Whether you're tackling the Overland Track, heading into the Grampians for a long weekend, or just building out your kit for the next big trip, choosing the right freeze dried hiking food makes a real difference to how you feel at the end of a long day on the trail.

At Hiking Food Australia, we stock Australia's biggest range—we know a thing or two about the stuff. This guide covers how freeze dried food actually works, what to look for when choosing it, and how each major brand stacks up so you can make the right call for your hike.

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What Is Freeze Dried Food and Why Does It Work So Well for Hiking?

Freeze drying removes around 98% of moisture from food by freezing it solid and then drawing out the water under a vacuum—a process called sublimation. The result is food that's featherlight, has a long shelf life (in some cases up to 25+ years), and rehydrates back to something very close to the original cooked meal when you add boiling water.

For hiking, this combination is hard to beat:

• Light weight—a single-serve freeze dried meal typically weighs 80–130g. A comparable wet meal or MRE can weigh 300–500g.
• Nutrition preserved—freeze drying uses low temperatures and vacuum, which helps preserve heat-sensitive nutrients better than hot-air dehydration.
• Dead simple to cook—boil water, pour into the pouch, seal, wait 8–12 minutes, eat. No pot to clean.
• No refrigeration needed—store at home, pack, eat months or years later.

The only real trade-offs are cost—freeze dried meals cost more than supermarket alternatives—and the fact that you do need water and a way to heat it. If you're hiking somewhere water-scarce, a ready-to-eat MRE might be worth considering alongside them.

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How to Choose: What Actually Matters

Calories per gram is the number ultralight hikers care most about. On a big day in the mountains you might burn 3,000-4,500 calories. A single-serve freeze dried meal typically delivers 300–500 calories; a double serve 550–900+. Know your energy needs and plan accordingly.

Protein content matters more than most people realise, especially on multi-day trips. Muscle repair happens overnight. Meals with 20g+ of protein are worth seeking out if you're pushing hard.

Sodium—freeze dried meals can be high in sodium. Some brands (Campers Pantry in particular) are notably lower than others, which matters on multi-week trips.

Ingredients quality—many modern freeze-dried meal brands focus on real meat, quality produce, and simple ingredient lists, with minimal additives.

Dietary needs—most brands offer gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Use our dietary filter collections to find the right meals quickly.

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The Main Brands Available in Australia

Australia has a genuinely strong selection of freeze dried meal brands, including some of the best in the world. Here's a quick overview:

Back Country Cuisine (New Zealand)

One of the most widely available brands in Australia, with a range spanning over 60 meals across breakfast, mains, desserts, drinks, and sides. Meals are lightweight, packaged in resealable pouches that convert to bowls, and cover vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten free dietary options. An excellent all-rounder, especially if range and variety are priorities.

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Campers Pantry (Australia — Tasmania)

The standout Australian-made option, and for many hikers, the best tasting freeze dried food available locally. Made in Launceston using real meat and locally sourced ingredients, with a noticeably clean ingredients list and lower sodium content than many competitors. If taste and Australian ownership are your priorities, Campers Pantry is the first brand to reach for.

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Real Meals (New Zealand)

A newer New Zealand brand popular with hikers, hunters, and expedition users. Real Meals offers balanced nutrition, good protein content, and flavour options designed for real backcountry use.

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Outdoor Gourmet (New Zealand)

Part of the Back Country Cuisine stable and positioned as a more gourmet option with larger double-serve portions—the go-to for couples hiking together who want to share a substantial meal.

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SLY Foods (Canada)

A Canadian freeze-dried meal range with a strong plant-based focus, offering vegan-friendly recipes and balanced nutrition for hiking, camping, and expedition travel.

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Our Recommendation by Hiker Type

• Best for variety & range: Back Country Cuisine—more products than any other brand, covers every meal occasion.
• Best for taste: Campers Pantry—Australian made, real ingredients, consistently praised for flavour.
• Best for all-round use: Real Meals—reliable nutrition, good protein levels, and a range of meals suited to hiking and outdoor travel.
• Best for plant-based options: SLY Foods—vegan-friendly freeze-dried meals designed for hiking, camping, and backcountry travel.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Freeze Dried Meals on Trail

• Use slightly less water than recommended to start—most brands suggest slightly more than needed. Add 80–90% first, stir, then top up if needed.
• Let them sit for the full rehydration time. Ten minutes feels long when you're starving, but pulling the meal early usually means crunchy vegetables. Worth the wait.
• Keep the pouch insulated while rehydrating—wrap it in your beanie or sit it in your pack. Heat retention dramatically improves texture.
• Plan your calorie budget across the whole trip. Freeze dried meals alone might not be enough on big-mileage days. Supplement with calorie-dense snacks.

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