The OPM

The One Pot (no Dishes) Meal

When in the deep wilderness, there are many different ways to eat as well as to pack around. Some like to bring gourmet delights to the camp. I have been there, done that. I have recently graduated to the OPM in the effort to :

keep meals a simple and straightforward event that provides adequate nourishment while minimizing negative effects on the delicate balance of pristine environments.
The One Pot Meal is also based upon the goal of having minimal clean up once one is done with the meal.
Except for special occasions, a meal in the woods should not be a billboard event that distracts you from the wilderness experience.
The meal should blend smoothly into and out of the days events with the minimum of hassles.
The OPM pushes you to drink liquids which help mark camp territory as well as rehydration.

The same basic pattern is used in both breakfast and dinner One Pot Meals.

Make a fire and boil some water
Put some food and/or drink mix into a thermal cup
Pour the boiling water into the cup. Stir and eat or drink.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the cup is clean.

The advantages of this technique are several :

There is no pot or dishes to clean.
There is no left over 'stuff' to toss into the bushes or dig into the ground to attract scavengers or dirty the campsite environment.
The meals rely upon dehydrated food with tends to be lightweight with minimal odors to attract scavengers.
OPMs have plenty of hydration for thirsty hikers to provide both nourishment as well as good digestive function.Coffee (using coffee 'singles' or instant) with Milkman or CoffeeMates.
Instant Oatmeal (variety pack) mixed with a granola bar (or GORP), Dried fruit (prunes, raisins, dates, etc)
Coffee or Cocoa (optional)
Two or three powdered energy drinks (stir each mix in well until the cup is clean).
Chew up a piece of Jerky and/or cheese (optional)

Breakfast Menu	Dinner Menu
Coffee (using coffee 'singles' or instant) with Milkman or CoffeeMates. Instant Oatmeal (variety pack) mixed with a granola bar (or GORP), Dried fruit (prunes, raisins, dates, etc) Coffee or Cocoa (optional) Two or three powdered energy drinks (stir each mix in well until the cup is clean). Chew up a piece of Jerky and/or cheese (optional)	Coffee or Lemon Drink. Augmented with high proof whisky if desired and appropriate. Dried Soup Mix (such as Nile Couscous) augmented with cheese, perperoni slices, etc. Two or three powdered energy drinks (stir each mix in well until the cup is clean). Chew up a piece of Jerky and/or cheese while water is boiling or soup is hydrating (optional)

Comments

Alcohol
& Caffeine
Be careful not to have too much alcohol with your OPM. At altitudes :

It sneaks up on you and it is a long ways to the store for more if you drink it all before the end of the trip.
Just because you are miles from the nearest car doesn't mean you can't do something stupidly dangerous in the wilderness under the influence.
Don't make too much noise that it disturbs fellow campers.
Alcohol causes you to lose heat through your skin so beware.
Warm skin (caused by alcohol) attracts mosquitos.

Beware that too much caffeine via coffee, tea or cocoa also can cause problems with sleep, particularly at high altitudes. You might have trouble getting your heart rate down enough to sleep with all the stimulants.

Vegetable Soup

I have found the Nile Couscous soups (and its many competitors) work quite well. There are lots of flavors.

I get those the the highest calorie per serving (above 220).

These soups come in nice little cardboard cups that you can pour the how water in and let sit. However, the cups don't survive being stuffed into the pack very well.

It is better to pour about 8 to 10 of these dry soups into a light weight (empty) wide mouth Powerade or Big Slam bottle.

There are undoubtably bulk alternatives that are more cost effective, but my expertise at foods is primarily limited to consumption.

There are numerous ways for such meals to be put together. This and many other backpacking issues are a work in progress. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Have you tried The Hiking Companian?