13 best backpacking foods

Backpacking foods are specially designed meals and snacks for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and backpackers. These foods are associated with the Freeze Dried Food, Camp Kitchen, Camping Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, and Sports Outdoors categories. Here's what you should know about backpacking foods:

  1. Lightweight and Compact: Backpacking foods are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in a backpack. This is essential for reducing the overall weight of your gear while hiking or backpacking.

  2. Long Shelf Life: Many backpacking foods have a long shelf life, thanks to methods like freeze-drying and dehydration. This allows you to store them for extended periods without worrying about spoilage.

  3. Types of Backpacking Foods:

    • Freeze-Dried Meals: These are complete meals that have been freeze-dried to remove moisture while preserving flavor and nutrients. You typically add hot water to rehydrate them, and they come in various options like pasta dishes, soups, and breakfast meals.
    • Dehydrated Foods: Dehydrated foods are similar to freeze-dried meals but may require more time to rehydrate. They include fruits, vegetables, and meats that can be used in recipes or as snacks.
    • Energy Bars and Snacks: These are convenient and calorie-dense options for quick energy boosts while on the trail. They often come in various flavors and provide a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
    • Trail Mix: A classic backpacking snack, trail mix combines nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, and other ingredients for a satisfying and high-energy treat.
    • Instant Oatmeal: A popular breakfast choice, instant oatmeal is quick to prepare and provides essential carbohydrates to fuel your day.
    • Nut Butter Packets: Single-serving packets of nut butter (such as peanut or almond butter) offer a calorie-dense source of protein and healthy fats.
  4. Nutrient-Dense: Backpacking foods are designed to provide the essential nutrients and energy needed for strenuous outdoor activities.They are often calorie-dense to help you maintain energy levels during hikes.

  5. Variety: There is a wide variety of backpacking foods available, catering to different dietary preferences and restrictions. This includes options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, and more.

  6. Cooking Methods: Most backpacking foods are prepared with minimal cooking or require only the addition of hot water. Some backpackers use lightweight stoves to heat water in the backcountry, while others use pre-packaged meals that can be prepared with a simple cook-and-eat approach.

  7. Environmental Considerations: Many backpacking foods aim to minimize environmental impact by using sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging.

  8. Cost: Backpacking foods can vary in price, with some premium options costing more due to factors like brand reputation and quality of ingredients.

In summary, backpacking foods are specially designed meals and snacks that cater to the unique needs of outdoor enthusiasts. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare, making them an essential part of any backpacker's gear. These foods provide the necessary sustenance to keep you fueled during your outdoor adventures.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best backpacking foods on the market
  

Mountain House Classic Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 24 Servings

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Mountain House Classic Bucket contains an assortment of fan favorite freeze-dried meals. Each meal is easy to carry (lightweight), easy to store (compact design), and easy to prepare (just add water). Plus, they are incredibly delicious! Each Mountain House Classic Bucket packs 12 total pouches (or 24 total servings) of breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees and are backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Mountain House meals have been enjoyed on trails, shores, mountains, and in homes around the world. Enjoy the Mountain House Classic Bucket on your next camping trip or stash away in case of an emergency.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! Savor your next adventure with this easy to carry bucket consisting of 12 total meal pouches that are loaded with unbelievable flavor. This bucket contains 24 total servings of freeze-dried backpacker favorites.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Meals included are pouches of Beef Stew, Beef Stroganoff, Granola with Milk & Blueberries, Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Chicken Fried Rice.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. This pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience. To prepare all meals in this bucket, 18 cups of water will be needed.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients & freshness and reduce weight. Bucket weighs 5.7 lbs. and measures 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 12.31"(H). Enjoy in the backcountry or on your next camping trip.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee.

User questions & answers

Question: Are thepouches bpa free
Answer: Color is in the eye of the beholder. It's a light color. take your choice: light tan, beige, off white, some color close to those
Question: Is this brand made in the USA
Answer: Sunfood Maca is always from the Junin Plateau in Peru, never from China.
Question: One bucket is $98. A "set of 2" is $821. How many are in a set
Answer: On my batch says 04/2016...but it depends what lot you have...
Question: What is the expiration date or shelf life of this once ordered
Answer: Maca is cultivated in high altitude regions of South America and are most popular for their usage in boosting libido, fertility and stamina. Maca is now being investigated for its importance in dealing with issues such as Osteoporosis, and prostrate related problems. Individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome may also benefit from maca ingestion. Maca comprises of mood altering phyto-chemicals while South Americans consume the plant as vegetable and also use it medicinally for dealing with stomach upsets and depression.Maca is now sold as a vegetable in several grocery stores worldwide as well as in its supplemental form in some drug stores. Al maca varieties are related in many ways but slightly different in taste.There are numerous colours which maca can be found but the most predominant varieties are; the black maca, the red maca, and the yellow maca. The Yellow maca is most prominent for its ability to enhance fertility and enhance the mood of both males and females who consume it regularly. Research has also discovered that yellow maca is very helpful in dealing with symptoms associated with menopause and such include; hot flashes and it is also helpful in balancing hormonal levels in the body.Yellow maca is often referred to as a natural Viagra because of its instant effect on the body in creating a long lasting libido. Maca yellow can be consumed in its vegetable form or the powder can be used as salad dressings, or consumed with fruit smoothie. Yellow maca comes with a tangy taste.Red Maca is often cultivated from either purple or red maca bulbs. Red maca have been discovered t also offer some help in balancing hormones in the body, increasing libido and boosting stamina and strength. Red maca is the maca variety with the highest amount of amino acids which are the building blocks of protein in the body. Red maca is recognized for its malty taste and it has been found to be very helpful in handling stress, and depression. Red maca has been proven to provide more benefits than yellow and black maca.Dark maca is normally harvested from the root of dark maca vegetables. The taste of black maca can be compared to the palatable roasted soya beans. Just like the red and yellow maca varieties, black maca is also believed to offer great help in boosting fertility and enhancing sex drive. In some South American countries, black maca is also useful in boosting digestion and general mood of an individual. Black maca is also believed to possess the abilities to strengthen the immune system against common infections such as flu and cold, researches have also shown that black maca helps enhance sleep qualities and reduce aches and pains. Black maca has got better effects on the sperm production than the yellow maca that has just the moderate effects. These affects will increase sperm count as 1 day after starting of the treatment. There is not any side effects to reduce the prostate size in the rats. It has the beneficial effects to learn and memory in the experimental animal models. It improves scopolamine induced deficits. Red & black maca have got the protective effects on the bone architecture at OVX rats without even showing any estrogenic effects on the uterine weight.

Product features

Mountain House Classic Bucket

Meet the redesigned Mountain House Classic Bucket. Perfect solution for those who want a reliable emergency food supply that doesn't take up a ton of space or for those that want to take it on the next family camping trip. With 24 servings of some of our most delicious options, Mountain House Classic Assortment Bucket is compact and easy to store just about anywhere – even in your car for that next camping adventure.

Mountain House Breakfast Skillet | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food | Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DELICIOUS BREAKFAST! Hash browns scrambled eggs crumbled pork patty peppers and onions Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness No refrigeration needed
  • NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR FLAVORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO Pouch contains two total servings Great for one hungry backpacker or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes with no cleanup The pouch has a shorter wider more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent Also great for emergency food storage & survival
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: What is the shelf life of the breakfast pouches
Answer: Hi. The bag is not made of stretchy material, it's rather thin.It holds nicely but you can't over stuff it because it will rip. They are really big & hold a lot though. I hope this helps.
Question: What’s the date on the pouches
Answer: Yes ..the sanitation collected the whole bag with recycling papers in it
Question: If someone gets mustard on the package will it stain
Answer: Bags are 40" circumference and 46" long
Question: Is the new version of MH breakfast skillet any good? I see lots of older good reviews and now most of the newer reviews are very negative
Answer: 1.1mil

Product features

Mountain House Breakfast Skillet

Description

Filling hash browns, savory sausage, tasty veggies and scrambled eggs all team up to make the legendary Mountain House Breakfast Skillet. Bursting with flavor and protein, it's no wonder this is one of our most popular breakfast items for fueling explorers everywhere.

Mountain House Expedition Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 30 Servings

Mountain House

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Mountain House Expedition Bucket was developed with the breakfast, lunch and dinner needs of our most adventurous friends in mind. Focused on providing an exceptional fuel and flavor experience, this bucket is crafted to help you reach the summit of your daily and weekend adventures. Each meal is easy to carry (lightweight), east to store (compact design), and easy to prepare (just add water). Oh, and absolutely delicious. Contains 15 total pouches for 5 days worth of camping, backpacking, or your next RV trip.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! Enjoy 5 days' worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one easy to carry bucket on your next outdoor adventure. This bucket contains 15 total pouches or 30 total servings of freeze-dried goodness.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Meals included are pouches of Breakfast Skillet, Granola with Milk & Blueberries, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Fajita Bowls, Chicken Fried Rice, and Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience! To prepare all meals in this bucket, 21 cups of water will be required.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT – Bucket is easy to carry & store. Bucket weighs 6.5 lbs & is 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 14.24"(H). Enjoy in the backcountry or on your next camping trip. With a 30-Year Taste Guarantee, it's a great addition to your emergency food storage.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee.

User questions & answers

Question: Do these have dead animals in them
Answer: 30 years
Question: Shelf life
Answer: Yes they have a 30 year self life outside of the bucket. The bucket is just a convenient way to store them.
Question: If we open the bucket is the shelf live still 30 years
Answer: Yes, The food packs are dehydrated and require you to add water to the pouch to rehydrate the food contents and make it edible. The food will be a lot more palatable and rehydrate a lot quicker with hot water, though. Once rehydrated, the food can also be heated on a conventional stovetop or in a microwave. You can pull one out and experiment with it. You can easily buy a single pouch later as a replacement.
Question: what if i don't have HOT water? Does it still work
Answer: No it does not drag, it feels like glass.My wife had a screen protector put on her phone at best buy and payed $27.She now wants on like mine. I would differently buy another one.

Original, Sogo Snacks, No Sugar, 100% Grass-fed & Grass-finished, Non-GMO Beef Sticks. No Added Nitrates, Gluten, Soy, MSG, Dairy, Nuts. Keto, Whole, Paleo Friendly (Original, 1-oz, 24 Count)

Sogo Snacks

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • NO ANTIBIOTIC AND HORMONE – We use only the cleanest ingredients in making our tasty original beef jerky sticks. The grass fed cows we use are not given any antibiotics or growth hormones.
  • PASTURE RAISED, FREE-RANGE – Satisfy your beef cravings with our clean beef jerky stick. The source of our tasty low carb snacks are cows that thrive on vegetarian diets and are never confined to a feedlot.
  • GREAT-TASTING, CLEAN FOOD – We offer yummy zero sugar treats. Our snack sticks don’t contain artificial ingredients, MSG, Soy, or Nitrates. The delicious flavor of our tasty meat snacks is all-natural!
  • PALEO, WHOLE30, AND KETO FRIENDLY – Grab some of our beef keto snack and enjoy them, guilt-free! They are made perfect for you if you’re on a paleo, whole30, or ketogenic diet.
  • NO ADDED SUGAR AND GLUTEN-FREE – Unlike other smoked beef sticks out there, ours do not include sugar and ingredients that contain gluten. Our gluten-free jerky treats are also minimally processed so that the meat retains its natural flavors.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the citric acid "encapsulated" with? I've heard that it can be with low-quality and/or corn-based oils
Answer: The oil used in the encapsulated citric acid comes from a sustainable sourced palm oil.dan
Question: If nitrite is not used, what is used to preserve the meat
Answer: Celery juice is a nitrate.
Question: where is the beef raised
Answer: Our 100% grass fed beef is raised in Australia. We chose this supplier because the product has No Added Hormone, No Antibiotics ever, and is Free Range - Never Confined to a Feedlot. In addition, it is verified as Non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project. After being in the grass fed beef industry for several years, I discovered you can't find all of these attributes with grass fed cattle raised in the U.S.dan
Question: Are they grass-fed and finished? or are they fed a "vegetarian diet" (corn) before slaughter
Answer: They are 100% grass-fed AND finished. No Grain Ever. Thanks, Dan.

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff is hands down on of the most popular meals we make. Made with real pieces of tender beef, savory mushrooms and onions in a creamy sauce, one bite will make you a believer that Mountain House meals taste delicious and freeze-dried food isn't wierd. Made with no artificial flavors or colors, each pouch contains enough food to satisfy even the most hungry on-the-go explorer. Plus, backed by a 30-Year Taste , Mountain House meals are great for emergency food storage. Just add water to the pouch and eat in less than ten minutes with no cleanup. Mountain House Adventure Meals, perfect for on-the-go, camping and backpacking. We take the water out, you simply put it back in.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Tender beef, noodles, and mushrooms smothered in a rich sour cream sauce. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR FLAVORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: you can buy the single pouch in a quantity of six for less money. multi 6 packs cost more
Answer: I agree, if you're hungry enough you will eat it, not to mention the BPA issue is not nearly as bad of an issue as they make it out to be.
Question: Are all the mountain house products ridiculously overpriced? alternatives
Answer: Yes the Mountain House Foot are made in the U.S.A. . Mountain House were involved in supporting the U.S. military for their package meals.
Question: Have any of you tried mix it with room temp water and for how long
Answer: A set of 2 would mean 2 buckets, 48 meals. Don't buy that someone went crazy with that offering... just buy 2 buckets.
Question: for one pouch? No thanks
Answer: Ordered mine Feb, 2020. Best by is 2049.

Product features

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles

Description

Maybe you're looking for something easy to make for the weekend campout, or perhaps you just remembered your family potluck is in 30 minutes and you forgot to make a dish. With Mountain House Beef Stroganoff, you can whip up a delicious home cooked meal in a flash - no crazy prep work required. Tender pieces of beef, tasty onions and mushrooms blended in a savory cream sauce over a bed of egg noodles ... with a dish this satisfying, you'll never guess that it's freeze dried.

Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food

Mountain House

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors

  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Spicy chili sauce with beef, macaroni noodles, onion, and beans. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: Is this item beef stew as in headings or chili mac as in pictures
Answer: 30 Year Shelf Life*-From Mountain House. Based on our ongoing sensory and nutrition testing of actual Mountain House products, in July 2016, we raised the shelf-life on our Mountain House meals to 30 years. Purchased Mountain House before then? That’s okay! Our Taste Guarantee is retroactive to products dating all the way back to 1986. We confidently claim a 30-year shelf life, because our testing has shown the shelf life exceeds 30 years. We’ve had independent studies performed on actual 30-year-old product stored under real-world conditions, which weren’t always ideal – not on newer product exposed to an accelerated –time environment in a laboratory. We’ve personally tasted products that were 35 years old and still taste great!
Question: what is the expiration date
Answer: Ive only have bought the original version and it was fine and cut back on the water as for the new one I have not tried .Sorry for the bad experience
Question: If using ambient-temperature water (ie no heating), how long does this take to "cook
Answer: Store Mountain House food under dry, sanitary conditions, without prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and avoiding any environment that could cause damage to the packaging, such as punctures, dents, or rust. To maximize shelf life, store food unopened and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75° 30 year shelf life from date of manufacture.
Question: I see many of these meals take 10-20 minutes of the boiling water in the sealed pouch. How hot is the product to eat after all that time
Answer: Talk about some price gouging MOFOs. I’ve been buying a bucket here n there for years,now all the sudden the bucket that cost 89$. Is now 400$. Amazon hasn’t done a darn thing to prevent price gouging. Just say it’s in demand a hot commodity.

Product features

Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef

Description

Whether you're trekking the Sierra Nevada or camping with the Boy Scouts right in your backyard, our Mountain House Chili Mac is an insanely delicious meal that's guaranteed to fill you right up at the end of a long day. Made with pillowy macaroni noodles, savory precooked beef and yummy kidney beans in a tasty chili sauce, our freeze dried Chili Mac is a customer favorite from coast to coast. Just add hot water and you'll have a comforting hot meal in minutes.

Mountain House Spicy Southwest Style Skillet | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food |Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DELICIOUS BREAKFAST! The spicy sourthwest hash is made with hash browns, shredded beef, black beans, green chili peppers, corn, red peppers, onions, and a dash of hot sauce. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors and gluten-free certified by GFCO. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or you can share your camping breakfast with your buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch is wider and shorter, giving a great bowl-like experience. Eat straight from the pouch!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: Why is it less expensive to buy 6 individual packages than to buy the six-pack
Answer: Hi - The glue on our traps do have a slight scent however it is not an attractant, so it will not bring rodents that are not already in your garage.
Question: Do you take good stamps
Answer: Yes, these are the best traps I have ever used at 40-90F.
Question: What are the ingredients please
Answer: Not that I know of.
Question: What is the shelf life
Answer: I am not positive of the grid, but I did have a baby mouse get its head caught.

Mountain House Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tender spaghetti pasta with chunks of beef in a rich marinara sauce

  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Tender spaghetti pasta with chunks of beef in a rich marinara sauce. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or share it with your camping or backpacking buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: What is expiration date for this product
Answer: No
Question: Does it have tomato chunks
Answer: Based on 2000 cal per day diet for the average person the math shows that this will support one person for 10 days.
Question: I have a can that is dented on one side, is that still OK? It is not punctured
Answer: This bucket includes the following: Cheesy Macaroni- 4 servings Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup- 8 servings Creamy Pasta and Vegetables- 8 servings Pasta Alfredo- 4 servings Southwest Rice and Beans- 8 servings Savory Stroganoff- 8 servings Tomato Basil Soup with Pasta- 8 servings Apple Cinnamon Cereal- 8 servings Brown Sugar and Maple Multi-Grain- 8 servings Whey Milk Alternative- 12 servings Orange Drink Mix- 32 servings Vanilla Pudding- 8 servings, bonus 4 servings Creamy Yogurt Style Desert- 8 servings Freeze Dried Peaches- 8 servings, bonus 4 servings I can only tell you the dates on our buckets but currently they were kitted on June 22 2020 as we just received our delivery.
Question: How come the prices have doubled since last year
Answer: The kit has a total of 11520 calories ( all the meals and drinks mixes and deserts), based on a 2000 calories per day For women 5.8 days and 2400 calories per day for men 4.8 days. The calorie consumption should be higher if the day is highly active. That’s $26 per day! For mediocre taste and just as difficult (heat, water and time)to prepare. Military grade MREs are just as bad in terms of taste and price but, in true emergencies are easier to prepare and pack more calories.

Product features

Mountain House Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

What better way to end a long day on the trail or at the office than with a hearty Italian meal? Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce gives you that wholesome, comforting flavor of Italian cooking in hardly any time at all. Tender spaghetti noodles, hearty chunks of beef, rich marinara sauce - what's there not to love?

Mountain House Spaghetti is the ultimate solution for the impatient eater, adventurous explorer and over-preparer.

Mountain House Essential Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 22 Servings | Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 152 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Mountain House Essential Bucket was redesigned with our gluten-free adventurers in mind. Containing a variety of certfied gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for four days, here's the meal kit to fuel your next adventure. This bucket contains 12 total pouches (or 22 total servings) of freeze-dried meals. Reach the summit, backpack that epic trail, or spend a extra long weekend in your tent, just add water and savor the adventure.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL ASSORTMENT! To our gluten-free adventurers, this one’s for you. Enjoy 4 days' worth of breakfast, lunch, & dinner entrees on your adventure. Contains 12 total pouches (or 22 total servings) of all gluten-free freeze-dried goodness.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS & CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE - Each meal is certified gluten-free by GFCO. Meals included: pouches of Beef Stew, Breakfast Skillet, Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Rice and Chicken.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. This pouch is wider and shorter, providing a great bowl-like experience. To prepare all meals in this bucket, 17 cups of water will be needed.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Bucket is easy to carry & store. Bucket weighs 6.15 lbs & is 12"(L) x 10"(W) x 12.31"(H). Enjoy in the backcountry or on your next cmaping trip. With a 30-Year Taste Guarantee, it's a great addition to your emergency food supply.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used pouches with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee.

User questions & answers

Question: What type of meals does this come with
Answer: Thank you for your question. The Comfort4 bag come already pack with all the product inside and will not leave room to fit clothes in.
Question: What’s the shelf life of these meals
Answer: We have been inundated with orders and appreciate your patience. With the recent hurricanes many of our suppliers were backordered as they are direct suppliers to organizations like FEMA, etc. We are in the process of shipping product to Amazon fulfillment centers so your wait should not be much longer. Your patience is much appreciated and am glad to answer any questions you may have.
Question: Hello! How fast would an oprder ship? Thanks
Answer: MAJOR CORRECTION: I was not happy to find that this info contained here is incorrect after making my purchase. Documentation that came with product indicated food has a 5 year shelf life, NOT 30. My documentation did not indicate a shelf life for the water so I googled the suppliers website and verified that water and food both have 5 year shelf life. I guess the trick is not to count on information contained in customer's questions and answers.
Question: Gmo: is this food made with gmo
Answer: Just one packet is in the single meal.

Product features

About Us

During the Vietnam Conflict, the military put out a request for food that tasted better, lasted longer and weighed less than old K and C rations. Our parent Company, Oregon Freeze Dry, responded to that request and won the contract. We immediately started making freeze dried food as Long Range Patrol rations for the military. We've continued making food for the United States Special Forces and other branches of the military ever since.

As the war began to wind down, we took our surplus rations to military surplus and sporting goods stores, where they rapidly sold out. It was then in 1969 that we realized the great consumer demand for good tasting, easy to prepare freeze dried food and Mountain House was born.

Mountain House Pad Thai with Chicken | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food | Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price
  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Rice noodles, chicken, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers all blended together in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, and certified gluten-free by GFCO. Pouch contains two total servings. A pouch is great for one hungry backpacker or can be shared with your camping buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: Is this seriously 21 dollars for a single meal
Answer: Hello           This price includes shipping free
Question: The description says "..Case contains six 2-serving pouches." Is it a single pouch or six pouches
Answer: A case should have 6 for roughly $50-60, single packs should run $9-10. A single pack has 2 servings.
Question: How easy is this to prepare? Are there separate pouches that need separate cooking or prep
Answer: These meals are very easy to prepare. There is one meal per pouch. Simply open pouch, remove oxygen absorber, add 10.5 oz boiling water, stir and let sit for 10 mins. Then the food is ready to eat. The individual product page for each meal will contain the prep instructions for that item. Check the bullet points for more info. We have also included an image of the back of the pouch that has detailed instructions for each meal. Hope this helps!
Question: Are those frozen food? and delivered to home
Answer: No, freeze dried.
Question: Cuanto tiempo dura la comida sin abrir. Fecha de expiración
Answer: La comida durará cinco anos.
Question: What is the shelf life of these meals
Answer: 5 year shelf life

Product features

Real Adventure Demands Real Ingredients

Knowing the result of all great meals start with high quality ingredients, Peak Refuel ensures all growers and suppliers go through an extensive review process to ensure quality. They use non-GMO and high quality ingredients in all their products to deliver a meal you deserve!

Pure Protein Fuels Outdoor Recreation

Every Peak Refuel meal uses 100% real meat and includes 20 grams of protein (or more) per serving in all their entrees. This provides the fuel needed to conquer the next peak or recover from the day’s activity. They do not use TVP or other meat fillers. Your body is not used to processing fake meat, so why risk it in the backcountry?

A Gourmet Meal No Matter Your Passion

If the outdoors is your passion and you care about great tasting food than allow Peak Refuel to serve you a delicious meal on the trail. Peak Refuel eats just like a home cooked meal due to their unique process of cooking and preparing the meals before they are freeze dried. All you need is to add water!

Require Less Water

Most meals require only 10.5 oz or less water to prepare.

Fully Freeze Dried

Freeze-drying locks in critical nutrients and taste that can be lost through other heat extensive drying techniques.

Quick Prep

Most meals prepare in 10 mins or less, keeping you full and happy on the trail.

Made in USA

All meals are proudly produced and packaged in the USA.

Mountain House Beef Stew | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food | Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Airtight storage bins are tapered so they’re easy to clean and scoop food from.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Tender dices of all natural beef, potatoes, peas, and carrots. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS - Made with no artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: Is this dairy-free
Answer: 30 years from the manufacture date
Question: This may be a dumb question, but can I share these with my dog in case of emergency
Answer: No it has a rich Zesty tomato paste and I think it’s AWESOME!!! Top Favorite!
Question: Why do you charge people at a higher rate when they purchase a larger quantity
Answer: If it is dented, but not punctured, *I* would still eat it, but I would eat it soon rather than storing it for 20 years first. If properly stored, it is good for a long time. Denting the can probably doesn't count a "properly storage". Your mileage may vary, and I am not responsible if you get sick. Of course, if it comes out smelling or tasting weird, I would stop eating it.
Question: Where is this made
Answer: Supply and demand,.....Reference: Events of 2020.....

Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food | Gluten-Free

Mountain House

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DELICIOUS BREAKFAST! Enjoy the comforting taste and smell of crispy, bacon crumbles combined with scrambled eggs. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO. Pouch contains one serving. Great for one hungry backpacker or split it with your camping buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: How to store these products
Answer: Store Mountain House food under dry, sanitary conditions, without prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and avoiding any environment that could cause damage to the packaging, such as punctures, dents, or rust. To maximize shelf life, store food unopened and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75°F (24°C).
Question: Is the can resealable, or do you have to use the whole can at once
Answer: It comes with a plastic lid to store the remaining product.
Question: How far reduced is the shelf life once opened
Answer: After opening, It's recommend to use any dry contents within one week for best results and taste.
Question: Shelf life
Answer: my packages say best by 2049!

Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Survival & Emergency Food

Mountain House

Based on 882 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

  • DELICIOUS MEAL! Chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dupling bites in a creamy white gravy, this soul-satisfying Southern recipe is perfect for outdoor or indoor adventures! Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness. No refrigeration needed.
  • NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING - Made with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Pouch contains two total servings. Great for one hungry backpacker, or to share with your camping buddy.
  • QUICK PREP - Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. The pouch has a shorter, wider, more bowl-like shape for an easier eating experience. Eat straight from the pouch and skip the dishes!
  • EAT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - Pouch is lightweight & portable providing you with a deliciously, tasty meal perfect for camping & backpacking trips! Eat well in the backcountry or in your tent. Also great for emergency food storage & survival.
  • RECYCLABLE - Recycled used packaging with TerraCycle to reduce waste.
  • SHELF STABLE - Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Great for emergency food storage!

User questions & answers

Question: How satisfying are these meals? Looking at the nutrition labels, a single serving is generally around 300 calories. That's a snack, not a meal
Answer: Yes you can use hot water and not boiling. The product will take longer to prepare the colder the water is. The preparation instructions provided are designed for boiling water, but the product will prepare with cooler than boiling water, it would just take longer for the product to rehydrate. Peak Refuel is best consumed when prepared with boiling water. Hope this helps!
Question: How many packages do you get for the 30 dollar price
Answer: From what I saw comparing the 2, Peak is about 2x the weight. The breakfast scrabble for Mountain House is just under 2.5 oz, and the Peak is just under 5 oz. if that is the case with all the foods, then 2x the cost for 2x the food would make sense. You have to look at more than just the cost. BUT Peak says they have a 5 yr shelf life for their pouches vs 30 yrs for Mountain House pouches.
Question: Does this contain two packages? The price from Mountain House is $8.49 per pack
Answer: 5 year shelf life
Question: Why would someone buy a 4-pack, for $47.95, rather than buy 4 individual pouches, for $8.25 each, $33.00 in total
Answer: Yes, you can make 4 breakfast burritos with the amount inside

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