DIY backpack meals $4-6 ideas?

[Aperventure]

Question I’ve asked myself is What food items can I assemble from Store that results in complete meals for $4-6 and doesn’t require time or equipment for dehydration or $15 expense of freeze dried pre-packaged that tastes like cardboard?

Prep/ cooking would be away from truck / SxS / motorized so no refrigeration or cooler.

yes stove; dayhunts or backpacking doesn’t matter. but weight sure does matter if backpacking trying to stick to 1.5 lbs/day, 2 max for all 3 meals


My go has been:
Ramen, spam, sriracha peas, chives, dried onions & mushrooms w/ sesame oil

couscous fried in sesame oil then cooked with apricots & almonds. Spices if you want.

Oats, protein powder, raisins, cinnamon, maple syrup or brown sugar

Anyone else got DIY meals for $4-6 that don’t require being dehydrated ? I’m wanting to diversify from these 2 cornerstones

 

[rjthehunter]

I am very much a guy who wants to keep it simple. I wait for my favorite (or any) brand of freeze dried food to go on sale and stock up. I always throw in some instant oatmeal for breakfast, and lunch is typically random snacks. I do enjoy a pb & honey sandwich or tortilla, so usually make a few of those to bring with.

 

[Schaaf]

 

[Schaaf]

Or if I’m eating fancy

 

[rjthehunter]

I'll do the tuna packets and crackers too!

 

[Bigjay73]

My biggest problem with store bought freeze dried meals is there's no calories in them. $9 is a lot for 500 calories

 

[Aperventure]

My biggest problem with store bought freeze dried meals is there's no calories in them. $9 is a lot for 500 calories

Agreed, which is why I asked the question to myself few years ago. Trying to expand menu now

 

[Moserkr]

My trick is finding deals on #10 cans of freeze dried meals for dinner. Use my own mylar bags to package my meals. I add some idahoan potatoes to each dinner for extra calories, and mainly prevent watery food.

Breakfasts are simple oatmeal, sliced almonds, honey or maple syrup, raisins, cinnamon, and most important - protein powder.

Lunch is a honey and peanut butter sandwich since those are shelf stable. Lots of snacks - jerky, trail mix, fruit leather, crackers, whatever you like. I used to do tuna packets but it weighs more and stinks after opening.

 

[Jnasa]

I’ve done the flavored instant mashed potatoes on a couple fishing trips. Split with a friend for a side to go with fish. We also watered it down to make a backcountry soup with cooked trout in it.

You could try instant rice with some bullion to flavor it and whatever else.

I will sometimes do shelf stable salami and some type of bread for sandwiches.

 

[buckbull]

I like butthole sandwiches. Having a hot meal can make a huge difference, rice or instant potatoes.

 

[R.K.]

Couscous is the answer. And you can buy it in bulk at Winco.

Add chicken bouillon, freeze dried veggies, spices, etc- you’ve got a meal. I like the tuna with sun dried tomatoes to add to it.

Lots of recipes online if you look around to fit whatever flavor you’re after.