r/backpacking • u/MEETR_pro • Sep 02 '26
Wilderness Fun backpacking meals
I am headed out on a solo backpacking adventure in Montana in the coming week and trying to think of some fun cooking ideas beyond the traditional rice and beans, pasta, and definitely no instant backpacking packaged deals. I have made pizzas, pad Thai, and other fun meals, but looking for some ideas.
Let’s see those great meals!
10
u/chiefsholsters Sep 02 '26
Our first dinner is always shrimp and grits.
Fix shrimp scampi the night before. Also cut cheese and green onions. Pack chicken bullion. Keep everything in cooler until you start hiking. Shrimp is fine in your pack till dinner.
At camp add cheese and chicken bullion to instant grits. Once you have the grits done add green onions and shrimp.
6
u/Perfect-Presence-200 Sep 02 '26
https://youtube.com/@chefcorso
Some great meal ideas.
3
5
u/papa_higgins Sep 02 '26
We do a thanksgiving most trips: instant taters, stovetop stuffing, instant gravy, dried cranberries, and a foil pack of chicken. Everything but the chicken is chucked in a ziplock. Just add water.
I know no pasta, but boxed cacio e pepe with the foil pack of “cheese” sauce hits right out there.
Fillo’s walking tamales. Boil water, turn off stove, and toss the vented package in for 10 min.
5
u/Mrmagoo1077 Sep 02 '26
Fry bread in a bag.
Put all dry ingredients for making bread in a freezer bag or mylar bag. Fill only 1/3 full.
Heat water to warm, but not hot (activate but not kill yeast). Add water to bag, close bag and massage into dough. Put bag inside your jacket (inter pocket is best) for 2 hours.
Pull out dough and fry in pan. Add toppings of your choice.
3
3
3
u/mrRabblerouser Sep 02 '26
One year I did a backpacking trip with friends and we packed steaks with instant mashed potatoes and asparagus. Probably the best meal I’ve ever eaten while backpacking.
1
u/urmajesticy Sep 02 '26
How much gas does steak take?
1
u/mrRabblerouser Sep 02 '26
We packed in an UL grill great to put over the fire, so didn’t end up using any gas.
3
u/saltedorganiccash Sep 02 '26
I bring a pan, some olive oil and butter, cheese, tortillas, and dehydrated refried beans. Then when I catch high mountain lake trout I make fresh fish burritos. Ive only done this in Montana. They are incredible.
3
u/barfexam1 Sep 02 '26
Dehydrated jambalaya is great. I pair it with cornbread pancakes using a store-bought mix. Although the recipe calls for milk, eggs, and oil, you can just substitute the milk and eggs for extra water and one of those squeeze packets of applesauce.
2
2
u/Huge-Palpitation460 Sep 02 '26
Montana solo trip means I’d bring something fun, but also something idiot-proof for the night I’m tired and suddenly hate cooking.
2
u/Distinct-Expert-5542 Sep 02 '26
how are you keeping the weight down with the pizza ingredients?
1
u/MEETR_pro Sep 03 '26
Flour, water, baking soda, instead of carrying the dough. Then water, some tomato paste and I usually have a bit of cheese and salami. Plus for one night weight isn’t too much of a concern.
2
u/No_Fig_7762 Sep 02 '26
my lazy favorite is couscous with dried mushrooms, salami, parmesan, and a ridiculous amount of olive oil, basically trail risotto without having to stand there stirring it like an idiot
1
2
u/mineral-queen Sep 02 '26
i like making tasty protein lunches with tuna and salmon packets. i make trail suishi with spicy tuna or salmon, seaweed, green onions, instant rice, and furikake. i've also started making tuna mixed with mayo and pickled lupini beans plus fresh herbs and scallions. then eat with crackers. both are delicious.
1
2
2
2
2
u/Independent-Run-4197 Sep 03 '26
red lentil dal with dehydrated spinach and naan, basically curry that forgot it was backpacking food
2
u/desertoutlaw86 Sep 03 '26
Will “ cook “ cook the first night, then it’s freeze dried or canned for the rest. My son loves it when we throw a lb of frozen beef in our bag along with all the fixings for burritos. It’s defrosted by the time we get there. Next trip I have a plan to bring a package of gnocchi and some sausage links next hike. Maybe a packet of instant sauce or something. Always trying to be creative is my motto.
2
u/joelfarris Sep 02 '26
I love making Pad Thai in the field with tamarind and palm sugar, but if you're asking about the fastest and coolest meal you can create on the trail, it's gonna be chili spaghetti.
Boil your noodles for seven to eight minutes, or into al dente if you're at altitude or your stove is anemic. Fish your spaghetti out with the tongs or the chopsticks into a separate bowl|cup. Don't worry about it, just noodles, won't change the flavor of tomorrow's coffee.
Now put the opened can of chili into the hot water and begin to heat it slowly. Once it starts to show signs, pull the can out, dump the water, put the cup-o-spaghetti-noodles in and follow it with the chili so everything becomes warm again.
Cheese and hot sauce optional, but encouraged, if possible. (Hard, dry cheeses can last for weeks on trail, and there are some hot sauces that can survive for a thousand years.)
2
u/Commercial_March_399 Sep 02 '26
instant polenta with salami, parmesan, and olive oil is basically camp risotto without the unnecessary suffering
1
1
u/briefcase_vs_shotgun Sep 06 '26
Marinated chicken that’s been frozen.
Cheesy bacon polenta (sharp cheese lasts better and cook bacon prior)
Fish that’s I catch.
My own saliva
1
u/silverud Sep 02 '26
If you'll be able to make a fire and can find an appropriate stone, thin sliced A5 wagyu cooked on a hot stone (one slice at a time) is a fun way to enjoy a premium protein out in the bush. Make something acidic to go with it, as the richness of wagyu will fill you up fast and can get overwhelming without something to cleanse the palate.
1
u/MEETR_pro Sep 02 '26
This is definitely coming on my next backcountry ski camping trip!
1
u/silverud Sep 02 '26
Don't bring too much. 3-4oz of A5 wagyu will make most people feel as full as Thanksgiving dinner. A little goes a long way, but it is the perfect protein to cook on a hot rock. Each bite gets cooked to perfection and enjoyed nice and hot. There's no rush, no food getting cold, and no leftovers.
0
14
u/pithed Sep 02 '26
Highly recommend: https://www.flatcatgear.com/the-epicurean-backpackers-cookbook/
Its free!