Backcountry food: DIY protein bars

We love the convenience and nutrition of Mountain House meals when in backcountry. However, you can get pretty tired of eating the same thing on every hunt or scouting trip.

To add some variety, try making these protein-packed, nutrient-rich bars that can be breakfast or on-the-go fuel in between meals. Here’s the formula, so you can mix and match your favorites, and also not have to eat the exact same bar day after day.

• In a food processor, combine beans, binder, sweet, fruit, flavor enhancers and salt until smooth. Add oats and dry base ingredients: pulse just to combine. Add mix-ins and pulse again just to combine.
• If the consistency seems spreadable, you are good. If it's too dry, add 1/4 cup of water; if it's too runny, add an additional 1/4 cup of the dry base ingredient.
• Grease 13x9 pan with baking spray or rub with 1 tablespoon oil, then spread mixture into pan.
• Bake at 350° F for 15-18 minutes.

Note: You will have the most success if you use unsalted, unsweetened versions of the ingredients, and control the sweetness and saltiness through the sweetener and added salt.

Recipe adapted from No Meat Athlete

Cut into small bars and enjoy. You won’t even taste the beans with all the other great-tasting stuff packed into these.