Dress Up Your Camping Oatmeal

Ah, oatmeal. It’s the hiking camper’s best friend for breakfast because it’s so simple to make in the mornings. No need to try to make perfect eggs at uncertain temperatures, no need to deal with grease. Problem is, it’s typically not enough to keep you going all day long on a strenuous hike. It’s also less than exciting in its natural state, and instant packets aren’t a healthy choice. But don’t throw away your oatmeal just yet, campers! There’s still a lot you can do with oatmeal in the mornings with just a few quick additions to turn bland into blam.

• Nut Butter Punch

Stir in some peanut butter or almond butter and toss in a handful of shredded coconut. Stir in a scoop of high-protein Greek style yogurt and you’re good to go for the day!

• Custard Oat Cream

While your oatmeal is piping hot, stir in about 1/4 cup of egg whites and keep stirring until it gets a creamy, custardy texture. If you stop stirring before it’s cooked into the oats, you’ll end up with clumps of egg whites — so stir away to wake up your body in the morning. Add in some pumpkin spice mix and you’ve got a great morning warm-me-up.

• Milk It Up

Instead of using water, try using hot milk instead to increase the amount of protein and fat you get for the day. If you love oatmeal because it doesn’t require refrigeration, remember that you can grab hyper-pasturized mix in single serve containers that don’t require cold storage until they’re opened.

• Nutty Chocolate

After your oatmeal is ready, toss in flax seeds, sliced almonds, dried cherries, walnuts, and a small scoop of chocolate chips or cocoa powder.

• Maple Bacon

Chop a few slices of precooked bacon and pour in a spoonful of maple syrup. Mix it all up together for a spectacular reward to a long week of hiking and camping.

Give these a try and let us know your favorites!