When you’re hitting the trails in the Northern Territory, having the right food can make or break your adventure. From the rugged terrain of the Larapinta Trail to the picture-perfect landscapes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, every hike in this region offers rewarding views for tackling its challenges.
Before you go, your first challenge is what to pack. Here’s a guide to the best trail hiking food recipes, focusing on dehydrated backpacking meals and essential cooking gear. We’ve also included a list of the top trails in the NT for inspiration for your next hiking trip.
Dehydrated Backpacking Meals - What Food to Pack
- Dehydrated Fruits and Veggies: A quick and healthy snack. Good options include bananas, apples, carrots, and peas.
- Instant Rice and Pasta: These carbs make a great base for a variety of meals.
- Dehydrated Meats: Beef jerky and dehydrated chicken provide much-needed protein for multi-day hikes.
- Porridge Packets: A hearty breakfast option that requires minimal preparation.
- Trail Mix and Muesli Bars: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is perfect for quick energy boosts.
Top Dehydrated Camping Food Recipes
Chicken and Rice
- Ingredients: Dehydrated chicken, instant rice, dehydrated mixed vegetables, bouillon cubes.
- Preparation:
- Rehydrate chicken and vegetables in boiling water.
- Cook instant rice as per packet instructions.
- Mix everything together, adding a bouillon cube for flavour.
Hearty Lentil Stew
- Ingredients: Dehydrated lentils, dehydrated carrots and potatoes, vegetable broth powder.
- Preparation:
- Rehydrate lentils and vegetables in boiling water.
- Add vegetable broth powder to taste.
- Simmer until everything is tender.
Couscous and Vegetable Medley
- Ingredients: Instant couscous, dehydrated mixed vegetables, olive oil packet, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
- Preparation:
- Rehydrate mixed vegetables in boiling water.
- Add instant couscous and let it sit until it absorbs the water.
- Mix in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Ingredients: Instant pasta, dehydrated mushrooms, powdered milk, garlic powder, parmesan cheese packet.
- Preparation:
- Rehydrate mushrooms in boiling water.
- Cook instant pasta as per packet instructions.
- Mix in rehydrated mushrooms, powdered milk, garlic powder, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Savory Quinoa and Veggie Mix
- Ingredients: Dehydrated quinoa, dehydrated mixed vegetables, soy sauce packet.
- Preparation:
- Rehydrate quinoa and vegetables in boiling water.
- Mix in soy sauce.
Spicy Chilli Beans
- Ingredients: Dehydrated black beans, dehydrated corn, dehydrated tomatoes, chilli powder, cumin, onion powder.
- Preparation
- Rehydrate black beans, corn, and tomatoes in boiling water.
- Mix in chilli powder, cumin, and onion powder.
- Simmer until beans are tender and the flavours are well combined.
What to Bring for Cooking
- Portable Stove and Fuel: These are essential for heating water and cooking meals.
- Lightweight Cooking Pot: Perfect for boiling water and preparing meals.
- Spoon and Spork: Keep your utensils compact and versatile.
- Mug and Bowl: Needed for eating and drinking.
- Water Filter or Purification Tablets: This ensures you have a safe water supply.
- Lighter or Matches: Needed to start your portable stove.
- Biodegradable Soap and Sponge: Clean up without harming the environment.
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The Best Trail Hikes in the NT
So, you have everything you need and are feeling inspired for an epic hiking adventure. These are some of the best trail hikes in the Northern Territory to get you started!
1. Larapinta Trail
This is one of the region’s (and Australia’s) most iconic trails, offering a true outback experience with its diverse terrain and stunning landscapes.
- Highlights: Stunning views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, diverse wildlife.
- Length: 223 km
- Difficulty: Hard
2. Jatbula Trail
This bucket list trail takes you through some of the most picturesque scenery in Nitmiluk National Park.
- Highlights: Crystal-clear waterholes, ancient rock art, beautiful waterfalls.
- Length: 62 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
3. Ormiston Pound Walk
This popular walk in the West MacDonnell Ranges offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and takes you through the picturesque Ormiston Gorge.
- Highlights: Spectacular views, diverse wildlife, gorge scenery.
- Length: 8.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
4. Tabletop Track
Located in Litchfield National Park, this trail is perfect for those looking for a mix of challenging hikes and beautiful spots to cool off.- Highlights: Lush woodlands, stunning waterfalls, and panoramic views.
- Length: 39 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
With the right preparation and our delicious dehydrated meal recipes, you’re ready for your next hiking adventure in the Northern Territory! Pack smart, bring the essentials, and get ready to explore some of the most stunning trails in the NT. Happy hiking!
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