Long hiking trips can be arduous, difficult, and physically exhausting. And when you are trekking along in the great outdoors for a long period of time, the last thing you want to think of, or do, is figuring out what you are going to eat. That is why, below, we are going to review the best no-cook hiking food ideas for long hiking trips.
Perhaps one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of a long or multi-day hike is figuring out just exactly what to eat while on the hike. However, thankfully, a number of new products have emerged which will make cooking and eating a cinch.
In fact, many of these products require no cooking at all and simply require boiling water to enjoy. These no-cook hiking foods will not only make your hike more enjoyable and easier, but they will also provide you with sufficient nutrition and a blend of tasty options.
Disclaimer
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Granola Bars and Trail Mix
Perhaps the most obvious food items, granola bars and trail mix are one of the most basic and popular items to bring along to a hike. With their ease of carry, granola bars and trail mix provide hikers with much needed energy and protein to continue along their hike. Just be sure to pack plenty of water to avoid being parched!
Energy Bars
Energy bars are another great food item to pack for long hiking trips. These bars are not only easy to carry and lightweight but will provide you with sorely needed caffeine to give you that extra boost.
We personally carry, and thoroughly enjoy, the Clif Bars with 1 Shot of Espresso. With a variety of flavors, including vanilla almond latte, dark chocolate mocha, and caramel macchiato, these bars are tasty and packed with 65mg of caffeine, made from real coffee. Equivalent to one shot of espresso, these energy bars are a convenient and delicious way to get in some quick caffeine.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit not only contains a ton of fiber but is also a great source of antioxidants. The antioxidants in dried fruit, especially polyphenols, are associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, better digestive health, and decreased oxidative damage.
Personally, we always carry a couple of bags of Traina Home Grown Baker’s Fruit Medley. While there are a plethora of options to choose from within the dried fruit aisle. We simply enjoy the assortment of dried fruit within the Traina bag, including raisins, apricots, peaches, nectarines, pears, and sweetened cranberries.
Packed in a 2-pound, resealable bag, you’ll be able to enjoy these dried fruits over-and-over again on your long hike and will have plenty to share with your hiking buddies.
Beef or Fish Jerky
Another staple of a hiking trip, beef or fish jerky is a great source of protein and is high in many essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folate. And with an extremely long shelf life, beef or fish jerky is a great option for long hiking trips that come pre-packaged and require no additional cooking.
We were recently recommended the Country Archer, Mango Habanero Beef Jerky and absolutely love the flavor profiles found in the beef. Made of grass-fed beef and organic, all-natural ingredients, this beef jerky packs a light punch and is extremely flavorful.
Hiking Smoothies
If you’re looking to get your nutrition and calories in an easy and convenient manner, then we’d definitely recommend you consider going with hiking smoothies. Hiking smoothies are smoothies which can be brought along with you on a hiking trail and do not require refrigeration. Packed with superfoods in each pouch, these smoothies will keep you filled and provide you with essential nutrition and vitamins.
Our recommendation? None other than NOKA Smoothies. With 5-grams of plant protein and no added sugar in each, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the hike ahead of you. For anyone who hasn’t tried NOKA Smoothies, we recommend the variety pack to begin with, which comes in strawberry pineapple, blueberry beet, mango coconut, blackberry vanilla, cherry acai, and sweet potato goji flavors.
Soylent
Soylent is a newer entrant to the food eating world and has taken it by storm. In fact, The New Yorker has written an entire expose into Soylent and its founding. Originally started as a means to achieve the daily recommended number of calories and nutrition through a smoothie, Soylent has gained a cult following as an easy, simple way to eat without the fuss and mess associated.
We have tried Soylent multiple times, and while we would never adopt a fully Soylent based diet, it can be a great alternative while hiking. And with many different flavor profiles, Soylent may be one of your best options on a long hiking trip.
Stove Top Dinners
If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, particularly on a long hiking trip, then we’d highly recommend food items which are pre-packaged and simply need to be warmed over a fire. There are a healthy list of options to choose from and a wide range of choices when it comes to stove or fire top dinners.
Ramen and Instant Noodles
Ramen and instant noodles definitely bring us back to our college days, but they are also a great option for no-cook hiking foods. With the traditional Nissin Ramen Cups, simply add boiling water to the cup, stir, and eat. There really is no simpler food item and ramen is a great choice for long hikes, especially when you are looking for quick, no additional cooking needed items.
Just Add Water Meals
If you’re looking to take your meal game to the next level, then we’d highly recommend bringing along dehydrated, ready-to-go foods. Or, as we like to call them, just add water meals. These meals are dehydrated, meaning they have exceptional shelf life and don’t need to be refrigerated. Simply throw these pouches into your backpack and add hot water when you’re ready to enjoy.
We personally love the Peak Refuel brand of dehydrated meals and love their chicken alfredo pasta. Made with 100% real meat, a healthy serving of protein, and with less sodium and cholesterol than other brands, Peak Refuel is reshaping the ways we eat while out in the great outdoors.