6 Delicious Backpacking Lunch Ideas for Outdoor Adventures

Planning for a day out hiking doesn’t just involve deciding which routes to take—it also means packing the right snacks and meals. To make sure you stay energized and happy while on the trail, here are 6 easy-to-prepare backpacking lunch ideas.

Avocado and Apple Wraps

Try these wraps as a getaway from the traditional sandwich. Cut an avocado and spread over a large tortilla wrap and top with thinly sliced apple, feta cheese crumbles, and spinach leaves. Roll up the wrap like a burrito, slice in half, and enjoy on your adventure! Have a sweet tooth? Swap out the apples for raspberries for a sweet twist.

Roasted Veggie Hummus Wrap

For another great wrap loaded up with crunchiness, creaminess, and deliciousness, try out this roasted vegetables and hummus wrap for lunch. Roast a few of your favorite veggies like zucchini and red peppers ahead of time, then spread them on a large wrap with hummus! Add a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the flavor and you’ve got meal ready in minutes.

Gourmet Cheese Sandwiches

Create the ultimate gourmet sandwiches for your next lunchtime adventure with various mixtures of cheese, bread, and fixings. Start by picking a delicious bread and selecting your favorite cheeses — everything from brie to cheddar to blue cheese is fair game. Add in some greens like arugula or baby spinach then top it off with pickles, bacon, turkey slices, or anything else that takes your fancy! Don’t forget a tasty spread like Dijon mustard or spicy mayonnaise for a mouthwatering kick.

Trail Mix Salad Cups

Craving something a little lighter? Try Trail Mix Salad Cups! Start with a layer of spinach or mixed greens on the bottom, then using your trail mix ingredients to fill your cup like crunch walnuts, pumpkin seeds, berries, dried banana chips and sunflower seeds. Pair it together with quinoa and some Greek yogurt salad dressing. These salad cups are delicious and provide a burst of energy when needed on long hikes.

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

If you’re looking for an energizing lunch option, cold sesame noodle salad has a great combination of crunchy veggies and savory noodles. The ingredients are easy to prepare ahead of time and pack for your hike. Cook the noodles and mix together with cucumbers, shredded cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, scallions, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili paste.

Burrito Veggie Bowls

For a hearty and fuel-packed lunch, look no further than a burrito veggie bowl. Cook up some quinoa or rice. When it’s cold, mix in your favourite leafy greens and vegetables. You could try iceberg lettuce, bell peppers, corn, avocado and tomatoes; then add some protein like chicken, tofu or beans. Top with cheese and add some chilli powder to ranch dressing for a taco-inspired flavour. These bowls provide a filling meal you can enjoy mid-hike to power you up for the rest of your trip.