When I first started hiking and backpacking, I paid little regard to nutrition – just packed whatever was cheap, calorific, and relatively lightweight. But as I’ve grown older I’ve come to realise that there’s more to it than this. Happily, there are also now far more lightweight food options available for the backpacker and hiker – and the emphasis has shifted to nutrition and high-quality ingredients.
However, weight, calorie content, and price all still matter. Dehydrated food is lightweight and packs in a lot of energy, but it can also be expensive. Alternatives worth considering include home-dehydrating your own meals or cooking from fresh ingredients in the field. Both involve a far greater degree of preparation, although foodies may consider that a plus point.
For the rest of us, the humble dehydrated backpacking meal remains a staple of our adventure larder. Just pour in boiling water, stir, wait a while, and enjoy. In this test we’ve rounded up ten of the best meals from a broad variety of brands – including some that have not been sampled by TGO before. We’re looking at flavour, quality, cost, and ease of preparation.
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The best backpacking meals we’ve tasted
| Quick List |
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| Best flavour: Real Turmat Asian Curry (available from Base Camp Food) |
| Best natural ingredients: Radix Nutrition Basil Pesto (available from Base Camp Food) |
| Best value: LYO Expedition Menu Mac & Cheese (available from Base Camp Food) |
| Greener choice: Adventure Menu Cricket Protein Penne with ‘Creole’ Creamy Chicken (available from Base Camp Food) |
| Best breakfast: Expedition Foods Breakfast Rolled Oats (available from Base Camp Food) |
Taste is subjective so any review needs to be taken with a pinch of salt – which might perk up a bland meal! While many of the meals tested here are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, we’ve collated a separate guide to the very best vegan and vegetarian backpacking meals.
Best flavour
Real Turmat Asian Curry
Gemma Palmer’s Best in Test
While it may be slightly more expensive than some other rehydrated meals, the quality and taste justify the cost.- accurate description of flavours
- spicy notes
- sparse aubergine pieces
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £11.39 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 132g Calories: 537 Calories/100g: 112 Calories/£1: 47 Time to hydrate: 8 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan Allergen: soya beans www.realoutdoorfood.shop |
Real Turmat Asian Curry’s accurate flavour descriptions, clear instructions, and consistently thorough rehydration place it in a class of its own. All that plus the taste, which is not far off a freshly prepared dish. The dish offers a satisfying blend of flavours and textures from the combination of the rice, aubergine, and pea protein chunks. The external fill line was a real lifesaver. It made adding water incredibly easy and kept my hands cool, which was essential because the meal rehydrated incredibly quickly. I was surprised at how fast the ingredients started to plump up and come together.
The dish is very filling, thanks to the generous portion size and high-quality ingredients. The curry is entirely vegan, making it a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions. The only allergen is soya beans. With 537 calories per serving, this provides ample energy and the rice and pea protein went a long way in helping me feel full. The curry is a balanced blend of spices, with a subtle hint of heat that complements the rice and vegetables. The aubergine pieces retained their shape and texture, adding to the sense of this being a real meal.
Read more: Gemma’s full Real Turmat Asian Curry review
Best natural ingredients
Radix Nutrition Basil Pesto
Alex Roddie’s Best in Test
The only reason I’m taking off half a star is the lack of fill line on the pack, which makes preparation slightly more complicated, and the fact that it took a couple of minutes longer to hydrate.- Good Value
- Quality ingredients
- Great texture and flavour
- Vitamins and minerals
- No fill line on pack
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £8.99 Weight: 127g Calories: 600 Calories/100g: 472.4 Calories/£1: 66.7 Time to hydrate: 7 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free Allergens: none basecampfood.com |
Radix, a brand focusing on nutritional quality, was a new backpacking food brand for me, and the Radix Nutrition Basil Pesto was quite a surprise. There’s a long list of ingredients on the back – but they’re all natural ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil, pumpkin seeds, millet, buckwheat, cherries, kale, baobab fruit… it’s a lot. Thankfully this results in a wonderfully varied meal with delicious, complex flavours and textures. I particularly liked the varied vegetables and crunchy seeds in the mix. The basil pesto came through, but was not overpowering, allowing many of the natural flavours to shine.
I was impressed by the nutritional information, which included exhaustive details of the vitamins and minerals included in the meal. This isn’t something I’ve seen from any other brand. It’s also vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free.
The only reason I’m taking off half a star is the lack of fill line on the pack, which makes preparation slightly more complicated, and the fact that it took a couple of minutes longer to hydrate than the instructions stated. Otherwise this is near perfect.
Read more: Alex’s Radix Nutrition Basil Pesto review
Best for breakfast
Expedition Foods Breakfast Rolled Oats
Gemma Palmer recommends
Even Goldilocks would be happy to say this breakfast option is “just right”.- no wastage portion sizes
- quick and easy to prepare
- value for money
- fruit didn’t rehydrate fully
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £8.49 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 114g Calories: 450 Calories/100g: 397 Calories/£1: 53 Time to hydrate: 5 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan / vegetarian Allergen: soya beans expeditionfoods.com |
Fuelling for the day’s adventures shouldn’t be a chore. When it comes to breakfast I’m most interested in convenience and a delicious meal. Expedition Foods Breakfast Rolled Oats provides it with the mighty oat as the star performer for delivering a slow energy release. The 450-kcal pack provides a satisfying and sustaining meal to start the day. Rehydration is quick and easy, resulting in a creamy texture with a pleasant chew. The apple and blackcurrant flavour is balanced, and the inclusion of coconut milk powder adds a subtle richness.
It’s worth noting that rehydrating the fruit requires extra time in cold conditions or when using cold water. Perfect for vegans and clean eaters with its minimal ingredient list, this meal is dairy free, palm oil free, and contains no added preservatives or additives.
On a multi-day trip, I’d happily leave my usual nut butter addition at home to save on pack weight, as the added sugar contributes to the calories and provides a satisfying sweetness. Even Goldilocks would be happy to say it’s “just right.”
Read more: Gemma’s full Expedition Foods Breakfast Rolled Oats review
Greener choice
Adventure Menu Cricket Protein Penne with ‘Creole’ Creamy Chicken
Gemma Palmer recommends
Overall, this dish is a delicious and innovative option for eco-conscious adventurers. The high protein source and the exceptional flavour make it a moorish camp meal.- high protein
- quality ingredients
- full of flavour
- cricket protein might not appeal to everyone
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £10.19 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 160g Calories: 826 Calories/100g: 516 Calories/£1: 81 Time to hydrate: 8 – 10 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? no adventuremenu.com |
This brand delivered with the Adventure Menu Cricket Protein Penne with ‘Creole’ Creamy Chicken vacuum-dried meal. It offers a sustainable, wholesome and satisfying 516 calories of high protein energy. It may only appeal to open minded, plant based or pro-eco eaters seeking a new protein source. This Czech based company is known for its innovative meals, and this cricket-based penne dish is no exception. It’s an intriguing real food taste experience.
A standout feature is the inclusion of SENS cricket protein powder, contributing 51g of protein to the meal. This was my first experience with cricket protein, and I was pleasantly surprised by the absence of any strong flavours in the penne. I’m impressed by the nutritional profile of vitamins and minerals. This product isn’t for people who have allergies to molluscs, crustaceans, and dust mites.
The ‘Creole’ sauce is a fusion of West African, French, and Spanish flavours. The aroma upon opening is mouthwatering with scents of garlic, onion, and herbs filling the air.
Read more: Gemma’s full Adventure Menu Cricket Protein Penne with ‘Creole’ Creamy Chicken review
Best value
LYO Expedition Menu Mac & Cheese
Gemma Palmer recommends
I highly recommend this meal to anyone seeking a well-crafted and satisfying freeze dried option that prioritises flavour and clean eating.- bold flavour
- creamy taste
- occasional fine powdery texture
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £7.99 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 130g Calories: 625 Calories/100g: 481 Calories/£1: 78 Time to hydrate: 9 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegetarian lyofood.com |
As a fan of a good Mac & Cheese, I was keen to know if this freeze-dried version would deliver, and thankfully, it did! This vegetarian meal is free from artificial additives and preservatives, making it a wholesome and natural choice.
The packaging is simple and minimal, with clear instructions that make preparation effortless. The internal fill line is hidden by the food, making it challenging to accurately measure the water and increasing the risk of spills.
The Mac & Cheese rehydrates to a creamy texture with a bold cheesy flavour and aroma. That’s the blend of pecorino, romano, and gruyère cheeses. However, I noticed a slight grainy texture in the sauce, possibly corn flour or shavings of cheese. Despite this minor issue, it provides a substantial 625 calories per serving, offering a significant energy boost.
Read more: Gemma’s full LYO Expedition Menu Mac & Cheese review
LYO Expedition Vegan Nettle Curry
Alex Roddie Recommends
This one scores highly for ease of preparation, with two opening points (you can open it up like a bowl after hydrating) and both a fill line and a quoted fill amount in millilitres.- Delicious
- High quality ingredients
- Fewer calories than other options
- High in saturated fats
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £10.99 Weight: 110g Calories: 530 Calories/100g: 481.8 Calories/£1: 48.2 Time to hydrate: 9 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan, dairy and gluten free Allergens: coconut basecampfood.com |
LYO Expedition make some of the most interesting and original recipes in the realms of dehydrated outdoor food – and the LYO Expedition vegan nettle curry has long been a favourite of mine. It’s a mild curry with a creamy coconut sauce (perfect for me, as I’m not a fan of overly spicy food). It has a variety of vegetables – including, yes, delicious nettle leaves. The result is tasty and with excellent texture. The rice is perfect too. The only real downsides the LYO Expedition Vegan Nettle Curry is 530 Kcal is fewer than some options, and it’s relatively high in saturated fat. That’ll be the coconut.
This one scores highly for ease of preparation, with two opening points (you can open it up like a bowl after hydrating) and both a fill line and a quoted fill amount in millilitres. The pack was also easy to open.
Read more: Alex’s full LYO Expedition Vegan Nettle Curry review
Tent Meals Almond Jalfrezi
Alex Roddie Recommends
It’s a very mild curry – which was great for my taste, but (according to my fledgling curry knowledge) jalfrezi tends to be hotter than this. So it may disappoint if you are looking for something hot- Excellent value
- High in protein
- Quality ingredients
- Need a pan to prepare
- Unusually mild for a Jalfrezi
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £5.50 Weight: 178g Calories: 500 Calories/100g: 280.9 Calories/£1: 90.9 Time to hydrate: 10 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan Allergens: almonds, coconut basecampfood.com |
The Tent Mealls Almond Jalfrezi is the only meal tested in our guide to Best backpacking meals for 2024 that does not come in a pouch that can be used to rehydrate the meal. This means that you need to do it yourself, in a pan or other reusable container. Although this is a downside, there are benefits: only 4g of plastic packaging are used per meal, and the packaging is fully recyclable (most brands used foil-coated packaging that is not recyclable). Another benefit is that you can fit more meals in your pack.
Value is good with the Tent Meals Almond Jalfrezi, and the meal is packed with high-quality natural ingredients, including whole almonds and delicious coconut. It hydrated correctly in the advised time of 10 minutes, but didn’t need quite as much water as stated.
It’s a very mild curry – which was great for my taste, but (according to my fledgling curry knowledge) jalfrezi tends to be hotter than this. So it may disappoint if you are looking for something blazing hot.
800 Kcal versions of TentMeals products are also available, and at only £6.50 value is even better. Recommended.
Read more: Alex’s full Tent Meals Almond Jalfrezi review
Adventure Menu Chicken Tikka Masala
Alex Roddie Recommends
As chicken tikka masala goes this was one of the best I’ve eaten in dehydrated form.- Large pieces of chicken
- Good spice flavour
- High in saturated fat
- Pack not the easiest to open
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £10.99 Weight: 115g Calories: 760 Calories/100g: 660.9 Calories/£1: 69.2 Time to hydrate: 9 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? no Allergens: cream, milk basecampfood.com |
The Adventure Menu Chicken Tikka Masala is another vacuum-packed freeze-dried backpacking meal, with the benefits of reduced pack space and no oxygen absorber. One downside: the pack was hard to open. I needed to use my pocket knife to get in. There is a usable internal fill scale. The ingredients in the Adventure Menu Chicken Tikka Masala do appear to be mostly or entirely natural – but the meal is high in saturated fat (most likely from the cream), and has more salt than some meals.
The meal rehydrated in nine minutes, right on schedule. You get really large lumps of chicken in this one – so big you’ll need to take several bites! This is a world away from typical old-school dehydrated meals where everything is chopped into fine chunks, and can make a big difference to your experience of the meal. As chicken tikka masala goes this was one of the best I’ve eaten in dehydrated form.
Although the sticker price is high, value is reasonable (by 2024 standards) considering the calories and quality.
Expedition Foods Vegetable Stir Fry
Alex Roddie’s verdict
Recent price rises have made this meal poorer value than it used to be. However, it still represents decent value compared to the other meals tested.- Satisfying and moreish
- Needed more time and water to hydrate than claimed
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £10.49 Weight: 194g Calories: 800 Calories/100g: 412.4 Calories/£1: 76.3 Time to hydrate: 7 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegetarian, dairy free Allergens: egg, wheat, sulphites expeditionfoods.com |
Expedition Foods stock a vast range of different backpacking meals – and in 450, 800 or 1,000 Kcal packs. I tend to find 450 a bit small, but 800 is just right, especially in winter where you’re burning more energy. The egg noodles within the Expedition Foods Vegetable Stir Fry were very good, and to add to the varied textures there are bean sprouts, red peppers, sweetcorn, and carrots. This is a carby meal; I found it very satisfying after a hard day on the hill and could honestly have polished off a 1,000 Kcal portion.
One downside to the Expedition Foods Vegetable Stir Fry came in preparation. After adding the specified amount of water and waiting the specified time, the meal was still a bit crunchy and clearly needed more water. I ended up adding about 200ml and waiting a couple of minutes longer.
Recent price rises have made this meal poorer value than it used to be. However, it still represents decent value compared to the other meals tested.
Read more: Alex’s full Expedition Foods Vegetable Stir Fry review
Firepot Mac ‘n’ Greens
Alex Roddie’s verdict
If you’re on a long trip and craving some greens rather than the usual cheesy macaroni, this is a top option to look at.- Quality ingredients
- Satisfying veg
- Too much garlic
- Long rehydration time
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £8.49 Weight: 135g Calories: 575 Calories/100g: 425.9 Calories/£1: 67.7 Time to hydrate: 15 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan, dairy free Allergens: wheat, celery firepotfood.com |
If you’re on a long trip and craving some greens rather than the usual cheesy macaroni then the Firepot Mac ‘n’ Greens is a top backpacking meal option to look at. Firepot meals emphasise absolutely top-quality ingredients, as all meals are cooked by hand using fresh ingredients and then dehydrated. I particularly enjoyed the generous helpings of kale within the Firepot Mac ‘n’ Greens. One downside: for my taste there was a bit too much garlic.
Firepot meals have longer rehydration times than other brands. However, the quoted rehydration time tends to be accurate. Firepot says wait for 15 minutes, and after 15 minutes your meal is done. No prodding with a spoon, deciding it’s still a bit crunchy, then sealing up again for another few minutes.
Firepot’s range is expanding and they have some unique recipes that other brands can’t match. I have also recently enjoyed their smoky tomato paella.
Read more: Alex’s full Firepot Mac ‘n’ Greens review
REAL Turmat Taco Bowl
Alex Roddie’s Verdict
One thing REAL Turmat do that most other brands don’t: the packages are vacuum packed. This has two benefits. Pack size is smaller, and no oxygen absorber is needed.- Great flavour
- Creamy texture
- Additives
- Fewer calories than some options
- A little expensive
- High in salt
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £11.99 Weight: 128g Calories: 528 Calories/100g: 412.5 Calories/£1: 44.0 Time to hydrate: 8 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? dairy free Allergens: celery basecampfood.com |
REAL Turmat backpacking meals are freeze-dried, which means that the ingredients retain their shape and structure better than other forms of dehydration. The end result: meals that taste a bit more like real meals, and often have better texture and mouthfeel. REAL Turmat’s taco bowl is a good example of this, as I often forgot that I was eating a dehydrated meal when enjoying it. The flavour and creamy texture were delicious. One thing to note is that the ingredients list contains far more additives and artificial ingredients than most of the other meals listed, including anticaking agents, antioxidants, and various E-numbers. It’s also rather high in salt, and you get fewer calories for your money than any other meal tested.
One thing REAL Turmat do that most other brands don’t: the packages are vacuum packed. This has two benefits. Pack size is smaller, and no oxygen absorber is needed.
Read more: Alex’s full REAL Turmat Taco Bowl review
Firepot Hot Chocolate Pudding
Gemma Palmer’s verdict
If you’re seeking a decadent treat, this generous portion of pudding hits the spot and will undoubtedly boost morale at camp.- generous portion size
- rich in flavour
- high in sugar
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £7.49 (available from Ellis Brigham) Weight: 110g Calories: 500 Calories/100g: 450 Calories/£1: 67 Time to hydrate: 8 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan firepotfood.com |
This dehydrated pudding is thick and creamy with a chocolate aroma. Scanning the ingredients, just over 70 percent of this meal’s 500 calories come from carbohydrates and sugars. In my opinion, given this high percentage, it’s best suited as a top up of calories to a balanced meal. This vegan, gluten free, and lactose free option is suitable for those with dietary restrictions, with soya being the only allergen listed.
The vibrant packaging is durable and clear instructions and external fill lines simplify preparation. While the flavour and ease of preparation are excellent, the texture inconsistency and visual appeal stopped me giving it top marks. However, the durable packaging suggests the pudding would withstand warmer temperatures well.
If you’re seeking a decadent treat, this generous portion of pudding hits the spot and will undoubtedly boost morale at camp. Would I recommend it? Yes, as a calorific chocolatey reward.
Read more: Gemma’s full Firepot Hot Chocolate Pudding review
Torq Supercharged Chilli Non Carne
Alex Roddie’s Verdict
Overall, although this is from a fitness brand, this meal is worth a look for backpackers, especially if you’re looking for something with added protein- Filling and tasty
- High in protein
- No fill line
- Added sugar
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £8.95 Weight: 152g Calories: 522 Calories/100g: 343.4 Calories/£1: 58.3 Time to hydrate: 10 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegetarian Allergens: wheat basecampfood.com |
As you might expect from a fitness-oriented brand, the Torq Supercharged Chilli Non Carne backpacking meal is high in protein (thanks to the added pea protein). There is also added sugar and salt. However, the rest of the ingredients list looks pretty standard, with natural ingredients including mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Although it’s a chilli meal, the carbs come from pasta instead of rice. The Torq Supercharged Chilli Non Carne rehydrated in 10 minutes as advised. Texture was average at best, with very small pieces of vegetables, and there wasn’t too much chilli kick. However, it did taste good – quite moreish at the end of a hill day.
One downside is that there is no fill line on the packaging. It just says to add 350–400ml of water. This is fine if you have a pan with markings, but otherwise it’s a pain. Overall, although this is from a fitness brand, this meal is worth a look for backpackers, especially if you’re looking for something with added protein
Read more: Alex’s full Torq Supercharged Chilli Non Carne Review
Adventure Food Quinoa Al Mexicana
Gemma Palmer’s verdict
Its nutritional balance, subtle flavour, and competitive price make it a good value for money option, provided you have the patience for a slightly longer rehydration time.- affordable
- flavoursome
- long rehydration time
- watery
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £7.50 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 150g Calories: 600 Calories/100g: 398 Calories/£1: 80 Time to hydrate: 10 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan adventurefood.com |
I like this meal for its subtle spice level and cayenne pepper bringing a gentle heat. The texture of this vegan meal is generally pleasing, with a satisfying bite from the sweetcorn and black beans.
Doubling the hydration time to allow the sweet potato pieces to soften helped but the meal was excessively watery with the solid ingredients swimming in liquid like a chunky soup. In fact, it took almost 30 minutes for the liquid to be fully absorbed.
Additionally, the fill line marker within the bag proved a bit challenging to locate initially – it’s quite small. Otherwise, the bag was easy to keep reopening and sealing. The nutritional profile, delivering 600 calories per serving, offers a good amount of protein and carbohydrates. It was an adequate portion size for me and my taste buds fired with each mouthful.
Read more: Gemma’s full Adventure Food Quinoa Al Mexicana review
Adventure Nutrition Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
Alex Roddie’s Verdict
I would have preferred larger chunks. I found it to be a tasty meal, although the sauce was slightly oily.- High in protein
- Great value
- Clear instructions
- Tastes good
- Contains palm oil
- Sauce a little oily
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £9.49 Weight: 159g Calories: 800 Calories/100g: 503.1 Calories/£1: 84.3 Time to hydrate: 7 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? no Allergens: milk, wheat, soya basecampfood.com |
The packaging gains points here for very clear pictorial instructions, including an obvious fill scale marked in millilitres. There are added palm oil and rapeseed oil in the ingredients. You do get peas, onions, mushrooms, and red bell peppers along with your pasta, though – and it’s another meal with added protein, this time from soya. The Adventure Nutrition Chicken and Vegetable Pasta rehydrated as advised in seven minutes. It’s another traditional dehydrated meal with finely chopped ingredients. Sadly this meant that the chicken pieces disappeared into the mix – I would have preferred larger chunks. I found it to be a tasty meal, although the sauce was slightly oily.
This meal is also available in 600 and 1,000 Kcal variants. Value is good – it’s one of the best-value meals tested.
Read more: Alex’s full Adventure Nutrition Chicken and Vegetable Pasta review
Summit to Eat Beef and Potato Stew
Alex Roddie’s verdict
Although the experience of eating this wasn’t as pleasant as the other meals tested, Summit to Eat is still worth considering for an affordable option.- Excellent value
- High in salt and sugar
- Tiny text on packaging
- Beef chewy
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £7.45 Weight: 118g Calories: 624 Calories/100g: 528.8 Calories/£1: 83.8 Time to hydrate: 9 minutes Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? no Allergens: none basecampfood.com |
The packaging provides all of the essential information, including both a file line and fill volume in millilitres, although the instructions are tiny and hard to read. The ingredients list shows few obvious additives beyond rapeseed oil. However, there is added salt, and it’s also relatively high in sugar. The Summit to Eat Beef and Potato Stew took about a minute longer to rehydrate acceptably than the advised eight minutes, and even when hydrated I found the potato chunks rather chewy. The small beef strips remained very chewy for as long as it took to eat the meal. The rest of the ingredients were rather mushy and didn’t have much texture.
Although the experience of eating this wasn’t as pleasant as the other meals tested, Summit to Eat is still worth considering for an affordable option. Value is up there amongst the best tested, making it relatively painless on your wallet if you want to stock up on meals for a big trip.
How we test
Gemma tested these meals during winter hikes on the chilly, windy Cambridgeshire river trails. She enjoys a hot meal stop in winter and favours plant-based options if available. These reviews were first published in the September 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
Alex Roddie is an experienced long-distance backpacker who has written books, guidebooks and articles about a plethora of high camps and multi-day walks. He testest these meals in 2024. These comparative reviews were first published in the July 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors.
What to look for in backpacking meals
Value
With recent price rises, some meals are now £10.99–£11.99. This can add up, so if provisioning a long trip it’s worth looking at cheaper brands. More expensive meals are often made from higher-quality ingredients and have fewer additives.
Calories
You could be burning 2–3000 more calories on a long hill day than you would in everyday life, making high-energy food essential. Look for at least 500kcal in a meal – ideally more. In winter I prefer at least 800kcal. Some brands offer 1000kcal+ options.
Weight
Lighter is better, but only if the food gives you enough energy. This is why it’s useful to know how many Calories/100g the food offers.
Taste and texture
Variety is a spice of backpacking life – old favourites can become tiresome if you have no options. Better-quality grub tend to have more flavour and texture, meaning it’s more like a real meal.
Ingredients
Some products will contain palm oil or artificial additives and preservatives; other brands make a point of avoiding these, focusing on nutrition and quality natural ingredients.
Dietary requirements
Many vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free meals are available. This is usually clearly marked on the packet, along with any allergens.
Method of preservation
Meals are either freeze-dried or dehydrated after cooking. Opinions vary on which leads to better preservation of texture and flavour, but both will remove 100% of the water, reducing bulk and weight.
Ease of preparation
You’ll need to add boiling water and leave the meal to hydrate. A good product will tell you how much water to add, and a shorter rehydration time means less time waiting hungry. A well-designed pack is easy to open and easy to reseal whilst you wait.
Is there an ideal number of calories in backpacking meals?
On a long hill day that requires almost constant exertion, you could burn between 2000 and 3000 more calories while backpacking. This puts an average person’s caloric requirements on mountainous terrain at about 4,000 – 4,500kcal every day.
So, high-energy food is an essential part of your kit list. A backpacking meal worth the cost – yes, they do get quite expensive – will have upwards of 500kcal. In winter, the exertion of hill days and the effort it takes your body to stay warm will mean you burn even more calories. During colder seasons, you should look for meals with at least 800kcal – again, ideally more.
Some brands offer 1000kcal+ options. If you’re able to consume three of these daily, you’ll of course still need to supplement the caloric intake with plenty of nutritious snacks – but that’s all part of the fun!
It’s worth noting that backpackers will burn calories at different rates depending on a number of factors including carrying load, fitness, age, weight, movement efficiency and metabolism, as well as the environment on the hill that day. In strong winds, for example, you’ll need more fuel under arduous walking conditions. When hiking in the heat, you might not feel like snacking but sodium-heavy foods are a good idea to replenish the lost salt in your sweat. Some prefer to hike with electrolyte tablets or fizzy drinks.
If you’re keen to analyse caloric intake needs exactly, some smartwatches and their accompanying health apps offer insight into how many calories you personally might burn on a long hill day. While these are no exact measurements, they should help deduce personal guidelines on how many you need to replenish that burnt energy.
Learn more about how many calories you need in your backpacking meals.
How to pack food for camping
Save space by repackaging
A lot of foods you buy in groceries or supermarkets come with extra packaging. To avoid carrying this back out with you, it’s a good idea to repackage your meals and snacks into reusable ziplock or drybags before heading out. If you’ve done extensive food prep by meal and day, you can even label these so you’re reminded to ration your food as planned. You might want to include cooking instructions for longer trips, too.
Organise your food by meal types
In terms of organisation, how to pack food for camping is a matter of personal preference. It will depend on how you choose to fuel, how long you’ll be in the hills, and the kind of space and storage you have available to you. You could choose to pack by meal type – so all your breakfast, lunch and dinner items are stored in independent sections – or perhaps you’d prefer to organise your stash by day, again avoiding the temptation of digging in to your day four treat meal too soon.
Storage
Most good backpacking gear is designed to make your life easier on the trails. Take advantage of this. It’s a good idea to organise your backpack each morning before you leave the previous night’s camp spot. Again, do this with your own personal day’s schedule in mind. For example, if you’re planning a hot lunch, keep your stove more accessible than your sleeping system. If you won’t be using the stove again until you’re all pitched up for the night, pack this and your meal further down. Either way, ensure you keep all heavy items like your camping stove close to the back panel for optimum stability. For most people, you’ll certainly be seeking the aid of snacks throughout the day. Try to pop all the day’s snacks in the hip belt pockets on your backpacking pack, at the top of the pack or another accessible spot such as the pack lid. Have a few emergency rations in other pockets or your trousers or waterproof.
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