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Simple Hiking Recipes to Cook Outdoors

Simple Hiking Recipes to Cook Outdoors

When planning a hike, we often think about the backpack, the weather, the shoes… but not always about food. Yet, a good meal can change everything: it restores energy, warms you up, and most importantly… it brings joy! 

So here are 7 simple, lightweight, and tasty recipes to prepare on the trail or at camp.

 


 

1. Trail Porridge (breakfast)

Ingredients (per person):

  • 40 g rolled oats

  • 200 ml water or powdered milk

  • 1 tbsp dried fruits (raisins, cranberries…)

  • 1 tsp honey or sugar

Preparation:
Boil the water, add oats, stir for 2–3 minutes. Add dried fruits and sweetener, let sit. Done!

🟢 Tip: Pre-pack it in a zip bag for a quick start in the morning.

 


 

2. Cold Tuna Wrap

Ingredients:

  • 1 tortilla

  • 1 small can of tuna

  • Cream cheese (in tube or single-serve)

  • A few olives or sun-dried tomatoes

Preparation:
Spread the cheese, add drained tuna and toppings. Roll it up, and enjoy!

🟢 Perfect for a no-cook lunch.

 


 

3. Quick Couscous with Veggies

Ingredients:

  • 60 g couscous

  • Bouillon cube or powder

  • Dehydrated or canned veggies (carrots, chickpeas…)

Preparation:
Pour boiling water over the couscous, bouillon, and veggies. Cover for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and eat.

 


 

4. Pasta with Tomato Sauce Packet

Ingredients:

  • 70 g mini pasta (like elbow macaroni)

  • 1 pouch of tomato sauce or tomato paste

  • Dried herbs, powdered parmesan

Preparation:
Boil the pasta, add the sauce and seasonings. Warm, easy, and satisfying.

🟢 Tip: Save the pasta water to help with clean-up.

 


 

5. Polenta with Cheese and Herbs

Ingredients:

  • 60 g instant polenta

  • Bouillon

  • Hard cheese (grated)

  • Dried herbs

Preparation:
Mix into boiling water, stir for 2–3 minutes. Add cheese right before serving.

 


 

6. DIY Trail Mix

Ingredients:

  • Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts

  • Raisins, dates, cranberries

  • Chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Preparation:
Mix everything together and store in a zip bag. Perfect for snack breaks.

 


 

7. Spiced Camp Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

  • Powdered milk or plant milk powder

  • Unsweetened cocoa

  • Spices: cinnamon, vanilla, mild chili

  • Sugar or honey

Preparation:
Mix everything dry at home. On the trail, just add hot water and enjoy by the fire 🔥

 


 

Bonus Tips:

  • Pre-pack your portions in individual bags

  • Choose lightweight, heat-resistant ingredients

  • Use a compact stove (gas or solid fuel)

  • Bring a spork and a lightweight pot set

 


 

Eating well on the trail is easy… with a bit of planning!

Need a stove, cook set, or quality dehydrated meals?
Check out our hiker-friendly selection at backpacker-life.com

And you—what’s your favourite meal in the wild?