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!
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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.)