Ask any hiker what they miss most after a few nights in the backcountry, and the answer is almost always the same: real food. Sure, energy bars and instant noodles will keep you moving, but there’s nothing quite like a proper meal after a big day on the trail. That’s exactly what Real Meals set out to deliver—lightweight, pack-friendly meals that actually taste like food you’d cook at home.

A brand born from adventure 

Real Meals comes straight out of New Zealand, created by people who live for long days on trail and big days in the mountains. At the heart of it is Nathan Fa’avae, a seven-time Adventure Racing World Champion who knows first hand the importance of proper fuel when you’re pushing your limits. After years of relying on lightweight food that left him unsatisfied, Nathan set out to create meals that were both performance-focused and genuinely enjoyable. The result? Real food, built for real adventures.

Cooked - not assembled

What makes Real Meals different comes down to how they’re made. Instead of simply combining pre-dried ingredients in a bag, Real Meals are cooked in small batches by real chefs, just like you’d make at home. Only after they’re fully cooked are they freeze-dried, a process that locks in flavour and nutrition while cutting weight. The difference is obvious from the first bite—meals that taste fresh, wholesome, and comforting.

Fuel for Every Adventure

Whether you’re tramping through Fiordland, bikepacking across the Alps, or gearing up for a fast-and-light weekend mission, Real Meals are built to deliver. They’re reliable, hearty, and easy to prepare—just add boiling water and let the magic happen. And because they’re made from high-quality, natural ingredients, they’re just as good for a quick overnight hike as they are for a world-class expedition.

Why We Love Them at Ultralight Gear

We’re picky about what we carry, and Real Meals easily earn their place on our shelves. They strike the sweet spot between ultralight performance and genuine comfort. When you’re kilometres from the nearest road and running on empty, opening a bag of Real Meals feels less like “trail food” and more like proper dinner. It’s the kind of fuel that makes the journey feel just a little bit easier—and a whole lot tastier.