A successful hiking trip isn’t just about where you go and what gear you take. Packing proper food is also critical.
The food you pack should fulfill your nutritional and caloric requirements. But, it should also be practical for the outdoors.
When planning your food, consider first how demanding your hike will be. Are you tackling long, strenuous trails, or sticking to easier paths and then relaxing at camp?
Hiking Food Ideas
So, what makes for good hiking / backpacking food?
Well, in a nutshell, the best backpacking meals are:
- Shelf-stable
- Lightweight
- Packed with nutrients
- Minimal cooking required
The goal is to pack nutritious and convenient food that is either ready-to-eat or quick to prepare.
Below we’ll cover some top hiking food ideas to keep you fueled and satisfied on your journey.
Make-Ahead Meals
Preparing meals in advance is the best way to guarantee that you will always have filling, tasty food on hand.
If you’re camping, you can make your food at the campsite and just heat it up later. If you’re on a longer, more strenuous hike, this could be extremely useful, especially if you’re carrying lots of gear. For example, you may have a sleeping bag, survival items, and photography gear, like tripods and a camera harness (it would be a shame to not capture all that natural beauty around you!) Just heating up what you have prepped ahead of time will be much less taxing after a long hike than just heating it up.
Stews and chili can make great “make-ahead” meals for your hiking adventure.
With this in mind, consider bringing foods you have cooled beforehand like:
- Stews
- Spaghetti
- Chili
You can make these beforehand and reheat them over a campfire or portable stove.
Just Add Water Meals
Dehydrated meals are ideal when you don’t want to add items that increase weight and bulk to your hiking gear… just add water!
“Just add water” meals are ideally convenient!
These lightweight choices are great for trekking. They are dehydrated or freeze-dried. You just need to:
- Add boiling water
- Wait a few minutes
- Enjoy a healthy supper
Perfect for hiking and camping!
Protein Packets
Protein packs can be a great food option for a hike. They are small, lightweight, and don’t need refrigeration. Some include:
- Tuna
- Chicken
- Salmon
Great food for hiking and camping trips!
Beef Jerky and Dried Meats
Hikers typically eat beef jerky and other dried meats while on the hiking trail.
These provide a quick source of protein and also do not need refrigeration. Whether you are in the middle of nowhere or paused to take a breathtaking photo, these snacks will help keep you going.
Cheese
Hard cheeses, in particular, are great for hiking, as they keep their flavor and are easy to carry around. Incorporate some tasty and nutritious cheese sticks or individual packets of cream cheese into your hiking diet and pair them with crackers or tortillas.
Granola and Energy Bars
Granola bars and energy bars are vital items for a hiking backpack because:
- They are lightweight
- They are calorie dense
- They deliver a fast energy boost
Trail Mix and Nuts
Nuts and trail mix are excellent snacks to consume while hiking and are perfect for sustaining energy levels since they include:
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
Plus, they are easy to carry and eat on-the-go.
Nut Butters
Nut butters, like peanut butter and almond butter, are high-calorie, protein-packed snacks that can be a great food for a hike.
Choose single-serving packages to conserve space. You can enjoy them straight from the package or with other things, like tortillas or apples.
Instant Oatmeal and Granola
Granola and instant oatmeal are great for a hiking breakfast or as a snack.
Granola can be eaten dry or with powdered milk. Oatmeal packets just need a cup of hot water. Both are simple to pack and prepare. This makes them great for refueling before setting out for your day’s adventure.
Powdered Hummus
Powdered hummus is a unique, protein-rich hiking meal.
Simply add water and it is ready to eat!
It is an excellent complement to tortillas and vegetables. This might be a convenient dinner alternative for your hike.
Tortillas
Tortillas are perfect for sandwiches and wraps. They are easy to fill and can include – cheese, meats, and nut butter – among other ingredients. They make a great quick lunch option when you need to take a break from a hike.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that is high in antioxidants, and is a nutritious, carb-filled snack for your hike. Enjoy it as a treat after a hard day on the trail. You can store it in a ziploc bag, but it could be prone to melting in warm temperatures.
Coffee and Tea
Instant coffee and tea are vital for maintaining alertness on the route. They are simple to make with hot water and can provide a caffeine boost. If you like coffee, try a portable coffee press that can integrate with your cooking system for a fresh brew.
Instant Noodles and Pasta
Instant noodles and spaghetti are lightweight and easy-to-prepare foods to take on your hike. They are ideal for a substantial dinner after a day of hiking. Just boil water – add some noodles or pasta – and Voila! Add protein and veggies to infuse some flavor!
Instant Soup Packets
Instant soup packages are small and simple to make, and are an ideal comfort food on cold hikes. Simply add boiling water and you’ll have a satisfying cup of soup! They are perfect for unwinding after a day of trekking on the trails.
Final Thoughts On Hiking Food Ideas
Capturing the beauty of nature is a common goal while hiking, but but be sure you are well-nourished before, during and after the hike!
Incorporating the above hiking foods will help you stay fueled and focus on your adventure.
Enjoy your hike and God’s great outdoors!
