Backpacking Meals Review 2025: Insights and Homemade Inspiration
Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice! Backpacking meals are stepping up their game in 2025. In a recent review by respected overland backpacker Miranda Goes Outside, some exciting new meal options hit the trail, showcasing impressive flavors and innovative preparations perfect for your next adventure. You'll want to watch this one!
Quick Summary of Backpacking Meal Reviews
Top Picks:
- Good Detour Paneer Scramble (5 stars): Miranda’s top favorite, boasting vibrant Indian flavors, perfect rehydration, and restaurant-quality taste.
- Bowl & Kettle Chicken Tikka Masala: Praised for authentic char flavor and excellent chicken texture. Despite being mild, it won Miranda over with its comforting and hearty appeal.
- Yum Pouch Decadent Shroom and Rue Pasta: Creamy, flavorful, and packed with fiber-rich ingredients, this meal impressed with its luxurious taste and flawless texture.
- RecPak One Complete Meal Coffee Flavor: Surprisingly delicious, described as a coffee milkshake ideal for high-energy adventures due to its convenient, no-cook preparation.
- Mountain House Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bowl: A fun surprise featuring pizza crust chunks and cheesy goodness reminiscent of biscuits and gravy—quirky yet tasty.
Middle of the Road:
- Right on Trek Bechamel Style Mac and Cheese: Great flavor, creamy texture, and budget-friendly, but the pot-cleaning requirement is a slight drawback.
- Yum Beanies Smoky Chipotle Rice and Beans: Flavorful and spicy, yet recommended to pair with extras like tortillas or avocado to enhance satisfaction.
Least Favorite:
- Po & Co Chickpea Coconut Stew: Labeled "underwhelming" due to its mild and watery taste, despite an appealing vegan profile.
DIY Backpacking Meals Inspired by 2025 Trends
Want to prepare your own delicious backpacking meals at home? Here are two easy DIY options inspired by the reviewed meals:
1. DIY Paneer Scramble (Inspired by Good Detour)
- At Home Prep: Combine dehydrated paneer (or firm tofu), freeze-dried tomatoes, onions, and your choice of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Seal in a vacuum-sealed pouch.
- On the Trail: Add boiling water, stir well, and let sit for 5-7 minutes. For extra protein, consider adding freeze-dried lentils.
2. Coffee Shake Power Pack (Inspired by RecPak)
- At Home Prep: Blend oat flour, instant coffee, powdered milk or protein isolate, cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and sweetener of choice (cane sugar or honey powder).
- On the Trail: Simply add room-temperature water, shake vigorously, and enjoy a rich, energy-boosting drink that doubles as a meal replacement on long hikes.
Special Thanks
This article is inspired by Miranda’s thorough and entertaining video review, "I Taste Tested New Backpacking Meals for 2025!"
Happy trails, and even happier eating!
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