Vegetarian Backpacking Meals: Lunch Favorites that Save Time and Energy on the Trail

You’re crushing miles, the ridgeline opens up, your legs are firing… and then you feel it.

The wall. 

It’s lunchtime. Your stomach is growling and you realize... you didn’t really plan for lunch. Again.

You dig through your pack, pull out something vaguely snack-shaped, and realize… this? This is not going to cut it.

Maybe you packed snacks. Maybe you thought you’d just “wing it.” But now you’re sitting in one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever been with a half-smashed protein bar, a lukewarm gel, and zero actual meals in sight.

Trail lunches tend to be either meat-heavy, bland, or boring. Squished PB&J again? Cold-soaked oats at lunchtime? Another soggy sandwich? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Trail lunches can be fast, filling, and satisfying - without requiring a stove.

In this guide, we’re sharing 10 vegetarian backpacking lunches that are lightweight, low-prep, and legit delicious. Whether you’re planning ahead or tossing things together trailside, these meals are designed to keep you moving without weighing you down.

Let’s break down what makes a great lunch on trail, how to pack it smart, and most importantly, how to make lunchtime something you actually look forward to.

Vegan Tuna Sandwich for a lunch pit stop at camp always hits the spot!

What Makes a Great Vegetarian Backpacking Lunch?

A great vegetarian backpacking lunch doesn’t ask you to unpack half your gear or babysit a flame. You don’t want to stop for long, so boiling water is fine, but extended cooking? It’s giving “no” vibes.

Here’s what we’re aiming for:

• Compact & Lightweight

• 10 Minutes or Less to Prep

• High Calorie-to-Weight Ratio

• Shelf-Stable Ingredients

• Energy You Can Feel

The Nutrient Breakdown

Trail miles = calorie burn. Your lunch should refuel and last. We’re talking:

• Carbs → Quick energy

• Protein → Keeps you full & aids recovery

• Fats → Calorie-dense fuel

• Salt → You’re sweating, replenish!

Nothing tastes better than camping food with friends.

10 Vegetarian Backpacking Lunches

1. Sriracha Tuno Everything Bagel

Effort Level: No-Cook ⏱️ 1 minute

Ingredients

• 1 everything bagel

• 1 pouch Sriracha Tuno (vegan tuna) – 3 oz

• Optional: dehydrated onion flakes or pickle chips

How to Make It

Split the bagel. Tear open the Tuno. Pile it on. Done. No mess, no cleanup.

2. Sweet & Spicy Coconut Rice

Effort Level: Boiling Water ⏱️ 8–10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup instant rice

• ½ tsp mild chili powder

• 1 packet powdered coconut milk (approx. 2 Tbsp)

• 2 Tbsp white grape raisins

• 1 cup boiling water

How to Make It

Combine all dry ingredients in a freezer bag. Add boiling water, seal, and let sit for 8 minutes. Stir and eat right from the bag.

3. Falafel Pita Pocket

Effort Level: No-Cook (if prepped at home) ⏱️ Instant

Ingredients

• 2 small falafel patties (baked at home)

• 1 small pita

• 2 Tbsp hummus (use shelf-stable or powdered rehydrated)

• 1 Tbsp shredded carrots (optional)

How to Make It

Stuff pita with falafel and hummus. Add carrots for crunch. No heat needed if falafel is pre-cooked.

4. Cold-Soaked Couscous + Chickpeas

Effort Level: Cold-Soak ⏱️ 2 minutes to prep, 1+ hour to soak

Ingredients

• ½ cup couscous

• ¼ cup freeze-dried chickpeas

• 1 packet olive oil (1 Tbsp)

• ¼ tsp curry powder

• 1 Tbsp dried cranberries

• ¾ cup water

How to Make It

Mix all ingredients in a cold-soak container before your morning hike. Let sit for at least 2 hours. Stir and eat.

Note: Depending on the type of chickpeas, they may need to soak overnight.

5. Garlic Noodle Salad

Effort Level: No-Cook (prepped ahead) ⏱️ Ready to eat

Ingredients

• 1 cup pre-cooked soba noodles (tossed in oil)

• 1 tsp soy sauce packet

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ cup dehydrated edamame

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

How to Make It

Pack soba noodles in an airtight bag with oil and seasonings. Add edamame when ready to eat. No heating necessary.

6. Taco Crunch

Effort Level: Boiling Water ⏱️ 10 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup instant rice

• ¼ cup dehydrated refried beans

• ½ tsp taco seasoning

• 2 Tbsp shredded cheddar (or shelf-stable cheese)

• Handful crushed tortilla chips

• ¾ cup boiling water

How to Make It

Mix rice, beans, seasoning in a container prior to packing out. When you’ve found the perfect spot for lunch, add water to the container and seal for 8–10 minutes. Top with cheese and chips. Add a hot sauce packet if you're living right. (Taco Bell packets, you legend!)

7. Trail Ramen with Tofu + Veg

Effort Level: Boiling Water ⏱️ 8 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ pack ramen noodles (no flavor packet)

• ¼ cup dehydrated mixed vegetables

• ¼ cup dehydrated tofu

• ½ tsp soy sauce (or miso powder)

• 1 cup boiling water

How to Make It

Put everything in a stainless steel tumbler or mug. Add boiling water. Seal with lid. Let sit for 8 minutes. Stir and slurp.

8. PB Tortilla Trail Roll

Effort Level: No-Cook ⏱️ 2 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium tortilla

• 2 Tbsp peanut butter (refillable tube or packet)

• 1 Tbsp banana chips or trail mix

How to Make It

Spread PB on tortilla. Add crunchy topping. Roll and enjoy!

9. Backpacking Chacouterie Board

Effort Level: No-Cook ⏱️ Instant

Ingredients

• 1 oz aged cheddar or gouda (hard cheeses last longer—USDA agrees)

• 6–8 crackers (multigrain or Wasa)

• 2 Tbsp dried fruit (apricots, dates, figs)

How to Make It 

Snackboard for one. No stove, no mess. Add a mini honey packet if you’re feeling boujee.

10. Hummus Wrap

Effort Level: Cold-Soak or No-Cook ⏱️ 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp powdered hummus + water to rehydrate

• 1 medium tortilla

• 1 Tbsp sunflower seeds

• Dash of chili flakes or lemon pepper

How to Make It 

Mix hummus with water to desired texture. Spread on tortilla, sprinkle seeds + seasoning, wrap and roll.

The Final Bite

If you’re ready to level up your backpacking lunches, wait ‘til you see what we’ve got for your entire trip strategy.

Because let’s be honest, trail food is only one part of the puzzle. Finding the right permits to even get on the trail? That’s a whole different beast. From national parks to lesser-known wilderness areas, every place has its own permit process, and missing out can kill your trip before it even starts.

That’s exactly why we created the Pathloom Permit Strategy Guide.

We’ve been through the same red tape, confusing reservation systems, and permit lotteries that seem harder to crack than a summit register in a snowstorm. And while we’re building an app to make all of this easier, we don’t want to leave you hanging in the meantime.

The Permit Strategy Guide shares everything we’ve learned to help you stop stressing over permits and start planning the trip you actually want.

Become a Trailblazer today, answer a few questions here to help shape the future of trip planning, and we’ll send you our full strategy guide, free.