Our Favourite Meals for the Camping Carnivore
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 16, 2024
At Ultralight Outdoor Gear, we take pride in delivering the most accurate and detailed information about the gear we offer. We don’t just list specs—we weigh every product ourselves so you know precisely what you’re carrying. But we don’t stop there. To ensure you’re trail-ready, we also taste-test every dehydrated meal we sell.
Over the past year, our team has meticulously tested and rated each meal, scoring them out of 10 based on taste, texture, and hydration performance. Along the way, we’ve uncovered which meals need more (or less) water, which ones take extra time to hydrate, and, importantly, which ones we’re not so keen on. With this hard-earned insight, we’ve created a definitive guide to our favourite dehydrated meals across various categories, making choosing the perfect trail food easier.
If you’ve never tried dehydrated meals, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. These lightweight, compact options are the ultimate in trail cuisine, crafted to fuel your adventure without weighing you down. Packed with essential calories, protein, and carbohydrates, they’re ideal for multiday backpacking trips. Preparation couldn’t be more straightforward—just add water—and the best part? No dishes to wash afterwards.
So, whether you’re a devoted carnivore, a vegetarian explorer, or simply on the hunt for the best trail breakfasts and desserts, dive into our guide to find out which meals shined in our taste tests. Your next adventure starts here!
10. Real Turmat Beef & Potato Stew
Taste Test Score: 9/10
This rich and hearty stew pairs tender beef with soft, flavourful potatoes and a mix of root veggies. The seasoning is spot-on, delivering a comforting, home-cooked flavour that rehydrates beautifully. Perfect for cold evenings when you want something simple and comforting.
Taste Test Score: 9/10
A delightful balance of textures and flavours, this dish pairs tender lamb with hearty lentils and perfectly cooked rice. Carrots, onions, and aubergine add depth, while the seasoning brings out the natural richness of the lamb. Wholesome, filling, and expertly spiced, this meal is perfect for adventurous foodies or anyone looking to elevate their camp cuisine.
Taste Test Score: 9/10
This Indian Chicken Stew delivers authentic curry flavours, complementing the tender chicken and hearty mix of pasta and vegetables. The mild spice level balances well, making it approachable for most palates, but you can always add a little heat if, like me, you love your spice. It’s a warm, flavourful, and satisfying choice.
Taste Test Score: 9/10
This tangy tomato-based Bolognese really does taste like homemade food. Well-hydrated pasta spirals and flavourful minced beef are brought to life with aromatic herbs and a rich sauce. It rehydrates exceptionally well, delivering a fresh and hearty meal, perfect for anyone seeking familiar flavours on the trail.
6. Real Turmat Creamy Salmon with Pasta
Taste Test Score 9/10
One for the seafood lovers, this dish combines moist, flaky salmon with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Carrots, peas, and onions add vibrant textures and aromatic flavour, while the subtle dill enhances the depth of the dish. It hydrates well, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.
5. Summit to Eat Beef and Potato Stew
Taste Test Score 9/10
Packed with tender beef, soft potatoes, and a mix of vegetables, this stew delivers a hearty and warming experience. The strong peppery seasoning elevates the dish, giving it a comforting, home-cooked flavour. It rehydrates well, with the beef retaining its flavour and the vegetables achieving the perfect texture. This has been a long-time favourite here at UOG.
(Available in Regular Serving and Big Pack)
4. Expedition Foods Beef Stroganoff with Rice
Taste Test Score 9/10
This Beef Stroganoff features a rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, perfectly complemented by rice that rehydrates well. The Stroganoff's comforting flavour is enhanced by a subtle hint of tarragon, which permeates the entire dish and adds depth. We discovered that using slightly less water than recommended results in the perfect consistency.
(Available in Single Serving, High Energy Serving & Double Serving)
3. LYO Expedition Pork Loin in Green Pepper Sauce
Taste Test Score 9/10
A hearty, home-cooked-style dish that pairs tender pork loin with perfectly hydrated potatoes and green beans in a spiced green pepper sauce. The sauce ties the flavours together beautifully, while the leek adds a fresh, aromatic touch. The wholesome ingredients and balanced textures make this a satisfying choice, though you may wish to add more salt.
(Available in Regular Serving & Big Pack)
2. Blå Band Skinnarmo’s Pasta Carbonara
Taste Test Score 9/10
This Carbonara is rich and creamy comfort food; perfectly cooked pasta and smoky beef permeate the buttery, cheesy sauce. The meal rehydrates superbly, offering excellent texture and depth of flavour. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for cold nights when craving a warm, indulgent meal.
Taste Test Score 10/10
The Taco Bowl from Real Turmat is our only meal to receive a perfect 10/10 score. This Mexican-inspired dish melds tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and kidney beans, all well seasoned with a hint of spice. It hydrates beautifully, balancing texture and taste. Pair it with wraps, a squeeze of lime, and some cheese to create a Mexican feast in the wild.
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Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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Over the past year, our team has meticulously tested and rated each meal, scoring them out of 10 based on taste, texture, and hydration performance. Along the way, we’ve uncovered which meals need more (or less) water, which ones take extra time to hydrate, and, importantly, which ones we’re not so keen on. With this hard-earned insight, we’ve created a definitive guide to our favourite dehydrated meals across various categories, making choosing the perfect trail food easier. If you’ve never tried dehydrated meals, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. These lightweight, compact options are the ultimate in trail cuisine, crafted to fuel your adventure without weighing you down. Packed with essential calories, protein, and carbohydrates, they’re ideal for multiday backpacking trips.