10 of the Best Foods to Pack for Your Next Hunting Trip

Delicious Camp Food for a Hunting Trip

When you're on a long hunting trip, having the right food is essential. Every hunter has different preferences, some like to keep it simple and lightweight, while other folks might opt for backcountry decadence. No matter where you fall on that scale, we tried to bring some knowledge and favorites to you here. Plus, no matter how you like to hunt and eat, we recommend packing some dehydrated meals to make sure no one goes hungry,

Make sure you get enough calories with these 10 foods and meals you can keep and prepare at camp to stay fueled for the hunt.

1. Oatmeal packets

Oatmeal is the perfect quick-and-easy breakfast for when you just want to get out of camp quickly. All you need is water, a stove, and perhaps some toppings. Dried fruit, nuts, and nut butters are all great additions that will add healthy calories to the first meal of your day.

2. Bananas

Some hunters prefer apples as their portable fruit of choice, but chomping down on an apple is anything but quiet. Opt for bananas instead — the peel means they’re portable, and you can eat them quietly. 

Just don’t toss your peels into the woods, that’s a Leave No Trace no-no.

3. Freeze-dried meals

Freeze-dried meals, like the kind we create here at Backpacker’s Pantry, are perfect for hunters who need major calories. When you’re trying to bag prize-winning game, you don’t always have the time to prepare an elaborate camp meal. 

With these meals, all you need is boiling water and a few minutes. There’s something for every palate, so find your next hunt-ready meal here.

4. Snickers bars

You could also pack protein bars or another type of energy bar, but Snickers taste way better. Consider removing them from the wrapper before heading out to avoid noisy crinkling, and store them in a reusable baggie instead.

5. Jerky

With any luck, you’ll have enough meat to make your own jerky after the hunt is over. Until then, bring some jerky to snack on. It’s a great source of protein, and some varieties also have plenty of fat. 

6. Summer sausage

Like jerky, summer sausage is a high-protein and high-fat food that keeps well without refrigeration.

7. Snack crackers

Carbs are equally important for staying satiated on a hunting trip. Pair your summer sausage with some snack crackers, like Wheat Thins. If you’re feeling extra fancy, pack some cheese and make your own campsite charcuterie board.

8. Boxed mac and cheese

Pack some comfort food for your next hunting trip in the form of cheesy, gooey, macaroni and cheese. Grab a few boxes from the grocery store, or bring along something a bit more gourmet with our Three Cheese Mac & Cheese.

9. Campfire chili

Chili is an excellent pick-me-up when bellies are growling and spirits are low. There are infinite ways to make delicious chili, or you can keep it simple with Backpacker's Pantry's Wild West Chili & Beans

10. Instant coffee

Is there anything more essential than coffee? Instant coffee has come a long way in recent years, and you can buy everything from simple brews to specialty caffeine concoctions.