Hiking is one of the most soul-soothing and mind-liberating activities that one can engage in. It's an invitation to escape the daily grind, a chance to immerse oneself in nature's symphony. However, each exhilarating climb and peaceful descent demands energy, and food is a prominent part of that equation.
If you are planning a hike, then you need to plan for the meals that you'll be eating along the way. Eating the right kinds of foods can make all the difference between a thriving & enjoyable hike and a miserable one. Sadly, with so many options available, how do you choose the best and tasty meals for your hike?
Don't worry; to help you in your quest, we have compiled this list of the top 5 best meals for hiking that you need to try. These backpacking meals are not just easy to prepare or last long without refrigeration, but they also have a mouthwatering taste that will make you look forward to your next meal even more.
How We Choose the Best Meals for Hiking:
When going on a hiking adventure, it's crucial to pack a nutritious meal that not only fuels your body but also keeps you energized throughout the day. Hiking is an activity that demands a considerable amount of energy, so it's essential to ensure that your meals are high in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
But let's face it, finding the perfect hiking meal can be as challenging as the steepest mountain because not every meal will fit the challenge; that's why, to help you, we have done deep research and chosen the top 5 meals for hiking that will keep you energized and powered during the most exerting of hikes.
When picking these meals, we have considered multiple key factors like preparation time, portability, nutritional value, ease of transport, and, most importantly, taste and affordability to ensure that you get the perfect meal for your hiking adventure without breaking the bank or sacrificing on taste or quality.
Each meal contains no artificial preservatives or flavors that can compromise your health and is filled with high-quality ingredients that will give you a balanced meal full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals so you can conquer the trails with vigor and vitality no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Why We Love the Mountain House Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac & Cheese
Do you love spicy but not too spicy food? Do you need a quick, delicious meal that is ready in minutes? If so, the Mountain House Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ideal solution for both. This super mouthwatering dish not only satisfies your taste buds with its perfect blend of creamy mac and cheese, tender chicken, and a spicy buffalo sauce, but it also caters to your convenience and nutritional needs.
The freeze-drying process employed in crafting this meal ensures that all the essential nutrients are locked in, preserving the freshness and flavors of the ingredients. This means you're not only enjoying a delightful culinary experience but also providing your body with the essential nourishment it craves.
What sets the Mountain House Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac & Cheese apart is its unique amenity. With a preparation time of less than 10 minutes, all you need to do is add hot water to the pouch, making it an excellent option for those moments when you're pressed for time or simply want a hassle-free meal.
The absence of cleanup means you can savor your dish without worrying about the aftermath. The pouch itself has been designed with the consumer in mind. Its shorter, wider, and bowl-like shape makes for a more ergonomic eating experience. You can enjoy your delicious meal straight from the pouch, allowing you to relish every bite without the need for additional utensils, plates, or bowls.
The lightweight and portable nature of each pouch means you can enjoy this delectable meal anytime, anywhere. Whether you're in the great outdoors, embarking on a camping or backpacking adventure, or simply looking for a quick & satisfying meal at home or on the go, this backpacking food is just perfect.
What You Should Know About the Mountain House Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese
This meal pack by Mountain House is made to provide you with all the essential ingredients your body needs for a balanced and healthy diet. Packed with vital nutrients like folic acid, niacin, vitamin B6, and more, it ensures you get the nourishment you need to thrive and stay energized throughout the day.
The case includes two serving pouches, which makes it an amazing solution for solo travelers and backpacking trips. It can also be shared with your camping buddy or eaten several times during your outdoor adventures. Each single-serving pouch offers 290 calories, so it's enough to give you a full meal.
This sizzling new meal is not only delicious but also boasts the added advantage of being free from artificial preservatives or flavors that could potentially harm your health. So, for those who prefer to go on a healthy, natural diet, Mountain House Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is the perfect solution.
But what makes this spicy hiking meal by Mountain House stand out is its incredibly long shelf life. With a 30-year taste guarantee, you can store it in your pantry for years without worrying about its expiration.
It's especially helpful during emergency situations or survival preparation, as you don't need to worry about refrigeration and restocking your supplies. So why wait? Get this spicy buffalo-style chicken mac & cheese today and take your outdoor dinners to the next level without compromising on nutrition/taste.
Why We Love the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce
If you're in search of a favorite Italian entree that hits all the right notes, let us introduce you to the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This delectable meal is a true culinary delight, offering a satisfying blend of pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato meat sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
What sets this exceptional meal apart from other dehydrated meals is its innovative freeze-dried nature. Through a meticulous process, the meal is carefully prepared to lock in not only the basic nutrients but also the delightful freshness, making it a truly unparalleled choice for all of your outdoor excursions.
Whether you find yourself backpacking through the dazzling wilderness or embarking on a memorable camping trip with friends, this meal offers a convenient, no-fuss, and no-mess solution. With no need for refrigeration, you can relish this delectable meal wherever your thrilling adventures may lead you.
The reason why this particular lasagna stands out is Mountain House's unwavering pledge to quality. This Italian classic is made with absolutely no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. It's a testament to their devotion to providing a clean and wholesome dining venture that every outdoor lover can enjoy.
So, if you're craving the comforting flavors of Italy without compromising on quality, the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce is your go-to solution. So why wait until your next backwoods voyage? Try this tasty meal now and enjoy an Italian classic anytime, anywhere to satisfy your culinary cravings.
What You Should Know About the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce
This lightweight meal pouch is the perfect companion for your camping and backpacking adventures. With its compact design and easy-to-carry nature, it's not only convenient but also ensures that you have a delicious and satisfying meal wherever you go. Additionally, it serves as an excellent solution in case of emergencies, providing you with a quick and nutritious meal when you need it the most.
This meal pack offers 220 calories per serving, with 6g of total fat and 11g of protein. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, potassium, and sodium, that help you stay energized and healthy no matter if you are out in the woods or stuck indoors due to extreme weather.
If you are worried about the preparation process, then you will be pleased to know that this lasagna with meat sauce is incredibly easy to prepare. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a piping hot, mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy. Simply add hot water directly to the pouch and let it work its magic.
And here's the best part – there is no cleanup required! The pouch itself has a thoughtful design with a shorter, wider, bowl-like shape. This makes for a more comfortable and convenient eating experience. You can savor every bite right from the meal pouch, saving you the hassle of washing dirty dishes.
On top of that, Mountain House has made this pouch with eco-friendly materials. The pouch and all the packaging is 100% recyclable. Mountain House partners with TerraCycle to ensure that your used packaging is recycled into new yields so you can enjoy your meals while reducing environmental waste.
Why We Love the Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta
This deliciously flavorful chicken pasta from Peak Refuel packs a punch of protein and carbs to fuel your body on the go. With ziti noodles, white chicken, & pesto pasta sauce, this meal will not just satisfy your hunger but will tantalize your taste buds so you can focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
The Peak Refuel Chicken Pasta comes with two servings in a pouch, so you can share the deliciousness with your adventure buddy without acting like a wild bear defending their food! Plus, this meal is packed with 100% real meat and offers 2x protein and more calories (161 per ounce) that will keep you charged, powered, and energized so you can keep on taking your journey to the next level with no hunger worry.
At Peak Refuel, they are committed to offering only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients in their meals. They never use fillers like TVP or artificial preservatives; it's just real, wholesome food that you can trust. You don't have to compromise on taste and nutrition when you go camping with Peak Refuel!
With its amazing taste and energy-packed nutritional profile, Peak Refuel's Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect counterpart for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're camping, hiking, or just looking for a healthy meal on the go, this appetizing dish will keep your body fueled and willing to take on anything.
Simply put, if you want to elevate your outdoor dining experience and embark on a thrilling gastronomic journey, Peak Refuel's Chicken Pesto Pasta is the ultimate choice. By investing this super delicious meal into your outdoor escapades, you're not just feeding your body; you're feeding your adventurous spirit.
What You Should Know About the Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta
While the market is flooding with hundreds of different tasty backpacking dinners, you can find instant mashed potatoes, dehydrated vegetables, rice noodles, and the list goes on. However, it's important to remember that just as every trip is unique, so are the meals. While these taste bites may be satisfying, they often lack the important nutrients you need, which can leave you feeling lethargic and weak.
With Peak Refuel, you can enjoy your favorite meals with peace of mind, knowing that all the essential nutrients have been preserved. Peak Refuel is only passionate about two things: great-tasting food and adventure; that's why they use only premium freeze-dried ingredients that are shelf-stable and nutrient-dense.
But the reason that makes Peak Refuel the new standard in camping food isn't just the taste & quality; this meal needs less water to cook/rehydrate and is ready to eat in 10 minutes or less. With Peak Refuel, you can spend more time exploring the outdoors and less time preparing a meal for your next journey.
For those who are skeptical about the price, fret not! The quality of the meal far outweighs the low price tag - with Peak Refuel, you can enjoy delicious food without giving up your wallet. Now, that's a win-win in any adventurer's book. So don't let your hunger get the best of you on your next thrilling trip; start with Peak Refuel's Chicken Pesto Pasta & see what an amazing, energizing meal can do for your journey!
Why We Love the Mountain House, Pasta Primavera
Looking for a hearty dish that will not just fill your tummy or tantalize your taste buds but also align with your vegetarian lifestyle? If so, Mountain House Pasta Primavera is a spectacular meal for you! It's not just a food; it's a culinary chef-d'oeuvre created for those who savor the virtue of a plant-based diet.
This meal pack blends spiral macaroni with broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and zucchini that every hiker will love. Broccoli is powerfully packed with Vitamins C and K, which are essential for healthy bones, teeth, and skin. Cauliflower contains choline, which is a nutrient known for boosting brain function.
The peppers and zucchini are full of carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin that help protect the eyes from UV light-related damage. But the most irresistible and amazing part? All of these delectable ingredients are drenched in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce that adds a delightful richness to every single bite.
Whether you're embarking on a thrilling road trip or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this meal pack is the ultimate culinary companion. It provides a hassle-free and satisfying dining experience, allowing you to indulge in a comforting meal without any of the usual preparation and cooking hassles.
The Mountain House Pasta Primavera is a must-have item for every hiker's backpack. This vegetarian meal pack provides an abundance of essential nutrients while being incredibly delicious at the same time. So, next time you're outdoors and need to refuel your energy levels, this is the perfect solution!
What You Should Know About the Mountain House Pasta Primavera
When it comes to hiking, we all know that the weight of your provisions can make or break your trip. The Mountain House Pasta Primavera is a delicious & lightweight meal that won't slow you down. Weighing in at just 0.13 kilograms, this veggie-packed dinner is the perfect choice for your next outdoor excursion.
The preparation time of this meal is a breeze, allowing you to refuel swiftly and get back on the trail without wasting time. In a mere 9 minutes, you'll have a hot and satisfying dish ready to devour. No lengthy cooking processes or complicated instructions – just add hot water and let it work its magic.
In addition to being convenient, it is also safe for your health. Most meals on the market contain artificial preservatives, TVP (textured vegetable protein), colors, and other unhealthy ingredients. But Mountain House Pasta Primavera is made with all-natural, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients.
With these nutritious and energy-filled ingredients, you can stay energized longer and make the most out of your next outdoor adventure. The Mountain House Pasta Primavera is a healthy alternative that provides quick and tasty nutrition for any type of traveler or hiker who values convenience and quality.
So what are you waiting for, hikers? Pick up this super delicious veggie meal from Mountain House and make unforgettable memories on the trail. And if you're looking for something a bit heartier, try their Noodles & Chicken – it has all the same amazing benefits as the Pasta Primavera but with more protein.
Why We Love the Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy
As mentioned earlier, meal planning is one of the most crucial cares for any backpacking trip, no matter the length. While there are many different foods to choose from, like instant coffee, instant rice, dried fruit, nut butter, and protein bars, it's important to think about these foods' nutritional and caloric value.
Balance is key - even though a trip can be physically demanding, going too far with high-calorie snacks could leave you tired and sluggish. This thing that makes good backpacking food is not just its caloric content but also its ability to offer sustenance for the long haul, so you have enough energy to move on.
Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy is an ideal food that perfectly satisfies all the criteria for a fantastic trail meal. It offers a delightful combination of nutrition, calories, and flavor, ensuring an energizing and delectable dining experience amidst the beauty of nature so you can truly enjoy the amazing experience.
Unlike most backcountry food brands, Mountain House uses only the finest ingredients to make it, like real-buttermilk biscuits and creamy pork sausage gravy. With just the right amount of seasoning, the meal will keep you energized while still being enjoyable - something that's hard to find in most trail food items.
Plus, since the meal is freeze-dried, it has a long shelf life, so you can store it for months before your trip! And the most convenient part? This Mountain House meal needs no refrigeration, so you can pack it with you on any adventure without worrying about weight or spoilage as you traverse the backcountry.
What You Should Know About the Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy
As a thru-hiker, you must be conscious of the calories you take in per day while on the trail to keep your trip going. That's why Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy are an ideal backpacking food choice! Each pouch of this delicious meal contains 11g of protein, which is essential for energy and muscle recovery.
With four items per serving, it's also quick and simple to prepare - just add hot water to the pouch, and you can eat in less than 10 minutes! Plus, the pouches have a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape so that eating is even easier. So don't worry about dirty dishes - you can just eat straight from the pouch!
Whether it's a snack on the go or a full meal, Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you energized for your next backpacking adventure. But it's not just great for hikers - it's also essential for emergency food storage in case of a natural disaster or other unexpected events.
With a shelf life of up to 30yrs, you can stock up and have peace of mind that your food supply will last. It's an easy way to add both taste and nutrition to your backpacking meal plan. So why wait? Pack this in your backpack and get ready to hit the trails without compromising on your health, budget, or taste.
Best Meals for Hiking-FAQs
Why should I bring food when hiking?
When you're out on the trails, your body needs fuel to help you keep going. Hiking can be physically demanding, and it is crucial that you eat enough nutritious, energy-dense meals to give yourself the necessary boost for a successful journey. Food like instant mashed potatoes, hot drinks, chicken packets, or freeze-dried desserts are some of the smartest and healthiest backpacking food ideas.
What snacks should I bring on a hike?
For a well-rounded hiking adventure, pack calorie-dense snacks like trail mix, summer sausage, and dried fruit. Consider bringing your own backpacking meals, including tasty bites enhanced with garlic powder or hot sauce for extra flavor. Don't forget powdered milk and powdered butter for versatility.
Pick fresh fruits, and consider adding olive oil for added sustenance. Aim for snacks with high calories per ounce to keep you energized throughout your trek. You can also opt for DIY dehydrated meals for a taste of homemade. For small kids, opt for the baby food aisle for delicious and easy-to-pack snacks.
How much food should I carry when hiking?
Proper food storage and food weight are among the most important considerations when planning a hike. Generally, if you are going on a long hike, you should bring enough food to last for your entire trip. Pack items that are lightweight but provide a lot of energy, such as granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts.
For longer hikes, it is advisable to bring various snacks like trail mix and protein bars to keep you energized throughout the hike. If you are going on a multi-day hike, you will need to bring food for each day of your trip. When packing, include foods with high calories and proteins, such as tuna, fish, or chicken. Bring meals that have complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, instant potatoes, and couscous.
Can I bring my own meals on a hike?
Yes, you can bring all your meals on a hike! Having your own meals with you can be especially beneficial for long hikes, as it helps to provide more energy and sustenance. When packing food for a hike, focus on items that are high in protein and carbohydrates, such as dried fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Additionally, opt for lightweight backpacking foods like dehydrated meals or packaged bars. With a little bit of meal planning, you can find more methods for preparing delicious hiking/backpacking lunch ideas.
Are dehydrated meals good for hiking?
The short answer to this question is yes! Dehydrated meals are a great option for hiking due to their lightweight, compact size, and long shelf life. In addition, they offer a tasty/nutritious option for fueling your outdoor adventures. Dehydrated meals are an excellent way to fuel your body while on the go.
Not only are they light, but they also come in various flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Plus, many of these meals contain safe ingredients with no artificial preservatives or additives.
With a shelf life of up to 18 months, dehydrated meals are perfect for on-the-go hikers who don't have access to refrigeration or want to reduce their pack weight. You can choose many hearty meals like instant oatmeal, cream cheese, coconut milk powder, morning coffee packs, instant rice, and hot sauce.
Best Meals for Hiking:[In Conclusion]
Meal planning is one of the most imperative considerations for any hiking trip to ensure that you have enough energy to keep going. Choosing the right meals can make or break your outdoor adventure. It's vital to plan your meals carefully so you have enough energy to get through the day without feeling tired.
The top five best meals that we have mentioned above are mouthwatering options for any hiker who wants to go the extra mile. These backpacking meals are packed with all the nutrition and energy you need to keep going. Plus, they are easy to prepare and take with you on your next outdoor adventure!
They are lightweight, so you can carry them without too much bulk, which can be quite cumbersome during a hike. These meals are designed to fuel your body and keep your taste buds satisfied so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors without worrying about hunger or having bad taste.
Whether you're embarking on a thrilling adventure along rugged mountain trails, where the air is crisp and invigorating, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of lush forests, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the enchanting pathways of your local park, these super mouthwatering meals will provide you with the perfect balance of energy and nutrition to sustain you throughout your entire hike.
On top of all that, all these backpacking meals are available on Amazon, which indicates you can easily purchase them online and have them delivered right to your doorstep before your hiking trip. So what are you waiting for, hikers? Pick any one of these delicious and convenient meals, and embark on your next hiking trip with confidence, knowing that you'll be well-fueled and ready to conquer the trails.
