3 Easy DIY Backpacking Oatmeal Recipes
Are you looking for some easy and tasty backpacking oatmeal recipes?
I’ve been making my own homemade instant oatmeal for backpacking adventures for decades so I have some great recipe ideas! Below you will find three easy and delicious ideas for DIY instant oats.
It’s always been fun for me to experiment with various flavor combinations and discover how many nutritious and calorie-rich ingredients I can incorporate into each recipe while keeping the taste of backpacking oats incredible.
In fact, fifteen years ago, when my husband, Matt, went on a 12-day ski trip across part of the Alaska range, I assumed the responsibility of meticulously packing all his meals and snacks. I vividly recall the satisfying instant oatmeal breakfasts I made and so does he!
To the basic instant oatmeal, I added so many energy-boosting ingredients, such as butter and nuts, as I calculated the caloric intake of this most important meal of the day to ensure he had ample fuel for the journey in -40º F weather.
What is Backpacking Oatmeal?
Backpacking oatmeal is instant oatmeal that can be prepared with minimal ingredients and easily be taken with you on a backpacking trip that takes only minutes to make at camp.
It typically has delicious added ingredients such as freeze-dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and other flavorings such as cinnamon or nut butter, or even dried milk powder.
This type of oatmeal is designed to provide an easy meal with quick energy to help fuel your outdoor exploration!
Experimenting with different flavors and textures in backpacking oatmeal recipes is part of the fun! Not only is instant oatmeal easy to make, but it’s also easy to clean up after – making it a no-fuss, on-the-go option.
I love making and packing up our own dehydrated meals for hiking trips including instant oatmeal for backpacking, hash browns, eggs, homemade dried fruit, pancake mix, and french toast mix!
Also, I keep track of the weights of each bag for reference so I can pack more lightweight and do better on each trip with my camping recipes.
🏕 Try more Make Ahead Breakfasts for Camping and this Dutch Oven Bread Pudding for your next car camping trip!
Why Make Your Own Instant Oatmeal for Backpacking?
✔️ FLAVOR – Because making your own backpacking oatmeal recipe means it will be SO delicious! Right? Customize your oats with whatever ingredients you like. Throw in your favorite additions – it is a great way to make sure that your backpacking breakfast will be packed full of flavor!
✔️ LOW-SUGAR – Homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients, resulting in lower sugar content. Store-bought packets often contain added sugars and artificial flavorings, while homemade versions can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
✔️ NUTRITION -DIY backpacking instant oatmeal allows for the inclusion of more wholesome ingredients. Adding ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, nuts, dried whole milk powder, and dried fruits, increases its nutrient density, offering healthy fats, protein, and additional vitamins and minerals.
✔️ HEALTHIER – By using pure, unprocessed ingredients, homemade instant oatmeal for backpacking eliminates unnecessary additives that can negatively impact health. Your body and taste buds will definitely appreciate the absence of preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought oatmeal packets!
Ingredients for Backpacking Instant Oatmeal
The beauty in making your own backpacking oatmeal recipe lies in the simple fact that YOU get to choose what goes into it and get creative with ingredients. That is what makes the best backpacking oatmeal, let’s be real!
Keeping your energy levels up during long hikes is super important so having plain instant oats simply is not a great idea. Pre-packaged instant oats don’t have the delicious additions in them that will help you feel strong!
Instant Oats
Instant oats are pre-cooked and dried oats that have been rolled and cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. They retain much of the nutritional value and fiber of traditional oats while requiring less cooking time.
I prefer to use sprouted instant oats for my backpacking instant oatmeal but it is definitely not necessary. Regular quick or instant oats work really great too!
One Degree Organic Sprouted Oats are a great choice. I have tried a lot of brands and these are my favorite so all the recipes in this post are formulated using them.
Sprouted grains are grains in the early stage of germination. The sprouting process activates enzymes, converting stored nutrients into more accessible forms and reducing antinutrients like phytic acid.
This makes sprouted grains more nutritious, easier to digest and enhances their flavor.
Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Fruit
The easiest to rehydrate in instant oatmeal, freeze-dried fruit goes through a process of removing moisture by freezing it and then subjecting it to a vacuum environment, causing frozen water to sublimate without passing through a liquid phase.
It results in lightweight, shelf-stable fruit pieces that can be rehydrated when combined with liquid, adding a burst of fruity flavor to oatmeal recipes.
I also love making my own dehydrated fruit for oatmeal because we grow our own blueberries, apples, and more but I have to admit the freeze-dried blueberries and bananas rehydrate better in instant oatmeal.
However, I enjoy using dehydrated apples, dried strawberries, and mango in backpacking oatmeal because I don’t mind if they have a bit of a chew – it adds to the texture of the meal in a good way.
Coconut Sugar, Maple Syrup, or Honey
While you can try to rely on the sweetness of the added fruit, you may prefer to add a bit of sweetener to your backpacking oatmeal to make it more palatable either beforehand or at camp.
You can add honey or coconut sugar (or even brown sugar) directly to the bag of ingredients or pack single-serve maple syrup packets to add when serving.
I happen to love maple syrup (I live in Vermont!) so I make the sacrifice and bring my packets on the trail. I use 1/2 pouch per serving.
They provide a convenient and portable way to add natural sweetness to instant oatmeal recipes without the need for carrying a larger container.
Butter or Butter Powder
Butter is absolutely an optional ingredient! But, trust me, it adds a really yummy flavor to your bowl of backpacking oats so you don’t want to skip it if you can eat dairy!
If you are camping in cooler weather, under 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can add pats of solid butter to your bags of backpacking oatmeal.
Otherwise, you risk the butter melting and making a mess. I like to add one or two tablespoons depending on the activities ahead of me that day.
I’m also a big fan of using ghee as a healthier alternative to butter. You can buy single-serve ghee packets or just add a schmear of ghee to your baggie of instant oats before packing them up for your trip.
Butter powder is a dehydrated form of butter that is reconstituted with water directly in the oatmeal.
I absolutely LOVE adding Judee’s powdered butter to my backpacking oatmeal breakfast for delicious flavor and added calories to fuel my hikes.
Milk Powder
Backpacking oatmeal with powdered milk is an elevated version of quick oats I recommend trying because they come out so tasty and satisfying.
The milk powder, whether it is dairy or coconut milk powder, provides a creamy and slightly sweet taste, adding a touch of extra richness and much-needed calories to the oatmeal.
Nuts and Seeds and Other Toppings
Nuts and seeds are often added to instant oatmeal recipes for added crunch, texture, and protein as well as omega 3s. Here are some great options:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Flaxseeds
It’s especially important to eat protein when backpacking so adding these components to your oatmeal is a great way to do so. Consuming protein helps support muscle recovery and prevents muscle breakdown.
These nutty additions definitely make the oatmeal more satisfying and nutritious! Equally, the following topping ideas can really make your oatmeal experience epic!
- Raspberry Powder
- Cocoa Nibs
- Dried Goji Berries
- Dried Golden Berries
- Raisins or Golden Raisins
- Dried Cranberries
- Coconut Flakes
- Chocolate Chips
- Crystallized Ginger
On the Side
Here are a few really easy sides to nosh on alongside your oatmeal.
- Backpacking Cheese
- Backpacking Bacon
- Hard Boiled Egg
- Trail Mix
- Jerky
Supplies Needed for Backpacking Oatmeal
It’s important to find your own groove with camping and backpacking gear. However, here is what I use and love but that doesn’t mean you have to use everything I recommend! Play around and have fun trying different utensils, bowls and camp stoves!
Baggie
Quart Ziploc Freezer Bags or Stasher Silicone Bags both work to contain the instant oats to store in your backpack. However, if you plan to use hot water in a bag to reconstitute your oatmeal, so far, the best option I have found is to stick with the Ziploc bags. I wish there was another option!
Sea to Summit Collapsible X-Bowl
Sea to Summit is my go-to company over and over again for excellent camping products. I have both their lidded Delta bowls and their collapsible X-set bowls – both are excellent!
However, check out this collapsible bowl they make that also comes with a lid! Both options would work well if you prefer to soak your oatmeal in a bowl rather than a Ziploc bag. The only downside is having to wash your bowl!
Hyperlite REpack
If you are waking up in the morning at camp with a chill in the air nothing beats having a cozy for your breakfast that insulates your food and also keeps your hand warm!
Hyperlite makes these brilliant REpack pouches as part of their Freezer Bag Cook System and I have fallen hard for them. We used these on chilly mornings camping in New Mexico when beanies, puffy coats, and gloves were needed and that warm oatmeal was incredibly satisfying!
There have been SO many times when I have been camping and my oatmeal or other meal gets cold while rehydrating! No longer, my friends, do yourself a favor and get these REpack bags!
In addition, clean-up is a cinch! All you have is a spoon to clean!
And while I wish there was a better way than using a disposable Ziploc bag, we can’t be perfect – and the benefits for me, outweigh the negatives. Save and wash your Ziploc bag at home for another use, OK?
Spoon
In cool to warm weather, metal spoons are fabulous. I enjoy a lightweight titanium spoon that will survive forever being tossed around in my pack. However, let’s revisit those icy chilly mornings!
Metal utensils are not your friend come fall and winter camping. So, choose wisely and consider using polypropylene.
Otherwise, my utensils of choice are the Sea to Summit Alpha Cutlery set, seen being used above by my forever companion and adventure-pal husband.
We find these are long enough to scoop down into our bags inside the REpack pouch and scoop out the very last bits of food but also super lightweight and durable!
Jetboil or Teapot and Camp Stove
Look, however, you choose or love to boil your water is up to you! But if you need some suggestions here is what I use.
For trips that are not ultra lightweight and minimalist, I have fallen for the Sea to Summit X-Pot collapsible tea kettle. It’s bright, fun, durable, and practical and I can shove it into a pocket in my pack with no problem.
How do I boil my water? While I don’t use a Jetboil due to traveling as a family of four, you should most definitely get one if you travel solo or with a partner. Nothing beats their speed, simplicity, and cool factor. Plus you won’t need the teapot to accompany it!
Otherwise, I enjoy using the Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove with canisters of fuel that I can recycle when empty.
This is a really simple setup! The LiteMax has a nice wide flame and it boils water in my tea kettle in about 3.5 minutes!
I have really taken to preferring this stove but it’s worth mentioning it needs a windscreen in challenging weather.
FAQS: Backpacking Oatmeal
Here are some commonly asked questions the answers to them about instant oatmeal for backpacking.
Why is oatmeal good for hiking?
Oatmeal is good for hiking due to its nutritional value, fiber content, slow-burning carbs, lightweight nature, and customization options. It provides sustained energy, aids digestion, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. With easy preparation, oatmeal is a versatile, budget-friendly, and satisfying choice for anyone who needs to fuel up before hitting the trail.
Is oatmeal good for backpacking?
Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a backpacking breakfast due to how lightweight and compact it is combined with its ease of preparation. It can be easily packed and takes up minimal space in your backpack! The preparation at camp is so easy and by simply adding hot water, oatmeal provides a convenient and nourishing meal option.
How to make oats while traveling?
To make oats while traveling, use instant oats for quick preparation. Boil water, pour it over the oats, and let them sit for a few minutes to soften. Alternatively, use a portable electric kettle or microwave-safe container to heat water. Customize with toppings like nuts, honey, and dried fruit for added flavor.
Can you make instant oatmeal without hot water?
Yes, you can prepare instant oatmeal without hot water, but the result may not be as enjoyable as cooked oats. Cold water can soften the oats to some extent, but they may have a more raw and less appealing texture. It’s recommended to use hot water whenever possible to fully cook the oats and enhance the taste and texture.
Backpacking Oatmeal Recipes
The following are three personal favorite flavor combinations for backpacking oatmeal ideas.
👉 Double the below recipes if you typically eat more oatmeal and have a larger appetite!
Remember you can adjust the add-in choices such as fruit, nuts, seeds, and spices to satisfy your preferences if desired!
Strawberry Tropical Bliss Backpacking Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 piece chopped dried mango
- 3 tsp coconut milk powder
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp roasted and salted pistachios
Instructions
- Mix all of the DRY ingredients plus the honey, except the pistachios, into a quart-sized freezer-safe Ziploc bag or a reusable silicone baggie.
- At camp, heat water to boiling.
- Pour oats into a bowl that comes equipped with a lid, scraping out the bits of honey, OR simply keep the oatmeal in the baggie, tucking it into a Hyperlite REpack pouch.
- Pour the desired amount of boiling water into the oatmeal. Stir. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and pouch, letting the oatmeal "cook" for 2 minute.
- Stir, top with pistachios, and eat!
Notes
- The amount of water you need to add to your instant oats can depend on the brand and variety of instant oats you use! For my recipes I use Organic Sprouted Quick Oats by One Degree Organic Foods.
Banana Peanut Butter Power Quick Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup instant oats
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1/3 cup freeze dried banana pieces
- 1 tbsp peanut butter powder, such as PB2
- 3 tsp whole milk powder
- 1/2 tsp butter powder or 1-2 tbs fresh butter
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 2-3 tsp cocas nibs
- 1/2 pouch maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix all of the DRY ingredients, except cocoa nibs, into a quart-sized freezer-safe Ziploc bag or a reusable silicone baggie.
- At camp, heat water to boiling.
- Pour oats into a bowl that comes equipped with a lid, OR simply keep the oatmeal in the baggie, tucking it into a Hyperlite REpack pouch.
- Pour the desired amount of boiling water into the oatmeal. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and pouch, letting the oatmeal "cook" for 2 minutes.
- Stir, top with cocoa nibs and maple syrup, and eat!
Fruity Power Seed Backpacking Oatmeal with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup instant oats
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp milk powder
- 1 tsp butter powder or 1-2 tbsp fresh butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped dried apples or freeze-dried bananas, or freeze-dried blueberries (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 1.5 oz pouch almond butter, such as Justin's
- 1/2 pouch maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix all of the DRY ingredients, except hemp seeds, into a quart-sized freezer-safe Ziploc bag or a reusable silicone baggie.
- At camp, heat water to boiling.
- Pour oats into a bowl that comes equipped with a lid, OR simply keep the oatmeal in the baggie, tucking it into a Hyperlite REpack pouch.
- Pour the desired amount of boiling water into the oatmeal. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and pouch, letting the oatmeal "cook" for 2 minutes.
- Stir in almond butter and top with hemp seeds, and maple syrup. Enjoy!
The Wrap-Up: Best Instant Oatmeal for Backpacking
Homemade instant backpacking oatmeal is the way to go to ensure a filling breakfast before you hit the trail. It’s easy to make, affordable, and nutritious!
Remember, you can customize your oatmeal recipes however you like and this guide gives you suggested proportions for ingredients. Get ready for energy-boosted breakfasts!
Now that you are inspired by creative ingredient ideas and have a few instant oatmeal recipes for your next backpacking trip, where are you going to plan your trip?
