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If you’re searching for the best ultralight berry breakfast for backpacking, Backcountry Foodie’s Berry Breakfast Crumble delivers 470 calories in just 3.2 ounces dry weight — a 3-minute, no-fuss meal with freeze-dried berries, granola, pecans, and coconut oil. Just add hot water for a warm, nutrient-dense start that fuels your hike without adding pack weight.

The Comfort of Home, Packed for the Trail

There’s something about that first bite of a warm breakfast on a chilly morning — it’s like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket, even if you’re miles from civilization. Berry Breakfast Crumble brings that moment to the backcountry: tart-sweet berries, nutty granola, crunchy pecans, and a silky coconut oil finish that turns simple ingredients into something you’ll look forward to every morning on the trail.

Why Backpackers Love This Recipe

Whether you’re gearing up for your first overnight, chasing miles, or fine-tuning your seasoned trail menu, here’s why this backpacking breakfast makes the cut:

• Lightweight & Calorie-Dense: 470 calories at just 3.2 oz dry weight – a whopping 147 cal/oz!
• Trail-Proven: Tested on long hikes in multiple climates — rehydrates perfectly with only 2 oz of water!
• Beginner-Friendly: No special meal prep skills required. Just add water and stir.
• Customizable: Works with any berry combo or granola style.

“Eating well on the trail isn’t about gourmet — it’s about fueling your adventure without weighing you down.” – Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, Registered Dietitian & Founder of Backcountry Foodie

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Pro Tips for Perfect Berry Breakfast Crumble in the Backcountry

Go for Freeze-Dried, Not Dehydrated

• Freeze-dried berries rehydrate faster and keep their bright flavor. Dehydrated berries do not result in the signature “crumble” texture.

Pack Your Oil Like a Pro

• Coconut oil is worth the pack space — it boosts calories, flavor, and mouthfeel. Use a small, leak-proof container (and double bag) to avoid trail mishaps. We like using the small Nalgene tubs.

Think Beyond Breakfast

• This crumble doubles as a trail dessert. Skip the hot water and eat it dry for a sweet, crunchy snack at camp.

Choose High-Fat Granola

• Not all granolas are equal. A high-fat blend increases calories per ounce, which is gold for long-mile days. Avoid ones with lots of dried fruit if weight is your concern.

Adjust for the Weather

• Cold mornings: Use extra-hot water and let it sit for a full 2 minutes for a cozier meal.
• Hot weather: Add just enough cold water to soften berries, but keep it cool for a refreshing trail breakfast.

Pack an Insulated Food Cozy

• A lightweight insulated cozy keeps your breakfast warm while it rehydrates — especially useful on cold mornings or high-altitude starts. We’re big fans of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Repack food cozy.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

One of the best parts of making your own backpacking meals is how easily you can tweak them for taste, nutrition, or dietary needs.

Here are some ideas:

Berries

• Use any freeze-dried berries you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Mixed fruit blends can add variety. Avoid dried fruit (non-freeze-dried) unless you’re okay with a chewier texture and longer rehydration time.

Granola

• Swap for muesli or quick oats for a softer texture and slightly lower calorie density. If you need gluten-free, choose a certified GF granola brand.

Pecans

• Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can be used instead. For a nut-free version, try pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a similar crunch.

Coconut oil

• Use ghee or canola oil for a different flavor profile. If you want to skip carrying oil, add MCT oil powder at home for a cold-soak or oil-free option.

Chia seeds

• Replace with ground flaxseed for a similar boost of omega-3s, or hemp hearts for a softer bite and extra protein.

Sweetener

• The sugar can be swapped for honey powder, coconut sugar, or your favorite low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.

Flavor Boost

• A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla powder can enhance the crumble’s dessert-like flavor.

💡 Pro tip: Always test substitutions at home before packing them for a trip to ensure you like the taste and texture after rehydration.

Trail Mistakes to Avoid

Packing Too Early Without Sealing Properly

• Moisture kills the crunch. If you’re not planning to consume the meal within a few days, make sure your storage bag is airtight.

Skipping the Oil When You Need Calories

• The crumble is still tasty without it, but you lose 120 calories — which can matter on big-mile days.

Not mixing thoroughly after adding water

• If the crumble isn’t stirred well, you can end up with dry pockets of granola or uneven flavor. After adding hot (or cold) water, stir carefully from the bottom up to make sure every bite is evenly rehydrated and flavorful.

FAQs

What makes this an ultralight breakfast for backpacking?

• At just 3.2 oz (89 g) per serving, this recipe delivers 470 calories — a high calorie-to-weight ratio (147 cal/oz) perfect for long-mile days.

Can I make Berry Breakfast Crumble gluten-free?

• Yes. Simply swap the regular granola for a gluten-free version.

Can I pack Berry Breakfast Crumble for my thru-hike?

• Yes! This recipe is a great option for longer adventures as long as it’s packaged properly. Store the dry mix in an airtight bag or container to maintain the freshness of the granola. Use pecans from a freshly opened bag — they should remain shelf-stable for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that finely chopped nuts go rancid faster, so leaving them in larger pieces will help extend their shelf life.

Is Berry Breakfast Crumble good for cold-weather trips?

• Definitely! Berry Breakfast Crumble is warm, calorie-dense, and a great way to start a chilly trail morning. If you’re carrying coconut oil, keep in mind it will harden in cold temperatures. To make it easier to add to your meal, place the container inside your insulated cozy while the crumble is rehydrating. The residual heat will soften the oil, making it much easier to stir in.

Can I reduce the calories in this Berry Breakfast Crumble recipe?

• Yes. Skip the coconut oil to save 120 calories, but we recommend keeping it for extra flavor and satiety.

Can I replace the coconut oil in backpacking recipes?

• Absolutely! If you prefer a cold-soak breakfast or don’t want to carry an extra container of oil, you can swap the coconut oil for MCT oil powder. Simply add the MCT oil powder to the dry mix at home before packing your meal.

Can this Berry Breakfast Crumble backpacking meal be cold soaked?

• Yes! If you prefer a cold soak breakfast, you can swap the coconut oil for MCT oil powder. Simply add the MCT oil powder to the dry mix at home before packing your meal.

What’s the best water-to-mix ratio for the Berry Breakfast Crumble backpacking recipe?

• Use 2 ounces (60 mL) of hot water for a thick, compote-like texture; add an extra ounce for a looser, porridge-style rehydrate. Adjust based on personal preference.

Take This Recipe — and More — on Your Next Adventure

Berry Breakfast Crumble is just one of over 250 ultralight, nutrient-dense recipes in the Backcountry Foodie Recipe Library — built by a registered dietitian who hikes the miles herself.

Get instant access to the full library and start planning lighter, healthier, happier trips: Join Backcountry Foodie

If you’re not ready to join yet, try a few more free recipes on the blog:

• Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal
• Nut Butter Morning Oats
• Granola with Milk & Berries