dried Dinners
Instant Soups
Chili Mac & Cheese
Jerky Noodles
Mediterranean Couscous
Chicken & Rice
Lentil Curry
Meat & Potatoes
Cashew Noodles
Black Bean Burritos

If you are a fan of our Chili Mac & Beef, you will also enjoy this meal hack!

Snacks, Trail Mix, & Bars to Bring

Certainly, breakfast and dinner may be the most crucial meals during your backpacking journey, but carefully selected snacks could arguably be the most vital on-the-go sustenance. Consuming substantial trail bites can often replace lunch and provide the necessary energy for your day. If you lack the time or energy to prepare a complex meal, your supply of snacks can also serve as a substitute for breakfast or dinner. Below is a list of some of the finest trail food options available.