Are you planning to go on a hike soon? Well, there is a lot to prepare for. From clothes, to tents, to basic necessities and most importantly food. How do you plan on carrying your food? Fresh food is not only bulky to carry but will not last for a long time. The best option you have is to create simple on-the go- meals with dried food.

After a long day of hiking, you stomach starts growling and your mind starts thinking about a filling meal. That’s where freeze dried meals come in. Freeze drying is the process where the moisture of the food is removed with the help of high-pressure vacuum. This process creates meals that can be safely stored for years and be prepared in just a few minutes.

So, lets look at a few easy yet creative recipes for hikers that will solve your food crisis instantly.

Beef Noodle Soup

This is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves a good bowl of soup. All you need is vegetable or beef powder, dried vegetables, one block of ramen noodles and low sodium natural jerky.

Start by adding two and half cup of water to a pot and boil it. Then turn the stove off and add all your ingredients in the water. Make sure that all the ingredients are re-hydrated. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Add more water if needed to give it a soupier consistency. You can add a bit of hot sauce and butter for enhanced taste.

Pinon Pasta

Are you a pasta lover? This pinon pasta recipe is the perfect mix between citrusy pasta and sweet pine nuts. Pine nuts make a perfect meal as they are not only tasty but also have loads of protein, fat and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for post hike.

The ingredients you need for the Pinon pasta are two dried lemon packets, dried parsley, garlic powder, your favorite pasta, olive oil, salt and pepper, dried tomatoes and pine nuts.

Start by cooking your pasta in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once the pasta is nicely cooked, drain it and add olive oil to it. Stir it thoroughly and add lemon, herbs and spices. Add some dried tomatoes, pine nuts and season it with salt and pepper. Enjoy your delicacy.

Shepherd’s Pie

A Shepherd’s pie might seem like an exaggerated meal but there is a backpacker’s version of it that you can easily prepare on a hike and enjoy. It is not only delicious but extremely healthy, warm and makes a perfect meal before you go to sleep in the cold mountains.

To prepare a backpack Shephard’s pie you need dried ground beef, dried vegetables, dried minced onions, bouillon cube, instant mashed potatoes, butter powder and salt and pepper for taste.

Start off by pouring two and half cup of water in a pot and boil it. Next take out one cup of hot water and pour it into a bag with instant potatoes, stir it, seal it and set it aside. Put the remaining water on the heat and add the bullion cube, ground beef, minced onions and other vegetables. Take the pot off from the heat and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. Once the beef is soft, add the mashed potatoes and form a layer. Add salt and pepper according to your taste and enjoy.

Now that you know these creative and simple recipes, you are all set for your next hike. Trouble finding the best quality freeze dried food? Get your hands on 40 Below’s freeze dried fruits and vegetables now.