Yes, yes, we know! Weight is at a premium when you must carry everything into that pristine backcountry spot! But some things are worth their weight. And I’d argue that REAL, good food tops that list. I know those freeze dried meals have “come a long way,” but not far enough, even for this non-foodie. The idea of hiking miles into the woods with a normal (not-ultralight, competitive set-up) to eat a meal for astronauts befuddles me. After all, we’re not going for a Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail or competing in a multi-day adventure race. My favorite part of backpacking is cooking and consuming those hard-earned calories!

After climbing for miles and setting up camp, a big part of me just wants to curl up in my sleeping bag and call it a day. But really, why did I hike so far if not to enjoy the whole experience? I, for one, don’t hike just to get a pretty picture (that’s just an added perk!). I love nothing more that creating a backcountry masterpiece with my camp buddies and reminiscing over the day’s adventure. There’s not much else to do in the evening, so everyone is ready to help; many hands make light work and we are rewarded with a hot meal, great conversation, and loads of appreciation.

My go-to backpacking meals include: chicken fajitas, veggie pasta, a poor man’s phad thai, and berry pancakes. I certainly take some shortcuts in preparing my dishes, but fresh veggies and real ingredients abound!

Tips + tricks to make the best of backcountry cooking:

• New to backcountry cooking? Buy a backcountry cookbook.

• Use reusable containers! Sure those ziplocks seem desirable because they don’t weigh much, but let’s do our best to reduce our impact on the natural world by  if you’re in the backcountry, chances are you like nature. Let’s do our best to eliminate single-use plastics.

• Save weight by carefully considering the amount of ingredients you will actually eat! Just because the tortillas come in packs of 10, doesn’t mean you need to bring all of them.

• Mix spices for each dish in a Stasher pocket bag

• Don’t forget your cooking oil! I like butter and ghee because they are a solid and less likely to leak on my gear. I recommend packets designed for baby food to store my oils and sauces.

• Drain any beans, tuna, tofu, and other ingredients containing excess water

• Just add water pancake mix like Birch Benders is the BEST. Be sure to measure enough for your party!  Adding berries or other fruit is an added bonus.

• Popcorn is my FAVORITE backcountry treat! Bring a cup of kernels, toss it in some butter and enjoy! It’s also like backcountry tv for those areas with fire bans.

• Rice noodles are incredibly light and quick to cook. My favorite dish is a poor man’s Pad Thai!

• Pre-cut veggies to eliminate excess weight and waste.

• Pre-cook and cut your meat to eliminate excess waste and reduce chances of foodborne illnesses.

• Use plain ole ice to keep your items cold and limit weight for the hike out

• If you want to keep weight as low as that of the freeze dried packets, make your own! Place instant rice rice or rice noodles, veggies, and any other ingredients in a Stasher stand-up bag and just add boiling water at the campsite, add a premixed peanut sauce once all ingredients are cooked.

• Platypus bottles work great for pasta sauce…or any other sauce!

• Good coffee is always a welcome treat on those cold mornings. A lightweight Aeropress makes delicious coffee, perfect for sipping out of a custom Root Adventures Miir mug.

My go to cookware:

• Quick 2 System by MSR is perfect for 2 people: 2 pots, 2 plates, 2 coffee mugs!

• Whisperlite International stove by MSR is refillable and takes multiple types of fuel

• And don’t forget your flatware…anything reusable will do!

• Last but certainly not least, our very own Rooted Mountain Miir Camp Cup. Get yours in our shop!

What did I miss?! What are your favorite backcountry recipes, tips, and tricks?