12 Must Try Backpacking Recipes – Swisher Leaf

Ready to hit the trails but not sure what to eat? Backpacking doesn’t mean settling for bland snacks or freeze-dried meals that taste like cardboard. Let’s change that with some easy, tasty, and portable recipes that’ll keep your stomach happy while you explore the great outdoors!

Newest, Must-Try Backpacking Recipes 

Here are some of the newest, must-try recipes that’ll elevate your outdoor dining experience without weighing down your pack.

1. Backpacking Fried Rice 

This backpacking fried rice is packed with flavor and perfect for those long hikes. 

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• 1½ cups of jasmine rice (260g)
• 1⅔ cups of seasoned water or broth (393 ml)
• 5 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or extra soy sauce)
• Optional: 2 tsp sriracha sauce for a spicy kick

Easy Guide To Make Backpacking Fried Rice 

1. Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions, but replace water with vegetable, chicken, or beef broth for extra flavor.
2. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and optional sriracha.
3. Spread the seasoned rice onto dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 145°F for about 4½ hours.
4. Once dried, store and rehydrate when ready to eat.

2. Turkey Chili 

A hearty, flavorful turkey chili that’s perfect for backpacking, camping, or any adventure where you need a filling,  easy-to-make meal. 

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• 1 lb oven-roasted turkey breast (454g)
• 1 cup diced onion (125g)
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (125g)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can red kidney beans (16 oz)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (240g)
• 2 cups nonfat chicken broth
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp ground pepper

Easy Guide To Make 

1. Shred the turkey, marinate with half the spices, broth, and tomato sauce.
2. Cook onions, peppers, and garlic with broth, then add tomatoes, beans, and turkey.
3. Simmer until thick. Spread on dehydrator trays and dry at 145°F for 7-10 hours.
4. Rehydrate with hot water when ready to enjoy. 

3. Thai Peanut Noodles 

These Thai peanut noodles are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and a little spicy.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup peanut butter powder (40g)
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey (75g)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 16 oz linguini noodles
• 2½ tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Easy Guide To Make 

• Mix peanut butter powder with warm water and combine with other liquids and spices.
• Cook linguini and mix with the peanut sauce.
• Dehydrate noodles at 135°F for 8 hours.
• Rehydrate with hot or cold water on the trail for a satisfying meal!

     4. Thai Green Curry

This flavorful Thai Green Curry is a backpacker’s dream: packed with spice, creaminess, and a choice of chicken or tofu for protein. 

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup precooked & dried rice (60g)
• ¼ cup dried ground chicken (30g) or tofu
• ¼ cup dried mixed vegetables (15g)
• ¼ cup dried green curry paste (15g)
• 3 tbsp coconut milk powder (20g)
• 2 cups water to rehydrate

Easy Guide To Make 

1. Combine all ingredients (rice, chicken/tofu, veggies, curry paste, and coconut milk powder) in a pot with water.
2. Soak for 5 minutes, then bring to a boil.
3. Transfer to an insulating cozy for 15 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy a rich, spicy curry on the trail!

5. Thai Red Curry 

This rich and aromatic Thai Red Curry is perfect for a backpacking meal, offering a flavorful mix of spices and creamy coconut milk. 

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup precooked & dried rice (60g)
• ¼ cup dried tofu (25g) or ground chicken
• ¼ cup dried mixed vegetables (15g)
• ¼ cup dried red curry paste (15g)
• 3 tbsp coconut milk powder (20g)
• 2 cups water to rehydrate

Easy Guide To Make 

1. Combine all ingredients (rice, tofu/chicken, veggies, curry paste, and coconut milk powder) with water in a pot.
2. Soak for 5 minutes, then bring to a boil.
3. Transfer to an insulating cozy and wait 15 minutes for the curry to rehydrate, ready to enjoy. 

6. Shells in Cheesy Tomato Sauce 

This comforting dish combines pasta shells, ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying backpacking meal.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ¾ cup dried shells (70g)
• ⅓ cup dried ground beef (40g)
• ⅓ cup dried mixed vegetables (20g)
• 2 tbsp cheddar cheese powder (12g)
• 1½ tbsp milk powder (9g)
• ⅓ cup tomato sauce leather (25g)
• 2¼ cups water to rehydrate (532ml)

Easy Guide To Make 

1. On the trail, combine all ingredients (except cheese and milk powders) with water in a pot. Soak for 5 minutes.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and milk powders.
4. Insulate the pot and wait 15 minutes for the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. 

7. Macaroni with Beef 

A simple and hearty meal, perfect for a backpacking trip, combining macaroni, ground beef, and vegetables in a savory tomato sauce.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup precooked & dried macaroni
• ¼ cup dried ground beef
• ¼ cup dried vegetables (e.g., bell peppers and olives)
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce powder
• 1½ cups water to rehydrate

Easy Guide To Make 

1. On the trail, combine all ingredients in a pot with water. Soak for 5 minutes.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute with the lid on.
3. Remove from heat, place in an insulating cozy, and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Optionally, top with parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor! 

8. Garlic Parmesan Ramen 

A flavorful and easy-to-prepare ramen dish, perfect for on-the-go adventures.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• 1 package (85 g) ramen noodles (discard spice packet)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz (240 mL) water

Easy Guide To Make 

1. At Home: Pack noodles separately and combine garlic powder, pepper, salt, parsley, and parmesan in a small bag. Store with the noodles. Pack olive oil in a leakproof container.
2. On the Trail: Cover noodles with hot or cold water (8 oz). Let soak—7 minutes for hot water, 30 for cold. Drain broth if preferred.
3. Add the parmesan herb mix and olive oil. Stir thoroughly and enjoy this savory, cheesy treat.

Optional substitutions include rice ramen or cashew cheese for dietary preferences.

9. Brownie Batter Hummus 

Indulge in this sweet, protein-packed treat that’s perfect for outdoor adventures or a quick snack.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• 1.6 oz (47 g) dehydrated hummus mix (chickpeas, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, salt)
• 2 Tbsp (32 g) nut butter
• 1 Tbsp (14 g) coconut oil
• 2 oz (60 mL) water

Easy Guide To Make 

1. At Home: Blend chickpeas, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, salt, and water until smooth. Dehydrate the mix at 145℉ (63℃) until brittle, then grind into a powder. Pack 1.6 oz hummus powder, 2 Tbsp nut butter, and 1 Tbsp coconut oil per serving.
2. On the Trail: Combine hummus powder with 2 oz cold water. Stir until smooth. Add nut butter and coconut oil, mix well, and enjoy!

10. Keto-Friendly Tuna Salad 

A lightweight, protein-rich meal perfect for keto enthusiasts on the go.:

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ¼ cup (12 g) dehydrated tuna
• 1 tsp (0.3 g) dehydrated green onions
• ½ tsp (0.5 g) dried chopped onions
• Dash of black pepper
• 1 Tbsp (8 g) parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (14 g) mayonnaise
• 2 oz (60 mL) water

Easy Guide To Make 

1. At Home: Pack all dry ingredients in a bag. Include a mayonnaise packet.
2. On the Trail: Add water to the dry mix and stir. Let sit for 10–15 minutes with hot water or 30–60 minutes with cold water. Drain excess water.
3. Stir in mayonnaise and enjoy with crackers, wraps, or pita.

11. Chicken Marbella 

A sweet, savory, and easy-to-make trail meal inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors.

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup couscous
• ½ cup dried prunes (chopped)
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 broth packet
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or packet)
• 1 (7 oz) pouch chicken
• 1 (2.5 oz) pouch pitted green olives
• 2 vinegar packets (optional)

Easy Guide To Make 

1. At Home: Combine couscous, prunes, oregano, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a bag. Pack chicken, olives, broth, olive oil, and vinegar separately.
2. On the Trail: Boil ½ cup water. Add broth, olive oil, couscous mix, and chicken. Stir, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff couscous, mix in olives, and add vinegar (optional). Serve and enjoy!

12. Cheesy Rice and Beans 

A hearty, satisfying meal perfect for the trail!

What Ingredients Will I Need? 

• ½ cup instant refried or black beans
• ½ cup instant rice
• 2 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 oz cheddar cheese (block or snack pack)
• 1 oz snack-size bag of Fritos

Easy Guide To Make 

1. At Home: Pack beans, rice, and taco seasoning in a bag. Include cheese and Fritos separately.
2. On the Trail: Boil 1¼ cups (300 mL) water. Add beans, rice, and seasoning. Simmer or place in a pot cozy until the rice is tender.
3. Stir in cut-up cheese to melt, then top with crunchy Fritos.

Food on a Backpacking Trip – Tips and Suggestions 

• To stay fueled, aim for 25–30 calories per pound of body weight daily. 
• Opt for calorie-dense foods to reduce pack weight and consider adding olive oil for extra calories, store in sealed containers or single-serve packets.
• Pack plenty of snacks to prevent energy dips or “bonking.” 
• Consuming 30–60 grams of carbohydrates per hour will help maintain energy levels throughout the day. 
• Prioritize lightweight, high-calorie options to keep your energy steady without overburdening your pack.

Also read about Swisher leaf

Food-Related Equipment To Pack Along

Stove: Choose a stove with flame control to prevent scorching. The Soto Windmaster is ideal, or try the MiniMo for simmer-friendly integrated cooking.

Pot: A 600–700mL pot per person is ideal. Ceramic-coated pots are easy to clean and great for two.

Utensil: Use a spoon-shaped utensil for easy scraping and cleaning, like the humangear UNO spoon (also includes a fork).

Pot Cozy (Optional): A cozy saves fuel and keeps food warm longer. It’s easy to DIY for added convenience.

With the right preparation, equipment, and recipes, you can enjoy hearty, delicious meals that fuel your adventures and make your backpacking trips truly unforgettable.