So today, I’m going to talk about my personal favorite meals to enjoy out on the trail. Everything I mention here can be found at your local outdoors store, grocery store, or even a farmers’ market. This list will include three meals and a snack, and I really hope you’ll give these a try. This will actually be the first in a series of posts from every member of the DMO team, so stay tuned for their picks as well. Hopefully, their meals are just as tasty as mine. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Breakfast: Blueberry Oatmeal… and a Lot of Brown Sugar
Okay, let’s get right into what might be the most “controversial” breakfast debate of all time: Blueberry is the superior oatmeal flavor. I start off every morning on the trail with a hot, comforting bowl of blueberry oatmeal. My love affair with blueberry flavors actually began during my time in the Army, all thanks to the blueberry cobbler in our MREs—it’s seriously addictive. Ever since that first taste, I’ve been hooked.
In the civilian world, I’m all about Trailtopia’s Blueberry Oatmeal. It’s super easy to cook, so much so that I’ve started bringing it into the field for breakfast instead of relying on MREs. All you have to do is add one cup of boiling water, give it a quick stir, seal it up, and wait five minutes. Presto! You’ve got a delicious start to your day. Did I mention these meals are good for you too? They contain real fruit and all-natural ingredients. I like to add brown sugar because I was raised on it as a kid—trust me, it’ll bring a nostalgic warmth to your morning meal. This hearty breakfast will leave you feeling full, satisfied, and extra cozy, especially on those rainy mornings when you’re reluctant to leave the comfort of your sleeping bag.
Link to Trailtopia Blueberry Oatmeal: https://www.trailtopia.com/blueberry-oatmeal
Snack Time! Yay, My Favorite: CLIF Bars and Trail Mix
When it comes to snacks, I’m all about convenience, portability, and a quick energy boost. I look for something I can easily slip into my fanny pack or a belt pocket. Don’t worry—we’ll have a whole section on pack organization later on. For now, let’s focus on the food!
My go-to snack combo is a CLIF Cool Mint Chocolate Bar paired with a handful of trail mix. Sometimes I’ll switch it up and bring along some jerky if I’m feeling extra adventurous that day. The key is choosing something light and nutritious that can tide you over until lunchtime. These snacks deliver sustained energy without weighing you down, so you can keep moving and enjoy the trail without missing a beat.
Link to CLIF Bars: https://shop.clifbar.com/products/clif-bar-cool-mint-chocolate-36ct-bundleLink to My Favorite Trail Mix: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Up-Non-GMO-Artificial-Ingredients/dp/B0773TPF7M
Lunch: Ramen—Chicken Ramen and Crackers
Unlike some of my DMO teammates, I don’t go too crazy for lunch. By midday, I’m usually looking for something quick and easy so I can get back on the trail. That doesn’t mean I skip the scenic views, though—I’ll often find a beautiful spot, perch on a log or a rock, and enjoy a simple meal.
For me, that usually means a pack of chicken ramen and some crackers for crunch. I boil some water in my Jetboil stove, add the noodles, and just like that—lunch is served. If I’m feeling fancy, I might toss in a few spices or a packet of hot sauce. I also keep a hydration strategy in mind: depending on how I feel, I might mix in a Liquid I.V. or enjoy a bottle of Powerade alongside my meal. Once I’ve refueled, it’s back on the trail, energized and ready to tackle the next stretch of wilderness.
Dinner: Trailtopia’s Beef Stroganoff
At the end of a long day, when I’ve set up camp, hung my hammock, and settled in to watch the sunset, it’s time to indulge. Dinner is about replenishing those hard-earned calories and relaxing your body after a tough day on the trail. Once I’ve pulled on my hoodie and fired up the Jetboil, I prepare one of my absolute favorites: Trailtopia’s Beef Stroganoff.
This hearty meal has 19 grams of protein and is a serious contender for the best campsite comfort food. Pair it with Trailtopia’s Rocky Road Pudding for dessert and a comforting cup of chai tea, and you’ve got a meal that feels like it was made in a cozy cabin kitchen. Don’t forget to keep hydrating and restoring electrolytes, too. Proper recovery ensures you’ll be ready for the next day’s adventures.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my meal selections! Even if they’re not your personal favorites, they’ll hopefully give you some ideas for quick, delicious, and nutritious options the next time you hit the trail. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for more original content, including videos on these meals and other outdoor tips. Let us know your favorite trail foods in the comments, and I’ll see you out there, happy and well-fed!
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