Overnight Hiking Food

I have a confession to make about overnight hiking food.

I don't do overnight hikes anymore.

It takes great effort to clear my schedule, pack up, and get to the trailhead.

One night out just isn't worth the effort & stress & juggling of responsibilities.

Plus I feel cheated when I have to hike out the next day (More!! I want more trail time!!).

So I have very little fresh advice on planning overnight food, except to offer this idea: Don't waste time on cooking.

Bring something pre-made for dinner, such as a frozen stew that thaws as you hike into your campsite, or cold chicken & veggies, or... what have you.

To be ultra-minimalist, how about just bringing energy bars, some fruit & nuts, and water?

If you really want to lug the stove & fuel along, you can warm up the pre-made foods and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, too.

This is not a chore if you have someone along on your hike, and can distribute the weight of tent, stove, fuel, and water.

If you're going solo, cold food might make more sense for a quick trip.

Or, you can adapt these "backpacking foods" ideas for your overnight trip.

Many overnighters will disagree with me. Delicious base camp food is a point of pride with some hikers.

So be aware that I'm just one voice crying in the wilderness (literally!). And my voice says "Simple is best when you're pressed for time!