Oats are one of the simplest camp breakfasts, and appear in menus like the camping weekend menu. They are cheap, light, easy to pack and quick to prepare, and they are easy to customize for sweet or savory tastes. This guide covers what kind of oats to bring, a basic method, add-ins, and options for when you do not want to use a stove. For wider meal planning, see our hiking and camping food guide.
Why oats work for camping
- They are lightweight and compact.
- They need only hot water, or even cold water if soaked.
- They are filling and easy to mix with calorie-dense add-ins.
- Individual portions are simple to pre-pack in bags.
Which oats to bring
- Instant oats: the thinnest, they soften with just hot water. Best when you want a fast breakfast with minimal fuel.
- Quick oats: slightly thicker, they cook in a minute or two and also work with hot water and a short wait.
- Rolled (old-fashioned) oats: heartier, they need a little simmering, or a longer soak.
- Steel-cut oats: the slowest. They take real stove time, so they suit a camp where fuel is not a concern, or can be soaked ahead and cooked briefly.
For most backpacking, instant or quick oats are the practical choice.
Basic camp oatmeal
A common starting ratio is about 1 part oats to 2 parts water, for instance half a cup of oats to a cup of water for one serving. Adjust to your taste, since people like it thicker or thinner.
- Measure oats and add-ins into a pot or a sturdy bowl.
- Pour in hot (or boiling) water.
- Stir, cover and wait a few minutes, until the oats are soft.
- Add a little more water if it is too thick.
Boiling water into a freezer bag or an insulated mug is a way to avoid washing a pot. Take care, because boiling water and thin bags can be hazardous. Use bags designed for that, or use a mug.
DIY oatmeal packets
Making your own mix at home saves money and lets you decide the flavour.
- Pick the amount of oats for one serving.
- Add powdered milk, sweetener or spice.
- Add dried fruit, nuts or seeds.
- Seal in a zip bag and write the water amount on the outside.
Making a week of packets at home takes a few minutes.
Add-ins
Add-ins turn plain oats into a meal with more calories and staying power.
- Creaminess and fat: powdered milk, coconut milk powder, ghee, powdered butter
- Sweetness: brown sugar, maple sugar, honey, dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, freeze-dried banana or strawberries
- Protein and crunch: nuts, chia seeds, hemp hearts, nut butter, protein powder
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, cocoa powder
For a healthier bowl, go easy on added sugar and lean on fruit, nuts and seeds. Dried fruit is especially good when you dry it yourself, see drying food for backpacking.
Flavour ideas
Sweet
- Apple cinnamon: dried apple, cinnamon and brown sugar
- Blueberry: dried blueberries, powdered milk and a bit of sugar
- Chocolate banana: cocoa, dried banana and peanut butter
- Banana bread: banana chips, walnuts, cinnamon
Savory
- Cheese and herbs, using hard cheese and a spice blend
- Savory oats with bouillon, dried vegetables and a little olive oil. Our guide to dehydrating vegetables for camping shows how to prepare these.
Cold soaking and overnight oats
Yes, you can cold soak oats for backpacking. Combine oats with cold water (or milk made from powder) in a sealed jar or container, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Rolled oats work well. Instant oats can turn mushy. A rough starting point is equal parts oats and liquid, adjusted to taste, but test at home first.
Cold-soaked oats are useful when you want to skip the stove, save fuel, or eat quickly in the morning, including in windy conditions where stoves struggle (see windbreaks for camping). Prepare them at night, and they are ready when you wake. Keep them cool, and eat them within a short time in warm weather. Dry add-ins such as chia seeds, powdered milk and dried fruit work well in a soak.
Overnight oats for car camping can use fresh milk or yogurt if you have a cooler (see car camping cooking). Keep them cold and consume them the next morning.
Cooking steel-cut or rolled oats
If you have a stove and some time, simmer rolled oats for a few minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Steel-cut oats take longer. Soaking them overnight can shorten the cooking time. Because of fuel and time, many campers keep these for relaxed mornings at a campsite.
Packing and cleanup
- Pack a portion per bag, and keep add-ins together.
- Eat from the pot or mug and rinse promptly, since dried oats are harder to remove later.
- Scrape leftovers into your trash. Do not dump food scraps on the ground.
- Pack out all waste and follow local rules for washing dishes away from water sources.
FAQ
How do I cook oats when camping?
Add hot water to instant or quick oats, stir, cover and wait. For rolled or steel-cut oats, simmer in a pot over a stove.
Can I cold soak oats for backpacking?
Yes. Soak in a sealed container with cold water for a few hours or overnight, with rolled oats giving a better texture than instant.
What can I add to oatmeal to keep it healthy?
Nuts, seeds, fruit and a bit of protein. Limit added sugar.
What are easy breakfast ideas for camping?
Oatmeal, granola with powdered milk, tortillas with nut butter and breakfast bars are quick and need little cooking.