Bikepacking food ideas: how to plan and choose meals for multi-day trips

When I’m bikepacking, I don’t want to be stressing about food. I want to focus on the ride, whether that’s tackling a tough climb, soaking in the scenery, or figuring out how many more miles until camp. I’ve learned the hard way that running low on food (especially with a hike-a-bike ahead!) is the fastest way to kill the fun.
Over the years and many bikepacking trips, I’ve figured out a pretty solid system for eating well on multi-day adventures. In this post, I share my go-to tips for staying fueled and feeling good out there from snacks to actual meals, plus how I pack it all so it doesn’t take over my bags.
If you’re looking for realistic, trail-tested ideas for what to eat while bikepacking, you’re in the right place!
My favorite bikepacking snacks!
Step 1: figure out your food strategy
Your food plan will really depend on the kind of trip you’re doing. If you’re riding through remote backcountry with no resupply for days, you’ll need to carefully think about your meals and nutrition. But if you’re passing through towns regularly, you can be a little more relaxed and just grab food along the way. I’ve done both, and there’s definitely a balance between being prepared and overpacking.
🏪 Trips with frequent resupplies
If I’m doing a short overnighter or riding somewhere with towns, gas stations, or grocery stores every day or two, I don’t worry too much about food. I’ll usually just bring a few staples to start me off like tortillas, peanut butter, some bars, snacks, and maybe an emergency dehydrated meal. Then I restock as I go. It keeps the load lighter and lets me be a bit more spontaneous.

🏔️ Trips into the backcountry
For remote routes with little to no access to food, I take a much more thoughtful approach to my bikepacking food strategy. I usually plan out each day’s meals and snacks so I know I have enough energy for long days in the saddle. I also think about how much water I’ll need for cooking (if I’m bringing a stove), how to pack everything efficiently, and how to keep weight down without sacrificing calories. It takes more prep, but it’s worth it, especially when you know you packed some treats for those extra hard miles.

Bikepacking trip prep sheets
Want a little extra help getting organized for your next bikepacking trip? I put together a free set of trip prep sheets that includes a packing list, day-by-day trip planner, trip checklist, and more. Whether you’re heading out for a quick overnighter or a multi-day adventure, these sheets will help you stay dialed and stress less. Grab them below!
What kind of food to pack
Over the years, I’ve found that packing the right kind of food can make or break a trip. You want stuff that’s lightweight, calorie-dense, easy to eat on the go, and—ideally—something you actually enjoy eating after a long day in the saddle.
I try to bring a mix of snacks, quick meals, and a few comfort items that boost morale when I’m tired or hangry. Here’s how I usually break it down:
Pro tip: Repack bulky items into ziplocks bags to save space. Also avoid glass, overly smelly items, and things that spoil quickly.
1
Calorie-dense staples
These are the backbone of my bikepacking food kit. They include foods that are high in energy but don’t take up a ton of space. A few favorites:
- Tortillas (they don’t get squished and work with everything – sweet and savory)
- Nut butters (packets, powdered or small jars— great with fruit, tortillas, crackers)
- Hard cheeses (like cheddar or gouda—they hold up well for a couple of days)
- Tuna packets (good for sodium and protein—the flavored ones are pretty good!)
- Instant rice or couscous (quick-cooking and easy to dress up)
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried meals (great for backcountry trips or lazy nights)
- Boxed mac & cheese (my guilty pleasure—transfer it to a plastic bag for easy packing)
2
Easy grab-and-go snacks
I snack constantly while riding, so these are always easy to access in a frame bag or jersey pocket:
- Trail mix or nuts
- Energy bars or granola bars
- Jerky or plant-based protein sticks
- Dried fruit (mango, bananas, dates—whatever I won’t get sick of)
- Gummy bears (the best) for quick sugar when I’m fading
3
Meals that don’t require cooking
If I’m going stoveless or just want less mess, I bring things I can eat cold:
- Tuna packets or salmon (they now make these in a bunch of flavors)
- Hummus or bean dip (single-serve containers or powdered mix)
- Crackers or flatbreads
- Instant couscous or noodles that can cold soak in a container
- Pre-cooked rice packets (heavier, but easy)
4
Add-ons & extras
These aren’t essential, but they make a big difference in flavor and variety, especially on long or hard trips:
- Olive oil packets (adds calories + flavor)
- Hot sauce packets or spice blends
- Bouillon cubes (for broth or boosting a bland meal)
- Single-serve ketchup, mayo, or mustard
5
Treats & comfort foods
Don’t underestimate the power of a little treat at camp. I always pack one or two per day:
- Cookies!
- Chocolate (unless it’s hot out— finding a melted chocolate bar is so sad)
- Candy bars
- Chips and salty snacks
- A mini bottle of whiskey (for longer trips or celebratory nights 🙂
- Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

Bikepacking meal ideas
Now let’s get into the fun part of deciding what you want to eat on your trip!
🍳 Bikepacking breakfasts
I like to keep breakfasts simple, especially if I’m trying to pack up and hit the trail/road early. Most days, I just want something that gives me enough energy without taking too much time or effort. Here are a few of my go-to’s:

🥪 Bikepacking lunches & snacks
I rarely stop for a full lunch when I’m riding. I usually just graze throughout the day. So snacks are a big part of how I stay fueled and avoid bonking. I try to pack a mix of salty, sweet, and protein-rich snacks to keep things interesting.
Here are a few of my favorite snack/lunch items for my bikepacking trips:
Favorite snacks
Quick lunch ideas

🍜 Bikepacking dinners
Dinner is when I usually want something hot and satisfying especially after a long day of climbing or riding in the cold. If I bring a stove, I’ll go for quick-cooking, one-pot meals. If I’m going stoveless, I keep it super simple but still aim for decent calories.
Stoveless ideas:
Hot meal ideas:
If you want to get even more creative and dehydrate your own meals, check out this post from Fresh Off The Grid.

Planning food for a bikepacking trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you get a system down, it becomes second nature and even fun! Whether you’re hitting up gas stations every day or heading deep into the backcountry with four days of food strapped to your frame, there’s always a way to eat well and stay fueled.
Hopefully these ideas help you dial in your own setup so you can spend less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying the ride. Got a go-to bikepacking meal or snack I should try? Let me know—I’m always looking for new trail food inspiration.
Got a go-to bikepacking meal or snack I should try? Let me know—I’m always looking for new trail food inspiration!
Read next
Need help organizing your trip? Download my bikepacking trip prep sheets.
Again, really enjoying your blog. One thing I’ve tried for snacking mid ride is a dog training treat bag. They are designed to open with one hand and can be hooked into your waist band pretty easily . They also cinch closed so you don’t drop anything. Great for trailmix and nuts (obviously buy one for just this…haha.)
That’s such a good idea!
Hi Becky, Glad that Aiko is recovering though it sounds like the beginning of a long goodbye. You are feeling better when you ride-a great gift to you and hopefully more to come! Thank you for two very well written blogs this week and for the wisdom and experience that are evident in each section.
Moving to The Woodlands north of Houston has been cycling heaven for us; 200 parks and 120 miles of pathways, most of them shaded by tall trees and overgrowth. I can imagine how much you miss the green you grew up with.
Best wishes, Bill DeForest
I’ve heard really good things about the biking around Houston! I’ll have to get out there soon 🙂