Trail Chef

Put a dent in your hunger—not your trip budget—with three tasty meals for less than $2.50 per serving.

Got a camp full of hangry hikers? Whip up one of these simple starters.

This hot, salty starter would be at home in a bar.

Primal meets gourmet with campfire cooking. Learn the key techniques for success with this Trail Chef primer on campfire cooking basics.

Fresh accessories help upgrade the backcountry version of this classic Middle Eastern meal. Got leftovers? One word: breakfast. 2 servings

East meets South in this filling finger food. Option: Sub in tofu for a vegetarian version of these chicken tacos.

Go beyond ramen to fulfill your noodle cravings. By skipping the fish sauce, this popular Thai treat works even for day seven.

These breakfast sammies are grab-and-go perfection. Croissants are actually very rugged when flattened a bit, and they elevate every filling.

This delicious snack is quick enough to whip up mid-hike, and doubles as a sandwich spread.

Once you make your own real honey mustard, you'll never go back—addiction guaranteed.

Yes, you can have this living room luxury in the wilderness.

Start your day off right with these hearty, filling meals that still leave you plenty of time to hit the trail early.

This Japanese-inspired breakfast is perfect for those who prefer a savory beginning.

There’s no mess with this easy-to-eat treat (unless you let a photographer make it)—the toppings are inside.

This lazy breakfast is ideal for a cold morning when hands and tummies need warming.

The classic yogurt and granola breakfast bowl goes hot.

BACKPACKER Trail Chef Jennifer Bowen has 20 years of culinary experience, including cooking for trail crews in the high country of Yosemite. Follow her tips for better meals on every trip.

You already know packing more stuff isn’t always better. These tasty, three-ingredient, simple backpacking recipes apply that same philosophy to your menu.

Do the hard work at home, then carry this luxurious meal base for a fun, easy first-night treat. We’ve given you four variations, but the trail potatoes possibilities are endless.

This easy, three-ingredient dessert is perfect for a backcountry birthday. Sub in dried cherries or blueberries for a different twist.

This is an easy-but-upgraded, 3-ingredient version of everyone’s favorite tuna noodle casserole.

These ingredients are all nutrition powerhouses, with antioxidants, healthy fats, and complete proteins.

Make a personal pizza pie—or three—for dinner, or as an appetizer for a crowd. It takes just three ingredients and it's super-easy.