Backpacking meals

Gels or jam sandwiches, carb powder or flapjacks? James Shrubsall investigates whether sports nutrition products really have the upper hand over kitchen staples

Lara Dunn and Peter Macfarlane stride out with the best hiking rucksacks for day use

Yes, we like to ‘cheat’ too – and by that, we mean using excellent ready-made products to take speedy shortcuts. Whip up these delicious meals when you don’t fancy hours in the kitchen...

TRAIL'S GEAR, TESTED FOR YOU

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 20 mins ■ Cook 40 mins 1 tbsp olive oil6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into large chunks2 tbsp piri-piri seasoning1 onion, finely chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed350g bas

Low-maintenance plates packed with punchy flavours? We’ve sorted your midweek eating schedule with these five easy-to-pull-together summer suppers