Backpacking Food and Field Rations

The best backpacking food is lightweight, has a long shelf life, and gives you energy for even the toughest hikes. There are plenty of good hiking food options, so pick the food based on your preferences. Vegan backpacking food, gluten-free backpacking food, military food rations? The choice is yours.

What to eat outdoors?

The main hiking food division is between the ready-to-eat meals and freeze-dried backpacking food. Also available are canned food, jerky, and the Finnish Defence Force conscripts' all-time favorite: crisp rye bread. If you need backpacking food ideas, there are loads of articles and videos online. You can also ask us for advice for best hiking food ideas.

If there's no real chance to restock food during the trip, the freeze-dried outdoor meals are good. Naturally hauling a week's worth of water by foot isn't feasible, so be prepared to purify it from natural sources. Boiling works, filters are faster. A gas stove is a handy companion, but if you have the option to make a campfire, do take it!

Also check out our snacks.