Trying different freeze dried camping foods

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I have been trying some different types of foods and I would also like to hear input of anyone who has a small review of different types of freeze dried or dehydrated camping foods. I know not all our taste will be the same and hopefully everyone will be respectful of others opinions but I also want to hear if something failed, failed to live up or just plain tasted bad. Our money is hard earned and I need the opinions of others to help guide the process of purchases. I didnt review either of these in the field the first was in a hotel room "camping" while training for my employer and the second was at home with me being lazy and not wanting to cook that night.

I tried some of the Mt House freeze dried beef stew today. It takes 2 cups of boiling water and it says to let it stand 8-9 minutes. If you can let it stand a few longer it might not hurt, some of it was still a little rubbery but as I went on it got done, being impatient I ate mine at exactly 8 minutes. I ate almost all of it so I'm not to sure on the "2 servings". In their defense on that I am 6ft and 210 and had just got done working out and it was tasty, soooo.... But on the other hand if I am camping, hunting, bugging out or whatever it truthfully it will be 1 serving. Overall I am very pleased and it only weighs 4.3 oz.

I had also tried a Backpackers Pantry Lousiana Red Beans and Rice last week with intent of trying it and getting some more. I cooked it and it is good, real good. I was coming off a sinus infection so it was a little spicy but my 15yr old daughter says it is good and ate her 1/2 with some crackers for dinner. The wife with her reserved self and upturned nose also changed her mind quickly and by then it was even cold. I can say there are 2 servings in there as advertised.

[Edgemont]

Hey Matt,
Great topic for those who want to bug out, or are considering a "GOOD" bag. This is an area that I have extensive experience with. I'm a serious mountain climber, so I'm obviously focused on carrying everything that I will need to survive AND be successful at my adventure. I have my food selection down to somewhat of a science... Because every ounce really does count when one is climbing. And calories are so important when exertion is taking place.

That being said, Mountain House, in my opinion, is the way to go, although Backpackers pantry has some delicious entrees as well. The Lasagna with meat sauce from Mt. House is particularly tantalizing. Most do not like the beef stew... Just a warning (I think that it is ok). There are several tricks to getting the most out of your freeze dried entree. It never hurts to let the meal sit with the hot water a little bit longer than the recommended amount of time. The "Two servings" is really one in my opinion (I weigh a fit 155lbs at 6ft). I've even successfully eaten the four serving packages a few times before. If the "2 Servings" meal were for a woman, then it would probably be sufficient. As for me, when I finish a meal, I'm always still hungry. Soo... I usually eat a pouch of the instant mashed potatoes as well. They are fairly tasty, and they add calories, which keep in mind is something that you would probably want a lot of in a bug out scenario. Or even if one was out on patrol or whatever. The point is, calories = Goodness.
Another trick is to take the package after you have added the hot water and stick it between your shirt and jacket, or whatever you would be wearing. The hot package is quite hot and will help keep one warm (if it's something that one needs) while waiting the 8-10 minutes.

I can't think of anything else right now...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Awesome! Good tips and comments. My experiance is limited to MREs or the local rations when out and about so this is kinda new to me and even some folks I am trying to get onboard. I noticed these things are way short of the calories in the MREs so I can appreciate the taters comment for sure.
I eat alot of "PowerBar" chocolate with 8gr protein too. They taste so-so. They get hard as a rock in the cold and very chewy and sticky in the heat but if you can wolf them down you can go a long ways on the 240 calories. Try one before you get them and see if you can stomach them is my suggestion. Me and the boy do ok but the rest of the family not so much.

[monkeybird]

There are several videos in which various brands of freeze dried foods were prepared and taste tested. It saved me from buying some brands that most didn't like. It might be an interesting video project for you.

Also, I read somewhere that those form insulated cup holders were excellent for keeping the food warm while your waited.

I'm glad the lasagna and beef stew got good reviews. I own the #10 cans and have not tasted them.

[EX121]

I like the Mt. House. Like mentioned, I usually wrap the package up in something to help hold in the heat while waiting. I'll also give it a stir at the 4-5 minute mark. I also like the Zatarains (sp) Lousiana type meals, they like the instant potatoes make a quick additions to a 'main' meal. I watch our local discount store and pick up the potates and other meals as the near the posted shelf life. I also like to add a foil packet tuna to the instant potatoes, another quick meal.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

monkeybird you can buy the small packs at wallieworld, acadamy etc and try them without bustin into the #10 cns, they run about $3-4.
I can't/won't do videos because of various reasons mainly my job but thanks. These guys here make excellent vids that I can't rave about enough and I would rather leave that to them.
EXE121 Zatarans huh, where do they have them at? the tuna is a good idea too, we had talked about it.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Well tonight’s menu while roughing it again at a hotel (LOL) while attending some training, was the Mt House Chili Mac with Beef. It takes 2 cups of boiling water and it says to let it stand 8-9 minutes. It weighs just 4.8 ounces.
Well what can I say, it’s chili mac. If you have ever served or eaten it in a cafeteria environment you will know there is not much to say about it. It wasn’t bad but hardly as tasty as the stew. It hydrated well without much additional time and I ate about 2/3 of it. On a side note I forgot to remove the oxygen absorber pack before rehydrating it, you know because I’m an expert and all and didn’t read the instructions tonight duh.
Man I wish I had some shredded cheese to go on this! Keep you comments rolling, like I said I wanna hear it all, the good the bad and ther ugly. The ugly tonight was me not following instructions and leavin the oxy pack in!

[EX121]

Kinda on track with this is to make sure you increase your normal water intake if eating a bunch of freeze dried food. If you don't you may have 'stomach upset' read hard as a dried brick. something you don't need if trying to hike somewhere.
The Zatarans is available at Fred Meyer a Pacific Northwest chain but affilated with Krogers , I haven't looked at wallyworld as there isn't one close by.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

One thing we did last weekend, while on the youth deer hunt with my daughter, was to try the backpackers pantry eggs with bacon bits. They were a far cry from the worst dehydrated eggs or egg like substance I have ever had. They were difficult to mix thoroughly and great care had to be taken to get all of the mix in the bottom corners of the package. They cooked very quickly and evenly. I would not eat them or want to regularly however hunger makes a good cook especially when physical exertion is taking it's toll. The old fat man was using alot of calories dragging and carting those deer out for her.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

One thing we did last week, while on the youth deer hunt, was to try the backpackers pantry eggs with bacon bits. They were a far cry from the worst dehydrated eggs or egg like substance I have ever had. They were difficult to mix thoroughly and great care had to be taken to get all of the mix in the bottom corners of the package. They cooked very quickly and evenly. I would not eat them or want to regularly however hunger makes a good cook especially when physical exertion is taking it's toll. The old fat man was getting a workout carting and dragging those deer.