Backpacker's Pantry

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Backpacker’s Pantry Emergency Foods

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to creating memorable food experiences, as responsibly as possible. We push the boundaries of traditional backpacking meals, to create adventurous flavor options inspired by recipes from around the world, and strive to accommodate as many dietary restrictions as possible. All the while, protecting the planet, lowering our carbon footprint, and leaving the world a better place for future generations.

MEMORABLE MEALS

We source only the highest quality freeze-dried & dehydrated ingredients. Unlike our competitors, our ingredients don’t truly interact and cook until you add hot water to the pouch, resulting in superior taste & nutrition.

RESPONSIBLY MADE

As a partner of 1% For The Planet, we donate 1% of all sales, everyday, to various conservation efforts. We use 100% renewable solar energy power to run our entire production facility and offices. But that’s not the only way we give back.

HOW WE GIVE BACK

We do everything we can to support and save our environment while working on behalf of social justice and doing right, because it’s the right thing to do. Learn more about how we give back, whether it’s through 1% For The Planet, direct donations or volunteer work in the community.

SHOP ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF DIETARY PREFERENCES

1951: DRI-LITE FOODS

In 1951, an ill-fated trip involving heavy canned foods, a long mountain trek and a group of increasingly demoralized Girl Scouts forever altered the course of what was thought possible in outdoor dining. The troop leader of that trip went home more inspired than disheartened, and was motivated to create a lighter, manageable, just add water, option for outdoor adventure. And she succeeded in that mission. Dri-Lite Foods became the first adventure food on the market. Anne Benedict started dehydrating meals in her garage and quickly realized there was a growing demand for lightweight meals for the backcountry. Fast-forward twenty years, when this small outdoor company was purchased by Ronald Smith, after a backpacking trip in the Sierra’s sparked his passion for the outdoors. With the help of a small but dedicated team, Ronald transformed the Girl Scouts’ inspired idea into one of the world’s foremost producers of freeze-dried meals.

1971: BACKPACKER’S PANTRY

When Ron bought Dri-Lite Foods in 1971, he immediately focused on finding food-conducive packaging, a new look, logo and name to help make the dehydrated food be retail-ready. When it came to recipe development, Ron’s wife, Jan, and the former Dri-Lite Foods’ owner, Anne, would create and test different recipe ideas. Lots of trial and error went into this process to make recipes that were not just convenient but also enjoyable to eat. Delicious & diverse meals has and continues to be of great importance to Backpacker’s Pantry.

2000’S: CHANGE

While Backpacker’s Pantry has always offered a wide range of gourmet backpacking meals, back in the 70’s & 80’s people didn’t care as much about recipe variety or dietary restrictions and preferences. Those who were adventuring, simply needed to eat food that was lightweight & convenient. In fact, it wasn’t until the late 80’s and 90’s, when backpacking and the outdoor industry truly began to take off.

In the past decade or so, Backpacker’s Pantry has focused on creating authentic recipes, using healthy & sustainable ingredients, making environmentally sound business decisions, and increasing philanthropic efforts. The company has become 100% solar powered, has offset all carbon emissions from shipping and plans to produce sustainable packaging in the new future.

Ron gives credit to his late son Rodney Smith, former President of AOP, who placed great emphasis on increasing Backpacker’s Pantry’s charitable donations. Rodney was constantly looking for ways to give back to the community we love, the places we adventure, and the planet we must protect. Because of Rodney, Backpacker’s Pantry is proud to be a member of 1% For The Planet, legacy partners with the Conservation Alliance, Cal- Wood & SOIL, as well as supporters of many other non-profit organizations today. In the food niche of the outdoor industry, Backpacker’s Pantry has been and will continue to be a philanthropic pioneer.