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

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Man sitting on rocks at dispersed campsite with camping gear laid out around him and tent set up. Bikepacking bike learning against a large rock and sun setting on red rock bluffs in background

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!

  • Peanut butter pretzels
  • Bobo’s Bars
  • Dried fruit (especially mangos)
  • Babybel’s with crackers
  • Gummy bears
  • Any local tasty treat

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.

  • Pack a few lightweight staples to get you started (tortillas, nut butter, bars)
  • Pack some high-calorie snacks for in between towns like trail mix, jerky, dried fruit. (Don’t go overboard… I once carried a whole bag of mixed nuts across the state of Washington).
  • Carry a backup meal, just in case (like a dehydrated dinner or box of mac & cheese)
  • Have small stash of electrolyte mix or drink tablets
  • Don’t forget cash or a credit card for resupplying at small stores
  • Have a rough idea of where your next food stop will be
Woman standing over loaded bikepacking bike pointing at Rock Springs cafe sign
Mandatory pie stop on the Black Canyon Trail in Arizona

🏔️ 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.

  • Carefully research resupply options (if any are available)
  • Plan every meal (breakfast, lunch/snacks, dinner). If there is a resupply along the route, make a grocery list for what you need to buy to keep your meal plan on track
  • Choose calorie-dense foods that pack small (nut butters, couscous, instant rice, tuna packets)
  • Having a a reliable cooking setup or a solid stoveless plan
  • Bring extra food for 1–2 days beyond your plan, just in case
  • Stock up on lightweight snacks for quick energy on the trail
Set of three worksheets

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
Man looking back at camera at campsite with pot of macaroni and cheese at his side. Views out over red rock bluffs of Sedona
Mac & cheese is a bikepacking staple for me…

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:

  • Instant oatmeal packets: I’ll add nut butter, dried fruit, or a little granola to bulk them up. You can make them with hot water or cold soak them overnight.
  • Bars: If I’m in a rush or feeling lazy, I’ll just grab a bar and call it good. Not glamorous, but it gets the job done. Probar Meal Bars are calorie-dense and have a good amount of protein.
  • Tortilla breakfast wraps: For a little more substance, I’ll do tortillas with nut butter and dried fruit, or stir up some dehydrated eggs.
  • Bagels with a single-serving cream cheese: always a solid choice.
  • Dehydrated breakfast meals: quick and easy, but they do get pricey.
  • Granola with powdered milk and trail mix
  • Instant coffee! I like to mix mine with a hot chocolate packet. If you like milky sweet coffee you can also find some decent powdered cappuccino mixes.
Becky sitting on grass enjoy a cup of morning coffee are dispersed campsite on cross-washington mountain bike trip
Morning coffee is a requirement on any (of my) bikepacking trips

🥪 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

  • Trail mix (DIY or store-bought)
  • Nut butter packets
  • Jerky or meat sticks
  • Crackers or pretzels (peanut butter-filled!)
  • Tortillas
  • Dried fruit (mango, apricots, bananas, etc.)
  • Gummy candy or Clif Bloks for quick sugar
  • Energy bars or granola bars
  • Block of hard cheese (like cheddar) or Babybels

Quick lunch ideas

  • Tortillas with tuna, hummus (powdered), or nut butter
  • Crackers + cheese + salami for a backcountry charcuterie vibe
  • Guacamole cups + instant refried beans + sturdy chips
Tortilla filled with peanut butter and peanut butter m&ms.
This is one of my favorite bikepacking lunches

🍜 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:

  • Tortilla wraps with tuna, beans, or hummus
  • Cold-soaked couscous or instant noodles
  • Pre-cooked rice packs with toppings
  • Cheese, crackers, nuts, dried fruit combo

Hot meal ideas:

  • Ramen bombs: Instant ramen with dehydrated veggies, a scoop of instant mashed potatoes, and some jerky for protein. Trust me, it’s a thing!
  • Couscous bowls: Couscous with bouillon, olive oil, spices, and add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or nuts
  • Mac & cheese with dehydrated veggies and cubed salami
  • Dried tortellini with a tuna packet
  • Instant rice + curry or soup mix
  • Dehydrated meals: Expensive but convenient. Great for quick trips, backup meals, or late nights. Pro tip: Go for the 2-servings packets instead of the single-serving. If you’re pedaling a loaded bike all day, you’ll need the calories!

If you want to get even more creative and dehydrate your own meals, check out this post from Fresh Off The Grid.

Becky sitting on large rock at bikepacking campsite at dusk eating a dehydrated meal from the pouch
If I’m doing a quick overnight or logistically challenging trip, I’ll usually rely pretty heavily on dehydrated meals

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!

Need help organizing your trip? Download my bikepacking trip prep sheets.

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4 Comments

  1. 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.)

  2. 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

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