If you’ve got time to settle in at camp, especially with mates or family, DIY cooking can be a highlight. Cooking over a fire or a camp stove adds to the experience—and the bush kitchen becomes a place to connect.
DIY is more than just eating—it’s part of the fun. For base camping or slower-paced trips, it’s a brilliant way to get creative outdoors.
On the flip side, when you're deep in the bush and every gram counts, ready-made meals are a game-changer. With options like On Track Meals, you can enjoy a proper feed without lugging a stove or scrubbing a pot.
When you're short on daylight or hit with bad weather, that convenience is golden.
DIY sounds appealing—until you realise half your ingredients go unused. Maybe it’s a half-eaten block of cheese or that rice you measured "by eye." Not ideal when you're counting grams or can’t refrigerate leftovers.
Ready-made meals are pre-portioned, shelf-stable, and require no refrigeration. That means:
Our Starter Pack is the perfect bundle to get you fuelled on your multi-day hikes. Our meals are packed fresh with real ingredients so you don't miss out on taste or nutrition.
The best setup? Often a mix of DIY and pre-prepared:
This combo keeps things interesting without overloading your pack.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on:
DIY is ideal when you want the ritual and reward of cooking outdoors. Ready-made meals are perfect when every gram and minute count.
Choose what suits your trip—or combine both for the best of convenience and connection.
A: Yes. On Track Meals are fully cooked and safe to eat cold in an emergency.
A: Absolutely. Use a flameless heater bag—no flame, no fire risk.
A: Not when you factor in stoves, fuel, pots, and leftover ingredients. Pre-packed meals are compact and efficient.
A: Not for retort meals. Just heat (or don’t), and eat straight from the pouch—no mess, no fuss.
Ready to try both styles? Check out our Go Packs, multi-day Adventure Ready Buckets, and heater bags to build your perfect setup for the next trail
