We Tasted These Instant Campground Meals... Here's the Verdict

 

When it comes to instant camp meals for your on-the-go, backcountry and day hiking needs, there are dozens of options. Browse the aisles of REI and you will find a flurry of delicious, interesting, and strange-sounding dry meals. We went ahead and did the hard work for you by taste testing some of the outdoor industry's leading instant meals so that you don't have to spend your precious adventure time trying to figure out what to eat! Check out these no stove necessary camp meals to find out which are our favorites below.

 



 

PRO BAR MEAL: BANANA NUT BREAD
Recommended: 10/10
Price: $3
Best for: Breakfast, lunch or dinner
Serving size: One
Ingredients: Oats, organic peanut butter, brown rice syrup, raisins, dates, raw sunflower seeds, raw coconut, carob chips, raw cashews, rolled rye, brown flax seed, brown sesame seed, almonds, evaporated cane juice, pineapple, papaya, soy oil, raw Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, corn flakes, hemp seed, apples, epazote leaf, cardamom, fennel, fenugreek, nutmeg, orange oil and natural vitamin E.
Details: This delicious bar has nine grams of protein and was honored with Health Magazine's "Best In Food" award. This all-natural meal is made for extra endurance, fast recovery and serves as a meal replacement.
Pro tip: For a full balanced meal, add a piece of fruit or a glass of soy milk.
You'll like this if you're: Gluten-free or a fan of banana nut bread, because it tastes exactly like it!
What people are saying: "These bars are the best bars out there!"

 



 

OMEALS HOMESTYLE MEAL: HASHBROWN POTATOES WITH BACON, PEPPERS AND ONIONS
Recommended: 7/10
Price: $8
Best for: Breakfast, lunch or dinner
Serving size: One
Ingredients: Bacon, dehydrated potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Contains less than 2% of pepper, salt, and unmodified potato starch.
Details: This tasty, self-heating breakfast pouch (that comes with a steam vent) is one to try! While we didn't have any issue with the self-heating element, we must note that after researching, we found that quite a few people experienced the heating element taking longer than 5 projected minutes. Keep in mind that while the taste is satisfying, there are three plastic pouches inside, making the trash footprint quite large.
Pro tip: Let the bag sit for ten minutes to make sure your food is cooked all the way through.
You'll like this if you're: A meat eater or enjoy a traditional American breakfast.
What people are saying: "I didn't care for the meal but my husband liked it and said he would eat it again on our hiking trips."

 



 

BACKPACKER'S PANTRY: GRANOLA WITH BANANAS, ALMONDS & MILK
Recommended: 9/10
Price: $8.50
Best for: Breakfast or lunch
Serving size: Two
Ingredients: Whole grain oats, butter, brown sugar, coconut, almonds, salt, whole milk, and bananas.
Details: This low sodium meal is easy to make and enjoy! Just add hot water, stir and dig in. With 620 calories per serving, it is ideal to share with your trail buddy.
Pro tip: Steer clear of this meal if you're allergic to milk, coconut or almonds.
You'll like this if you're: Eating for calories or want an extra easy meal on hand at all times while on trail.
What people are saying: "It tastes delicious and helped me fuel up for the day!"

 



 

GOOD TO-GO: PEACE, LOVE AND OATS WITH QUINOA, CHIA AND HEMP HEARTS
Recommended: 5/10
Price: $6.50
Best for: Breakfast or as a hearty snack
Serving size: One
Ingredients: Gluten-free rolled oats, whole grain quinoa flakes, dried zante currants, coconut sugar, raw sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, dried banana flakes, shredded coconut, chia seeds, hemp seed hearts, cinnamon, sea salt, ground turmeric, and ground cardamom.
Details: This meal is packed with protein and omega fatty acids, making it the best fuel for your next outdoor adventure. Cinnamon and turmeric are added for their anti-inflammatory qualities as well as cardamom for digestion. Just add hot water, stir, and enjoy!
Pro tip: Add cinnamon and honey for extra flavor.
You'll like this if you're: Vegan, gluten free, eating for fuel not flavor, and don't mind a mushy texture.
What people are saying: "The flavor is good but not sweet, it's more of a savory porridge with lots of nuts and great little dried currants."

 



 

MOUNTAIN HOUSE: FREEZE DRIED SPICY SOUTHWEST BREAKFAST HASH
Recommended: 10/10
Price: $9.99
Best for: Breakfast, lunch or dinner
Serving size: Two
Ingredients: Green chile pepper, corn, dehydrated hash browns, salt, cooked beef, black beans, red pepper, onion, corn oil, hot pepper sauce, potato starch, spice, and salt.
Details: This delicious meal comes in pouch form, making it easy to transport on your adventure, whether you're day hiking or summiting El Cap! Just add hot water to the pouch, wait a few minutes, stir and enjoy!
Pro tip: Add a little dash of hot sauce to bring the heat or add an egg right on top to elevate your breakfast.
You'll like this if you're: Someone looking for flavor on your camping adventures. This classic southwest style breakfast isn't too spicy, but if you are not a spice fan, sit this one out. This delicious meal is also dairy free.
What people are saying: "I'd eat this at home. Every day."

 



 

WILD ZORA: PALEO BEEF STEW
Recommended: 4/10
Price: $12.95
Best for: Dinner
Serving size: One
Ingredients: Grass-fed beef, carrots, sweet potato, onion, broccoli, mushrooms, celery, green onion, sea salt, marjoram, thyme, garlic, and parsley.
Details: This gluten, grain, nut, and dairy free meal is packed with 36 grams of protein! Just add boiling water, let sit for a few minutes and enjoy.
You'll like this if you: Adhere to paleo and primal diets.
What people are saying: "The vegetables are tasty, but the beef is tough and not appetizing."

Are you finishing out your summer with one last family RV trip but don't know where to venture to? Check out our recent post featuring the Top Family Focused RV Campgrounds across America and leave us a comment in the section below sharing where you'll be closing out your summer vacation!