I enjoy the convenience of freeze-dried dinners after a long day of hiking, especially if I add some spices, but I also have my budget-friendly favorites from the supermarket that offer variety and save space in my bear canister. Of course, these meals can be just as tasty in the campground as they are in the backcountry.
First off, I still love the comfort food of Mountain House dinners, even if there are newer, fancier choices available. My top 3, in no particular order, are lasagna with added fennel seed and red pepper, beef stew with added thyme and black pepper, and beef stroganoff with added black pepper. I use tiny plastic zip bags for the spices and tape them to each pouch. But when I’m out for more than a few days, I will include some meals from the supermarket.
My favorite supermarket selection is Kraft Easy Mac packets. Designed for the microwave, it’s also easy to make with a camp stove that will simmer, such as the MSR Pocket Rocket. I use two packets of Easy Mac, a packet of chicken, and either hot sauce or green chiles to spice it up unless I have Buffalo flavor chicken. In fact, I enjoy this meal so much that I am immediately reminded of several A.T. campsites where I enjoyed this treat for diner.
Instant mashed potato packets are a favorite of budget backpackers and are super easy. A big squeeze of olive oil can boost the calorie count, and there are lots of flavors to try. I use a small dropper bottle to carry the olive oil. You can also buy a box and portion them out to match your appetite. Try instant couscous for an exotic twist on this concept.
There are many tasty flavors of noodle side dishes that are easy to prepare, with Knorr being a popular brand. Add a chicken or salmon packet to increase the protein, and you can have a mouth-watering meal. Garlic noodles with salmon is my favorite, and there is something for everyone. Ramen noodles are also a popular choice.
Finally, there are many shelf-stable convenience meals that are bit heavy because they are not dehydrated, but could be a good choice for the first night of a backpacking trip or for car camping. I like the Indian dishes from Tasty Bite and will eat them with Boil in Bag jasmine rice and, sometimes, a chicken packet.
There are a few things to remember with these sorts of meals.
- Count the calories to make sure the meal is big enough to satisfy, but not too big to finish. I typically want 600-700 calories from the meal, so 2 Easy Mac packets at 240 calories each plus a Buffalo chicken packet at 90 calories is about right at 570 calories.
- You will use more fuel if you have to simmer noodle or boil rice than if you make an instant meal, so plan for extra fuel so you don’t run low.
- Remember to leave no trace when preparing and cleaning up. When backpacking, I’ll normally wash my pot without soap and drink the wash water, and I’ll store the semi-clean pot in my bear canister overnight because I know there will be some food residue on it.
Bon appétit!