Backpacker's Pantry Three Bean Veggie Stew

Plant-based backcountry meals have come a long way, and this three bean stew is a good example of what's possible when the ingredient list is taken seriously.

Pinto beans, red beans, and chickpeas form a protein-dense base that gets rounded out with a blend of vegetables and hemp hearts. Hemp hearts are a smart addition here, contributing healthy fats and an extra boost of plant-based protein without changing the flavour profile. The result is a stew that eats like a full meal rather than a side dish, which the numbers back up: 620 calories and 36 grams of protein per serving is genuinely impressive for a vegan freeze-dried camp meal.

It's also one of the more versatile pouches in the Backpacker's Pantry lineup. Eat it straight from the bag, ladle it over rice, or wrap it in a tortilla for a backcountry burrito that holds together surprisingly well. Fully vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, it's a reliable option for mixed-diet groups on paddling trips or portage routes where meal planning across dietary needs can get complicated.

• Calories: 620 per serving
• Protein: 36g
• Servings per pouch: 1
• Net weight: 170g
• Vegan: Yes
• Vegetarian: Yes
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Shelf life: 10 years from manufacturing date
• Prep method: Just-add-boiling-water, eat from the pouch
• Key ingredients: Pinto beans, red beans, chickpeas, mixed vegetables, hemp hearts