How to Prepare Meals for a Backpacking Trip

When going on a backpacking trip, it's important to bring food that is easy to prepare and substantial enough to keep you energized. Here's how to prepare that grub.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Figure on 2 pounds of food per day per person. This should include all 3 meals of the day but does not include water.
2. Pack non-perishable food items, such as trail mix, vacuum-packed meat, peanut butter and specialty backpacking meals. The prepackaged specialty backpacking meals only require hot water to eat. These meals can be prepared with little prep-time and no clean-up.
3. Bring a windscreen. By protecting your cook stove from the wind, your cooking times decrease and food is heated more efficiently. You won't have to fight lighting your stove either.
4. Cook twice per day. Plan on lunch being something simple that doesn't require much preparation. Breakfast and dinner can be cooked with the stove.
5. Bring proper utensils and tool, or you may not be able to fix certain dishes. For instance, without a pot, you can't cook oatmeal. Also bring forks, knives, spoon, cups and a coffee pot if you want brewed coffee.

Tips & Warnings

• If you bring perishable food, eat these items the first day out.