5. Wakame Seaweed

With only a bit of water, a few grams of dried seaweed blossoms into a nutrient-rich forest. Vegan, gluten free, rich in calcium, iron and folate, and it only weighs in at 1.6 oz per half cup. Throw a tablespoon of wakame into ramen noodle soups. Wakame seaweed can also be soaked in room temperature water for a refreshing salad. Add a package of tuna and some almonds from your trail mix for a satisfying lunch. 

4. Salami

Although relatively heavy, salami is worth packing along for its versatility.  Salami can be cubed and fried in pasta or rice dishes, sliced thinly for sandwiches, or just chomp a hunk off with your teeth while beating your chest savagely. Unlike fresh deli meats or even Spam, it can last for days unrefrigerated. 

3. Crystallized Eggs

Forget the powdered variety, which when mixed with water omits a vague odor similar to cat pee. Thanks to food scientists, we can now purchase crystallized eggs to stir into soups, boiled with instant rice, or turned into scrambled eggs for a protein rich breakfast. Go for the ‘Ova Easy’ brand. At $54.99 for a 2.25 lb can it is not cheap, but the can lasts for 5 years on the shelf and the superior taste is worth it. 

2. Spice Wheel

A must for elevating bland, high-carb backpacking foods. Personalize by choosing which spices you want in the wheel’s 6-8 compartments. After your fourth meal of pasta, you’ll be thankful you can choose curry or cumin to keep your tongue happy. Spice wheels are widely available for less than four bucks and make great gifts for your outdoorsy friends and family. 

Photo credit: camperpartsworld.com

1. A Plastic Mug with a Lid

Okay, okay, so it’s not a food, but one lidded cup replaces a bowl, plate and drinking cup while on the trail. Cups can store your coffee and tea in the morning and your apricot cashew couscous in the evening. Purchase ones with screw-on lids double as tupperware for transporting leftovers. Some brands are clear plastic with measurements on the side for easy camp cooking. We love GSI Outdoors ‘Fairshare’ Mug, starting at $8.75 each. 

Photo: GSI Outdoors Fairshare Mug via rei.com