When it comes to outdoor activities such as backpacking, it is important to consider the foods you are bringing along. Packing in light, nutritional and calorie-dense foods will help to keep you fueled, energized and ready to take on the day. Luckily, there are many lightweight foods available to backpackers, ranging from energy bars to freeze-dried meals. In this guide, we will explore some of the best lightweight foods for backpacking to help you stay on the go.
Best Lightweight Foods For Backpacking
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Osprey UltraLight 12 Dry Sack, Poppy Orange, One Size
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Mountain House Rice & Chicken | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food |2-Servings | Gluten-Free
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food |2 Servings
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Single Serving | Gluten-Free
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings | Gluten-Free
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Mountain House Breakfast Skillet | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings | Gluten-Free
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings
|
7. 2
|
1. Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
I recently read Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, and I’m so glad I did! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in wilderness survival and bushcraft. Written by Dave Canterbury, the book is comprehensive and detailed, covering a wide range of topics, from basic survival skills to advanced bushcraft techniques. It’s full of useful information that is both practical and easy to understand. I love how the book is organized into sections, with chapters on building a shelter, firecraft, navigation, and much more. The book also includes illustrations and diagrams to help you better understand the topics. Overall, Bushcraft 101 is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning the art of wilderness survival.
- An in-depth guide to the art of wilderness survival
- Learn essential wilderness skills such as building a shelter, foraging for food and water, and creating fire
- Comprehensive coverage of the tools and techniques needed for successful bushcraft
- Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations and photographs to help readers understand the material
- Risk assessment techniques and safety tips to help beginners stay safe in the wilderness
- Designed for both novice and experienced outdoorsmen
2. Osprey UltraLight 12 Dry Sack, Poppy Orange, One Size
I recently purchased the Osprey UltraLight 12 Dry Sack in Poppy Orange, and I must say I’m impressed! This dry sack is lightweight yet extremely durable, so I can be sure my belongings will stay dry throughout my outdoor adventures. The orange color is really vibrant, and it stands out nicely against the natural surroundings. The adjustable buckle closure is also really nice, so I can make sure the contents are securely closed. This dry sack has been perfect for my kayak trips and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an ultra-light and durable dry sack.
- Constructed with lightweight, waterproof, and durable 30D Cordura® nylon fabric.
- Features a roll-top closure with a 2-inch compression strap to minimize bulk.
- Cinch buckle closure ensures that contents stay dry and secure.
- Easy grab handle provides convenience when packing.
- Translucent material helps you easily identify contents inside the dry sack.
- Available in poppy orange color.
- One size fits all.
3. Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings
I recently tried Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries and it was the perfect lightweight meal for my camping trip. I love that it only requires adding cold water, so I don’t have to worry about heating anything up on the trail. The granola was delicious – it was nice and crunchy with just the right amount of sweetness. The blueberries tasted just like they were freshly picked, and the added milk made it even more comforting. I also appreciate that it came with two servings so I can save half for later. Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries and I’ll definitely be stocking up for my next adventure!
for
- Mountain House Granola with Milk & Blueberries
- Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food
- 2 Servings
4. Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
I recently purchased Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef freeze dried food to take backpacking with me and I’m very glad I did! This product is perfect for those who need a quick and easy meal while on the go. The pouch is lightweight and easy to pack, and all you have to do is add hot water. The food is incredibly flavorful and the beans add a great texture. Plus, the two servings are plenty to help fill up your stomach. Highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a delicious, convenient meal while on the go!
- Ready in less than 10 minutes
- Just add hot water
- High in protein
- Servings for 2 people
- Made with real beef
- Freeze-dried backpacking and camping food
- Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef flavor
- No refrigeration needed
- Lightweight and shelf-stable
5. Mountain House Rice & Chicken | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food |2-Servings | Gluten-Free
I recently tried Mountain House Rice & Chicken Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food and it was delicious! I was pleasantly surprised by the great flavor and convenience of this product. The freeze-dried food is easy to prepare, it only takes about ten minutes to rehydrate and heat it up. The rice and chicken was flavorful and not overly salty like some other freeze-dried meals I have tried. I also appreciated that it is gluten-free, as I have dietary restrictions. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a convenient, delicious, and gluten-free way to fuel their outdoor adventures.
1. Mountain House Rice & Chicken: A hearty freeze-dried meal packed with flavors of savory chicken and white and wild rice.
2. Backpacking & Camping Food: Perfect for camping trips and outdoor adventures.
3. 2-Servings: Comes with two servings per package.
4. Gluten-Free: Free of gluten and made with all-natural ingredients.
5. Convenient: Ready in just minutes with the addition of hot water.
6. Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food |2 Servings
I recently had the opportunity to try the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce freeze dried meal while camping. The meal was great – it was easy to prepare and the flavor was fantastic. It was the perfect combination of cheesiness and meatiness. The freeze drying process did not take away any of the flavor, and it was surprisingly filling. I would definitely recommend this meal for anyone who is looking for a quick and easy option for camping or backpacking. It was perfect for a two-person meal, and I will definitely be buying more in the future.
- Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce: Ready-to-eat lasagna featuring a hearty meat sauce and real cheese.
- Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food: Great for camping, backpacking, or emergency situations.
- 2 Servings: Comes with 2 individual servings.
- Lightweight & Compact: Lightweight and compact for easy storage and transportation.
- BPA-Free Packaging: BPA-free packaging for peace of mind.
- Easy to Prepare: Just add boiling water and it’s ready to eat in 10 minutes.
7. Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Single Serving | Gluten-Free
I recently tried the Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food, and I was really impressed. It was easy to prepare, just requiring hot water, and the taste and texture were great. The scrambled eggs were flavorful and the bacon added a nice crunch. It was a great meal for the camping trip I was on, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, tasty meal for backpacking or camping. Plus, it’s gluten-free, which is a nice added bonus.
- Contains Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon
- Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food
- Comes in Single Serving Size
- Gluten Free
8. Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings | Gluten-Free
I recently tried the Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice and it was absolutely delicious! I was skeptical at first because I thought freeze dried food would be too bland, but I was pleasantly surprised. The dish had plenty of flavor and was easy to make in the backcountry. It was also a nice change of pace from the usual freeze dried meals I usually have. As someone who is gluten-free, it was great to have a meal that I could enjoy without worrying about getting sick. All in all, I highly recommend the Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice for camping trips and backpacking trips. It’s a great option for those who are looking for something different that is also gluten-free.
1. Ready to Eat: Just add hot water and wait 8-10 minutes for a delicious hot meal.
2. Freeze Dried: Food is freeze dried to lock in nutrition and flavor.
3. 2 Servings: Each pouch contains two individual servings.
4. Gluten-Free: Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice is gluten-free.
5. Backpacking & Camping: Perfect for emergency food storage, camping or backpacking trips.
6. Flavorful: Enjoy the delicious flavor of home cooked fried rice.
9. Mountain House Breakfast Skillet | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings | Gluten-Free
I recently tried the Mountain House Breakfast Skillet, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite camping and backpacking foods. It’s a great balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that give you the energy you need to enjoy your outdoor adventures. It is also gluten-free, which is great for those with sensitivities. The taste is also quite good; you get a nice combination of eggs, bacon, peppers, and potatoes that make for a great breakfast. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare; all you need is boiling water and a few minutes and you’re ready to go. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a convenient and delicious breakfast on the go!
- Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
- Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food
- 2 Servings
- Gluten-Free
10. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings
I recently took the 10. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles camping with me and I am so glad I did! Not only did it taste delicious, but it was incredibly easy to prepare. All I had to do was add water to the pouch and wait for it to rehydrate. The result was a hearty and flavorful meal that was ready in just minutes. The 2 servings were enough for me and a friend, and it definitely left us feeling satisfied. I would highly recommend this freeze dried backpacking and camping food for anyone looking for a convenient and delicious meal on the go.
- Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles
- Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food
- 2 Servings
- Ready in minutes
- High in protein
- Contains real beef
- Just add hot water
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- No refrigeration required
- Long shelf life
