camping food for groups

Have a question,
ask it here!

Curious about one of our recipes? Or maybe wondering about powdered coconut milk?
Ask Chef Corso Today! Chef Corso will answer as many of your questions as he can,
but please be patient as he is often outside frolicking in the bushes.
In the meantime, check out or FAQ section. Cheers!

Recently Asked Questions

HOW DO I FIND GAS WHEN TRAVELLING?

We’ve had the same challenge. You can’t carry-on or check camping gas/combustables in your luggage. Please respect that and don’t be a weasel. For every trip that we go on out of our backyard, we research a camping or sports store at our destination. It’s also a great time to chat with a local and get some tips.

HOW MANY MEALS SHOULD I PACK?

For 2 people, per day of hiking, we recommend 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and any snacks you like. Plus plenty of water. For 4 people, per day of hiking, we recommend 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and any snacks you like. Also good to overplan a little for when Jake gets really hungry. (everyone has a friend named Jake that’s hungry) Plus plenty of water.

WHAT IF I GO FOR A LONGER TREK?

Nice! Good on ya. You can easily download multiple recipes to fit your needs. We also understand that weight can be a factor. Maybe have an Outdoor Eats fresh meal/heavier meal on night one, then go to the jerky and packaged dry meals. Need more help? Let Chef Corso curate your trip for you.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

It’s only a few dollars, depending on the recipe and usually less to any freeze-dried meal. Would you rather have fresh food or packaged food on your trip?

HOW DO I SELECT A TRAIL OR TRIP?

Oh man….so many great places. And it can be daunting with that much beauty out there. Find a local park or natural preserve. Go somewhere new. Where ever you are, there is something pretty to see. Check out these sites for some options: AllTrails.com or OutdoorProject.com.

HOW LONG DOES A MEAL TAKE TO PREP?

No more than 5 min.

IS THIS REALLY ENOUGH TO FEED 4 PEOPLE/WILL THIS FILL ME UP?

Yes it is! Yes it will! Most recipes are very filling. But if you’re concerned about being hungry…..pack a second recipe and share the load!

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS?

No worries! Take it out! Exchange it for something you think is the bees knees!

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND THE EXACT INGREDIENTS?

No problem! Do your best to find something close and it should work just fine. And who knows…? maybe you just stumbled on a great new recipe!

WHAT IF I HAVE A SMALLER CAPACITY STOVE?

All recipes are formatted for approximately a 1.5 L stove. Each recipe can be cut on 1/4 or 1/2 depending on your stove. These recipes are great jumping off points for flavor ideas and combinations and can be modified for smaller portions.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A STOVE?

It’s a great and easy present for yourself! You deserve to be able to cook up great food anywhere! But we also have a bunch of NO BURNER recipes for you.

WHAT IF I CAN’T COOK?

That’s ok! All recipes are super easy to shop for and cook up…all in 30 min or less. You can do it!

CAN I COME ALONG ON A RECIPE TRIP?

Sure! that would be amazing. Reach out to us at eatwell@outdooreats.com to see if we are in your region

LIQUOR ON THE TRAIL

When I get to the camp site, and things are set up and dinner is complete, there’s nothing better than a little hooch around the fire. Have any tips for packing booze on the trail?

-Mike

Chef Corso:  – Great Q Mike!  If you are looking for a little nip, I recommend a standard metal flask as long as it’s not too heavy.  Old plastic 2-8 oz beverage containers  work great as well.  Just make sure they’re threaded.  Cheers!

LOW FOD-MAP DIET RECIPES

Hello! I saw your wonderful presentation with the Mountaineers this evening and wanted to ask you if you create recipes that are low FODMAP ingredients? Specifically, I’m having a heck of a time finding recipes or prepackaged backpacking meals that don’t have lots of onion and garlic. I’m looking for 2-3 dinner recipes that I could use on backpacking or climbing trips that minimize weight. Would love to consult with you about this      -Sara

Hi Sara!

Thanks for tuning in and great question.
This can be a tough one, as you mentioned so many things have onion and garlic.  

Some ingredients that I think could be helpful for FODMAP and backpacking are eggs, grits/polenta, pre-packaged grain mixes, rice noodles, and pre-packaged protein like tofu/chicken/tuna.

I would suggest modifying a few of our recipes (I do like garlic and onion) to fit your needs.
A few that come to mind are:
-Pad Thai
-Tom Yum Noodle Bowl
-Grain Bowls (in no burner section)
-Tuscan Polenta
-Cheesy Grits (using which ever cheese works for your belly)
-Veggie Chop Suey (add protein as desired)
-Mango Fried Rice, sub pineapple
-overnight breakfast grains
-tropical oatmeal

Hope these work for you belly!
-Chef Corso

So all these recipes are tested by folks in the Outdoor Eats community?

Absolutely! Chef Corso can’t do it by himself and it’s always better to share a tasty meal and a vista with someone else. All recipe testers are noted on each recipe.

How do I become a recipe tester?

Just click on over here and fill out few questions and you’ll be on your way to eating really well on your next trip.

Where do I get the ingredients?

All recipes are tested with real, fresh ingredients. MOST are available in any major grocery store, farm-stand or convenience store. We do have a few from time to time that require special order via the internet but we make a point to call that out on the recipes.

Is the food sent to me?

Outdoor Eats provides RECIPES for cooking up great food anywhere. All ingredients are readily available at major grocery stores. At this time, we do not send you a recipe kit with ingredients included. If that’s something you would be interested in, let us know!

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We have many recipes for vegetarians, vegans, hungry people, less-hungry people and any-atarian you are right now. If any one recipe does not reach your dietary restrictions, we believe in you and your belly to modify a recipe to your needs. If you need help with ideas… give us a shout!

Can I come along on a recipe testing trip?

Sure! that would be amazing. Reach out to us at eatwell@outdooreats.com to see if we are in your region.

Isn’t this going to be heavy?

We have recipes with varying weights which are noted on each recipe. Many are about the same or slightly heavier than a standard packaged meal. But we are in the camp that a few extra ounces per person is worth it to eat well.