Trail Food: What to Pack & What to Cook

One of the biggest questions new hikers have is: What food should I take? The good news is, you don’t need to survive on granola bars. Trail food can be simple, filling, and sometimes even feel a little gourmet—if you plan it right.

The Basics: Lightweight & Easy

For most meals, you want food that’s:

- Lightweight (so your pack doesn’t feel like a lead brick).

- Non-perishable (leave the milk and eggs at home).

- Quick to prepare (boil water, stir, and eat).

Some reliable go-tos: instant oatmeal, ramen, tortillas with peanut butter, trail mix, jerky, or tuna packets. They’re easy, dependable, and don’t take much space.

Snacks Are Essential

You’ll burn more calories than you realize. Having a mix of salty and sweet snacks makes a big difference—nuts, dried fruit, jerky, chocolate. A good snack stash can turn a tired hike into a second wind.

The First Night Feast

A good trick is to bring a heavier meal for your first night. Since you’re just starting out, it’s easier to carry a little extra weight. One time, we packed in fresh vegetables, seasonings, and even a rabbit. That evening, sitting by the fire, we cooked rabbit with veggies and ate like kings. It was hearty, warm, and one of those meals you never forget.

After that, though, keep things lighter. Dehydrated meals, simple pastas, or pre-packed grains are easy to carry and quick to make.

One of the biggest questions new hikers have is: What do I eat out there? The good news is, you don’t need to survive on granola bars alone. Trail food can be simple, filling, and sometimes even feel a little gourmet—if you plan it right.

The Basics: Lightweight & Easy

For most meals, you want food that’s:

• Lightweight (so your pack doesn’t feel like a lead brick).

• Non-perishable (leave the milk and eggs at home).

• Quick to prepare (boil water, stir, and eat).

Some reliable go-to's: instant oatmeal, ramen, tortillas with peanut butter, trail mix, jerky, or tuna packets. They’re easy, dependable, and don’t take much space.

Snacks Are Essential

You’ll burn more calories than you realize. Having a mix of salty and sweet snacks makes a big difference—nuts, dried fruit, jerky, chocolate. A good snack stash can turn a tired hike into a second wind.

The First Night Feast

Here’s a trick: bring a heavier meal for your first night. Since you’re just starting out, it’s easier to carry a little extra weight. One time, we packed in fresh vegetables, seasonings, and even a rabbit. That evening, sitting by the fire, we cooked rabbit with veggies and ate like kings. It was hearty, warm, and one of those meals you never forget.

After that, though, keep things lighter. Dehydrated meals, simple pastas, or pre-packed grains are easy to carry and quick to make.

Keep It Simple

The balance is this: start your trip with one good “luxury meal,” then switch to lightweight, easy options for the rest of the weekend. Out there, food doesn’t have to be complicated, it just needs to fuel you and taste good enough to make the miles feel worth it.