I am a hiking enthusiast, so I am really happy to write and share this article on vegan hiking recipes and tips with you! In order to do it properly I wanted to consult an expert on the subject.

The Swedish Nature Guide

Northern Sweden, with its breathtaking landscapes, offers some of the most unforgettable hiking experiences in Europe. From the rugged cliffs of the Högakusten (High Coast) to the vast trails of Kungsleden (Kings Trail), the region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like me, as well as professional trekkers, like the nature guide Mio.

How Mio became an Expert on Vegan Hiking

Mio is my go to source for everything hike related, vegan hiking recipes, animal friendly sleepingbags, budget-friendly qualitative gear, etc. He is a certified nature guide with expertise in Northern Sweden. He is a vegan himself and we share a love for food aswell as the outdoors, in particular the combination of outdoors and food. So I were delighted he agreed to share he’s wisdom (and some of he’s photos) with us for this article!

Lightweight Vegan hiking

For vegan hikers, finding the right food to sustain those adventures can be a challenge. Many commercial food packs for hikers are expensive, have few or no vegan alternatives and pack way too few calories per gram to sustain you during this high intensity activity. Packing lightweight is more important the longer and more challenging the hike, and being a vegan or vegetarian limits your options significantly.

Make it dry diy!

Luckily making your own food for your hikes is super satisfying! That’s where Mio, a seasoned nature guide and expert in making diy lightweight vegan food, comes in. With years of experience navigating Sweden’s forests and mountain terrains, Mio has mastered the art of creating lightweight, nutritious meals perfect for the trail. He prepares he’s own vegan food for every hike, based on the hiking recipes we share here on the website.

As someone who shares a love for hiking and vegan food I am happy that he agreed to talk to me about the topic and share his diy strategies and vegan hiking recipes with us! His expertise in both hiking and vegan hiking recipes for trail food will transform how you prepare for your hikes, ensuring that your adventures are both safe and satisfying.

Mio’s Top Vegan hiking Recipes

Mio’s vegan recipes are made with the hiker in mind—lightweight, easy to prepare at home with just normal kitchen ware, fast and simple to cook on the trail (just add water) and packed with both energy and protein. Whether you’re tackling a multi-day trek or a simple day hike, these meals will keep you fueled and satisfy your taste buds!

DIY Dehydrated Vegan Bolognese

This hearty meal brings the comfort of a classic vegan dish to the wild. Mio’s Vegan Bolognese, made with rich tomato sauce, textured soy protein, and pasta, is dehydrated to keep it light and easy to carry, with his instructions you can make it at come in your oven. Just add hot water on the trail, and you’ll have a warm, filling meal that tastes like home outdoors.

Dehydrated Hummus with Fröknäcke

Fröknäcke, a crispy seed-based bread, is a perfect companion to Mio’s dehydrated hummus. This hummus, made with chickpeas, tahini, and herbs, is dried until it’s a lightweight powder that can be easily rehydrated with water and a bit of olive oil. It’s a versatile snack or breakfast option that’s easy to prepare and enjoy on the go. Perfect for those who are tired of overnight oats.

Hot and Smoky Black Bean Stew

For a dinner that will warm you up after a long day, try Mio’s Hot and Smoky dehydrated Black Bean Stew. This dish combines the rich flavors of smoked paprika, black beans, and spices, all dehydrated for easy packing. Just add boiling water, and you’ll have a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for the end of a long hike.

Essentials, snacks and Preparation Tips

In addition to these meals, it’s crucial to pack plenty of snacks, containing sugar as well as salt and fats Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, are excellent choices—they’re packed with protein, fats, and calories, providing long-lasting energy. Pair them with dehydrated fruits like apples, apricots, berries and dates for a natural sugar boost that can keep you going when the trail gets tough. It’s super important to bring both sugar and salt on the hike!

But remember, hiking burns far more calories than most activities, so it’s essential to bring more food than you think you’ll need. Even on a well-planned hike, unexpected detours or weather changes can extend your time on the trail. More remote areas pose their own risks. In the mountains of Northern Sweden wearher can change drasticly and a sunny day can turn into a thunder storm or even snow. Having extra snacks can be a lifesaver and always make sure to bring an extra meal.

Another vegan essential from Mio is to bring a small plastic bottle of olive oil to add extra fat to your meals. This is important since we have to restrict the fat content in our recipes in order to dehydrate them. But fats are super important for your body’s ability to sustain itself and stay healthy during the hike, so it’s essential to add some olive oil or coconut butter when cooking these meals.

You can buy small plastic containers and use for oils as well as salt and extra spices. I always make my own spice-mix and bring along to add some extra spice when out on the trail. Mio tells me he always brings extra spices, salt and oils in “snusdosor”, so thats a special tip for all swedish trekkers!

Stay hydrated

Hydration is just as critical—especially when you’re hiking in remote areas. While you can often find fresh water in Sweden’s rivers, particularly in the mountains, it’s important to have a reliable way to carry it and to ensure your route includes accessible water sources.

My best Protein-dense vegan hiking recipe

As a bonus tip, one of my personal favorites that I always bring on hikes is my homemade Seitan Jerky. It’s a savory, protein-rich snack that’s perfect for long days on the trail. If you want to try it out, you can find the recipe here:

Em’s best vegan Hiking Recipe – Seitan Jerky

Explore the vast Nature with Care

While the beauty of northern Sweden is unmatched, the terrain can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the remoteness of some trails makes it essential to be well-prepared, including layered clothing, raincoats and first aid. If you’re new to hiking or to the region, consider hiking with a guide.

I personally can recomend Mio, who with his deep knowledge of Högakusten and Kungsleden, is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore these areas safely. Not only does he lead you through some of Sweden’s most stunning landscapes, but he also shares his expertise in vegan trail food, ensuring that you’re well-fed and ready for whatever the nature throws your way.

For detailed vegan hiking recipes, check out the links below:-

There is a saying that everything tastes good on the trail, but eating actually good food can really enhance your experience.

With these vegan hiking recipes, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in the stunning landscapes of northern Sweden, or where ever you like (the recipes works the same!).

Whether you’re navigating the deep forests or trekking through the mountains making sure you have the right food and guidance will help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors.

Resources for those curios about Nothern Sweden

Inspired to visit Sweden?Check out these resources at the Swedish Tourist Association;

Read about Kungsleden

STF Högakusten Accomodations