Backpacking Food

Everything always taste better on the trail!

Surprisingly there are a number of delicious meal choices available to backpackers. This is no time for dieters. You'll want meals that are nutritious and have the highest calories per weight. Simple meals that are easy to prepare and require the least amount of cooking work best.

Mountain House is one of the most popular backpacking foods. They offer over 31 "entrees". They say two person serving size but I wouldn't want to share oneof these. The entrees are convenient and tasy but are relatively expensive. These are all no cook meals - just add boiling water to the foil pouch, let stand for 6-10 minutes and viola! - dinner is served. (Hey - they should market these for home use - you can really impress your date with your culinary skill!) You eat right out of the pouch so there is no messy cleanup. They are really tasty too. some of my favorites: Chicken Teryaki, Beef Teryaki, Oriental Style Spicy Chicken, Chili Mac with Beef and Jamaican Style Chicken & Rice.

Backpacker Pantry is another popular no-cook brand with a wide array of freeze dried entrees and snacks. They have over 40 meals with exotic entrees such as Kung Pao Chicken, pad Thai and Paella With Safrron Rice and Chicken...hmmm I'm getting hungry... Some less expensive favorites include Lousiana Red Beans & Rice $2.95 and Chili Mac with Beef $3.95.

If you are on a budget like me, I have found Lipton Teryaki Rice and Beef Lo Mein freeze dried meals work great. These are available in supermarkets for about $1.39. The package instructions say cook in boiling water for 6 - 7 minutes which would use too much fuel. Instead, you can mix contents with boiling water in a Zip Lock container with a screw on lid and let stand for about 10 minutes. If you want to "kick it up a notch" add a foil package of tuna when cooked.

Please share any of your own special trail recipes on our comments page. Thanks and ...Bon Apetit!