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Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Food (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for convenient and tasty meal options for your next outdoor adventure, freeze-dried backpacking food may be just what you need. These lightweight and easy-to-pack meals are perfect for hikers, campers, and travellers who want to enjoy delicious food without the hassle of carrying heavy ingredients or cooking equipment.

Before purchasing freeze-dried backpacking food, it is important to consider factors such as taste preferences, dietary restrictions, nutritional value, and packaging options. Take the time to read product labels and reviews to ensure that the meals you choose meet your specific needs and requirements. Additionally, be mindful of the cooking time and equipment needed to prepare the meal, as some options may require boiling water or additional cooking tools.

Are you tired of carrying heavy cans and jars on your outdoor trips? Are you looking for quick and easy meals that won't take up too much space in your backpack? Do you want to try delicious and healthy meals while enjoying the great outdoors? If so, freeze-dried backpacking food may be the perfect option for you! Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these convenient and tasty meal options.

10 Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Food

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and campers looking for easy-to-prepare, lightweight and delicious meal options.
2
Ideal for backpacking, camping, and outdoor activities as a quick and easy freeze-dried breakfast meal that is gluten-free.
3
Ideal for backpacking, camping, emergency situations, and as a source of 24 grams of protein. Suitable for vegetarians.
4
Ideal for backpacking, camping, and outdoor adventures. Provides high protein and calorie meals with 100% real meat.
5
The product is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and hiking as a convenient, high-protein freeze-dried meal.
6
The product is ideal for backpacking and camping, providing freeze-dried food for 30 servings.
7
Ideal for backpacking and camping with freeze-dried meals that provide 24 servings of food.
8
It is ideal for backpacking and camping due to being freeze-dried, gluten-free, and containing 22 servings.
9
The product is ideal for backpacking and camping as a freeze-dried meal with granola, milk, and blueberries that serves two.
10
This product is ideal for backpacking, camping, and emergency situations due to its high protein content and long shelf life.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and campers looking for easy-to-prepare, lightweight and delicious meal options.
Ideal for backpacking, camping, and outdoor activities as a quick and easy freeze-dried breakfast meal that is gluten-free.
Ideal for backpacking, camping, emergency situations, and as a source of 24 grams of protein. Suitable for vegetarians.
Ideal for backpacking, camping, and outdoor adventures. Provides high protein and calorie meals with 100% real meat.
The product is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and hiking as a convenient, high-protein freeze-dried meal.
The product is ideal for backpacking and camping, providing freeze-dried food for 30 servings.
Ideal for backpacking and camping with freeze-dried meals that provide 24 servings of food.
It is ideal for backpacking and camping due to being freeze-dried, gluten-free, and containing 22 servings.
The product is ideal for backpacking and camping as a freeze-dried meal with granola, milk, and blueberries that serves two.
This product is ideal for backpacking, camping, and emergency situations due to its high protein content and long shelf life.

1. Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food |2 Servings

Enjoy a delicious and soul-satisfying Southern recipe of chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumpling bites in a creamy white gravy with this freeze-dried meal that is perfect for outdoor or indoor adventures. The ingredients are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, while the pouch is designed to be shelf-stable and lightweight, making it ideal for camping, backpacking trips, and emergency food storage.

This meal is made with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors, ensuring that you get a wholesome and nutritious meal that is free from any harmful additives. The pouch contains two total servings, making it convenient for one hungry backpacker or to share with a camping buddy. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape that allows for an easier eating experience. You can eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes, saving you time and effort.

Preparing the meal is quick and easy, requiring just hot water to the pouch. You can enjoy your meal in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup required. This makes it perfect for those times when you want a hot and tasty meal but don't have the time or energy to cook. The packaging is recyclable, and you can recycle used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.

This meal has the longest proven shelf life in the industry and is backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. This makes it great for emergency food storage and survival situations. You can eat well in the backcountry or in your tent anytime, anywhere, with this delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and convenient to carry.

Pros

  • Made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients
  • No preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors
  • Quick and easy to prepare with no cleanup required
  • Lightweight and portable pouch design
  • Longest proven shelf life in the industry
  • Great for emergency food storage and survival situations

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences

2. Mount Skillet: Freeze-Dried Breakfast For 2.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with the hash browns scrambled eggs, crumbled pork patty, peppers, and onions. This meal is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, and the pouch contains two total servings. It is great for one hungry backpacker or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy. The meal is made with no artificial flavors or colors, and it is certified gluten-free by GFCO. The pouch has a shorter, wider, and more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eating straight from the pouch means no dishes to clean up.

This meal is perfect for camping and backpacking trips, and it is lightweight and portable, allowing you to enjoy a deliciously tasty meal anytime and anywhere. It is also great for emergency food storage and survival. The packaging is recyclable and can be recycled with TerraCycle to reduce waste. This meal has the longest proven shelf life in the industry, and it is backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee, making it great for emergency food storage.

Pros

  • Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness
  • Certified gluten-free by GFCO
  • Shorter, wider, and more bowl-like shape for easier eating experience
  • No dishes to clean up
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Longest proven shelf life in the industry
  • Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee
  • Recyclable packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste

3. Triple Cheese Bliss: Backpacking Mac & Cheese

Looking for an easy-to-prepare, delicious meal that you can take anywhere? Look no further than Three Cheese Mac & Cheese! Whether you’re camping, hiking, backpacking or hunting, this lightweight, freeze-dried meal is perfect for any adventure. With two serving pouches, all you have to do is add water and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in minutes.

Not only is this meal convenient and delicious, it’s also shelf-stable and has a long shelf-life, making it the perfect emergency food supply to stock up on. Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season, natural disasters, the next pandemic, or just in case, you can trust that Three Cheese Mac & Cheese will keep you nourished and satisfied.

Made with a rich, creamy blend of parmesan, romano, and cheddar cheeses with macaroni pasta, our Three Cheese Mac & Cheese is both nourishing and delicious. Freeze-dried for freshness, it’s the perfect way to stay fueled up and energized on any adventure. With 24 grams of protein, it’s also a great source of nutrition to keep you going strong.

At Three Cheese Mac & Cheese, we believe that good food starts with good ingredients. That’s why we use only the finest, sustainable ingredients to create our soul-warming comfort food. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or just looking for a tasty meal, our Three Cheese Mac & Cheese is sure to satisfy.

Pros

  • Easy to prepare and take anywhere
  • Shelf-stable with a long shelf-life
  • Delicious and nourishing
  • Packed with protein
  • Made with premium, sustainable ingredients

4. Protein Packed Backpacking Bucket

The Peak Refuel Basecamp Bucket is a perfect option for outdoor enthusiasts who are serious about taste and nutrition. It includes a variety of six different meals that are high-quality, freeze-dried, and fan-favorite. The bucket contains a total of 12 pouches, including two breakfast and four entrees, with a total of 9,340 calories.

One of the main highlights of these meals is that they contain 100% real meat without any meat fillers. The meat is sourced from trusted suppliers and inspected by the USDA to ensure superior quality. Each meal contains 490 grams of protein, making it ideal for activities that require a lot of energy.

The freeze-drying process used for these meals locks in important nutrients and preserves the natural taste and texture, which is just like a home-cooked meal. This means that you can enjoy a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal while camping deep in the backcountry or on a day hike along your favorite trail. Furthermore, the meals are made with non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that you are getting a healthy and flavorful backpacking meal.

The Basecamp Bucket comes in a convenient, easy-to-carry bucket with a flip-open lid, making it easy to store and access all your favorite go-to Peak Meals. The pack includes 2 of the following; Breakfast Skillet, Strawberry Granola, Beef Pasta Marinara, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Homestyle Chicken & Rice, and Beef Stroganoff. All the meals are produced and packaged in the USA, ensuring premium quality.

Overall, the Peak Refuel Basecamp Bucket is a great option for anyone who wants a tasty and nutritious meal while enjoying outdoor activities. With six different meals, 9,340 total calories, and 490 grams of protein, this bucket is perfect for those who want to conquer any adventure.

Pros

  • Includes six different meals with a total of 12 pouches and 9,340 calories
  • Contains 100% real meat with no meat fillers and sourced from trusted suppliers
  • Freeze-drying process locks in important nutrients and preserves the natural taste and texture of the meals
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients for a healthy and flavorful backpacking meal
  • Comes in a convenient and easy-to-carry bucket with a flip-open lid

5. Teriyaki Rice: Protein-Packed Camping Fuel

For those who believe that what they eat matters, Peak Refuel has created a flavorful, just add water backpacking meal that is perfect for any adventure, whether on the mountain or at your favorite campsite. Their meals are made with 100% real meat that is USDA inspected and contain nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals available in the market. The meat used in their meals is never mixed with TVP or any other filler. Peak Refuel only sources the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients and never uses artificial preservatives or junk.

Peak Refuel meals are made with premium freeze-dried ingredients that lock in important nutrients, allowing your meal to maintain its natural texture and flavor. These meals are lightweight, require less water to cook or rehydrate and can be ready to eat in 10 minutes or less, making them perfect for those who value their time and weight on the trail. All Peak Refuel meals are freeze-dried and packaged in the USA, ensuring that you get only the best quality meals.

If you are looking for a high-quality, protein-packed meal for your next adventure, Peak Refuel meals are an excellent choice. They have gone to great lengths to ensure that their meals are delicious, nutritious and easy to prepare, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor adventure.

Pros

  • Made with 100% real meat that is USDA inspected
  • Contain nearly double the amount of protein per serving than most outdoor meals in the market
  • Premium freeze-dried ingredients that lock in important nutrients
  • Lightweight and easy to prepare
  • Made in the USA

6. Mountain House Expedition Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 30 Servings

The Delicious Meal Assortment bucket is perfect for outdoor adventures, containing 15 pouches of freeze-dried meals that can last up to 5 days. With no artificial flavors or colors, the bucket includes (3) pouches of Breakfast Skillet, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Beef Stroganoff, (3) Chicken Fajita Bowls, (3) Chicken Fried Rice, and (2) Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. The pouches are designed for quick preparation, requiring only hot water and less than 10 minutes to eat, with no cleanup necessary. To prepare all the meals, 21 cups of water are needed. The pouches are shorter and wider, providing a bowl-like experience. The bucket is lightweight and compact, easy to carry and store, weighing 6.5 lbs and measuring 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 14.24"(H).

The bucket is a great addition to your emergency food storage as it has the longest proven shelf life in the industry and comes with a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Additionally, the used pouches can be recycled with TerraCycle, reducing waste.

Pros

  • Contains 15 pouches of freeze-dried meals that can last up to 5 days
  • No artificial flavors or colors added
  • Quick preparation, requiring only hot water and less than 10 minutes to eat, with no cleanup necessary
  • Pouches are designed to provide a bowl-like experience
  • Lightweight and compact, easy to carry and store
  • Longest proven shelf life in the industry
  • Comes with a 30-Year Taste Guarantee
  • Used pouches can be recycled with TerraCycle, reducing waste

7. Mountain House Classic Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 24 Servings

The Delicious Meal Assortment is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy delicious meals while on their adventures. This easy-to-carry bucket comes with 12 meal pouches, each loaded with unbelievable flavor, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity. The bucket contains a total of 24 servings of freeze-dried backpacker favorites. The meals included are three pouches of Beef Stew, three pouches of Beef Stroganoff, two pouches of Granola with Milk & Blueberries, two pouches of Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, and two pouches of Chicken Fried Rice.

The meals are free from artificial flavors or colors, making them a healthy option for outdoor enthusiasts. The pouches are designed for quick preparation, requiring only hot water and less than 10 minutes to prepare, with no cleanup necessary. Additionally, the pouches are wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience.

The meals are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for outdoor activities. The meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness while reducing weight. The bucket weighs 5.7 lbs. and measures 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 12.31"(H), making it easy to carry on any adventure.

The pouches are recyclable, and users can recycle used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste. In summary, the Delicious Meal Assortment is a perfect solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals while on their adventures.

Pros

  • Includes 12 meal pouches loaded with unbelievable flavor
  • Meals are free from artificial flavors or colors
  • Designed for quick preparation, requiring only hot water
  • Meals are lightweight and compact, perfect for outdoor activities
  • Meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness while reducing weight
  • Recyclable pouches

8. Gluten-Free Backpacker's Dream: 22 Servings

For those with gluten sensitivities, this meal assortment is an excellent choice. The set includes twelve pouches of freeze-dried meals, enough to last you for four days on your trip. Each pouch contains a delicious gluten-free entree, with no artificial flavors or colors. The meals are certified gluten-free by GFCO, so you can rest assured that you're not consuming any gluten.

The set includes four pouches of Beef Stew, two pouches of Breakfast Skillet, two pouches of Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, and four pouches of Rice and Chicken. Preparing the meals is quick and easy, requiring only hot water and ten minutes of your time. The pouches are wider and shorter than the traditional design, providing a bowl-like experience that's easy to eat from. To prepare all the meals included in this bucket, you'll need 17 cups of water.

The bucket is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store. It weighs only 6.15 pounds and measures 12 inches in length, 10 inches in width, and 12.31 inches in height. This makes it an excellent choice for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. You can also add it to your emergency food supply, as it has a 30-Year Taste Guarantee.

The pouches are also recyclable, so you can reduce waste by sending them to TerraCycle after use. Finally, the set has the longest proven shelf life in the industry, so you can be sure that your meals will remain fresh and delicious for years to come.

Pros

  • Certified gluten-free by GFCO
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Recyclable pouches
  • Longest proven shelf life in the industry
  • 30-Year Taste Guarantee

9. Blueberry Milk Granola: Camp & Hike Fuel

Enjoy a delicious and energizing breakfast with this crunchy granola, packed with real blueberries, fiber, and unsaturated fats. The granola is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, and no refrigeration is needed. Each pouch contains two servings, making it perfect for sharing with a camping buddy or for one hungry backpacker. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience, and you can eat straight from the pouch with no cleanup required. Just add hot water to the pouch and eat in less than 10 minutes.

This granola is made with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors, so you can enjoy a natural and healthy meal anytime, anywhere. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on camping and backpacking trips, and it's also great for emergency food storage and survival. The packaging is recyclable, and you can recycle used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste. This granola has the longest proven shelf life in the industry, and it's backed by a 30-year taste guarantee, so you can be sure it will last for a long time.

Pros

  • Made with real blueberries, fiber, and unsaturated fats to provide an energizing breakfast
  • No preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors
  • Shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience
  • Lightweight and portable, perfect for camping and backpacking trips
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Longest proven shelf life in the industry

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those with allergies to blueberries or other ingredients

10. Masala Protein Meal – Freeze & Go!

Take the delicious taste of Chana Masala with you wherever you go with our dehydrated and freeze-dried meal. Designed for backpacking, camping, hiking, and hunting, this meal requires nothing more than a few ounces of water to prepare. The meal comes in a two-serving pouch, so you can share it with a friend or enjoy it all on your own.

Stock up on our ready-to-eat meals for emergencies or natural disasters. These shelf-stable meals have a long shelf life, so you can always be prepared. Whether you're worried about the next pandemic or hurricane season, our meals will provide you with the nourishment you need to stay healthy and energized.

Enjoy the delectable taste of chickpeas blended with chilies and rice in our hearty Chana Masala. The curry dish is freeze-dried to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. This nutritious and delicious meal is perfect for adventurers of all kinds who need to stay nourished and fueled up while on the go.

Stay fueled up on your adventures with our protein-packed Chana Masala. This warming meal contains 21 grams of protein to keep you going strong. No matter where your journey takes you, our meal will provide you with the energy you need to tackle any challenge.

Experience the soul-warming comfort of our Chana Masala, made with premium ingredients. This Indian-inspired curry is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, making it a sustainable and satisfying way to feed your adventurous spirit.

Pros

  • Easy to prepare with just a few ounces of water
  • Long shelf life for emergency and disaster preparedness
  • Hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for adventurers
  • Packed with 21 grams of protein to keep you going strong
  • Made with premium, sustainable ingredients

Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Food FAQs

How do you prepare freeze dried backpacking food?

Freeze-dried backpacking food is a popular option for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts because it is lightweight, convenient, and easy to prepare. To prepare freeze-dried backpacking food, you will need a few basic supplies, including a camp stove, a pot or pan, and a heat source.

First, you will need to bring water to a boil. The amount of water you need will depend on the instructions on the package of freeze-dried food you are preparing. Once the water has come to a boil, remove it from the heat source and add the freeze-dried food to the pot or pan. Stir the food and water together, then cover the pot or pan and let the mixture sit for several minutes. The food will rehydrate as it absorbs the hot water.

Once the food has rehydrated, stir it again and check the consistency. If the food is too dry, add more hot water and stir again. If the food is too soupy, let it sit for a few more minutes to absorb the excess liquid.

Finally, you can enjoy your hot, nutritious meal. Freeze-dried backpacking food is a great option for outdoor adventures because it is lightweight, easy to prepare, and provides the energy you need to fuel your adventures.

How long does freeze dried backpacking food last?

Freeze-dried backpacking food is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts since it is lightweight, easy to store, and has a long shelf life. The shelf life of freeze-dried backpacking food varies depending on the storage conditions and the type of food. Generally, freeze-dried backpacking food can last for up to 25 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. However, once the package is opened, the food will start to degrade over time. It is recommended to consume the food within 2-3 years after opening the package. Additionally, exposure to moisture, heat, and light can reduce the shelf life of freeze-dried backpacking food. Therefore, it is crucial to store the food in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In conclusion, if stored properly, freeze-dried backpacking food can last for several years, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities and emergency preparedness.

What are the benefits of using freeze dried backpacking food?

Freeze dried backpacking food is a popular option for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a lightweight and convenient way to carry food on the trail. One of the main benefits of using freeze dried backpacking food is its long shelf life. The freeze drying process removes all moisture from the food, which prevents spoilage and extends its shelf life. This makes it a great option for long trips.

Another benefit of freeze dried backpacking food is its nutritional value. The process of freeze drying retains the majority of the nutrients found in the food, unlike other preservation methods that can result in nutrient loss. This means that you can maintain a healthy diet while on the trail.

Freeze dried backpacking food is also easy to prepare. All you need is hot water to rehydrate the food, which can be done using a portable stove or even just a campfire. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time cooking.

Overall, freeze dried backpacking food offers many benefits for outdoor enthusiasts, including a long shelf life, nutritional value, and easy preparation.

What is the nutritional value of freeze dried backpacking food?

Freeze dried backpacking food is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts due to its lightweight and long shelf life. But what about its nutritional value? Freeze dried food is created by removing moisture from the food while retaining its nutrients. This process preserves the nutritional content of the food, making it a great option for those looking for a quick and easy meal while on a hike or camping trip.

Most freeze dried backpacking meals are high in protein and carbohydrates, which are important for providing energy for physical activities. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and iron. However, it's important to note that freeze dried meals may also be high in sodium and preservatives. It's important to read the labels and choose meals that are balanced and meet your specific dietary needs.

Overall, freeze dried backpacking food can be a great option for those looking for a convenient and nutritious meal while on the go. It's important to choose meals that are balanced and meet your dietary needs, and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

What types of meals are available in freeze dried backpacking food?

Freeze-dried backpacking food is a popular choice among hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts because of its lightweight, long shelf life, and ease of preparation. Freeze-dried meals are made by removing moisture from the food through a process called sublimation, which involves converting water from a solid to a vapor without passing through the liquid phase. This process preserves the nutrients and flavor of the food, making it an ideal choice for backpackers who want to carry nutritious and tasty meals without adding extra weight to their backpacks.

There are several types of meals available in freeze-dried backpacking food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Some of the popular options include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, rice, soups, stews, chili, and meat-based dishes like beef stroganoff and chicken curry. Freeze-dried meals are also available in vegetarian and vegan options.

One of the benefits of freeze-dried backpacking food is that it comes in a variety of packaging options, including single-serving pouches and multi-serving containers, which makes it easy to pack and carry. Additionally, freeze-dried meals often come with a variety of seasoning packets, which allow hikers to customize their meals to their liking. Overall, freeze-dried backpacking food is a convenient and nutritious option for those who want to enjoy delicious meals while exploring the great outdoors.

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