Backpacker's Pantry - Hatch Green Chili Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese is already one of the most reliable comfort foods in the backcountry, and this version earns its spot at the top of the category.

Backpacker's Pantry took the classic and gave it a genuine southwestern upgrade. Custom Belgian elbow pasta gets coated in a blend of pepper jack, cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheeses, then finished with smoked Hatch green chile pepper and jalapeño for a slow-building heat that doesn't overwhelm. The result is creamy, satisfying, and noticeably more complex than the standard camp mac. It's also a legitimately kid-friendly meal, which makes it a strong pick for family paddling trips where you need something everyone will actually eat.

At 450 calories and 22 grams of protein per serving, it holds its own as a complete meal after a full day out. Prep is simple: boiling water, seal, wait about 15 minutes, and you're eating from the pouch with no cleanup. As with all Backpacker's Pantry meals, rehydration time doubles at higher elevations, so factor that in on alpine days.

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Servings per pouch: 1
• Vegetarian: Yes
• Shelf life: 10 years from manufacturing date
• Prep method: Just-add-boiling-water, eat from the pouch
• Water required: 1 cup (240 mL)
• Rehydration time: 15 minutes (at up to 5,000 ft elevation)
• Contains: Egg, Milk, Wheat