Cold-Weather Backpacking Food: Calories, Rehydration, and Meal Planning
Cold weather and winter in general change how backpacking food needs to perform. Lower temperatures increase calorie demands, slow rehydration,...

Practical, season-aware dehydrated meals and trail food systems for backpacking and backcountry travel.
A growing collection of trail-focused recipes, built carefully for performance, nutrition, and packability
Crispy dark chocolate biscotti with walnuts, perfect for a rich, portable trail snack to enjoy with coffee or stash in your pack for hiking energy. They can also make for a delicious dessert!
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cost: | Fairly Low Cost |
| Category: | Trail Meals |
| Seasons: | All |
Ingredients & Servings: Easily customize your meal with our adjustable servings slider. The ingredient list dynamically updates, ensuring perfect portions for your camping adventure, whether solo or with a group.
| 5 Eggs | 4 large eggs + 1 yolk |
| 1 1/4 cups | White Sugar |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 2 cups | All Purpose flour |
| 1 cup | Cocoa (Camino is recommended) |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Baking Soda |
| 1 cup | Walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped |
| 1 cup | Dark Semi-sweet Chocolate chips |
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a large bowl and a hand mixer to whip 4 large eggs, 1 extra egg yolk, 1.25 cups of sugar, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract until pale yellow and nearly doubled in volume (about 3-5 minutes).
Sift 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup Camino cocoa powder, and 1.5 tsp baking soda into the egg mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until fully combined into a thick batter.
Add 1 cup chopped, lightly toasted walnuts and 1 cup dark semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold until evenly distributed.
Transfer batter to the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a partially flattened log (about 12x4 inches), leaving room for expansion. Bake for 35 minutes until firm.

Remove from oven and cool for 20 minutes. Transfer the log to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch thick pieces (about 12-16 biscotti).
Place slices cut-side up on the parchment-lined sheet (or a baking rack for better airflow). Reduce oven to 275-300°F (135-150°C) and bake for 20 minutes, flipping slices halfway through if not using a rack, until crisp and snapping when broken. You can also stand them up if you've sliced your biscotti loaf thick enough.

Cool completely (30 minutes). Store in an airtight container or wrap individually for trail packing.
Per Serving
| Kcal: | 90 kcal |
| Fibers (g): | 1g |
| Sodium (mg): | 75mg |
| Carbs: | 11g |
| Sugar (g): | 5g |
| Fat: | 4g |
| Saturated fat (g): | 1g |
| Cholesterol: | 20mg |
| Proteins: | 2.5g |
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Chef-Crafted Trail Food Essentials
Explore chef-driven tips, recipes, and meal plans for lightweight, delicious trail adventures, and start your backpacking outdoor treks.
A former chef with 25+ years of experience, I combine my love of food and the outdoors through TrailEating. From quick trail snacks to campfire meals, my goal is to make outdoor cooking simple, memorable, and delicious.

Your Guide to Cooking Through the Seasons
Trail Eating guides you through delicious recipes and essential tips tailored to spring, summer, fall, and winter adventures. Getting out into the backcountry isn't just for summer; we have 3 more seasons to enjoy!
Discover fresh, vibrant trail meals that are easy to pack and full of flavour—perfect for energizing your journey through trails bursting with life. Think crisp vegetables, light yet satisfying wraps, and refreshing snacks for spring camping food ideas.
Whether you're trekking a scenic trail, paddling through serene waters, or camping under starry skies, our summer backpacking recipes are designed to beat the heat. Explore refreshing, fruit-packed dishes, quick-cooking meals that save stove time for seasonal meal planning.
Celebrate fall's cozy, hearty flavors with our backpacking meal ideas, featuring dishes that warm you from the inside out. From spiced soups and stews to hearty grain bowls, these trail recipes are the perfect companions for chilly camping trips.
Packed with energy and comfort, our winter camping food ideas are ideal for snowy hikes, frosty camping trips, and cozy evenings by the fire. Enjoy rich stews, high-calorie snacks, and hot drinks for backpacking meal planning in snowy, cold weather.




Preserve food & lighten your pack
Dehydrating food reduces weight, extends shelf life, and makes meal planning easier for hiking, camping, and backcountry travel. Learn the fundamentals and do it right from the start.
Understand the differences between dehydrating and freeze-drying food, and which method makes sense for backpacking and outdoor meals.
Learn what to look for in a food dehydrator, including features that matter for trail-ready meals and long-term use.
Learn the fundamentals of food preservation as they apply to dehydrated meals, shelf life, and reliable outdoor use.
Learn how to store dehydrated food properly to maintain quality, safety, and performance on the trail.
Fresh On the Trail
Explore new camping recipes, backpacking meal recipes, food preparation tips, outdoor gear reviews, and updates each week.
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What’s on the Trail Menu Today?
Gear up for any trek with my latest trail-ready recipes. From easy hiking snacks to hearty mountain meals built for wild weather, savour bold flavours that thrive in the great outdoors.
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