Backpacking is an amazing way to explore the great outdoors and experience nature first-hand. But, like any activity that takes you away from home, it requires a certain level of preparation, including having the right food to keep you going throughout the day. The best backpacking foods are lightweight, energy-dense, and nutrient-rich to help you stay energized and well-nourished on your adventure. From easy-to-make meals to tasty snacks and drinks, the right backpacking foods can make your trip more enjoyable and successful.
Best Backpacking Foods
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Mountain House Essential Bucket
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Mountain House Skillet
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Paleo Meals To Go
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Harmony House Foods
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Forever Young Mac & Cheese
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
White Bean and Lime Chili
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Mary Janes Farm
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Backpacker’s Pantry
|
7 .7
|
|
9
|
Good To-Go Thai Curry
|
7. 4
|
|
10
|
Greenbelly Meal 2 Go
|
7. 2
|
1. Mountain House Essential Bucket
If you’re looking for an essential food storage solution, the Mountain House Essential Bucket is the perfect choice. It contains a variety of their most popular products, including Breakfast Skillet, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Chili Mac, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Fried Rice, and Chicken Noodle Soup. All the meals are freeze-dried and ready to eat in minutes. The bucket also includes two pouches of Premium Instant Coffee, four servings of scrambled eggs, and four servings of whey milk. I find the selection great for ensuring that I always have something to eat in an emergency. The food is also delicious and has a long shelf life, so I don’t have to worry about it expiring before I can use it. Overall, I highly recommend the Mountain House Essential Bucket for anyone looking for a complete food storage solution.
- 30-day emergency food supply for one person
- Includes 27 total servings of breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees
- 25-year shelf life
- Just add boiling water for a hot, delicious meal in minutes
- Lightweight and portable
- No cooking or cleanup required
- Allergens: Contains Milk, Soy, Wheat
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
2. Mountain House Skillet
I recently purchased Mountain House Skillet for a camping trip and I’m so glad I did! The meal was so easy to make and tasted delicious. It was also a very filling meal, so I didn’t need to worry about having to supplement with snacks. The meal has a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a great choice for a balanced camping meal. The packet is also very lightweight, so it was easy to take on the trail. I would definitely recommend this product!
- Ready in minutes just add water and cook in the pouch.
- Premium quality ingredients real beef and vegetables.
- High in calories and protein ideal for backpacking and camping.
- Shelf-stable no refrigeration needed.
- Lightweight and compact great for hiking, backpacking, and camping.
3. Paleo Meals To Go
I recently tried Paleo Meals To Go and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. It was tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare. The ingredients were all fresh, and the meals came out perfectly cooked. I especially liked the fact that the meals were pre-packaged, so all I had to do was heat them up. The variety of meals was great, and I was able to choose from a variety of flavors. All in all, I was very pleased with my experience and would definitely recommend Paleo Meals To Go to anyone looking for a convenient, healthy, and tasty meal option.
- High-quality, nutrient-dense meals designed to fit the Paleo diet.
- 100% grass-fed meats and organic vegetables.
- Grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free.
- Ready-to-eat meals that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- No preservatives, fillers or artificial ingredients.
- Portable, convenient and suitable for on-the-go lifestyles.
4. Harmony House Foods
I recently had the pleasure of ordering from Harmony House Foods and I must say I am thoroughly impressed! Their selection is huge and the prices are very reasonable. Their products are all-natural and organic, so you can trust that you’re getting quality food for your family. The ordering process was a breeze and the delivery was speedy. I had a great experience with Harmony House Foods and will definitely be ordering from them again! Highly recommend!
- High-quality, fresh ingredients
- Certified organic and Non-GMO products
- No preservatives, additives, or artificial flavors
- A wide selection of products, including frozen meals, soups, and snacks
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
- Friendly customer service
- Subscription boxes available
5. Forever Young Mac & Cheese
I had the pleasure of trying Forever Young Mac & Cheese recently and was pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of their mac & cheese. The mac & cheese was creamy and flavorful, with a hint of cheese and herbs. The noodles were cooked perfectly and had a nice al dente texture. The cheese sauce was rich and flavorful, and went perfectly with the noodle texture. The portion size was generous and could easily feed two people. Overall, this mac & cheese was a delightful experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy, flavorful dish.
- Made with real cheese
- Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
- No added msg
- Contains high-quality, organic ingredients
- Easy to prepare
6. White Bean and Lime Chili
I recently tried White Bean and Lime Chili for the first time and I must say it was a great experience. The chili has a mild spicy flavor, and the white beans provide a hearty texture. There’s also a hint of lime that adds a zesty zing to the dish. The chili is made with a variety of ingredients, including onions, garlic, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and white beans. All of the ingredients are combined together to create a well-balanced and flavorful chili. The chili is also easy to make and can be served with a variety of side dishes or on its own. Overall, White Bean and Lime Chili is a delicious dish that I highly recommend!
- Made with white beans, corn, chilis, and limes
- Vegetarian-friendly
- High-fiber and low-fat
- Flavorful and lightly spiced
- Gluten-free
- Ready to eat in under 30 minutes
7. Mary Janes Farm
I recently tried Mary Janes Farm, and I’m so glad I did! The flavors are amazing and the options are endless. The tacos are my go to dish, but I have also been experimenting with their burrito bowls and enchilada dishes. Every single meal I have tried has been delicious and I am consistently impressed with the quality of the ingredients used. The staff is also super friendly and helpful with menu suggestions. Overall, I give Mary Janes Farm two thumbs up and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing, fresh and delicious Mexican food experience.
- Organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free products
- 100% natural ingredients
- High-quality, fresh, and flavorful ingredients
- Variety of snacks and meals, including ready-made and frozen options
- Wide selection of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook items
- Simple and easy-to-follow recipes for creating nutritious meals
- Commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices
8. Backpacker’s Pantry
I recently had the pleasure of trying out Backpacker’s Pantry products and I have to say I was not disappointed! The meals are incredibly easy to make and come in a variety of flavors. They are also incredibly nutritious and have a good balance of carbs, proteins, and fats to keep you full and energized. Plus, theyre lightweight and easy to pack, making them perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. I would highly recommend Backpackers Pantry to anyone looking for nutritious, tasty, and convenient meals on the go!
- Ready-to-eat meals for outdoor adventurers
- High-energy, nutritious dishes made with a variety of freeze-dried ingredients
- Variety of meal options, including vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Lightweight, compact packaging for easy packing and carrying
- No refrigeration or cooking needed; all meals can be reconstituted with boiling water
- Long shelf-life; can be stored up to two years
- Flavorful dishes with a unique combination of spices and herbs
- Backpacker’s Pantry is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
9. Good To-Go Thai Curry
I recently tried Good To-Go’s Thai Curry and I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and quality. The curry is a rich blend of spices, coconut milk, and vegetables, and the flavors were well-balanced and delicious. The meal was filling and satisfying, and it was easy to prepare – all I had to do was boil some water and add the pouch. I would definitely recommend Good To-Go’s Thai Curry to anyone looking for a convenient and delicious meal.
- Made with gluten-free ingredients
- Ready in minutes
- Made with organic coconut milk
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Good source of protein and fiber
- Low in saturated fat and sodium
- High in vitamins A and C
- Easy to prepare
10. Greenbelly Meal 2 Go
I recently tried out the Greenbelly Meal 2 Go and I was really impressed with the quality and taste of the food! The meal was incredibly easy to make, too, as all I had to do was add hot water and wait a few minutes for it to rehydrate. The meal had a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats, which gave me plenty of energy for my outdoor adventure. The meal was also surprisingly tasty, with plenty of spices and herbs to give it a great flavor. All in all, I was really impressed with the Greenbelly Meal 2 Go and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient and delicious meal for their outdoor adventures.
- 100% vegetarian meal
- 550 calories per meal
- High in fiber and healthy fats
- All-natural ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Ready-to-eat in under two minutes
- Lightweight and portable
- Non-perishable and shelf stable
- Packaged in a recyclable pouch
- Contains five meals in each pouch
