3 Easy & Delicious Trail Meals to Elevate Your Adventure
There’s something special about cooking outdoors. Like you’re connecting with something primal, right!
After a full day on the trail, even the simplest meal can feel like a true reward. To be successful, Keep it light, packable, and full of flavour.
Here are three of my favourite go to backpacking meals that are easy to prepare, satisfying, and fun to make.
Beans and rice backcountry
1. Black Beans, Rice, Fritos & Cheese
(Inspired by Andy Skurka)
This one is a classic for a reason, warm, hearty, and incredibly filling. This version is inspired by Andy Skurka’s famous trail meal, which you can find on his website.
What you’ll need:
• Instant rice
• Dehydrated or instant black beans
• Shredded cheese (or hard cheese cut into chunks)
• Bag of Fritos chips
• Taco seasoning or spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic)
• Olive oil (optional for extra calories)
How to make it:
1. Add rice and beans to your pot with water.
2. Simmer until soft and fully cooked.
3. Stir in spices and a drizzle of olive oil, I mix ahead of time.
4. Top with cheese, let it melt, add handful of Fritos (for a bit o crunch).
Trail Wisdom:
It’s lightweight, protein-packed, and endlessly customizable. A true backcountry staple. Thanks Andy!
Approx. 600-700cal
We added mushrooms to this pita
2. Trailside Pita Pizzas
Who says you can’t have pizza while hiking?
What you’ll need:
• Pita bread (cut them in half)
• Tomato sauce (small squeeze container or packet)
• Shredded cheese
• Pepperoni or your favourite toppings (olives, peppers, mushrooms)
How to make it:
1. Spread sauce in the pita.
2. Stuff in cheese and toppings.
3. Place on a pan over low heat. If you have a fire, wrap the pita in foil and place in the coals.
4. Heat until the cheese melts and the pita crisps slightly.
Trail Wisdom:
It’s fun, interactive, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for groups. If you have room in your pack bring the Ranch/ Hot sauce for extra dipping!
Approx. 450-600cal
Ready to go into the backpack
3. Peanut Sriracha Trail Ramen
A simple upgrade to instant ramen that feels gourmet after a long hike.
What you’ll need:
• Instant ramen noodles
• Pre-mixed sauce (peanut butter + soy sauce + Sriracha)
• Optional add-ins: don't limit your imagination
• Edamame
• Corn
• Snow peas
• Canned crab or fish
• Fresh lime
How to prep ahead:
Mix your sauce at home. Pack it all in a reusable, boil-safe ‘Stasher’ bags. They come in various sizes, they double as storage, plus you can use it to carry waste out when you’re done.
How to make it:
1. Cook noodles in boiling water
2. Drain the majority of water out
3. Stir in your pre-made peanut butter + soy sauce + Sriracha sauce
4. Add your extras (veg/meats) and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime
Trail Wisdom:
It’s quick, flavourful, and feels like a fresh meal with very little effort. You get some veggies in there and the fresh lime kicks it up a notch!
Approx. 500-700cal
⸻
Trail meals don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn simple ingredients into something that fuels both body and spirit.
Cooking outside invites you to slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment with others.
Good food just tastes better Among the Trees.
