7 Day Meal Plan for Backpacking: Ideas and Tips for Delicious and Nutritious Food
Backpacking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, connect with nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a newbie, one of the most important aspects of any backpacking trip is food. A well-planned meal plan can make all the difference in your backpacking experience. In this article, we will discuss some ideas and tips for a 7 day meal plan for backpacking that is both delicious and nutritious.
Introduction
The importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated when it comes to backpacking. Backpacking is physically demanding and requires a lot of energy. Without proper nutrition, your body will not have the necessary fuel to get you through the trip. A good meal plan for backpacking consists of high energy and low-volume foods that are easy to carry, prepare, and eat.
Day 1: Breakfast
On the first day of your trip, start the day off with a hearty breakfast. A good breakfast will provide you with the energy you need to tackle the day’s hike. Oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, and powdered milk are a good starting point. Mix oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, and powdered milk in an airtight container and add hot water. Cover the container and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir and enjoy.
Day 1: Lunch
For lunch on the first day, try something light and easy to carry, like a sandwich or wrap. Peanut butter and jelly, hummus, and cheese and crackers are all good options. They are lightweight and will provide you with a quick and easy meal.
Day 1: Dinner
On the first night, why not enjoy a hot meal? Freeze-dried meals are easy to carry and prepare and can be surprisingly tasty. Just add hot water to the packet, let it sit for a few minutes, and enjoy.
Day 2: Breakfast
For breakfast on day two, mix things up with instant pancakes. Pancake mix can be found in most grocery stores and requires only water to make. Add in some nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Day 2: Lunch
For lunch, try something savory. Tuna or chicken salad with crackers or pita is a good choice. It is lightweight and easy to prepare.
Day 2: Dinner
For dinner, try a dehydrated pasta dish. Pre-cook pasta at home and then dehydrate it. When you are on the trail, simply add hot water and rehydrate. Add in some dehydrated vegetables and freeze-dried meat for a complete meal.
Day 3: Breakfast
On day three, enjoy some scrambled eggs. Powdered eggs can be found in most outdoor supply stores and only require water to make. Add in some cheese, bacon bits, or sausage for extra flavor.
Day 3: Lunch
For lunch, try a classic PB&J with a side of fruit. Apples, bananas, and oranges travel well and can provide you with the energy you need to power through the day.
Day 3: Dinner
For dinner, enjoy some dehydrated chili. Pre-cook chili at home and then dehydrate it. When you are on the trail, simply add hot water and rehydrate. Add in some cheese, chips, or crackers for extra flavor.
Day 4-7: Repeat Days 1-3
For the rest of your trip, repeat days 1-3. Mix and match the meals to keep things interesting. Remember to pack high-energy, lightweight foods that are easy to carry, prepare, and eat.
Conclusion
A well-planned meal plan can make all the difference in your backpacking experience. When planning your next backpacking trip, be sure to take into account the nutritional value of the food you will be eating. With a little foresight, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals on the trail. Happy backpacking!
