{"id":1027,"date":"2018-01-29T18:48:16","date_gmt":"2018-01-29T23:48:16","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-02-02T17:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T22:12:20","slug":"lightweight-backpacking-food-guide-meal-planning-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleverhiker.com\/backpacking\/lightweight-backpacking-food-guide-meal-planning-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Backpacking Meals & Food of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Meal planning is one of the most important considerations for any backpacking trip. The food you choose will depend on taste preference, nutritional value, caloric density of each meal, and how easy it is to cook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some hikers opt for dehydrated meals because they\u2019re quick and easy (boil water and wait a few minutes). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others prepare DIY recipes and use a food dehydrator (check out our favorite DIY backpacking meals and dehydrator tips<\/a>) to make trail food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our approach is usually a mix of both methods, so we\u2019ll outline our general backpacking food strategy<\/a> and suggest some of our favorites for every meal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For backpacking, it\u2019s important to keep food as lightweight and compact as possible. – photo credit: Dave collins (cleverhiker.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Best Breakfasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We almost always start our trail mornings off with a warm cup of coffee<\/a>. After testing many coffee powders, cubes, bags, and brew styles, our favorite option for taste and convenience is Starbucks Via<\/a>. We usually have a quick, cold breakfast with our coffee and break camp to hit the trail early – mornings in the wilderness are so peaceful. Pairing coffee with a calorically dense bar<\/a> or two is a good way to get some quick energy in the morning. For additional calories, we may munch on some trail mix or mow a packet of almond butter. On casual, low-mileage trips, we like to enjoy warm breakfasts with friends. We\u2019ll usually pair instant oatmeal with some dried fruits and trail mix. Here’s a list of our go-to breakfast choices with links to our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n