Easy Backpacking Food Ideas for Multi-Day Hikes

I’m always looking for different food ideas for my hiking trips but really, all it comes down to is:

3 Basic Things

1. Don’t take food which is heavy

2. Bring something easy to prepare

3. Bring food you know you like

Refrigeration is one of those luxuries you leave at home when you’re out on the trail, so bringing food you’ve dehydrated at home or a commercially prepared freeze dried meal, is a tasty, lightweight option. For a lot of us, it’s always surprising how much of an appetite you can develop after a long hiking day. So having something you can look forward to, can really get you up that last hill knowing you’ve got an enjoyable meal and some yummy treats at the end of the day. 

A quick trip to your local supermarket is a great place to start for all your goodies. Shopping for a hike and knowing what to take doesn’t need to be difficult. With some planning and remembering those 3 Basic Things, you can be in and out of the supermarket in a flash. But if you really want an easy “ I don’t want to have to think about it" option, we have a great range of hiking meals available.

As a general rule, 700g – 900g of food per day is what you should be aiming for. So for a 4 day hike you might be carrying 2800g – 3600g of food, depending on your choices, plus water. 

BREAKFAST 

Just get yourself some Ziploc freezer bags, enough for each morning you’ll be on trail and add powdered milk along with your muesli or porridge. All you need to do is add hot/cold water to the bag in the morning and there’s no washing up. It’s clean, simple and quick.

• Muesli

• Porridge

• Bars

• Powdered Milk

• Tea / Coffee

SNACKS

Sticking to about 100gms a day for snacks is a pretty good guide. There are all sorts of yummy goodies you can choose from.

Snacks can vary from muesli bars or fruit to your own special mixture of “scroggin”. Scroggin (Some Chocolate Raisins and Other Good Grub Including Nuts) is the name given to a mixture of very interesting nibbles, usually high in calories and energy and also delicious.

Snacks provide energy while walking and are often found to be a welcome relief during a rest stop. Every bushwalker has their own special recipe for “scroggin”, but here are a few suggestions:

• nuts, (almonds, cashews, brazils, macadamias, peanuts)

• dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, apples, apricots, peaches)

• fresh fruit (bulky and heavy but worth it)

• vegetables (carrot and celery sticks, snow peas, radishes)

• fruit leather

• health food bars

• rice crackers, biscuits

• chocolate (sugar coated chocolate like Smarties and M&Ms don’t melt in hot conditions)

• jelly sweets such as jelly babies, jelly beans, snakes, raspberries etc

The list is endless, but be sure to weigh it.

LUNCH

• Vita Wheat or other cracker biscuits

• pitta bread or mountain bread

• cheese/cheese spread

• salami, mettwurst, kabana, fritz

• jam, honey, peanut paste

• small tins of fish, meat paste

• fresh fruit

• dried fruit

• chocolates and nuts

If it’s cold and you have the chance to boil some water, a cup of soup, tea or coffee does wonders.

DINNER

You local supermarket has a huge variety of Pasta & Sauce type dehydrated meals, which are really cheap and somewhat tasty. You can simply add a packet of tuna or some sort of salami/jerky type meat to kick up the protein and calories and help fill you up.  Or if you prefer something other than this, DIY dehydrated meals in a freezer bag

• Noodles

• Fast cooking rice

• Pasta

• Couscous

• Tuna, salmon, in a packet (not a tin)

• Jerky, salami, or other dried meat

• Cheese such as gouda or cheddar

DESERT

Something to do with CHOCOLATE ….. I just can’t resist. Usually for me it’s a mini snickers bar but really anything you love as a treat will do. I usually like to top it off with a Hot Chocolate just before I switch my headlamp off.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PACK IT ALL

Ziplock bags are your friend. They are super lightweight and form a tight seal which won’t leak. Here’s my way of packing food for a hike:

1. Organise all the food for each day into the order you will eat it
   eg. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, desert

2. Load your food bag in reverse for each day so when you open it - breakfast for day one is on top, then the snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, desert.

If food is packed in portions, you do not risk the chance of over-eating or running out.

EASY DINNER OPTIONS

If you’re opting for an easy no hassle dinner check out our breakdown of our favourite dehydrated meal that we stock in store at Ultralight Gear.

Radix

Radix is the newest kid on the Ultralight Gear block. A New Zealand born company founded in 2013 by a group of former professional athletes who have truly lived to push the boundaries of their own human performance. Their meals are designed using the latest research so you can supply your body with the macronutrients it needs to thrive – both mentally & physically.

Campers Pantry

Australian-owned and made, Campers Pantry is a favourite among local hikers and adventurers for its no-nonsense, flavourful freeze-dried meals that strike the right balance between comfort food and convenience. Their range includes traditional favourites like Creamy Chicken Pasta, Lamb Casserole, and Tuna Mornay, delivering rich flavours and hearty textures after a day on the trail. These meals are known for their generous portions and reliable taste, providing the kind of home-style warmth that can lift your spirits at camp. Campers Pantry meals are particularly appealing for their long shelf life and durable packaging, making them ideal for extended treks or emergency food storage. Best of all, they’re ready in minutes—just add hot water, wait, and dig in.

Back Country Cuisine

From the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, Back Country Cuisine has become a staple in the packs of hikers across Australasia. Known for their broad selection of freeze-dried meals, they cater to a wide range of dietary preferences including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The appeal of Back Country Cuisine lies in its versatility and convenience. Meals like Roast Lamb & Vegetables, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Thai Chicken Style Curry are designed for fast rehydration and reliable satisfaction—simply pour in hot water, seal, and let it do the work. Their lightweight pouches are easy to pack and perfect for multi day hikes where every gram matters. Affordable and dependable, this brand is ideal for those who want a variety of meal options without compromising on nutrition or flavour.

Outdoor Gourmet Company

Elevating freeze-dried meals to a culinary experience, Outdoor Gourmet Company is the brand of choice for hikers who don’t want to sacrifice flavour or quality while out in nature. Developed by the makers of Back Country Cuisine, this premium line focuses on more complex, restaurant-style meals such as Thai Chicken Curry, Moroccan Lamb, and Coq au Vin. These meals bring bold, authentic flavours and are perfect for those looking to indulge a little at the end of the day. The portions are generous and well-suited to sharing or satisfying a big appetite after high-output activities. While they take slightly longer to rehydrate than some simpler options, the payoff is in the richness of taste and texture. Outdoor Gourmet is ideal for food lovers who still want to travel light but crave a more elevated campfire meal experience.

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