Ever felt that mid-hike hunger pang, a rumbling reminder that your energy is fading faster than the afternoon sun? We’ve all been there. Packing the right food for a hike isn’t just about satisfying your stomach; it’s about fueling your adventure and making sure you have the energy to enjoy every step. But with so many choices, figuring out what to bring can feel like a treasure hunt with no map.
You want snacks that are light, tasty, and give you a real boost, not something that weighs you down or turns into mush. Choosing the wrong food can leave you feeling sluggish, disappointed, or even worse, hungry! That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll break down the best foods to pack, explaining why they work and how to choose them.
By the end of this post, you’ll be a hiking food pro, ready to pack a delicious and energizing feast for your next trail. Get ready to discover the secrets to a happy stomach and a successful hike!
Our Top 5 Food To Bring Hiking Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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ReadyWise Adventure Meal Bean & Vegetable Soup | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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GOOD TO-GO Mexican Quinoa Bowl (Single Serving) | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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GOOD TO-GO Pasta Marinara (Single Serving) | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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GOOD TO-GO Pad Thai (Single Serving) | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Food To Bring Hiking Detailed Reviews
1. ReadyWise Adventure Meal Bean & Vegetable Soup
Rating: 8.8/10
The ReadyWise Adventure Meal Bean & Vegetable Soup is a hearty and convenient freeze-dried meal designed for anyone needing reliable food. Whether you’re hitting the trails, preparing for emergencies, or just want a quick, nutritious meal at home, this soup delivers. It’s packed with real beans and vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for all ages.
What We Like:
- Made with 100% real beans and vegetables for premium quality.
- Offers a substantial 27g of protein per pouch, perfect for active lifestyles.
- Extremely quick and easy to prepare – just add hot water for a meal in minutes.
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for carrying on adventures.
- Long-lasting and shelf-stable, ensuring it’s ready when you need it.
- Very versatile, suitable for camping, emergencies, and busy weeknights.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ingredients are high quality, some users might prefer a bit more variety in flavor profiles for repeated consumption.
- The convenience comes at a certain price point, which might be a consideration for bulk purchases for long-term storage.
This ReadyWise Adventure Meal is a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable, easy-to-prepare, and nutritious food option. It’s a smart addition to any pantry or backpack.
2. GOOD TO-GO Mexican Quinoa Bowl (Single Serving)
Rating: 9.1/10
Craving a delicious and easy meal after a long day of hiking or camping? The GOOD TO-GO Mexican Quinoa Bowl is your answer! This single-serving meal is designed for adventure, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience with just the addition of hot water. Forget bland, chalky meals; Good To-Go’s focus on real food and handcrafted preparation means you get a taste that’s hard to beat, even compared to freeze-dried options.
What We Like:
- Super easy to prepare: just add boiling water to the pouch.
- Made with real ingredients by actual cooks, not just machines.
- Tastes way better than most freeze-dried meals.
- Long shelf life of at least 2 years, perfect for stocking up.
- Retains nutrients and texture better than freeze-dried food.
- Gluten-free and vegan options are available, catering to different diets.
- Low in sodium and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Made in the USA with care.
What Could Be Improved:
- While delicious, the single-serving size might leave some hungrier hikers wanting more.
- Availability might be limited in very remote areas, so plan ahead.
This Mexican Quinoa Bowl is a fantastic option for anyone seeking convenient, tasty, and wholesome food on the go. It proves that dehydrated meals can be both practical and truly enjoyable.
3. GOOD TO-GO Pasta Marinara (Single Serving)
Rating: 8.9/10
Craving a taste of home on your next adventure? The GOOD TO-GO Pasta Marinara (Single Serving) is your answer. This isn’t your average trail grub; it’s a delicious, hearty meal that’s ready in minutes, just by adding hot water. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or need a quick, healthy meal at home, this dehydrated pasta marinara is a game-changer.
What We Like:
- Easy to Prepare: Just add boiling water directly to the pouch and wait a few minutes for a satisfying meal.
- Real Food Taste: Handcrafted by cooks, not food scientists, this meal boasts a flavor that beats many freeze-dried options.
- Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Dehydration preserves nutrients and texture. It’s gluten-free, low in sodium, and made with no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
- Long Shelf Life: With a minimum 2-year shelf life, it’s perfect for stocking your pantry or emergency kit.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for backpacking, camping, hiking, and as a reliable emergency food supply.
- Made in the USA: Each meal is cooked, dehydrated, and packaged with care in Kittery, Maine.
What Could Be Improved:
- Single Serving Size: While convenient for solo trips, larger portions might be desired for sharing or bigger appetites.
- Requires Boiling Water: You’ll need a heat source and water, which is standard for dehydrated meals but worth noting.
This GOOD TO-GO Pasta Marinara delivers on its promise of delicious, convenient, and healthy food for any situation. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a quality meal on the go.
4. Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for a taste of home on your next outdoor adventure with Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta! This isn’t your average trail food. It’s a premium freeze-dried meal designed for backpackers and hikers who demand delicious and satisfying meals after a long day on the trail. Simply add water, and in 10 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, protein-packed meal ready to enjoy.
What We Like:
- AMAZING TASTE & QUALITY: This meal tastes like something you’d make at home. It uses 100% real meat, no fillers, and premium freeze-dried ingredients that keep their natural flavor and texture.
- 2X THE PROTEIN: With 43g of protein per pouch, this meal will refuel you effectively. It provides nearly double the protein of many other camping meals.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY PREP: The pouch is lightweight, and you only need to add water for a meal that’s ready in 10 minutes or less. This saves you time and effort on the trail.
- MADE IN THE USA: All Peak Refuel meals are made and packaged in the USA. They also offer good customer support if you have any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Serving Size: While it’s a 2-serving pouch, some might find one serving a bit small after a very strenuous hike.
- Price Point: Premium ingredients and quality can come at a higher price compared to some basic camping meals.
Overall, Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta offers a fantastic combination of taste, nutrition, and convenience for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s a great way to enjoy a high-quality meal without the hassle.
5. GOOD TO-GO Pad Thai (Single Serving)
Rating: 9.2/10
Craving a taste of Thailand on your next adventure? GOOD TO-GO Pad Thai is your answer! This single-serving meal is designed for campers and backpackers who want delicious, easy-to-prepare food. You just add hot water, and in minutes, you have a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for any outdoor excursion or even a quick meal at home.
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What We Like:
- Incredibly easy to prepare – just add boiling water!
- Handcrafted by real cooks, not just machines, so it tastes amazing.
- It has a long shelf life of at least 2 years, making it great for emergencies.
- Dehydration keeps the food’s original texture and nutrients, unlike some freeze-dried options.
- It’s gluten-free and they offer vegan options, plus it’s low in sodium and has no preservatives.
- Made with real food ingredients.
- Proudly made in the USA.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The single-serving size might be a bit small for very hungry hikers.
- While tasty, the price per serving might be higher than some other backpacking meals.
GOOD TO-GO Pad Thai offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal outdoors. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking quality dehydrated food that truly satisfies.
Fuel Your Adventure: The Best Food for Hiking
Hitting the trails is a fantastic way to explore nature. But to keep your energy up and enjoy your hike, you need the right food. This guide will help you pick the best snacks and meals for your next adventure.
1. Key Features to Look For:
When choosing hiking food, think about what your body needs.
Energy Boosters:
- **Carbohydrates:** These are your body’s main fuel. Look for foods with complex carbs that release energy slowly.
- **Protein:** Protein helps build and repair muscles. It also keeps you feeling full.
- **Healthy Fats:** Fats provide sustained energy and are important for your body.
Convenience and Portability:
- **Lightweight:** You’ll be carrying everything, so lighter is better.
- **Non-perishable:** Your food shouldn’t spoil easily, especially on longer hikes.
- **Easy to Eat:** You want food you can grab and eat without a lot of fuss.
- **Minimal Packaging:** Less trash means a cleaner trail.
Taste and Enjoyment:
- **Delicious:** Hiking is more fun when your food tastes good!
- **Variety:** Don’t eat the same thing every time. Mix it up to keep things interesting.
2. Important Materials (Ingredients):
The ingredients are what make your hiking food work.
Natural Sources:
- **Nuts and Seeds:** Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
- **Dried Fruits:** Raisins, apricots, and cranberries offer quick energy from natural sugars.
- **Whole Grains:** Oatmeal, whole-wheat crackers, and granola bars give you lasting energy.
- **Jerky:** Beef, turkey, or even plant-based jerky provides protein.
- **Nut Butters:** Peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter are great for sandwiches or eating with crackers.
Prepared Meals:
- **Dehydrated Meals:** These are lightweight and just need hot water. They often contain a mix of carbs, protein, and vegetables.
- **Trail Mix:** A classic for a reason! You can buy pre-made or make your own with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and maybe some chocolate chips.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality:
Certain things make your hiking food better or worse.
Improving Quality:
- **Freshness:** Even non-perishable foods have a best-by date. Check it.
- **Good Seal:** Foods that are well-packaged stay fresh and protected from moisture and bugs.
- **Balance:** A good mix of carbs, protein, and fats will keep you going longer.
Reducing Quality:
- **Too Much Sugar:** Sugary snacks give you a quick burst of energy but can lead to a crash.
- **Heavy Foods:** Foods that are wet or heavy add unnecessary weight to your pack.
- **Foods That Spoil Easily:** Avoid dairy products or anything that needs to be kept cold unless you have a good cooler.
- **Messy Foods:** Anything that crumbles easily or is hard to eat can be annoying on the trail.
4. User Experience and Use Cases:
How you use your food matters.
On the Go Snacks:
For short hikes or when you need a quick bite, snacks like energy bars, trail mix, and fruit are perfect. You can eat them while you walk.
Lunch Breaks:
For longer hikes, pack a more substantial lunch. Sandwiches with nut butter or jerky, or a hearty wrap are good choices. Dehydrated meals are also great for a warm lunch.
Hydration:
Don’t forget to drink water! Water is the most important thing to bring. You can also bring electrolyte powders to add to your water for longer or more strenuous hikes.
Choosing the right food makes your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable. Pack smart, and have a great time on the trails!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the best food for a short hike?
A: For short hikes, easy-to-carry snacks like an apple, a handful of almonds, or a granola bar are perfect. They give you a quick energy boost.
Q: What should I pack for a full-day hike?
A: For a full-day hike, pack a good lunch like a sandwich or wrap, along with several snacks. Think trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, and an energy bar.
Q: How much water should I bring?
A: A general rule is to bring about half a liter of water for every hour you plan to hike. This can change based on how hot it is and how hard you are working.
Q: Are sugary snacks bad for hiking?
A: Sugary snacks can give you fast energy, but they can also cause you to “crash” later. It’s better to have a mix of foods with complex carbohydrates and protein for longer-lasting energy.
Q: What are dehydrated meals?
A: Dehydrated meals are foods that have had most of the water removed. They are very light and you just add hot water to them to rehydrate and cook them.
Q: Is it okay to bring fresh fruit?
A: Yes, fresh fruit like apples or oranges is great for shorter hikes because it provides hydration and natural sugars. For longer hikes, dried fruit is a better choice as it’s lighter and won’t spoil as easily.
Q: What is the best way to store hiking food?
A: Keep your food in resealable bags or containers. This keeps it fresh, prevents leaks, and helps you pack out all your trash.
Q: Should I bring anything for energy drinks?
A: Electrolyte powders or tablets can be helpful for long hikes, especially in hot weather. They replace salts and minerals your body loses through sweat.
Q: What if I have allergies?
A: Always check the ingredients of packaged foods. If you have allergies, it’s best to pack foods that you know are safe and free from those ingredients.
Q: How can I make my own trail mix?
A: Mix your favorite nuts (like peanuts or almonds), seeds (like sunflower seeds), dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), and maybe some small chocolate chips or pretzels. Experiment to find your perfect blend!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!