Five Essential Meals from BACKPACKER

Backpacker Magazine released their top Backpacking Essentials this month - a variety of products that make hiking and camping easier, safer and more comfortable. Included: "the best dehydrated dinner we've ever tasted" and four other meals from the Packit Gourmet line-up!

Tuscan Beef Stew

"The best meal I've ever had on the trail," says one tester. "If I was served this at a restaurant, I would have complimented the chef." Unlike so many camp stews, this one actually looks good - full of colorful vegetables like corn and carrots and tomatoes - and it's served atop creamy polenta. With the protein punch of the beef, it's also satisfyingly hearty after a long trail day. Serves 2, with bigger-than-average portions.


Cheddar Jack Cheese Spread

"Real cheese flavor, blended with spices and veggies, make this spread way more appetizing than I expected," says a tester whose family scarfed it in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bring your own crackers, tortilla pr extras to dip. Prep: Just add cold water.


Jump-Start Fruit Smoothies

"Exactly what I want in a breakfast," says one tester, "fast, no mess, great taste. It's like a creamy yogurt drink without a strong yogurt flavor, and you can really taste the fruit." And with 420 calories, 42 grams of carbs, and 35 grams of protein, this really can serve as breakfast. Testers' only wish: even more fruit chunks. Prep couldn't be easier: add cold water and stir. Comes in four flavors: Berry Berry (our fave), Tropic Fusion, Kiwi Berry and Eat a Peach.


All-American Burger Wrap

Why wait until after the trip to get that burger you're craving? "This actually tastes like it came off the grill," says one tester. The meat is a little crumbly but not dry; wrap it in a tortilla (BYO) with ketchup, mayo, mustard and relish (included in separate packets, so yes, you can have it your way). Testers also liked this company's deli-style Roast Beef Wrap.


TexMex Breakfast Taco

"The best dehydrated breakfast I've ever tasted," says a self-proclaimed food snob with more than 15 years of experience testing camp meals. "It has real-egg texture and flavor, and the tangy salsa has chunks of tomatoes and just the right amount of kick." The egg-potato-cheese combo has long lasting fuel, so we didn't need an energy bar an hour after leaving camp.