Great backpacking meal ideas
Preparing for a trip in nature is not only about packing the right gear, but also about planning your meals and exploring great backpacking food ideas. Cooking outdoors can be both simple and satisfying as long as you have the right ingredients and equipment. In this guide, we’ll share hiking lunch ideas for how to make outdoor meals using a gas stove, camping stove, or campfire, so you can enjoy a delicious meal under the open sky.
When you’re out hiking, it’s important to bring food that’s easy to prepare and provides the nutrients you need to keep your energy levels up. Simple lunch for hikes should be practical to reduce your backpack weight. Here are some reasons to choose easy food on your trip:
- Time-saving: With backpacking food, you don’t have to spend much time on preparation or cooking.
- Lightweight: Simple ingredients weigh less and take up less space in your backpack.
- Versatile: Easy hiking lunches can be adjusted to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Nutritious: With proper planning, you can get all the necessary nutrients for an active day outdoors.
Equipment for outdoor cooking
To prepare hot meals outdoors, it’s helpful to have a good set of equipment. Here are some popular options among outdoor enthusiasts:
Cooking on a gas stove
A gas stove is a portable burner connected to a fuel canister, perfect for hiking adventures. It’s easy to carry, simple to use, and works well in various weather conditions. Here are some tips for cooking on a gas stove:
- Choose the right fuel: There are different types of gas and fuel. Choose what fits your stove best.
- Use a windscreen: This helps save fuel and reduces cooking time.
- Keep it simple: Pick recipes that don’t require long cooking times.
Cooking on a camping stove
A camping stove is another popular option. Unlike a simple gas stove, it’s a complete set that often includes a burner, cookware, and possibly a windscreen. It’s commonly known as an “all-in-one” product that can be packed together for easy transport. Here are some backpacking food ideas for cooking on a camping stove:
- Cook soup or stew: Simple one-pot meals are ideal.
- Pancakes: With a good pan, you can easily make pancakes or an omelet.
- Use a lid: This helps retain heat and shortens cooking time.
Campfire
Cooking over an open fire gives a truly authentic outdoor experience. Here are some tips for making meals over a campfire:
- Prepare the fire site: Make sure it’s allowed to light a fire where you are and follow local rules.
- Use aluminum foil: Perfect for making foil packets that can be placed near or on the fire to heat.
- Grill skewers: Easy to make and always delicious after a long day outdoors.
Easy camping meals
There are many easy ways to prepare meals for your trip. If you prefer to make your own, bring ingredients that are easy to carry and cook with.
Breakfast
- Eggs and bacon in a pan: A classic, especially on a camping stove. Fry the bacon first, then cook the eggs in the same fat.
- Oatmeal with milk powder and berries: Boil water or milk on the stove, stir in oats, dried fruit, and a little sugar or honey.
- Pancakes: Prepare the batter at home (or use a ready-made mix) and fry in a pan on the stove or campfire grill.
Lunch/dinner
- Fried sausages with bread or flatbread: A true Norwegian classic.
- Soup lunch: Boil water and add a ready-made soup mix (e.g., tomato, vegetable, or chicken soup).
- Quesadilla: Tortilla with cheese and ham. Prepare it before the trip and cook it directly in the pan.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Spread butter on bread, add cheese and ham, wrap in foil, and heat over the fire.
Camping food no stove
Looking for camping food ideas no cooking? When you want to keep things extra simple without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, freeze-dried meals are tasty and easy camping lunches. These are ready-to-eat dishes that only require hot water, giving you a full meal in just a few minutes.
With REAL Turmat camping food no cooking is required and is one of the most popular options for freeze-dried food from Norway. The meals are made with ingredients from Norway whenever possible and freeze-dried to preserve flavor, nutrients, and quality. This means you get a proper meal without carrying heavy ingredients or spending time cooking.
Earlier in the article, we mentioned key reasons to choose easy hiking lunches. REAL Turmat meets them all. With ready-to-eat meals in a pouch, you get all these benefits:
- Lightweight: Perfect for long hikes when you want to minimize weight.
- Long shelf life: Can be stored for a long time without refrigeration.
- Minimal equipment: You only need hot water—no pots or pans required.
- Quick preparation: Ready in 5–10 minutes, directly in the pouch.
REAL Turmat comes in a wide range of flavors, from classics like Chicken Curry and Lapskaus to vegetarian and milder dishes like Pulled Pork. Whatever you prefer, there’s a warm, nutritious, and tasty meal for everyone.
For some, REAL Turmat may have too few or too many calories. If that’s the case, check out REAL Field Meal and the Soups category in this article.
These are the perfect backpacking food ideas when you’d rather spend time enjoying your trip instead of cooking. Pack a few pouches as your camping lunches with a small gas burner (and some water), and you’ll always have a warm meal ready, no matter where you are.
Conclusion
Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, you can make simple and delicious meals with few ingredients. For those who find outdoor meal planning stressful, REAL Turmat is a great option. Any outdoor cooking device will work to heat your food! Next time you do backpacking meal planning, remember to bring some of these simple tips and recipes.
Enjoy your adventure and your meal!
