Here are some tips for planning and preparing simple backpacking meals. Backpacking is one of the best ways to get out into nature and away from the stresses of everyday life. However, one of the things that many people stress about is what food and equipment to take along on their backpacking trips. Here are some ideas for foods that make simple meals when backpacking.
The meals that you eat along the trail are a matter of personal preference. Some people like to make fancy meals in the backcountry while backpacking for the challenge and enjoyment, but others prefer simple backpacking meals that allow for more time to hike further, enjoy other outdoor recreation, or simply to have more time relaxing. If you fall into the latter group, here are some ideas for you.
The simplest backpacking meals require no cooking at all. Things such as wraps and sandwiches made from bread, bagels, or other items are great for eating along the trail or in camp. It seems that few people want to mess with carrying bread along on a backpacking trip, but a simple rigid container attached to the outside of the backpack allows for bread to be carried without taking up a lot of room in the pack or getting smashed. Crackers with meat and cheese can also make a filling meal without cooking. As long as the trip isn’t too long or too strenuous, caloric intake and nutritional value isn’t all that important for most people. If you are healthy and want to eat summer sausage and saltines for every meal on a weekend trip have at it.
For breakfast and lunch I’m pretty happy with simple backpacking meals such as above, but in the evening I prefer to have a hot meal. However, a hot meal does not mean that it cannot be simple. Many one pot meals can be made into simple backpacking meals. Things such as rice, potatoes (real or flakes), noodles, and macaroni / spaghetti are all great for the main portion of a simple backpacking meal. Once these items are prepared, scores of items could be added to add more taste and enjoyment. Butter, gravy, dried meat, canned meat, soup, and vegetables are just a few of the foods that could be stirred into the main dish. Look for soup mixes at your local grocery store and create your own recipe through trial and error at home to create a simple backpacking meal that you will enjoy.
Don’t overlook items that can be gathered along the trail to add to your meals. Fish, game, nuts, berries, and other items can be collected along the way (in season and where allowed) to add some nutrition and variety to what you have carried along. Simple backpacking meals do not have to be bland, nor do they have to come prepackaged. With some simple planning you can make simple backpacking meals suited to your needs and taste.
