A big favorite for hiking is making Thanksgiving on the trail. It is very filling, satisfying and can feed a couple people in a few minutes. By thinking the meal out one can do it 'FBC Hybrid' style, where the starches are made in bags, the gravy in your pot.This allows one to cook for up to 3 using a simple 4 cup pot.

I did a beta version of this meal on Monday while hiking, when Hoosierdaddy commented that it would be better with stuffing and vegetables - and I listened!

Thanksgiving On The Trail

In a quart freezer bag or steamer bag:
1 6-ounce box instant stuffing (we used lower sodium chicken)

In a second quart freezer bag or steamer bag:
1 1/2 cups instant mashed potatoes
1/2 cup dry milk
2 Tbsp butter powder
Pinch of salt

In a snack bag:
1 Tbsp diced dried shallots
1 Tbsp crumbled dried mushrooms
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
1/4 freeze-dried vegetables (mixed or green beans work well)

In a snack bag:
1 packet Mushroom Sauce or gravy powder
1 tsp burgundy wine powder
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce powder
1/4 tsp diced dried garlic

Also take:
1 7-ounce pouch chicken
4 packets shelf stable Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
1 packet canola/olive oil (1 Tbsp)

Add 1/2 cup cold water to the vegetables. Seal bag and let sit for 5-10 minutes to rehydrate.

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in your pot. Add 1 3/4 cups to the stuffing mix, 2 1/4 cups to the mashed potato bag. Stir well on both, seal the bags tightly and put into a cozy till your gravy is ready.

Add 1 cup water, the oil, chicken with any juices, vegetables, 1 packet cheese and gravy mix to your pot. Bring to a boil stirring a couple times. Lower the heat to low, cover and cook for a minute or till the gravy thickens up.

Plate up, dividing up the potatoes and stuffing and drizzling the gravy over. Sprinkle the cheese on top.

Serves 2 large appetites, 3 normal sized ones.

All the items we used:


Packed and ready to go.


The vegetables are soaking while we bring the first water to a boil.


The mashed potatoes and stuffing have just come out of the cozy and the gravy is ready to serve.


Dinner plated up:


~Sarah