When planning for a backcountry adventure, whether it be via hiking, canoeing or any other way of travel – you need to think about what to pack for meals. You want something that will fuel you and will provide you enough energy for the day, but also something you’ll find tasty. These are some of my go-to meals & snacks for the backcountry. I hope this list will inspire you and fuel your next grand adventure!
Breakfast
First meal of the day, I like to keep it basic and classic with oatmeal. Can’t go wrong with it, all you need to add is boiled water and you’re set to go. I know not everyone likes oatmeal, so here’s some other breakfast ideas as well.
Oatmeal. There’s actually lots of oatmeal options out there. You can bring various flavoured options from Quaker Oats such as maple and brown sugar, apples and cinnamon, cinnamon and spice, or even try dino oats. Something I’ve tried recently, is soaking my own oats. Choose whatever type of oats you prefer, I opted for gluten free oatmeal, then I added brown sugar and some dried blueberries. You can add anything you desire, I’ve seen people add peanut butter as well or other fruits. The world is your oyster as they say.
Dried fruit. My personal favourite is dried mangos, but you can get any type of dried fruit, such as pineapples, apricots, figs, prunes, etc.
Cold cereal. Something new I was introduced to was Prana Foods Granolove, which is basically like a cold cereal. All you need is water, you don’t even need a bowl and you’ve got a cereal ready to go. I eat this on the regular and it’s delicious, and so easy to bring along in the backcountry.
Ramen noodles. Now hear me out, it sounds weird but it’s actually so tasty in the morning, especially for those colder mornings. Can’t go wrong with ramen!
Lunch/Snacks
Personally, I don’t do anything fancy for lunch. I typically have a wide variety of snacks throughout the day. So this section will be dedicated for snacks.
On the trails, I’m constantly snacking. I believe it’s important to have a variety of treats – sweet, salty, savoury – bring it all!
- Trail mix
- Cliff bars/Larabar
- Corn nuts
- Chocolate. my tip is to buy a box of halloween chocolate, so you have bite size snacks.
- Fruit snack
- Beef jerky
- Gummies/candy
- Babybel cheese
- Dried fruit
- Protein energy balls
Supper
After a long day on the trail, you’ll want something filling and delicious – you deserve it.
I opt for something quick and easy, dehydrated meals. There are SO many options! I encourage you to go to your local outdoor shop, and pick different flavours for each day. It’s alway something to look forward to. Some brands I like and often purchase from are Mountain House, Backpackers Pantry and AlpineAire. For me, I usually go with Mountain House as their packages are meant for 1 serving, while other companies are meant as 2 servings. 2 servings is too much for me, which is why I got with Mountain House. However, I know my partner will go with a 2 serving as that is what he needs to re-fuel. Now some of my all time favourite flavours are the Yellow Curry from Mountain House, the Three Cheese Mac and Cheese form Backpackers Pantry, and of course the Pad Thai from Mountain House.
I hope this inspires you and gives you ideas on what meals to pack for your next trip!
Happy Adventuring!