Today I am sharing 15 backpacking food ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks as well as my favorite backpacking cookware.
Going on a backpacking trip is such a fun adventure for both me and my and kids, but figuring out what food to bring can be a bit tricky. You want meals that are tasty, give you the energy you need for hiking all day, and are still lightweight. Since you’re already carrying so much gear, lightening your food load is really important.
In this post, I’ve put together a long list of backpacking food ideas that I have loved over the years. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfasts, easy snacks, or hearty dinners, these suggestions will keep everyone—kids and adults—happy and fueled. One of my favorite parts of a backpacking trip is sitting in my tiny chair, and eating a warm meal at the end of a long day of hiking. So hopefully these will spark some ideas for you and you can also enjoy a yummy meal under the bright blue sky.
And don’t forget, any of these meals can be eaten at any time of the day. There is no rule that says you can’t eat oatmeal for dinner or mac n cheese for breakfast.
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Kid Friendly Backpacking Food Ideas
If you are looking for backpacking food ideas for your kid, my number one piece of advice is to bring things they already like to eat at home. Backpacking is not the time to have your kids try new foods, if they tend to not like new foods. So try and figure out what they like to eat at home and how you can make it lightweight.
If you have some time before your backpacking trip, maybe try out some backpacking recipes to see if they like the new food so it’s not a surprise when you get on the trail.
Often times, especially when I’m backpacking with a young toddler, I end up bringing heavier foods than I normally would pack. Things like apple sauce pouches and fresh fruits or veggies. While these are heavier, I know my kid will eat them so it’s worth the weight to me.
Backpacking Cookwear
Jetboil Flash
The Jetboil Flash is a compact, lightweight cooking system designed for backpacking and camping. I have had mine for years and absolutely love and bring it on 90% of my backpacking trips. It boils water incredibly fast—usually in about 100 seconds—thanks to its efficient burner and heat exchange technology.
The integrated design includes a pot, stove, and fuel canister, all of which fit together neatly for easy packing. It has a push-button igniter, a built-in heat indicator to let you know when the water is ready, and an insulated cozy to keep your hands from getting burned. (I do always pack a back up lighter in case the push igniter fails). It is mostly meant for simply boiling your water quickly, not really cooking in it as it’s very hot and can burn your food.
Jetboil MiniMo
If you are looking for a pot to cook in, the Jetboil MiniMo is a better option. Like the Jetboil Flash, it features a compact, integrated design that includes a pot, stove, and fuel canister, all of which pack together neatly. The MiniMo, Like all of the cook systems in the Jetboil Mo series, has simmer control. This allows for better cooking versatility beyond just boiling water. It can gently simmer meals without burning, making it perfect for more complex cooking on the trail.
Additionally, the MiniMo has a shorter, wider pot design, which makes it easier to eat directly from the pot and increases stability. It also features a push-button igniter and an insulated cozy. While the Flash is all about rapid boiling, the MiniMo offers more control for cooking a variety of meals, making it ideal for those who want more culinary options while backpacking.
Backpacking Pot
If you want a less expensive and lighter weight option, getting a stove with a pot is great. There are lots of pot options out there, but I like this Snowpeak Titanium 900ml Cookset. It’s a lightweight and durable cookware set made from high-quality titanium, this cook set includes a 30 fl oz pot and a lid that doubles as a frypan. Weighing only 6.2 ounces, it’s perfect for those who want to minimize pack weight without sacrificing cooking functionality.
Most cooking pots are made from aluminum and I like that this one is made from titanium. You can also get the larger Snow Peak 1400 pot if you are cooking for more people.
Backpacking Skillet
If you plan on cooking a lot of pancakes, eggs, or anything else in a skillet, this Jetboil Nonstick Skillet is a lightweight compact option that comes with a small spatula. I love that the handle folds in to make it easier to pack.
Backpacking Stove
Backpacking stoves are pretty tiny and one of the most popular is the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove. It is an ultra-lightweight and compact backpacking stove known for its efficiency and reliability. Weighing just 2.6 ounces, this stove is incredibly easy to pack and carry. It has a fast boil time, capable of boiling a liter of water in just over 3 minutes. The adjustable flame control allows for precise cooking, from rapid boiling to simmering.
Bowls
It’s really nice to have a bowl to eat out of and these snap bowls are as lightweight and minimal as they come. They can be packed flat and then when you’re ready to eat, just snap them into a bowl.
Spoon/Spork
You can easily pack a spoon from home, but if you are planning on eating out of a dehydrated meal bag or deep pot, it’s really nice to have a long handled spork. This keeps your knuckles and hands from getting food on it.
Fuel
You have to have fuel to power any of these stoves. I love these smaller fuel canisters because they help me save on weight. They also fit nicely inside the Jetboil Flash! This is a isobutane/propane blend which burns much cleaner and will keep your stoves functioning properly.
Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast on a backpacking trip really varies for me. Some days we want to get packed up quickly and start hiking and some days we take our time and enjoy our morning with a yummy breakfast. Here are some backpacking food ideas for breakfast that can work in either of those scenarios.
Instant Oatmeal
This is usually my go to breakfast on a backpacking trip. It’s quick and easy and you really customizable. It’s also so nice to wake up and have a hot breakfast on a cold day in the mountains. I have packed the instant oatmeal cups – these are really convenient because they come in their own bowl. I have also packed the paper packets and poured hot water directly in those – this is nice because they barely take up any room. Another option is to pack your own oats and whatever you like inside in a Stasher Bag. You can add hot water directly into the silicone bag and let it cook. This really helps cut down on trash and unnecessary waste.
Granola Bars
If you just want to get up and start hiking, a granola bar is an easy, no prep breakfast. There are literally hundreds of different granola bars out there. I like to look for ones high in calories to give me plenty of energy throughout the day.
Bagel and Cream Cheese
Bagels and cream cheese is another no-cook breakfast that is great if you are backpacking in cooler temperatures. If you wanted to get fancy, you could warm up your bagel on your stove with your fry pan, or over the fire if you choose to build one. I have brought a chunk of cream cheese in a separate baggie or wax paper package. Or you can buy individually packed cream cheese packs.
Cereal and Powdered Milk
This was one of my favorite breakfasts when I was a teenager. I would just bring a baggie of dry cereal and a baggie of powdered milk. Then you add water to the powdered milk and pour it over the cereal. I would just pack a small bowl to eat it out of. This is simple and great if you are backpacking with picky eaters.
Instant Pancake Mix
If you want to spend some time relaxing in the morning and aren’t in a hurry, making pancakes is a great way to start the day. All you need is pancake mix that only requires water. Mix that up and you can pour it on your small, portable fry pan. You’ll want to pack a little thing of oil or butter to make sure it doesn’t stick. I love that this fry pan comes with a tiny spatula. Then top it with whatever you like on your pancakes!
Eggs
My mom has packed eggs on dozens of backpacking trips with no issues. We usually eat them the first day so they don’t go bad. We just pack them in this egg container to keep them from packing and carefully pack them in our backpack. Then you can cook them however you like!
Lunch Ideas
I almost never sit down, get out my stove, and cook a meal for lunch. Often times I will just eat a lot of snacks throughout my hike and call that lunch. These are some of my favorite lunches that I enjoy while taking a long break in the shade.
Tortillas with Peanut Butter and Jam
Tortillas are great to bring on the trail because, unlink bread, it doesn’t get all squished and crumbly. I love putting peanut butter on jam and rolling mine up, but you can put anything on it. Beans and cheese, meat and cheese, hummus and veggies. Whatever your heart desires.
Tuna or Chicken Packs
These are great for a quick and easy protein boost. You can eat them straight from the pack or mix them with some mayonnaise or mustard if you want. Pair them with tortillas, crackers, or bagels for a more filling meal. The individual foil packs are lightweight and don’t require refrigeration.
Hard Cheese and Summer Sausage
Both hard cheese and summer sausage keep well without refrigeration, making them perfect for backpacking. Slice up some cheese and sausage and eat them with crackers or bread. This combination provides a good mix of protein and fat to keep you energized throughout the day.
Dehydrated Hummus with Chips or Veggies
Dehydrated hummus is a fantastic option because it’s lightweight and easy to prepare. Just add water to rehydrate it. Bring along some pita chips, crackers, or sliced veggies for dipping. This makes for a nutritious and tasty lunch that doesn’t require cooking.
Dinner Ideas
Dinner is where I eat the most on a backpacking trip. I am usually pretty hungry by the end of the day and want something that is going to fill me up and keep me satisfied until morning. Here are some of my favorite backpacking food ideas for dinner.
Dehydrated Meals
Dehydrated meals are one of the most common backpacking food ideas because they are lightweight, easy to prepare, and come in a variety of flavors. All you need to do is add boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then enjoy a hot, satisfying meal. Dehydrated meals are almost always more expensive than making food from home, but the convenience is really great. I like to buy mine in bulk to cut down on the cost. These meals are designed to provide a good balance of calories, protein, and carbohydrates to refuel after a long day of hiking.
Some popular brands are:
- Mountain House
- Peak Refuel
- Backpacker’s Pantry
- GOOD TO GO
Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are quick to cook and very lightweight. Just boil water, add the noodles, and let them cook for a few minutes. I have brought my own dehydrated vegetables and chicken to add some extra calories and nutrients. I have brought the Cup of Noodles which is super convenient, and I have also put the ramen packs in a Stasher bag and added the boiling water directly too it.
Instant Mashed Potatoes with Chicken
I have a friend who always eats this for her backpacking dinner. The best instant mashed potato brand in my opinion and the opinion of many others is Idahoan Potatoes. You need just add boiling water to help it rehydrate. Then you can have a package of chicken or whatever you’d like on the side for protein. I have also seen people add mashed potatoes to their ramen and call it a ramen bomb. I have never tried it but let me know if you do!
Mac N Cheese
This is an easy meal and you can add any extras you want to it like dehydrated veggies or chicken. This isn’t one you can really just add hot water too because the noodles really need to be boiled for a few minutes.
Knorr Pasta and Rice Sides
Knorr pasta and rice sides are another excellent option for a quick and delicious dinner. They come in various flavors and cook quickly. Just add water and let them simmer. You can boost the nutritional value by adding dehydrated vegetables or a protein source like tuna, chicken, or sausage. Make sure when you’re buying them that you get the kind that only require water.
Snacks
You can pack whatever snacks you enjoy on a backpacking trip. I like to go for snacks that are high in calories and I like to pack a wide variety of snacks that have carbs, fats, and proteins. Here is a list of backpacking snack ideas!
- Trail Mix
- JerkyDried
- Fruit
- Energy Bars
- Nuts and Seeds
- Fruit Leathers
- Dark Chocolate
- Pretzels
- Rice Cakes
- Cheese Sticks
- Crackers
- Nut Butter Packets
- Granola
- Protein Bars
- Banana Chips
- Yogurt-covered Raisins
- Candy
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