In preparation for our upcoming Yellowstone Backpacking trip this summer, we are testing out alllllll the convenient camping food that would be easy to pack and would fuel us after a long day of hiking and exploring. The kind people at Backpacker’s Pantry were nice enough to send over 3 meals, one breakfast option, and their famous Astronaut Ice Cream bar for dessert.
The kids were dying when the box arrived. I have never seen two children more excited about packaged food! They quickly put themselves to work making the dinner entrees. Unbeknownst to them, the parents had no dinner plans so this was a welcome retreat from the slog of making a spread fit for teens and preteens. The directions were clear and easy to follow.
THREE CHEESE MAC & CHEESE 510 CAL, 24G PROTEIN
This meal had our 10 year old at the mere sight of the bag. Ready in just 15 minutes, this meal will stick to your ribs. The cheese and noodles are a merger made in corporate heaven. Every al dente noodle was perfectly coated in a creamy three cheese sauce that made our taste buds sing.
We all agreed that we would devour this Three Cheese Mac & Cheese after a day on the trail or exploring. Our son proved that wasn’t even necessary as he just ate it all for dinner that night. I can’t complain as a parent as the whole meal is 510 calories and 24 grams of protein. He is our vegetarian and finding foods that he will eat without protest can be difficult depending on the day.
There’s also a Hatch Green Chili Mac & Cheese. That made the next shopping list right away!
PAD THAI 760 CAL, 24G PROTEIN
Our family eats more Thai and Burmese food then I would like to admit so I was most interested in trying this meal and see everyone’s response. We were all pleasantly surprised by the flavor and level of spices. There is no shortage of smack-worthy ingredients in the Backpacker Pantry’s Pad Thai meal. This was also the most fun to make with the addition of the peanut butter and peanut halves added to the final meal prep.
Impressively, the rice noodles cooked up great and were a beautiful compliment to the nutty sauce. We missed slurping up the noodles, but the smaller pieces were easier to eat with our UCO Gear Utility Spork. This meal is two servings and while we did get the vegetarian version, there is the option to get it with chicken to increase your protein intake.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO WITH CHICKEN 580 CAL, 40G PROTEIN
Another hearty meal that is ready in 15 minutes! The noodles are really just the cutest little ribbons of goodness. Chicken is tender and chopped into smaller pieces so you get a piece in every bite. We found the sauce to be a bit thin compared to homemade alfredo, but still packed with flavor. The only thing missing from this meal was some chewy bread to soak up the leftover sauce.
GRANOLA WITH BLUEBERRIES ALMONDS AND MILK, 620 CAL, 16G PROTEIN
The smells alone from opening this package. YUM! The comforting smells of cinnamon and brown sugar and the warmth of the granola would make any cold mountain morning an instagramable moment. Advertised as a breakfast meal, this really could have been a dessert. We added the recommended water but I would decrease it to 3/4 cup for a little more granola crunch with each bite. Available in single servings, this meal will help put a pep to your step on your next adventure.
THE ICE CREAM!
I tell you what- only sending one almost cause WW3 in my house. The dehydrated ice cream was so fun to eat as the kids had never had it before. The crunch was loud and satisfying while the ice cream was somehow still creamy tasting. 10/10 would recommend this as a treat on the trail or on movie night! There are four flavors of the ice cream sandwich and I can promise you, this family will make quick haste trying them all.
Outside of camping, Backpacker’s Pantry meals are an excellent choice for emergency preparation. Meals can be purchased individually or a Survival Meal Kit can be acquired. The self life on the meals is 10 years! Backpacker’s Pantry is sensitive to all your sensitivities and have put together meal kits for Vegan, Vegetarian and Omnivore diets. Gluten, peanut, soy or dairy free? They have a meal for that! Backpacker’s Pantry Meal Kits are available in 7 or 14 days supplies. Want more control over the meals in your kit? Head on over to the personalize page and create your own 3 or 7 day kit.
Backpacker’s Pantry Meals and Kits can be purchased on their website or at various outdoor supply stores (REI, Al’s, etc.). Prices vary from around $7-$14 per meal.
Safe Travels!