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?