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
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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.
Cold weather and winter in general change how backpacking food needs to perform. Lower temperatures increase calorie demands, slow rehydration,...
Proper storage is what turns dehydrated food from a short-term experiment into a reliable backpacking meal system. Even perfectly dried meals can...
One of the most common frustrations in backpacking meals is food that refuses to fully rehydrate. Meals that look good at home can turn into crunchy...
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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