Trail Chef

Think carrot sticks are just for school lunches? Then you clearly haven't enjoyed the crunch of fresh veggies on the trail—a luxurious, healthy backwoods snack.

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

Prep for this no-mess treat is more complicated than boiling water—barely.

Noodles in the morning? Trust us on this one.

Roasted marshmallows aren’t just for s’mores: Use them to top this delicious, easy berry treat.

Those instructions on the brownie box? Feel free to ignore them. This simple technique will get you a gooey, chocolatey dessert in just a few minutes.

Warm weather + short trip = a perfect chance to save time and hassle by leaving your cooking gear at home.

No need to skip your coffee just because you didn't bring your stove.

These Spanish-style bites make a perfect lunch or an easy before-dinner snack.

A treat most kids would gobble up...for adults.

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? After years of leading teens, BACKPACKER staffers, and his own family, Editor-in-chief Dennis Lewon has fed more than his share. Here are his favorite easy-prep appetizers.

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.

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

Kale provides a nutritional boost and fiber, while cheese adds a salty kick and a bit of protein.

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.

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.

Quick-and-easy trail food doesn’t have to be bland. Mix up some flavor-packed spice blends at home to kick your cooking to a new level of yum.

Toasting spices is a time-honored way to guarantee an even bigger flavor burst. Bonus: Hearty quinoa is a complete protein.

People are always impressed with this authentic-tasting Indian dish. Don’t tell ’em how easy it is.

This Buckeye favorite has rich mole flavors without being especially hot. It’s thinner than normal chili, and usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.

This gourmet entree is high-end eatery good, but easy to make over a campfire.

This easy-prep appetizer is frontcountry fine, but easy enough to make at your campsite.

Forage wild berries and then use this guide to prepare killer backcountry meals.

Don’t settle for chocolate. With a little work and planning, your backcountry dessert can be as grand as the scenery.

Quick-prep, three-ingredient dinners.

How to stay organizied and prepared for your backcountry cooking.

This dish is salty and crunchy and full of anti inflammatory properties.

Great food doesn’t have to mean slaving away over the camp stove. Here are four delectable dishes that slash cleanup from the to-do list.

Attention ultra-lazy cooks: This no-mess meal raises the bar on instant mashed potatoes.

Upgrade this no-mess pasta dish by roasting the olives and sausage ahead of time. Or don't--it'll still be delicious.

Consider this list merely a starting point for this fun take on Spanish small plates. Raid your pantry for other ideas, and don’t forget to bring some sherry to sip on the side.

Even without a stove, there's no need to skip your coffee; mint tea adds depth to this cold brew.

This simple, no-mess meal is hearty, tasty, and oh-so-easy.

Skip the camp clean-up by letting plastic bags do all the work.

Tired of the same old bars? Switch it up with these great-tasting, on-the-go smoothies.

Whip up this easy trail meal for luxurious fine dining under the stars.

Add a bit of fresh flair to your camp meals with this healthy side.

These juicy, saucy, super-simple mini sandwiches bring hearty home cooking to camp.

Yes, we’re recommending a bacon-marshmallow combo. Trust us. Bonus: They make a great quick breakfast when paired with a trail shake.

Bread pudding is the ultimate way to end your day. Bonus: This decadent treat requires almost no cleanup.

Pack your collapsible chopsticks and dig into this delicious Asian cuisine.