Knowing what food to pack for backpacking can be challenging, especially if you have a gluten allergy!
Finding delicious gluten free backpacking foods is hard enough! Then, you have decide what you’re going to want to eat on the trail days in advance. Fortunately this becomes a fine tuned practice, and after a few trips you’ll find out what your body craves, and also you’ll find new things mostly from your friends that go backpacking with you. It’s basically an instant reaction to want what the other person you’re backpacking with is eating, so hopefully they will share. HAHA. On that note, make sure to pack a few delicious snacks to barter with a friend for their provisions.Â
I hope you enjoy list list of gluten free backpacking foods. I’ve complied it over time, and will continue to update it!Â
Gluten Free Backpacking Breakfast Foods
KUJU Pour Over Coffee
Backpacking coffee is always such a debate. Look no further – we have found the PERFECT backpacking coffee! You do have to carry the grounds out, but the taste is worth it. I enjoy the dark roast, but there are many options to choose from.
Honey Stinger GF Waffles
Honey Stinger Waffles are the best breakfast on the go! Warm them up by putting them on top of your coffee and they melt in your mouth. Bonus – they come in gluten free!!Â
ONE Protein Bars
These protein bars are the best tasting ones that I have found! They come in many flavors, and all are tasty. A great way to keep in line with your macros goals and treating yourself to a little delicious snack.Â
Bobo’s Oat Bites
These are great for breakfast, or your afternoon bonk! I love all of the flavors.Â
Backpacking Lunch, Snack, and Happy Hour Foods
Chicken Creations Individual Packages
These chicken packages make the perfect lunch. They come in a few flavors so yo ucan spice it up! Bonus – if you have the long spoon I recommended above, you won’t get your hands dirty while eating! You can also get tuna creations, but I prefer the chicken!Â
Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
Rhese are amazing. Salty, delicious, and satisfying. We buy them in bulk. You will not regret it. Just leave some for the rest of us!Â
Peanut Butter M & M’s
They don’t melt and they keep you from bonking. Keep them readily accessible and don’t be afraid to pop a few in your mouth at any time.Â
Clif Blocks
These will save your life. The electrolytes, the caffeine, the yum taste. Again something to keep readily accessible to keep you from bonking! My favorite flavor is salted watermelon, but you might like something else. Try the variety pack! PS – if you mix watermelon or strawberry with margarita – it’s a party in your mouth!Â
Olive Snack Packs
These salty and delicious packages will be a real treat in the backcountry! They come in a variety of flavors and they are perfect for sharing with a friend! Try them with beef jerky for a backcountry pairing.Â
GF Cheese Its
Cheese It’s were always my favorite mountain snack, until I developed my gluten allergy. AND THEN THEY RELEASED GLUTEN FREE CHEEZE ITS!
Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
Buy a bag and portion it out, or purchase the individual portions. Snyder’s and Pretzel Factory are my favorite.Â
Pickle Snack Pack
Pickles. Pickle juice is great for keeping you from getting cramps – and it tastes delicious. If you like pickles.Â
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky will never let you down! The salty flavor feels heavenly on the trail. I like Old Riotous Felon Beef Jerky because the jerky is yummy, and easy to eat.
Wasabi Dry Roasted Edamame
I like to eat these with the Tillamook Beef Jerky for a quick de-bonking snack on the trail. I also add a few peanut butter M&M’s and boom – my energy comes right back, as well as the smile on my face 🙂Â
Hard Cheese Sticks
Hard cheese will last for days on the trail! Cheese can get oily on the trail once it’s warm, so that’s why these individually packaged cheese sticks are so clutch. They are perfect for Happy Hour, or just a snack on the trail. Try them with the Vermont Jerky Sticks!Â
Here’s a few things that should star refrigerated until you leave – so grab these at the grocery store and don’t forget them in the fridge when you leave for your trip!
- Lunch meat wrap for the first day – use the precooked bacon!
- Charcuterie (I like the individual packages made by Daniele) & Dubliner or Babybel cheese. Hard Cheese is what you need. Cheddar, Parmesan, etc.Â
- Fresh fruit – strawberries, grapes, pre-cut apple slices or an apple
- Fresh veggies – celery, carrots, cucumbers
- Hummus – Individual servings
Backpacking Dinner Foods
Backpacker’s Pantry Mashed Potatoes & Gravy with Beef
This meal is YUM! Fantastic. It reheated well and it tasted delightful. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. The perfect mix of carbs and salt. It’s also the perfect size.Â
Good to Go Backpacking Foods
Good to Go foods are made in Maine, with the best ingredients. We can’t recommend them more! Try all of the flavors. Most are gluten free!
Wild Zora Backpacking Meals
Wild Zora meals are delightful! I recommend trying the soup, meals, and bars. The soup is delightful for rehydration. The packages are also sized for one person, so you’re not carrying around rehydrated food trash.Â
Backpacking Beverages - Electrolytes & Happy Hour Cocktails
Propel Electrolytes
You can never go wrong with electrolytes. Bonus if you mix them with vodka for a nightcap! Speaking of cocktails…..it’s almost Happy Hour! My favorite backpacking cocktails are below.Â
Backpacking Wine Bladder
More of a wine person? We recommend this lightweight foldable wine bladder – it will hold a whole bottle!
Backpacking Flask
Perfect for carrying your vodka! These 300 ml flasks will keep you light on your feet and are easy to fill and take care of.Â
Backpacking Wine Glass
Collapsible & Makes You Feel Fancy.Â
Powdered Drink Mixes
Even better – if you have a super chill backpacking day where you’re planning to drink – you can pack yourself some Tito’s vodka (or your spirit of choice!) in your UL flask, and some powdered drink mix, so reach into your snack bag and make yourself a super treat on the trail!Â
