The Best MREs and Ready-to-Eat Meals for Campers

MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) have come a long way from their military roots. Today’s versions are lighter, tastier, and tailored to outdoor enthusiasts who want hearty meals without the fuss of a stove or campfire. They’re a game-changer for minimalist campers, overlanders, and emergency backups.

Brands like Mountain House, OMeals, ReadyWise, and GOOD TO-GO offer meals ranging from mac and cheese to Thai curry and beef stew. Some MREs include self-heating packs — just add a splash of water, and the internal pouch heats your meal within minutes. Others are cold but shelf-stable and ready to eat straight out of the bag.

When choosing MREs, look for meals with over 400 calories, a good mix of macros, and real ingredients (some even cater to vegetarians and gluten-free diets). They work great for first-night dinners or long hikes when stopping to cook isn’t ideal. Best of all? No cleanup — just eat and toss the packaging.