Top 10 Freeze Dried Meals for the Outdoors
Top 10
Freeze dried meals form the basis of many outdoor enthusiasts meal choices and currently the there best known companies that are readily available in Australia are Back Country Cuisine, Campers Pantry, Outdoor Gourmet, Radix, and Real Meals. This time round Real Meals in the new kid on the block and like any of the companies they have some amazing meals and some average meals. Having said that they have featured well in this updated list.
These providers all do things differently providing meals in either single serve or in some cases larger sizings so suit hikers needs. At the time that this list was updated Back Country Cuisine, Campers Pantry, and Radix, all do single and large serves. Outdoor gourmet are known for producing large serves only. These brands are stocked by most of the major, and many of the smaller outdoor stores around the country although it’s unlikely given the large range of meals on the Australian market that a store can stock every option so will pick and choose . This list doesn’t consider serving size but rather taste alone so this may influence your choices. If meal size is an issue then look at our Top 10 Single Serve Freeze Dried Meals list.
Please note that I have a love of spicy food and a good curry for me is one that makes my head sweat. I also dislike flavour enhancers and emulsifiers that are present in some meals as they make me feel like I’ve had a big night drinking. While I realise everyone’s taste buds are different, I think you will enjoy the meals we have selected.
The following meal choices are our top 10 freeze dried meal choices readily available on the Australian market listed in order. When choosing this top 10 I consider if I can eat this after a hard days walk when sometime I just don’t feel like eating. There were a large number of meals just outside of this list that are also worth considering.
1. Campers Pantry Cheesy Potato Mash
Technically a ‘side dish’ but it tastes so good, and it’s such great value that this will form part of our meal plan on our overnight hikes.
Score 9.9/10
For the full review go to this link
2. Back Country Cuisine Spicy Beef Nachos
I love, love, love this meal. It’s warming, has a bit of spice without being overpowering and the crunchy corn chips creates a wonderful texture. If using this as a standalone meal then treat it as a single serve.
Score 9.0/10
For the full review go to this link
3. Campers Pantry Indian Pilaf
I’m a big fan of Asian and Indian rice and loved the taste and texture of this meal – I will definitely include it as part of my hiking meal rotation on any hike. Available in single and large serves.
Score 8.8/10
For the full review go to this link
4. Campers Pantry Tuna Pasta Bake
Tuna, you either love it or hate it. I am always on the fence but this is one of our favourites, or at least Gill’s!
Score 8.8/10
For the full review go to this link
5. Outdoor Gourmet Beef Bourguignon
The one and only beef dish from Outdoor Gourmet and my favourite meal from that company. Large serving only. Unless you are really hungry you won’t finish it all.
Score 8.8/10
For the full review go to this link
6. Outdoor Gourmet Coq au Vin
Yet another Chicken dish but this time without the spice. Large serving only. Unless you are really hungry you won’t finish it all.
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link Outdoor Gourmet Coq au Vin
7. Sri Lankan Curry
Taste and texture wise this meal has the feel of a restaurant curry and left me with a warm feeling from the first bite. Real Meals talks about this curry having a ‘mellow cumin warmth to suit all pallets’ and that’s a perfect description. Single serve only.
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
8. Beetroot and Carrot Salad
This meal was a real surprise to us because it’s essentially a beetroot salad! This is also a cold soak meal so a great option for hotter weather. We loved this meal option and s a cold soak dish you don’t need a stove to enjoy it. Single serve only. ( please note that this option looks to be either seasonal or has been pulled from the range. so you may struggle to get it.)
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
9. Dal Makani
There are a number of Dal (dhal) meals on the market and we are big fans. This option has a bit more sweetness to it that we love. Single serve only.
Score 8.7/10
For the full review go to this link
10. Campers Pantry Cauliflower and Pea Dahl
Another spicy asian meal that I just love! Single serve only.
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
9. Campers Pantry Campers Pantry Chicken Cacciatore
A not so spicy meal option that will suit all hikers. Available in single and large serves.
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
10. Outdoor Gourmet Tandoori Chicken with a Creamy Yoghurt Sauce
The Outdoor Gourmet Tandoori Chicken with a Creamy Yoghurt Sauce is a very good meal option and I add it to my meal rotation particularly during the colder months when you want something to spice up the end of the day. Most people will find this is an excellent choice and well worth considering. Large serving only. Unless you are really hungry you won’t finish it all.
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
10. Real Meals Dulcie's Lasagne
This is a feel good pasta and meat based meal. It is a good option for all hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts regardless of age, not just for youths.
Score 8.6/10
For the full review go to this link
Last updated
18 May 2026