Backcountry Camping Food Ideas

Heading into the wilderness takes preparation--mental, physical, and provisional. Because you will not be able to stop for provisions, you'll need to comfortably carry every meal's ingredients in your backpack. In general, you should pick ingredients that are lightweight, nutritious and non-perishable. Fortunately, there are many foods that fall into all three of these categories that are also affordable and tasty.

  1. Dry Grains and Pasta

    • Lightweight couscous can be prepared all kinds of ways.

      Dry grains like oats, quinoa, couscous, wheat pasta or crackers should be the staples of your backcountry pantry. They are not only lightweight but also extremely versatile. Most take less than 15 minutes to cook over a fire or on a backpacking stove, and you can use a wide variety of dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, spices and sauces to create a different meal with them each day. Moreover, they're chock-full of energy-sustaining carbohydrates, which are a must for calorie-burning backpackers.

    Lightweight Protein Sources

    • Combine beans with grains for complete protein.

      While it's okay to pack a few cans of tuna for your trip, your pack will be very heavy if you depend on bulky protein sources like this. Jerky, real bacon bits, trail mix, beans, soy nuts and protein bars are all excellent, flavorful sources of protein that you can purchase or make in advance at home.

    Premade Backpacking Meals

    • Many outdoor stores sell prepackaged, freeze-dried backpacking meals that are lightweight and easy to cook. However, these entrees can be expensive, and they may not be as tasty or nutritious as meals you can make yourself. However, sometimes it is nice to have a quick, convenient meal after a long day on the trail. If you're backpacking on a budget but still interested in prepared meals, consider purchasing a few, and make them every few days as a special treat.

    Lightweight Convenience Foods

    • Even macaroni and cheese can be great backpacking food.

      Many commonplace convenience foods are fair game, too. Easy meals, such as boxed macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles, are not marketed as "backpacking food," but they're lightweight and easy to cook over a fire. You can also use soup stock or powdered sauces to flavor your meals or use powdered drink mixes and milk to make beverages. Additionally, freeze dried fruits and vegetables will add flavor and vitamins to your meals and are also a great snack by themselves.

    Wild Edible Plants

    • Blackberries grow wild in many parts of the United States.

      While you're planning your trip, do some research and see what types of edible plants are in season in the area you're visiting. You may be able to add fresh berries, mushrooms or greens to your meals. Do not depend on wild food exclusively, since you can't predict how much will be available, and be careful. Many plants are poisonous, so if you're not completely sure what something is, do not eat it. If you can, carry a lightweight guidebook to help you identify plants along the trail.