Camping is a popular outdoor activity that allows people to explore nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the essential aspects of camping is having delicious and satisfying meals. However, cooking in the wilderness can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the right equipment or ingredients. That’s where the best camping meals come in.
The best camping meals are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients and equipment, and are delicious and nutritious. They can be enjoyed by families, couples, or solo campers and can be cooked over a campfire, a portable stove, or a grill. When choosing the best camping meals, it’s essential to consider factors like shelf life, weight, and ease of preparation.
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Shelf life is a crucial factor when it comes to camping meals. You want to choose meals that can last for a long time without refrigeration, so you don’t have to worry about spoilage. Weight is also important, especially if you’re backpacking or hiking to your campsite. You don’t want to carry heavy meals that will weigh you down. Finally, ease of preparation is critical because you don’t want to spend hours cooking when you could be exploring the great outdoors.
We spent hours researching and testing various camping meals to identify the ones that are easy to prepare, delicious, and have a long shelf life. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best camping meals that will make your next camping trip a success.
Best Camping Meals
As avid campers ourselves, we know how important it is to have delicious and satisfying meals while out in the wilderness. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best camping meals that will keep you fueled and energized for all your outdoor adventures. From hearty stews to easy-to-make pasta dishes, these meals are sure to become your new go-to options for your next camping trip. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best camping meals.
Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy
We highly recommend Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy for anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-prepare breakfast meal while camping or backpacking.
Pros
- The biscuits and sausage gravy are flavorful and filling.
- The meal is quick and easy to prepare, with no cleanup required.
- The pouch is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Cons
- The meal can be a bit salty for some people’s taste.
- The biscuits can be a bit tough if not fully rehydrated.
- The price is a bit high compared to other camping meals.
We recently tried Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy on a camping trip and were impressed with how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it tasted. The biscuits and sausage gravy had a great flavor and texture, and the meal was filling enough to keep us going until lunchtime.
One of the best things about this meal is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Just add hot water to the pouch and wait 10 minutes, and you have a hot, hearty breakfast ready to eat. Plus, since the meal is eaten straight from the pouch, there’s no need to dirty any dishes or utensils.
The pouch is also lightweight and portable, making it a great option for backpacking or emergency food storage. And since it has a 30-year shelf life, you can stock up on it and never have to worry about it going bad.
Overall, we highly recommend Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy for anyone looking for a tasty and convenient breakfast meal while camping or backpacking.
Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetarian breakfast meal, we highly recommend the Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble.
Pros
- The blend of eggs, potatoes, peppers, and onions with the signature Mountain House Veggie Chorizo is expertly crafted for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast.
- The pouch contains 2 servings and is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, with no artificial flavors or colors.
- Quick and easy preparation – just add hot water to the pouch and eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup required.
Cons
- Some may find the level of heat to be too spicy for their liking.
- The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape, which may not be as convenient for packing and carrying as other camping meals.
- While the shelf life is impressive, it may not be as long-lasting as some other Mountain House products.
We recently tried the Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble on a camping trip and were impressed by the delicious flavor and easy preparation. The blend of eggs, potatoes, peppers, and onions with the signature Mountain House Veggie Chorizo is expertly crafted for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast. We also appreciated that the pouch contains 2 servings and is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, with no artificial flavors or colors.
The quick and easy preparation of this meal was also a huge plus – just add hot water to the pouch and eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup required. However, some may find the level of heat to be too spicy for their liking. Additionally, while the shelf life is impressive, it may not be as long-lasting as some other Mountain House products.
Overall, the Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble is a great option for those looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetarian breakfast meal while camping or backpacking.
Mountain House Beef Stew
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal to take on your next camping or backpacking trip, Mountain House Beef Stew is a great option.
Pros
- The all-natural beef, potatoes, peas, and carrots are tender and flavorful.
- The meal is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, making it lightweight and perfect for on-the-go.
- The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience, and you can even eat straight from the pouch to skip the dishes.
Cons
- The pouch only contains two servings, so it may not be enough for a hungry backpacker or to share with a camping buddy.
- Some reviewers have noted that the portion size is smaller than expected.
- While the taste is good, some may find the meal to be a bit bland and in need of additional seasoning.
In our experience, Mountain House Beef Stew is a satisfying and convenient meal option for camping and backpacking trips. The all-natural ingredients and gluten-free certification are a plus, and the freeze-drying process helps to retain the flavor and nutrients. While the portion size may not be enough for everyone, the pouch shape and easy cleanup make it a great option for solo travelers. Overall, we recommend giving Mountain House Beef Stew a try on your next outdoor adventure.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best camping meals, there are several factors to consider. We understand that it can be overwhelming to choose from the wide variety of options available in the market. Therefore, we have put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Value
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing camping meals is their nutritional value. You want to make sure that the meals you choose provide you with the necessary nutrients to sustain your energy levels during your camping trip. Look for meals that are high in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You should also consider the number of calories per serving, as this will depend on your activity level and the duration of your camping trip.
Cooking Method
Another factor to consider is the cooking method required for the camping meals. Some meals may require a stove or a campfire, while others can be eaten cold. You should choose meals that are easy to prepare and require minimal cooking time. Additionally, consider the type of cooking equipment you have and choose meals that are compatible with it.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of camping meals is also an important factor to consider. You want to choose meals that have a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period without going bad. Look for meals that are packaged in airtight containers and have a long expiration date.
Packaging
The packaging of camping meals is also an important consideration. Look for meals that are packaged in lightweight, compact containers that are easy to carry. Additionally, consider the packaging material and choose meals that are packaged in eco-friendly materials.
In conclusion, when choosing the best camping meals, you should consider their nutritional value, cooking method, shelf life, and packaging. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you choose meals that are easy to prepare, provide you with the necessary nutrients, and have a long shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy camping meal ideas?
When it comes to camping, easy-to-make meals are always the best option. Some of the easy camping meal ideas include hot dogs, sandwiches, canned soup, oatmeal, and instant noodles. These meals require minimal preparation and cooking time, making them perfect for a quick and easy meal at the campsite.
What are some non-perishable foods for camping?
Non-perishable foods are essential for camping trips, as they can be stored for a long time without refrigeration. Some of the non-perishable foods that we recommend for camping include canned fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, and beef jerky. These foods are not only easy to pack, but they also provide essential nutrients for your body.
What are some healthy camping meal options?
Healthy camping meals are a great way to fuel your body during your camping trip. Some of the healthy camping meal options include grilled chicken, vegetable skewers, quinoa salad, and fruit salad. These meals are not only delicious but also provide your body with essential vitamins and nutrients.
What are some vegetarian camping meal ideas?
Vegetarian camping meals are a great option for those who prefer a plant-based diet. Some of the vegetarian camping meal ideas include grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, lentil soup, and hummus with pita bread. These meals are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients for your body.
What are some one-pot camping meals?
One-pot camping meals are a great way to save time and effort when it comes to cooking at the campsite. Some of the one-pot camping meals include chili, spaghetti, stir-fry, and jambalaya. These meals require minimal preparation and cooking time, making them perfect for a quick and easy meal at the campsite.
What are some camping meal ideas for picky eaters?
Camping meal ideas for picky eaters can be challenging, but there are still some great options available. Some of the camping meal ideas for picky eaters include mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and quesadillas. These meals are not only easy to make but also delicious, making them perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
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