Cous-cous! It looks like pulverized rice but is actually pasta. It is very compact (takes up far less room in your pack or bear canister). It doesn't need cooking; just add boiling water and let stand 5 minutes. It doesn't need any advance preparation such as cooking and then dehydrating. You can buy a whole-wheat version (which I prefer), which is much more nourishing and doesn't have the "off" flavor of some whole-wheat noodles. It could double as breakfast cereal, too. IMHO it's one of the most versatile items for the backpacking diet!