Camping is a lot of fun but before you head out on your camping trip, plan out your meals for each day. This will help you ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and cooking equipment, and it will make mealtime less stressful.
Cooking during camping can be challenging, especially if you don’t have access to a stove or other cooking equipment.
However, with a bit of planning and preparation, it is possible to have delicious and satisfying meals while camping.
A good example to have delicious meals that require minimum effort and time is “add water” meals. These are pre-packaged meals that are designed to be quickly prepared by adding boiling water.
These types of meals are a popular option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, as they are lightweight, easy to pack, and require minimal cooking equipment.
It is important to choose the “add water” meals carefully during camping. When choosing to add water meals for camping, it is important to consider your nutritional needs, taste preferences, and the cooking equipment available.
With a bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals during your camping trip without the hassle of traditional cooking.
Today, we have organized this article for providing maximum information to our readers about adding water meals during camping.
Let’s start with the types of add-water meals available for camping and then we will switch to a list of some amazing add-water meals that will surely satisfy all your cravings during camping.
Types of Add-Water Meals for Camping
Following is a list of add-water meals for camping:
Freeze-Dried Meals
Freeze-dried meals are a popular option for camping because they are lightweight, easy to pack, and have a long shelf life. You can also carry with you frozen vacuum-sealed meals on your trip if you want.
Legacy Long-Term Freeze Dried Food (120 Servings)
I’ve recently bought this giant freeze-dried food bucket from Legacy brand that includes a number of great ready-to-eat food. The package includes a minimum of 120 servings that you can last for days if you are out there with family.
The bucket includes some of the tastiest foods like Italian Paste with Marninara, vegetable, rotini pasta, cheese and broccoli bake, creamy potato soup, white bean chili, macaroni and cheese.
These meals are made by removing the water from the food, which allows it to be stored at room temperature.
When you’re ready to eat, you simply add hot water and wait a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. Freeze-dried meals come in a variety of flavors, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Dehydrated Meals
Dehydrated meals are similar to freeze-dried meals in that they are lightweight, easy to pack, and have a long shelf life.
These meals are made by removing the water from the food, which allows it to be stored at room temperature.
Dehydrated meals can be rehydrated by adding hot water or cooking them with water on a stove. Dehydrated meals come in a variety of flavors, including pasta dishes, soups, and stews.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles can be a lifesaver while camping. These are popular and affordable options for camping meals.
They are typically made by adding hot water to a noodle cup or packet, along with any seasonings or toppings.
Instant noodles come in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options. Food like instant noodles is also good for picky eaters who are accompanying you on your trip.
Soup Mixes
Soup mixes are another easy option for camping meals. You can simply add hot water to the mix and wait a few minutes for the soup to cook.
Soup mixes come in a variety of flavors, including chicken noodles, tomato, and vegetables.
Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal packets are a quick and easy breakfast option for camping. You can simply add hot water and any additional toppings, like dried fruit or nuts. Instant oats are easy to prepare in a kettle or a camping stove.
Oatmeal comes in a variety of flavors, including maple and brown sugar, apple cinnamon, and blueberry.
Meals Ready to Eat
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are a popular option for camping and other outdoor activities. These meals are designed for military use but have become popular with civilians as well.
MREs are pre-packaged meals that are designed to be eaten hot or cold. They come with a heating element that can be activated with water, allowing you to heat up the meal without a stove.
MREs come in a variety of flavors, including beef stew, chicken and rice, and spaghetti.
List of Best Add Water Meals for Camping
When you’re out camping, having a convenient and easy meal option can make a big difference in your experience.
Add-water meals are a popular choice for camping because they require minimal cooking equipment and can be quickly prepared by adding hot water.
Here are some of the best add-water meals for camping:
1. Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
Mountain House is a popular brand of freeze-dried meals that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Their beef stroganoff meal is a classic favorite, featuring tender beef, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by simply adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. It is lightweight, portable, and has a long shelf life, making it a great option for camping.
2. Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai
Backpacker’s Pantry is another popular brand of camping meals, known for its delicious and nutritious options. Their pad Thai meal is a flavorful combination of rice noodles, vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate. It is a great option for those who want a hot and satisfying meal while camping.
3. Good To-Go Indian Vegetable Korma
Good To-Go is a brand that specializes in dehydrated camping meals that are made with high-quality ingredients.
Their Indian vegetable korma is a delicious and spicy dish that features chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and spinach in a creamy coconut sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a flavorful and nutritious meal while camping.
4. AlpineAire Foods Santa Fe Black Beans and Rice
AlpineAire Foods is a brand that offers a wide range of freeze-dried camping meals that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Their Santa Fe black beans and rice meal is a hearty and flavorful dish that features black beans, rice, and a spicy southwestern sauce.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a filling and satisfying meal while camping.
5. Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
Mountain House offers a range of breakfast options that are perfect for camping. Their breakfast skillet meal is a delicious combination of scrambled eggs, potatoes, peppers, and sausage.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
It is a great option for those who want a hot and hearty breakfast while camping.
6. Backpacker’s Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese
Backpacker’s Pantry offers a range of mac & cheese options that are perfect for camping. Their three-cheese mac & cheese meal is a creamy and flavorful dish that features cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheese.
This meal is easy to prepare by adding boiling water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
7. Harmony House Foods Backpacking Soup Sampler
Harmony House Foods offers a variety of dehydrated soup mixes that are perfect for camping. Their backpacking soup sampler includes six different flavors, including vegetable chili, split pea soup, and Southwest-style corn chowder.
These soups are easy to prepare by adding hot water to the pouch and waiting a few minutes for the food to rehydrate.
These foods are great options for those who want a variety of meal options while camping.
8. AlpineAire Three Cheese Lasagna
If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta dishes, AlpineAire Three Cheese Lasagna is a great option for camping.
This meal is made with lasagna noodles, three types of cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
9. Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option, Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy is a great choice.
This meal is made with buttermilk biscuits, sausage crumbles, and creamy gravy. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
10. Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto
If you’re a fan of creamy risotto, Backpacker’s Bistro Risotto is a great option for camping. This meal is made with Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, and the pouch is lightweight and easy to pack.
Other than these add water meals it is essential to keep energy bars with you during camping.
Energy bars are a great option for camping because they are lightweight, easy to pack, and provide a quick and easy source of energy.
Energy bars come in a variety of flavors and are designed to provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to keep you fueled during your camping trip.
Conclusion
Overall, add-water meals are a great option for camping because they are convenient, lightweight, have a long shelf life, come in a variety of flavors and types, and can be cost-effective.
They are a great way to ensure you have delicious and satisfying meals during your camping trip without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Hi, I’m Masab Jamal, the founder and head editor of this blog. I love to spend most of my time in the wilderness. Apart from camping and outdoor life, I’m a full time blogger.