
My Typical Backpacking Meal Plan
Full Disclosure… I am the WORST at stopping to eat when hiking, but my plan is always set with good intentions… I am stubborn and goal oriented, which means when I get out on the trail I tend to neglect that my body needs food and just keep hiking (much to my detriment). When I pack for backpacking/hiking I typically like to pack a few snacks that I enjoy in the hopes that I will actually want to stop and eat one of the options!
We plan for the following when backpacking:
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal is the typical breakfast.
- The downside to oatmeal is that you have to heat water for this, so it takes time, but on a cold morning it can be wonderful!
- I also loath oatmeal, so I will carry dehydrated fruit for long trips so I don’t get sick of it.
- Granola/Granola Bar
Lunch:

Some of my favorite snacks/breakfast and lunch options!
- Some people stop and eat a proper lunch, I typically opt for a few snacks sprinkled through the day… These are some of the things I will take:
- Granola Bar or Two
- Peanut Butter/Almond Butter Packets
- Tuna/Salmon Packet (With crackers/Chips)
- I typically bring these on VERY long day hikes when I need the break and the more “real” food to keep me going
- Beef Jerky
- I make this at home – Typically I do a very plain jerky (a cut of london broil) with just salt or garlic salt!
Dinner:
- I am very simple person when backpacking. I do not cook food out on the trail. All I do is boil water to prepare food… Essentially what you would do for the pre-made meals like the Mountain House dinners! I used to do the Mountain House dinners, but they get costly and are not very easy to pack (especially in a bear canister) Here is a blog post going super in depth to our dinners, but below is a little quick explanation…
- Mimicking the the pre-made dinners:
- I take a zip block bag and portion out 1 meat and a veggie or two.
- I add whatever seasoning I think I will want and plenty of salt to replenish what I loose out on the trail.
- I buy freeze dried chicken/beef and veggies (I am going to try dehydrating our own veggies this year!)
- Then I add either a ramen noodle packet or a mashed potato packet!

Miscellaneous:
- For shorter hikes, or more leisurely hikes I will sometimes carry fresh fruit (like an apple or orange (Remember leave no trace and carry your core and peel out!)
- I also will usually carry one of those kids apple sauce squeeze packets. When I am not in the mood to eat that is the easiest thing mentally and physically for me to eat so I still get some sustenance to keep moving!
Just like everything else, food will be a personal preference. Just keep trying different methods till you find what works for you and keeps you happy out there! 🙂


4 Comments
Reluctant Frugalist
I love it!
We just made our plan to conquer the 4,000 footers in NH, and this will be so helpful!
Timika @ the Reluctant Frugalist
andistillhike
That’s awesome! If you guys need any other tips or tricks! Or have any questions feel free to reach out! 🙂 Enjoy!
Emily Pennington (BrazenBackpacker)
Awesome to see what you bring! I gotta get more dehydrated mash… 😉
andistillhike
Thanks! Its fun to be able to mix and match and make it exactly what you want (I always crave veggies lol) Those dehydrated pre-flavored mashed potatoes make is SO easy, and delicious! Enjoy!