EPISODE · Mar 30, 2026 · 16 MIN
#171 - Ranking the Best and Worst Backpacking Foods (Tier List)
from The Peanut Butter and Mountains Podcast · host Chad Lubinski
In this episode, I rate backpacking and thru-hiking foods from S through D tier based on what I actually carry and why, using my experience on trails like the John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Colorado Trail. I explain my three main criteria—calorie density, cost, and weight—then give my takes on staples like beef jerky (overrated and not calorie-dense), Snickers (bonk-saving S-tier), Idahoan potatoes (D-tier), ramen (S-tier), tortillas, olive oil, tuna/salmon, peanut butter, trail mix, and various bars. I also talk about GI issues from processed trail food, why I sometimes bring probiotics, how I combine ramen/Knorr sides with fish and olive oil for big dinners, and why Mountain House meals can be worth it for morale even if they’re bulky and expensive.-- S and A Tier Food -- ProBars: LaraBar Chocolate Chip | Ramen Noodles: Couglan's Squeeze Tubes (for PB): Salmon Packets:Snickers: Knorr Rice Sides | Trail Mix | ---My Socials---InstagramYouTube TikTok *If you'd like to support the channel, please consider buying from the above links! If you buy, I'll receive a small compensation from the sale - at no extra cost to you!! Thank you so much.
What this episode covers
In this episode, I rate backpacking and thru-hiking foods from S through D tier based on what I actually carry and why, using my experience on trails like the John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Colorado Trail. I explain my three main criteria—calorie density, cost, and weight—then give my takes on staples like beef jerky (overrated and not calorie-dense), Snickers (bonk-saving S-tier), Idahoan potatoes (D-tier), ramen (S-tier), tortillas, olive oil, tuna/salmon, peanut butter, trail mix, and various bars. I also talk about GI issues from processed trail food, why I sometimes bring probiotics, how I combine ramen/Knorr sides with fish and olive oil for big dinners, and why Mountain House meals can be worth it for morale even if they’re bulky and expensive.-- S and A Tier Food -- ProBars: LaraBar Chocolate Chip | Ramen Noodles: Couglan's Squeeze Tubes (for PB): Salmon Packets:Snickers: Knorr Rice Sides | Trail Mix | ---My Socials---InstagramYouTube TikTok *If you'd like to support the channel, please consider buying from the above links! If you buy, I'll receive a small compensation from the sale - at no extra cost to you!! Thank you so much.
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#171 - Ranking the Best and Worst Backpacking Foods (Tier List)
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