You could absolutely survive in the backcountry on a block of ramen noodles and a warm, sweaty cheese stick you found in the bottom of your pack. That would probably give you enough calories to get through the next day鈥檚 hike. But backpacking isn鈥檛 about survival, and to fully enjoy yourself on the trail you should look forward to dinner. Thankfully, backpacking food has come a long way in the last few years, with companies using organically grown and sustainably sourced ingredients to create recipes that hinge on actual whole foods. Leave the ramen at home and check out these backcountry culinary delights instead.
Good To-Go Thai Curry ($13)
We鈥檝e never had a bad meal from Good To-Go, but 听is transcendent. Jasmine rice lays down the foundation for the broccoli, cauliflower, and peas in a rich and salty coconut curry sauce. Add a can of chicken and you鈥檇 swear you鈥檙e at your favorite Thai joint.
Patagonia Provisions Black Bean Soup ($7) and Smoked Salmon ($14)
Patagonia has developed a variety of healthy, sustainably sourced meals and snacks that work at home or at the campsite. I鈥檓 partial to its organic , which is rich and full of corn and packed with protein (16 grams per serving). Its wild-caught is a meal on its own (just add crackers) but I like to flake one of the filets over the soup. Bring your own hot sauce and an avocado if you want to get really fancy.
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Heather鈥檚 Choice Smoked Salmon Chowder ($15)
Alaska-based Heather鈥檚 Choice uses six ounces of wild Alaskan salmon in each , along with potatoes, carrots, and celery. It takes a while to 鈥渃ook鈥 this soup (20 minutes) but your patience will be rewarded鈥攖he salmon, coconut milk, and听touch of cayenne mix for a real treat.
Wild Zora Paleo Meals To Go Bedrock Beef Chili ($12)
Maybe it鈥檚 all those westerns we watched as kids, but we think chili is a backcountry staple, and 听is loaded with savory chunks of beef and sweet potato. Just pour 1.5 cups of hot water in the pouch and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Packit Gourmet Big鈥橴n Burrito with Fajita Chicken ($9)
听makes an insane variety of foods, from cold-water-prep lunches to sharable appetizers (trailside queso, anyone?). It has听some inventive dinner options, but we like the听Big鈥橴n Burrito with Fajita Chicken because it鈥檚 laden with chicken, black beans, and rice and cooks in the bag. Bring your own tortillas and you鈥檝e got a burrito to go. There鈥檚 even a sachet of Cholula hot sauce in the package.