hiking food ideas

Fuel Your Outdoor Adventure | Hiking Food Ideas

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.

woman hiker

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.

stew for hiking

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

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


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

Chicken of the Sea Alaksan Pink Salmon in Spring Water, 5 Ounce Packets (Pack of 12), Wild Caught Salmon, Skinless & Boneless
$25.07

Great food for hiking and camping trips!

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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 Harvest, Trail Mix Variety Pack, 2.25 Ounce (Pack of 16)
$43.99
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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.


Helena Hummus, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, Natural Classic 4.23 oz and Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz (Pack of 4 Tripacks)
$38.28
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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

man hiking in mountains with gear

Incorporating the above hiking foods will help you stay fueled and focus on your adventure.

Enjoy your hike and God’s great outdoors!

 

 

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