Backpacking food doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. It doesn’t have to come from REI and you don’t need to own a dehydrator. This is a simple one-day vegan backpacking menu of food available at most grocery stores.

There are some things to keep in mind when you’re selecting food for your backpacking trip.

Obviously, the food needs to last without refrigeration.

It also needs to be; sturdy enough to survive being in your pack, calorie dense, lightweight,  and something that won’t require a lot of fuel to prepare.  More fuel = more weight in your pack.

You are also going to need a LOT of calories.  I shoot for at least 3000 a day.

I don’t typically cook lunch.  It’s normally something simple or even extra snacks.

Breakfast

2 unfrosted strawberry Pop-tarts: 420 calories

instant coffee (optional)

Snacks

2 Servings of dried mango: 260 calories

3/4 cup trail mix: 520 calories

1/2 cup banana chips: 180 calories

Lunch

2 Whole wheat tortillas: 240 calories

4 Tbsp peanut butter: 380 calories

8 Oreos: 427 calories

Dinner

Vegan Curry Rice: 474

Sour Patch Kids: 210 calories

Total calories: 3111