Best Freeze Dried Meals for Backpacking

I’ve been backpacking since 2015 and let me tell you—I’ve eaten my way through a lot of freeze-dried meals on the trail. Some were surprisingly delicious, others… not so much. In this article, I’m sharing my top picks for the best freeze-dried meals for backpacking, including the standout flavors I always come back to, the ones that caught me off guard (in a good way), and the ones I’ll never waste money on again.

Sure, you could get a dehydrator and start making your own meals—if you’ve got the time, patience, and desire to play trail chef. But personally, the time-effort-money trade-off isn’t worth it for me. Luckily, there are plenty of solid ready-made options that taste great, pack light, and fuel big miles.

Yes, taste is subjective. What hits the spot for me might not for you. But after hundreds of trail miles, countless nights under the stars, and dozens of meals, I’ve found the go-to favorites that I actually look forward to eating.

Best Freeze Dried Meals for Backpacking (That I Actually Like)

Peak ReFuel Meals

I love that Peak Refuel meals are typically high in protein. I know most hikers crave carbs and calories when they’re crushing big miles, but honestly, my metabolism moves at grandma pace—even on the trail. So I tend to gravitate toward meals that are higher in protein and lower in carbs, which fits better with my everyday lifestyle, both in the mountains and at home. I also find that Peak meals usually rehydrate a bit faster than other brands, which is a bonus when you’re cold, tired, and hangry.

• Beef Pasta Marinara—basic but tastes like a good home-cooked meal and 100% the best pasta for backpacking you have to try
  (49 g of protein/ 1040 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Sweet Pork & Rice—I didn’t like this the first time I tried it, but I think I added too much water. After my friend told me it was her favorite meal, I gave it another try and omg it’s amazing and unique in flavors.
  (40 g of protein/ 800 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli—I’m not a cheesy person but this one was surprisingly good
• Elk Ragu—unfortunately, this one was a limited edition meal and no longer available 🙁

Backpackers Pantry Meals

• Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken—it is weird that I never liked Alfredo pasta in the city until I tried these? Ya… the backpacking meal made me learn to like Alfredo sauce in everyday life—that’s how good it was.
  (40 g of protein/ 590 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Pad Thai with Chicken—BP nailed the flavors of this mea (non-chicken version just doesn’t hit the same)
  (41 g of protein/ 820 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Risotto with Chicken—first and last meal above 18k ft, this one tastes like comfort food. Simple but yummy.
  (31 g of protein/ 580 cal per 2 servings pouch)

Trailtopia Meals

This small, mom-and-pop brand might be the least familiar name on this list, but Trailtopia has quietly become one of my absolute favorites. I haven’t had a bad meal yet—and I’ve tried a lot. What I really appreciate is how balanced their meals feel. Unlike options that are 80% carbs with a sprinkle of meats and veggies, most Trailtopia meals I’ve tried hit a nice 50/50 ratio between carbs and everything else. It makes a big difference after a long day on the trail when I’m craving something satisfying but not heavy.

• Garden Vegetable Pasta—I like meat in every meal, I’ll admit I’m a bit carnivorous and a vegetarian meal just doesn’t hit the same, but this one surprised me and is actually one of my favorite meals from Trailtopia
  (34 g of protein/ 760 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Ginger Chicken Stir Fry—I’m not typically a fan of ginger but this had good Asian flavors
  (44 g of protein/ 640 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Pesto Chicken Pasta
  (42 g of protein/ 740 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
  (38 g of protein/ 620 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Ramen: I love Asian ramens (specifically Korean Shin ramen and Chinese Onion) but Trailtopia’s is really good for a small snack/ lunch, it’s convenient as you just add water into the pouch without having to put it into another bowl, and they actually have protein
  • Chicken with Broccoli (11 g of protein/ 190 cal per 1 serving pouch)
  • Beef with Mushrooms & Vegetables (11 g of protein/ 200 cal per 1 serving pouch)

Mountain House Meals

Mountain House is kind of the OG of freeze-dried meals. Their stuff is bold, salty, and comforting… but let’s be real—most of the meals kind of taste the same. Think: chicken and rice, or pasta in some variation. I used to eat these almost exclusively before discovering other brands with more variety, flavor-profiles, and better ingredients-balance. That said, Mountain House meals still hit the spot once in a while, especially when I’m in the mood for something super flavorful.

• Chicken and Rice (really reminds me of comfort food, like porridge if you add a bit more water)
• Chicken Fried Rice (I remember this one had a better ratio of carbs-protein for MH meals and is one of my favorites)
• Chicken Teriyaki with Rice—I do highly prefer MH over Peak Refuel for this one but Trailtopia is hard to beat
• Chicken & Dumplings—surprisingly good
• Chicken Fajita Bowl—Pro Tip: pack a tortilla and and avocado (worth the weight) and make a burrito with this meal!
  (34 g of protein/ 560 cal per 2 servings pouch)

Other Instant noodles I love for backpacking meals

• Snapdragon Pho—really small portions, like snack size, but they nailed the flavor for instant pho. Highly recommend repackaging in a reusable, food storage bag or a lightweight cup will fit this small portion too
• Korean Shin Ramen (it’s a little pricier but get the black package one that has bone broth for a little added nutrition in the backcountry)
• Unif Chinese Onion flavor—bland for many but one of my personal simple favorite ramen

Backpacking Meals I Won’t Buy Again

• Pho by Backpackers Pantry—I think they discontinued this, but
• Pasta & Spring Vegetable with Butter Sauce by Backpackers Pantry—if you know me, you know I can eat bland… but this is too bland for a mountain meal
• Wild Zora—I eat pretty healthy and home but this was a little too healthy for my backcountry taste
• Mountain House’s Beef Stroganoff—get Peak ReFuel’s instead
• Jambalaya by Trailtopia—it was just a let down

Best Breakfast Backpacking Meals

• Breakfast Skillet by Peak ReFuel—this is the only breakfast meal with eggs I like. There’s something about Mountain House and Trailtopia’s I wasn’t the biggest fan of, but I’d take a couple of bites if I needed the energy, and Backpackers Pantry has 2 breakfast skillets but both have cheese and I personally hate cheese with eggs.
  (31 g of protein/ 540 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Granola— Peak ReFuel’s Mountain Berry Granola and Peak ReFuel’s Strawberry Granola are my favorite. I also like to add freeze dried strawberries to these for extra protein.
  Berry (13 g of protein/ 570 cal per 2 servings pouch)
  Strawberry (23 g of protein/ 530 cal per 2 servings pouch)
• Biscuits & Gravy
  (36 g of protein/ 1040 cal per 2 servings pouch)

Final Thoughts on Freeze-Dried Backpacking Meals

Unpopular opinion but I actually like eating freeze-dried backpacking meals.

But let’s be honest—freeze-dried meals aren’t exactly gourmet; when you’re exhausted and sitting in the dirt watching alpenglow though? A good one hits. These are the meals I keep reaching for, the flavors I don’t trade away at camp, and the ones I’m always down to pack night after night after night.

If you’re planning your next trip and want more trail-tested ideas, check out some of these blog posts:

• Beginner’s Backpacking Guide – Getting started with your first overnight trip? Learn from my mistakes—these tips will help you prepare for an epic night out in the backcountry.
• How to Pack Lighter to Move Faster – Backpacking tips for beginners to transition to ultralight hiking and camping.
• Best Hikes in the Eastern Sierra Mountains – So you’ve got your meals—here’s where to go use ‘em.

Have a favorite trail meal I need to try? Drop it in the comments or hit me up on Instagram @followtiffsjourney—I’m always down to test something new!

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