Backpacking Food Guide: From Organic Oats to Dehydrated Meals

Organic Oats to Dehydrated Dinners: What’s in My Pack

Table of Contents

1 1. Bobo’s Oat Bars Oat Bar
2 2. Mountain House Weekender Adventure Kit
3 3. AlpineAire Foods Wild Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
4 4. Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai
5 5. Good To-Go Thai Curry
6 6. Patagonia Provisions Wild Pink Salmon
7 7. Heather’s Choice Morning Glory Oatmeal
8 8. Farm to Summit Thai Red Curry
9 9. Wild Zora Herb Roasted Chicken Quinoa Bowl
10 10. Nomad Nutrition Southwest Breakfast Skillet

Whether you’re setting out on a multi-day trek or planning a weekend camping trip, packing the right food is essential. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying evening meals, a thoughtfully curated backpack pantry can make all the difference. This selection covers a range of lightweight, shelf-stable options that balance nutrition, flavor, and convenience. Each product is chosen to meet the needs of active outdoor lifestyles with minimal prep and maximum sustenance.

1. Bobo’s Oat Bars Oat Bar

Bobo’s Oat Bars are crafted with organic whole-grain rolled oats, brown rice syrup, and organic coconut oil. These bars come in various flavors, including Peach, Coconut, Lemon Poppyseed, and Maple Pecan. Each bar offers a chewy texture and is designed to provide sustained energy. They are individually wrapped, making them convenient for on-the-go consumption during outdoor activities.

Pros:

Made with organic ingredients
Variety of flavors available
Provides sustained energy
Individually wrapped for convenience
Suitable for vegetarians

Cons:

Contains allergens like coconut and tree nuts
May be too sweet for some tastes
Texture may not appeal to everyone
Higher in sugar compared to some alternatives
Not suitable for those with oat allergies

Price: $3.50

2. Mountain House Weekender Adventure Kit

The Mountain House Weekender Adventure Kit includes six dehydrated meals, providing a total of 12 servings. Designed for off-the-grid getaways, these meals require only water for preparation. The kit offers a variety of meal options, catering to different taste preferences. It’s packaged for easy transport and storage, making it suitable for camping and backpacking trips. rei.com

Pros:

Includes a variety of meals
Quick and easy preparation
Long shelf life
Lightweight and portable
Suitable for emergency preparedness

Cons:

Contains common allergens like milk and wheat
Not customizable for dietary restrictions
May not satisfy all taste preferences
Requires access to hot water
Higher sodium content

Price: $66.50

3. AlpineAire Foods Wild Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo

alpineaire-foods-wild-mushroom-fettuccine-alfredo-2-servings

AlpineAire Foods offers the Wild Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo, a dehydrated meal designed for backpacking. It combines fettuccine noodles with a creamy Alfredo sauce and wild mushrooms. This vegetarian meal is lightweight and easy to prepare, requiring only boiling water. It’s packaged in a resealable pouch for convenience.

Pros:

Quiet and stable design
Lightweight and compact
Quick inflation with pump sack
Suitable for side sleepers
Durable construction

Cons:

Higher cost
Moderate R-value
Pump sack adds bulk
Not ideal for winter camping
Requires careful handling to prevent damage

Price: $229.95

4. Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai

Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai is a dehydrated meal that combines rice noodles with a spicy peanut sauce, vegetables, and a hint of lime. It’s designed for easy preparation during outdoor adventures. This meal is vegetarian and provides a balance of carbohydrates and protein. It’s packaged in a lightweight pouch for portability.

Pros:

Vegetarian-friendly
Spicy and flavorful
Lightweight and portable
Provides balanced nutrition
Long shelf life

Cons:

Contains peanuts and soy
May be too spicy for some
Requires careful water measurement
Not suitable for gluten-free diets
Texture may vary after rehydration

Price: $9.95

5. Good To-Go Thai Curry

Good To-Go’s Thai Curry is a dehydrated meal featuring jasmine rice, vegetables, and a coconut milk-based curry sauce. It’s designed for easy preparation in outdoor settings.

This meal is gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly, offering a balance of flavors and nutrients. It’s packaged in a resealable pouch for convenience.

Pros:

Gluten-free
Pescatarian-friendly
Rich in flavor
Lightweight and portable
Resealable packaging

Cons:

Contains fish and coconut
May be too spicy for some
Requires precise water measurement
Not suitable for vegan diets
Higher price point

Price: $10.75

6. Patagonia Provisions Wild Pink Salmon

Patagonia Provisions’ Wild Pink Salmon offers a ready-to-eat protein source, ideal for outdoor adventures. Sustainably sourced from the North Pacific, this salmon is lightly smoked and seasoned, providing a flavorful option without the need for cooking. Each package contains a single serving, making it convenient for portion control. The salmon is vacuum-sealed for freshness and easy transport.

Pros:

Ready-to-eat; no preparation required
High in protein
Sustainably sourced
Lightweight and portable
Vacuum-sealed for freshness

Cons:

Requires careful handling to avoid puncturing the package
Limited to a single serving
Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
May not appeal to those who dislike seafood
Higher price point per serving

Price: $10.00

7. Heather’s Choice Morning Glory Oatmeal

heathers-choice-morning-glory-oatmeal-1-serving

Heather’s Choice Morning Glory Oatmeal is a gluten-free, dairy-free breakfast option designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It combines rolled oats, dried carrots, pineapple, raisins, and pecans, offering a nutrient-dense start to the day. This meal is packaged in a lightweight pouch, requiring only boiling water for preparation. It’s suitable for those with dietary restrictions seeking a wholesome breakfast.

Pros:

Gluten-free and dairy-free
High in fiber and healthy fats
No artificial additives
Lightweight and portable
Suitable for various dietary needs

Cons:

Requires boiling water for preparation
Single-serving size may not be sufficient for all
Contains nuts; not suitable for those with allergies
Higher price point compared to similar products
Limited availability in some regions

Price: $8.95

8. Farm to Summit Thai Red Curry

farm-to-summit-thai-red-curry-2-servings

Farm to Summit’s Thai Red Curry is a plant-based, dehydrated meal featuring a blend of vegetables and rice in a spicy coconut curry sauce. It’s designed for easy preparation during backpacking trips. This meal is packaged in a compostable pouch, aligning with eco-friendly practices. It’s suitable for vegetarians and those seeking a flavorful, lightweight meal option.

Pros:

Plant-based and vegetarian-friendly
Spicy and flavorful
Compostable packaging
Lightweight and portable
Quick preparation with boiling water

Cons:

Spiciness may not appeal to all
Contains coconut; not suitable for those with allergies
Single-serving size
Higher price point
Limited availability in some areas

Price: $15.00

9. Wild Zora Herb Roasted Chicken Quinoa Bowl

wild-zora-herb-roasted-chicken-quinoa-bowl-1-serving

Wild Zora’s Herb Roasted Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a high-protein, gluten-free meal designed for outdoor activities. It combines quinoa, vegetables, and herb-seasoned chicken, offering a balanced meal option. This meal is packaged in a lightweight pouch, requiring only hot water for preparation. It’s suitable for those seeking a nutritious, easy-to-prepare meal on the trail.

Pros:

High in protein
Gluten-free
Balanced meal with grains and vegetables
Lightweight and portable
Quick preparation with hot water

Cons:

Contains chicken; not suitable for vegetarians
Single-serving size
Higher price point
May not appeal to those who dislike quinoa
Limited availability in some regions

Price: $9.95

10. Nomad Nutrition Southwest Breakfast Skillet

nomad-nutrition-southwest-breakfast-skillet-1-serving

Nomad Nutrition’s Southwest Breakfast Skillet is a vegan, gluten-free meal combining plant-based sausage, hash browns, and vegetables. It’s designed for easy preparation during outdoor adventures. This meal is packaged in a lightweight pouch, requiring only boiling water for rehydration. It’s suitable for those seeking a hearty, plant-based breakfast option.

Pros:

Vegan and gluten-free
High in protein
Hearty and flavorful
Lightweight and portable
Quick preparation with boiling water

Cons:

Spiciness may not appeal to all
Contains soy; not suitable for those with allergies
Single-serving size
Higher price point
Limited availability in some areas

Price: $14.00

Save Now Advertisement

By safeguidewpcontentdev

June 28, 2025



Mountaineering Tools & Tents You’ll Need for the Ultimate Summit

Mountaineering demands preparation, resilience, and reliable equipment. The right combination of tents, tools, and essentials can determine the outcome of a summit attempt, offering shelter, safety, and efficiency in harsh alpine conditions. From sturdy four-season...

Best All-Season Climbing Shoes for Every Terrain

Climbing across diverse terrains requires shoes that balance grip, comfort, and durability throughout the year. All-season climbing shoes are designed to adapt to indoor gyms, outdoor crags, and varying conditions without compromising performance. From supportive...

Top 10 Rated Climbing Ropes You Can Trust

Climbing ropes are a crucial link between safety and adventure, providing the reliability needed on routes that demand focus and endurance. The right rope offers durability, manageable handling, and the assurance of trusted certifications for varied conditions. From...

Explore