Alternate backpacking meals ideas?

[kselkhunter]

I'm looking for ideas on dinners in the backcountry.  That don't require a stove or rehydration.  Not too heavy.  Preferably not a granola bar, as I'll make bars for breakfast/lunch.  Does anybody have any suggestions on what works for you?


I have 5 backcountry hunting trips planned this year.  Ranging in length from 3 days to 10 days.  I've always been a creature of habit for meals.  Usually settling on the Mountain House meals for my dinners.  Having worked there in college a few decades ago I got to taste all the meals and have some favorites that I stick to.  I normally camp next to a water source with my Base Camp filter bag.  This year I'm thinking on a couple of the shorter trips camping in a dryer area.  So am thinking of leaving the filter and stove at home for those couple of 3 day trips.  So planning some pre-made dinners.

I've been testing some new recipes for my breakfasts and lunches already (protein rice krispies are my new favorite), so looking to test some dinner ideas before the first backcountry bear hunt is in 3 weeks.

[jackelope]

What are you going to do for water for 3 days?
Sorry...jacked thread already.

I like jerky, but don't think I could make a meal of it.

[kselkhunter]

Man, jacked on the first comment?   

I'm packing in my water for the first trip.  Not sure on the second trip; may take my Sweetwater along and top up as needed.

[vandeman17]

Canned chicken from Costco put in ziplock bag, little baggies of seasoning mix and wraps. Perfect for short trips and takes less than a minute to prepare

[fireweed]

Tuna/salmon pouches with cheese on triscuits or other crackers.  Also try dry hummus--add a bit of cold water and a few drops of olive oil and stir.  Spread on with the fish.  Good for lunch or dinner.

[fowl smacker]

I was also going to mention canned chicken/fish, cheeses, crackers, peanut butter and bacon sandwiches.  If you really want to torture yourself but get some carbs in, dry top ramen.

[jackelope]

Forgot about those little tuna and cracker packets. They also have chicken ones.

Packing in water for 3 days sounds really heavy. I'd have to have 20 pounds of water.

[kselkhunter]

Thanks for the tuna/crackers ideas.    Anybody tried tortillas rolled with something?  PB&J.  Hummus.  Cheese.  Etc.  Or bagels?  Some filler that doesn't require much refrigeration.  I can pack a small freezer pack (like the soft sided 4"x4" ones) if need be.

I've got the breakfasts and lunches covered.  Just brainstorming non-cook/non-rehydration dinners. 

Not worried about water weight on the short trips. 

[jackelope]

Mountain man sandwiches.
Bagel, peanut butter, honey, bacon. (carbs, sugar, fat and protein) AKA butt hole sandwiches.
So good and they'll last for a few days.

[vandeman17]

Mountain man sandwiches.
Bagel, peanut butter, honey, bacon. (carbs, sugar, fat and protein) AKA butt hole sandwiches.
So good and they'll last for a few days.

Those are money!

[fishngamereaper]

Mountain man sandwiches.
Bagel, peanut butter, honey, bacon. (carbs, sugar, fat and protein) AKA butt hole sandwiches.
So good and they'll last for a few days.

  Same idea but use a tortilla if you want to save space. You can pre make a bunch and fit like 3-4 in one sandwich baggy. I will mix em up and add Nutella to some and craisins. You can also mash up reeses peanut butter cups and put them in with bacon and jam/jelly.

[kselkhunter]

Mountain man sandwiches.
Bagel, peanut butter, honey, bacon. (carbs, sugar, fat and protein) AKA butt hole sandwiches.
So good and they'll last for a few days.

Oooh, we might have a winner.  That sounds like a good idea.  Was contemplating tortillas rolled with something one night and bagels with something the other night.  These sound great.  Will test them out this week.  Thanks guys. 

[jackelope]

I've thought about the tortillas wrapped around this combo, but I worry about the honey soaking through. It will soak through bread....which is even more delicious it seems, but it does make for a sticky mess. The bagels are stout and don't get messed up too easily. They will get squished in your pack and the bagels just seem more robust.

[timberghost72]

Mountain man sandwiches.
Bagel, peanut butter, honey, bacon. (carbs, sugar, fat and protein) AKA butt hole sandwiches.
So good and they'll last for a few days.

I have done this several times and love it but the bagels get rock hard after a day. Probably the brand of bagels. What do you use for bagels? Fresh from the bakery, packaged or???

Also if you like bacon (who doesn't) this company makes a bacon jerky that is freakin unbelievably awesome! I've tried several flavors and OMG I love them. I think Target carries these but my wife bought them online. I highly recommend trying them. a little spendy but worth it. I'm not sure why they call it jerky though. It's flavored uncured bacon. It is not chewy like jerky.

https://www.porkbarrelbbqstore.com/collections/pork-barrel-bbq-bacon-jerky

[deerslyr]

Man Cakes
Blue berry pancake mix
banana creme protein powder
peanut butter

mix pancake mix and protein in a ratio that you like, make 2 cakes and sandwhich with peanut butter in the middle.