Best Hiking & Camping Foods You Must Try for Energy!
Table of Contents
Heading into the wilderness for a thrilling outdoor adventure? The right food can make or break your trip. Whether it’s a short hiking excursion or a week-long camping journey, your nutrition plan must be smart. A good mix of nutritionally dense, lightweight, and non-perishable foods will keep you fueled without weighing you down. Skip the cans—they take up precious space and add unnecessary weight.
Instead, go for shelf-stable options like dried fruit, nuts, cheese, and salami. A handful of apples, olives, and chocolate make for great energy boosters, while protein bars, peanut butter packets, and tuna provide a nutritious punch. If you’re tackling long miles, you’ll need between 2500 to 4500 calories per person per day, depending on factors like height, weight, prior physical activity, and altitude.
Best Hiking & Camping Foods You Must Try for Energy!
To plan the perfect camping menu, start by mapping out your agenda. Think about meals that are easy to make, require little to no cooking, and can be pre-made or assembled quickly. Canned beef stew, chili with saltine crackers, and halloumi are great choices for a warm meal at the campsite. Don’t forget extra fuel if you’re using a stove. For backpacking, portable snacks like energy bars and trail mix are essential.
The key is to choose a variety of foods that are both filling and tasty, helping you recover from the physically challenging parts of your journey. Don’t get caught bringing the kitchen sink—pack smart to keep things light and efficient.
Have a Plan
Your food and water needs are generally higher than usual on activity-based excursions. Pay extra special attention to packing plenty of fluids for hot weather adventures. Some other key considerations before your hiking or camping trip include:
- Length of the trip
- What foods and beverages do you carry
- How you’ll eat and drink
- If bringing a cooler is an option
- What food-related tools do you need
Food weight
When planning multi-day hikes, one of the biggest concerns is food weight. Over the past 8 years, I’ve whittled my typical allotment down to a reasonable 1½–2½ lbs per person per day, balancing calories with what I can comfortably carry. A common blunder is to overdo it, forcing yourself to lug around excessively heavy packs. A reasonable goal is 2500–4500 calories per day, but it depends on factors like activity intensity.
If you’re covering ten miles with a 4000-foot climb, you’ll need more than someone taking a chill route. It’s smart to err on the side of taking an extra overnight supply, but don’t impose too much weight on yourself.
The question of how much to bring for a backpacking trip also depends on if you’re going solo or in a group. Solo meals should be simpler, while groups can split larger portions, reducing individual item weights. If your plans involve a few relatively flat trails, you might not need as much, but if you’re clocking rugged terrain, then every 560 grams of dry food you pack matters.
For a 7–10 day trip, a fully whittled-down load should ideally not exceed 5.6 kg (12.4 pounds). I’ve found that meal plans that consider the trailhead, require less cookware, and focus on no-hassle dinners at night work best. Experience teaches the amount that works, so start light, refine your choices, and always remember the ten essentials.
Backpacking Food Ideas
Let’s start by saying that Instant Coffee can change your life on a Backpacking trip. I’m exactly sure I’d never go one day without drinking this coffee in the wild! It’s absolutely amazing to wake up to a warm cup before hitting the trail. If you don’t love black coffee, try adding Chia Seeds for an extra 60 calories and nutrients. I’ve learned from experience that 2 packets mixed with 1 cup water is the normal ratio
. Mixing flavors is also a great addition, and a true guru would trust my recommendation to carry some. When you’re low on energy, a Bobo’s Oat Bar with 180 calories or some Dried fruit like cranberries and apples (about 80 calories) makes a really good snack.
When you get sick of hot oats, try a cold soak night before for a delicious and perfect early wake-up meal. Protein oatmeal with 160 calories is an easy way to start your days on the trail. Some of my favorite backcountry breakfasts include oatmeal, mango (120 calories), and quinoa porridge, all of which give an extra boost of energy. If you want something light, a snack like Pop-Tarts or granola with powdered milk is a quick fix.
For a more savory meal, try scrambled eggs with cheese, tortilla wraps, or even pre-cooked bacon bits. No matter what you pick, a well-balanced breakfast means no cleanup and helps you move quicker on the trail.
Snacks
A long backpacking trip demands tons of snacks to help get through a big day, and I always mix and match at least 3-4 snacks each day. My go-to is a Trail Mix loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and bits of chocolate for a quick 200 calories, but if it’s very high temperatures, I skip the chocolate so it doesn’t melt. For something chewy, Turkey Jerky (80 calories) or Fruit Bars (90-120 calories) are both delicious and easy to pack. OptioProtein Bars like GoMacro or Clif Builder Bars offer 180-280 calories, making them perfect for an afternoon climb. On salty days, Crackers with Peanut Butter (180 calories) or a snack mix of pretzels, chips, and salty snacks keeps cravings in check.
When I need a sugar rush, Honey Stinger Energy Chews (160 calories) or Gummies are a mus. My favorites from a long list of tasty snack options also include banana chips, no-bake energy bites, spicy nuts, peanut butter pretzels, and gummy bears—just a few choices that always make my pack.
LUNCH
When it comes to Backpacking lunch ideas, I prefer Tortillas over bread because they don’t squish, don’t mold easily, and fit perfectly in a bear canister. My favorite quick meal is Option 1, with Dry Salami (160 calories for 2 slices), cheese (220 calories), and a touch of Mustard or Mayo (10 calories). For a lighter choice, Option 2 includes Tuna (80 calories) in a pouch.
If I crave something sweet, Option 3 is my go-to: Peanut Butter (210 calories), Nutella hazelnut spread (120 calories), and Raspberry Jelly packets (60 calories) spread over a Tortilla. I also love packing jerky, energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, pita, bagels with cream cheese, and summer sausage for variety. While some backpackers stop to sit down for lunch, others prefer to graze on string snacks throughout the day, keeping energy levels steady.
Dinner
After a long hike, weary backpackers deserve a reward for a day of exertion, and nothing beats creating hearty meals while enjoying great scenery. While some Backcountry gourmets take on the extra challenge of cooking from scratch, I prefer just-add-boiling-water convenience with prepackaged freeze-dried meals or dehydrated meals. Simple dishes like Macaroni and cheese with bacon bits, pasta with pesto, or ramen noodles with dehydrated vegetables are my go-to. For a protein boost, I add tuna, beef jerky, or cooked chicken from a pouch. On special nights, I treat myself to a backpacking Thanksgiving dinner with instant stuffing, mashed potatoes, and fresh parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Non Freeze-Dried Food Options
For those who prefer Non-Freeze-Dried Food Options, a quick and filling meal can be Ramen, which packs 371 calories and cooks fast. Adding a chicken packet with 150 calories makes it even better. If you don’t mind meals that take longer to cook, Knorr rice sides with 280 calories or Knorr pasta side options can be great choices for a warm and satisfying dinner.
Freeze-Dried Food Options
For a quick and delicious meal after a long hike, freeze-dried meals are an easy and inexpensive option. Many brands, like Backpackers Pantry, offer flavorful choices such as Pad Thai with Chicken (410 calories) or Cuban Coconut Rice and Beans (610 calories). Peak Refuel makes an incredible Chicken Pesto Pasta with 920 calories, which some say is their absolute favorite backpacking meal.
If you love eating rich flavors, Good to Go has Mushroom Risotto (820 calories) that is really good. Since most freeze-dried food options are sold in 2 servings, they work well when hiker hunger is hitting at the end of a long day. The meals listed here are highly recommended, and if you’re not sure what to try, start with one and add protein for extra energy.
Tinned fruit
A sweet and refreshing treat after a long day of camping is tinned fruit, which requires no cooking and adds a special touch to quick desserts. You can create an instant salad by mixing tinned pears with a sprinkle of hazelnuts or enjoy canned peaches with cream for a retro winner. For an extra indulgence, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over your mixed fruit for a shiny finish that tastes amazing by the fire.
Ready-made meals
For campers who want a quick meal, ready-made meals are a great choice, as they can be heated easily and save time. A microwave is not needed—just warm up pre-made lasagne, ragu, or meatballs in a pot over the fire. If you prefer something lighter, couscous or chilli pairs well with bonfire-baked potatoes. A hearty stew can be finished onsite and enjoyed with warm bread. Just make sure to store everything correctly in a chilled environment to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Eating the right food while hiking and camping is essential for keeping energy levels high and making the adventure enjoyable. From ready-made meals to freeze-dried options, every meal should be both delicious and nutritious. Whether you prefer tinned fruit as a quick snack or a hearty backpacking dinner, choosing lightweight, easy-to-prepare foods will make your outdoor experience stress-free and satisfying.
FAQs
- What are the best high-energy foods for hiking and camping?
Foods like freeze-dried meals, ramen, pasta, beef jerky, and nuts provide energy while being easy to carry and prepare. - How do I keep my food fresh during camping?
Store perishable items in a chilled environment using an insulated cooler or airtight containers to prevent spoilage. - Are tinned fruit a good option for camping?
Yes! Tinned pears, canned peaches, and other mixed fruits are great for making desserts or eating independently without refrigeration. - Can I bring homemade meals for camping?
Absolutely! Pre-made meals like lasagne, stew, or ragu can be heated over a fire for a comforting meal. - What’s the easiest meal to cook while backpacking?
Instant soups, ramen noodles, and pasta with pesto are some of the quickest and simplest meals to prepare on the go.
