Dehydrated Recipes for Backpacking: Easy Meals to Try

Backpacking adventures are all about embracing the outdoors without sacrificing good nutrition and flavor. One of the best ways to ensure you have tasty, lightweight meals on the trail is by using dehydrated recipes.

Dehydrating food removes moisture, making it compact and long-lasting, which is perfect for backpackers who want to minimize weight and bulk. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a multi-day trek, dehydrated meals offer convenience, energy, and deliciousness in every bite.

Plus, preparing your own dehydrated recipes means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sodium often found in commercial options.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some easy and nutritious dehydrated recipes tailored for backpacking. You’ll learn why these meals are so great, which ingredients and equipment you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions to prepare your own trail-worthy dishes.

By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with meals that fuel your adventure and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dehydrated backpacking meals are a game changer for outdoor enthusiasts. They’re lightweight, space-saving, and easy to prepare with just hot water.

These recipes are designed to be nutrient-dense, offering the energy your body needs for hiking, climbing, or any physical challenge. Additionally, dehydrated meals reduce food waste and allow for creative, customizable flavors.

You can pack a variety of recipes to avoid monotony on the trail, making your outdoor dining experience enjoyable every day.

By making your own dehydrated meals, you also ensure freshness and quality ingredients without relying on processed store-bought options. This means better taste, better health, and a more sustainable backpacking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (red or green, for protein)
• 1/2 cup dehydrated mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
• 1/4 cup instant mashed potato flakes (for texture and carbs)
• 2 tablespoons powdered vegetable broth (for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup dehydrated textured vegetable protein (TVP) for extra protein
• Optional: dried herbs like parsley or thyme for added aroma

Equipment

• Food dehydrator (essential for drying ingredients properly)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large baking sheets (if dehydrator trays are unavailable)
• Blender or food processor (optional for pulverizing dried veggies)
• Airtight storage bags or vacuum seal bags for packing
• Heat-resistant lightweight cooking pot or bowl for rehydrating meals
• Lightweight spoon or spork

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, peas, and corn into small, uniform pieces for even drying. Spread them evenly on dehydrator trays.
2. Dehydrate the vegetables: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry the vegetables for 8-12 hours, or until completely crisp and brittle. If you don’t have a dehydrator, use your oven on its lowest setting with the door slightly ajar.
3. Dehydrate lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly. Cook just until tender but not mushy. Spread them on trays and dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours until fully dried. This step ensures they rehydrate quickly on the trail.
4. Dry textured vegetable protein (optional): If using TVP, dehydrate it for 2-3 hours to remove any residual moisture.
5. Blend and mix: Once all ingredients are dry, pulse the vegetables in a blender or food processor into small flakes or powder for easier packing and faster rehydration.
6. Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the dehydrated lentils, vegetable flakes, instant mashed potato flakes, vegetable broth powder, and spices. Stir well to distribute flavors evenly.
7. Pack your meals: Portion the mixture into airtight bags or vacuum seal them for maximum shelf life. Label each bag with the meal name and date.
8. To cook on the trail: Add boiling water to your dehydrated mix in a pot or bowl, cover, and let sit for 10-15 minutes until fully rehydrated. Stir well and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“Make sure all your ingredients are 100% dry before packing to avoid spoilage.”

For variety, swap the lentils with dehydrated chickpeas or split peas. You can also add dehydrated quinoa or couscous for a different texture and nutrition profile.

Experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, chili flakes, or Italian herbs to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a vegan recipe that’s ready in minutes, check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping that offer great alternatives.

To add richness, pack small packets of olive oil or vegan butter powder to drizzle over your meals after rehydrating. Remember to store dehydrated meals in a cool, dry place and consume within 6 months for best flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This dehydrated meal is perfect as a standalone dish after a day on the trail, providing a balance of protein, carbs, and essential nutrients. Pair it with a side of dehydrated fruit or nuts for a complete meal.

For hot days, consider preparing a cold vegetable soup that can be made from dehydrated ingredients. If you enjoy international flavors, try our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious which can inspire your dehydrated meals with bold spices.

If you want a quick snack during your hike, explore our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for ideas that can be adapted into dehydrated forms.

Conclusion

Creating your own dehydrated backpacking meals is a rewarding way to ensure you have nutritious, delicious food on the trail without the burden of heavy packs. These recipes allow you to customize flavors and ingredients, catering to your dietary needs and preferences.

With a little preparation and the right equipment, you can enjoy a variety of meals that hydrate quickly and provide sustained energy for your outdoor adventures.

Not only do dehydrated meals save space and weight, but they also offer the satisfaction of homemade goodness far from home comforts. So, pack your dehydrator, gather your favorite ingredients, and start experimenting with these recipes.

Your next backpacking trip will be tastier and more energizing than ever!

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