If there’s one thing that can make or break a multi-day backpacking trip, it’s food. Not just calories—but food that’s easy to prepare, affordable, satisfying, and something you’ll actually want to eat after a long day on trail.
A few years ago, a solo section hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington helped spark a new way of thinking about backpacking meals. Instead of relying on expensive freeze-dried pouches from outdoor retailers, the focus shifted to something far more accessible: the grocery store. The result? Cheap, flexible, and surprisingly delicious backpacking meals that work for trips lasting a few days—or much longer.
Below are some of the best easy backpacking meals you can prep at home, carry easily, and cook on trail using minimal fuel (or none at all).
Breakfast Ideas That Don’t Slow You Down
Mornings on trail are usually about efficiency. These breakfast options are calorie-dense, simple, and designed to get you hiking quickly.
Rolled Oats With a Trail Upgrade
Rolled oats remain a backpacking classic for a reason. A simple dry mix made at home—rolled oats, seeds (hemp, chia, flax), chopped almonds, and freeze-dried fruit—rehydrates easily with boiling water. Powdered milk adds creaminess, while a packet of peanut or almond butter boosts calories fast.
Why it works:
- Filling and customizable
- Roughly 640 calories per serving
- Costs under US$2 per serving
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake (No-Cook Option)
Not hungry first thing in the morning? Drink your calories instead. This shake combines chocolate breakfast drink mix, powdered whole milk, and peanut butter powder. Add water, shake, and go—no stove required.
Why it works:
- Perfect for early starts
- 550 calories per serving
- Around US$2 per serving
Breakfast Berry Cobbler
This one feels indulgent but packs serious trail nutrition. Freeze-dried berries, granola, chopped nuts, seeds, and a touch of sugar are rehydrated with hot water and coconut oil. It can double as dessert if you’re feeling fancy.
Why it works:
- Comfort food on trail
- 575 calories per serving
- About US$5.21 per serving
No-Cook Lunches & Easy Dinners
After a long climb or hot afternoon, the last thing you want is complicated cooking. These meals keep things simple.
Cheese, Crackers & Salami
An all-time backpacking favorite. Shelf-stable salami and hard cheese can last a few days without refrigeration if stored properly. Pair with crackers and you’ve got a zero-fuel meal that never disappoints.
Why it works:
- No stove, no water, no prep
- Around 330 calories per serving
- Roughly US$2.31 per serving
Tip: Hard cheeses hold up better in warm weather; softer cheeses are fine in cooler conditions.
Hearty Hot Meals for Long Days
When you want something warm, filling, and comforting, these grocery-store meals deliver.
Barbecue Mac and Cheese
Rehydrated shell noodles combined with cheese sauce, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and crunchy toppings like fried pickles create a surprisingly satisfying backcountry dinner.
- 776 calories per serving
- About US$2.75 per serving
One-Pot Thanksgiving Dinner
Instant mashed potatoes and stuffing form the base, rehydrated with hot water and topped with a chicken pouch and crispy fried onions. Familiar, filling, and morale-boosting.
- 672 calories per serving
- Just over US$4 per serving
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This is the most flexible—and sometimes most expensive—option. Couscous, instant rice, or stuffing can be used as the base, paired with dried broccoli, chicken, cheese sauce, and crunchy toppings.
- 839 calories per serving
- Between US$4.76 and US$8.13, depending on ingredients
Backcountry Pad Thai (Ramen Remix)
If you’re tired of plain ramen, this version transforms it completely. Ramen noodles meet peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, chicken, and crushed peanuts for a calorie-dense powerhouse meal.
- 945 calories per serving
- Around US$3.46 per serving
Pro Tips for Cheap & Easy Backpacking Food
- Skip specialty outdoor stores—your local grocery store has nearly everything you need.
- Add crunch and calories with toppings like fried onions, nuts, or bacon bits.
- Collect condiment packets from takeout spots—soy sauce, hot sauce, sugar, honey, and barbecue sauce are trail gold.
- Use freezer-safe bags or reusable containers to cook meals without dirtying your pot.
- Build meals around calories first, variety second—flavor fatigue is real on longer trips.
Even places like Trader Joe‘s can be excellent sources for affordable backpacking staples, while small single-serve items from Amazon can help round out your food kit before a trip.
If you are looking how to effectively pack something here are a few suggestions you can follow.
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