Hiking breakfast ideas: Delicious morning meals

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Key highlights: This article offers a variety of hiking breakfast ideas that are lightweight, non-perishable, and provide sustained energy. Options include instant oatmeal, energy bars, dehydrated eggs, nut butter packets, instant coffee or tea, trail mix, freeze-dried breakfasts, tortillas or wraps, instant pancake mix, and fresh fruit. The author emphasises the importance of packing foods that are easy to transport and prepare, as well as nutrient-rich to support the energy demands of hiking.

Oatmeal for breakfast, peanut butter for lunch, and Mac-n-Cheese for dinner – now that’s a good outdoors menu. Or is it? My wife would certainly say no. It’s not that hard, and certainly not expensive, to create a tasty, easy, nutritious, diverse menu for any length hiking trip. When planning breakfast for hiking, whether it be an overnight or multi-day hike, it’s important to choose foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and provide sustained energy.

Here’s some great breakfast ideas

Instant oatmeal

Pre-portioned packets of instant oatmeal are easy to carry and only require hot water to prepare. Add nuts, dried fruits, or powdered milk for extra flavor and nutrients.

Energy bars

Pack energy bars or granola bars for a quick and convenient breakfast option. Look for bars with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

Dehydrated eggs

Dehydrated scrambled eggs are lightweight and can be rehydrated with hot water. You can also add dehydrated vegetables and cheese for extra flavor.

Nut butter packets

Single-serving nut butter packets (like peanut or almond butter) provide a protein and energy boost. Spread them on crackers or tortillas.

Instant coffee or tea

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, bring instant coffee or tea bags for a morning caffeine kick.

Trail mix

A homemade trail mix with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips can be a quick and satisfying breakfast option.

Freeze dried breakfasts

There are freeze dried breakfast options available, such as scrambled eggs with bacon or breakfast skillet meals. These are convenient but may be heavier.

Tortillas or wraps

Pack tortillas or wraps and fill them with peanut butter, honey, or Nutella for a portable and energy-rich breakfast.

Instant pancake mix

Some instant pancake mixes only require water to make fluffy pancakes. Bring a small container of syrup or honey for topping.

Fresh fruit

While not as long-lasting as dried fruits, some fresh fruits like apples or oranges can be a refreshing addition to your breakfast.

Remember to check the nutritional content of your choices to ensure they meet your energy and nutritional needs for hiking. Also, consider any dietary restrictions or allergies when selecting your breakfast options.

What other great ideas do you have?

About the Author

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Darren Edwards is the founder of Trail Hiking Australia, an avid bushwalker, and a dedicated search and rescue volunteer. With decades of experience exploring Australia's wilderness, Darren shares his passion for the outdoors, providing practical advice and guidance on hiking safely and responsibly. He was interviewed on ABC Radio and ABC News Breakfast to discuss bushwalking safety, highlighting his commitment to promoting responsible outdoor exploration.

19 thoughts on “Hiking breakfast ideas: Delicious morning meals”

  1. I don’t normally eat breakfast and when I am hiking i used to have to force in in. I discovered instant Poha in the Indian section of the supermarket and love it for breakfast, easy to prepare and delicious. I also like plastic bag omelet using dehydrated egg, vegetables and herbs.

  2. I make up an overnight oats mix with powdered oat milk, powdered peanut butter, chia seeds, cranberries and pecans in a zip lock bag, add water, let sit while I pack up the tent, give it a shake when I’m done packing and eat.

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