Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 07:44:23 AM
What's your favorite and why? Items of interest are as follows.
Nutritional Value (protein:carb:fat)
Ease of Preparation (time/items needed to prep etc.)
Flavor and Consistency
Price & Availability
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 07:47:44 AM
Both easy enough to get and not terribly expensive, delicious and easy to prep. Sufficient protein:carb ratios in most recipes :tup:
Post by: SkookumHntr on January 29, 2016, 08:01:30 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 08:03:23 AM
I re-tried Backpacker's Pantry a few times this year. The Huevos Rancheros was a recipe for disaster :puke: and it only took 40 minutes to make :chuckle:
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 29, 2016, 08:08:08 AM
Post by: fair-chase on January 29, 2016, 08:09:00 AM
#2 - Other - I use a dry soup mix from my local farmers market. It comes in paper packaging, so I repackage it in food saver bags. Add smoked salmon, then small amount of chili powder or mustard powder for taste before sealing. My food saver bags are not sturdy enough to cook in so I have to cook in stove which makes dishes and extra work.
To be fair I've never tried Hawk Vittles.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 08:30:21 AM
MH and Backpacker's Pantry for me with the edge between them going to MH. I tried the Hawk Vittles last year (probably ate 7 or 8 meals). Although compact and the right size serving size for me (I'm not a huge eater when it comes to dinner), they are not very flavorful, even with a good splash of sauce mixed in (I'm a big fan of Cholula Chalupa).
What BP(s) do you like? I haven't had one that I thought was worth the prep time.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 29, 2016, 08:30:51 AM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 29, 2016, 08:47:50 AM
MH and Backpacker's Pantry for me with the edge between them going to MH. I tried the Hawk Vittles last year (probably ate 7 or 8 meals). Although compact and the right size serving size for me (I'm not a huge eater when it comes to dinner), they are not very flavorful, even with a good splash of sauce mixed in (I'm a big fan of Cholula Chalupa).
What BP(s) do you like? I haven't had one that I thought was worth the prep time.
Last year I gave the Hawk Vittles a full day in court so didn't eat much else on backcountry hunts. Wifey grabs the sale boxes of MH at Costco whenever she sees them so they make up the bulk of my meals during most years. That said, I usually grab a few of the BP's to go with the MH meals. If I remember right, the stroganoff, stew, and a couple of the chicken dishes are pretty tasty with the BP brand. My buddy Duke is a BP fan so oftentimes, I sample his while out hunting. There are a few spicy, oriental type meals what were pretty tasty, something like kung pow or tai chicken?
Post by: whacker1 on January 29, 2016, 08:51:31 AM
I voted MH and BP, but with either brand there are good, decent, and sub par within the various options under each brand. Both of them mess up my system, likely because of the sodium and preservatives, and would like to discover other options in addition to these to mix it up a little.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 08:53:11 AM
Phantom, I think you're talking about the Thai Pad Chicken which is coincidentally the only one I've really thought was decent.
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 29, 2016, 09:04:47 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 29, 2016, 09:07:28 AM
Post by: whacker1 on January 29, 2016, 09:08:51 AM
Mountain house for me. I try and doctor them up when I can though. I add a packet of olive oil to every single MH I eat. Tapatio packet to some. My favorite is the Chicken and Rice with an olive oil packet and a tapatio packet. I'll eat that at home its so good.
good with tapatio and other Sricha, etc. Can you explain what the olive oil does?
Post by: The scout on January 29, 2016, 09:09:19 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 09:10:23 AM
Mountain house because it's all I've ever tried. Heard guys talk about making their own.
https://harvestright.com/store/#sthash.u3fomrV4.dpbs
Got $3,500 to spend? One of these can be yours.
We're hoping to have one of these within 3 years. I figure we'll make up the cost of Mountain House meals in about 5 years or so.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 09:12:12 AM
Mountain house for me. I try and doctor them up when I can though. I add a packet of olive oil to every single MH I eat. Tapatio packet to some. My favorite is the Chicken and Rice with an olive oil packet and a tapatio packet. I'll eat that at home its so good.
Tapatio in the Turkey Tettrazini (and not just for the sake of alliteration) is one of my favorites.
Post by: kentrek on January 29, 2016, 09:14:19 AM
Mountain house because it's all I've ever tried. Heard guys talk about making their own.
https://harvestright.com/store/#sthash.u3fomrV4.dpbs
Got $3,500 to spend? One of these can be yours.
We're hoping to have one of these within 3 years. I figure we'll make up the cost of Mountain House meals in about 5 years or so.
Id think that'd be a great item for a group purchase
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 09:15:17 AM
Mountain house because it's all I've ever tried. Heard guys talk about making their own.
https://harvestright.com/store/#sthash.u3fomrV4.dpbs
Got $3,500 to spend? One of these can be yours.
We're hoping to have one of these within 3 years. I figure we'll make up the cost of Mountain House meals in about 5 years or so.
Id think that'd be a great item for a group purchase
Yeah it would be. Expensive as heck but definitely worth it in the long run.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 29, 2016, 10:09:47 AM
bumps the calorie count a bit and also adds good fats. Hard to come by on the hill. I mix them in my tuna packets with a relish and tapatio as well. Makes for a great lunch.Mountain house for me. I try and doctor them up when I can though. I add a packet of olive oil to every single MH I eat. Tapatio packet to some. My favorite is the Chicken and Rice with an olive oil packet and a tapatio packet. I'll eat that at home its so good.
good with tapatio and other Sricha, etc. Can you explain what the olive oil does?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on January 29, 2016, 10:22:34 AM
Ease of Preparation (time/items needed to prep etc.)
Flavor and Consistency
Price & Availability
Mountain House, for all of the above. Chili mac and lasagna are my favorite.
MRE's mostly for nutrition and ease (not thought required).
Post by: aorams on January 29, 2016, 11:16:53 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2016, 11:22:43 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 29, 2016, 11:40:26 AM
bumps the calorie count a bit and also adds good fats. Hard to come by on the hill. I mix them in my tuna packets with a relish and tapatio as well. Makes for a great lunch.Mountain house for me. I try and doctor them up when I can though. I add a packet of olive oil to every single MH I eat. Tapatio packet to some. My favorite is the Chicken and Rice with an olive oil packet and a tapatio packet. I'll eat that at home its so good.
good with tapatio and other Sricha, etc. Can you explain what the olive oil does?
:yeah: On extended hunts I always have a few pouches of tuna and carry restaurant style mayo in the little packs. Love me some back country tuna :chuckle:
Post by: Eric M on January 29, 2016, 11:01:39 PM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on January 30, 2016, 05:47:45 AM
Post by: kentrek on January 30, 2016, 07:24:40 AM
But when hunting space begins to become an issue and a pro pack is pretty nice
Post by: BeWitty on January 30, 2016, 07:29:57 AM
Backpackers Pantry isn't as good.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on January 30, 2016, 07:50:11 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 08:05:14 AM
I buy em by the 100 pack because any other way is a tad expensive and I go through a ton of them so it is worth it to me
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MZFL1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454169454&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=olive+oil+single+serve+packets&dpPl=1&dpID=31dP-NCs4EL&ref=plSrch#
Post by: swift on January 30, 2016, 08:05:38 AM
Homemade for better nutrition
Usually I eat 1 MH and 2 Homemade type meals and that balances out the salts and fats carbs for what I need per day
I will go to just homemade after my stock of MH is gone probably a couple years 😜
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 08:44:19 AM
For anyone wondering about the olive oil, these are the ones I use. Every one of my MH gets one. Like I mentioned before, the nutrition enhancement is good but the oil really enhances the flavor as well. Plus, when you kill something, smother a tenderloin in olive oil, season with some salt and pepper packets from the mini mart, let sit in a ziplock till dinner time, and fire roast that sucker. Next level mountain dining right there :chuckle:
I buy em by the 100 pack because any other way is a tad expensive and I go through a ton of them so it is worth it to me
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MZFL1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454169454&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=olive+oil+single+serve+packets&dpPl=1&dpID=31dP-NCs4EL&ref=plSrch#
I've used olive oil packets and the little sauce packets from Taco Bell too. The downside to that is that I have to buy something at Taco Bell :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 08:56:50 AM
Get on my level bro :chuckle:For anyone wondering about the olive oil, these are the ones I use. Every one of my MH gets one. Like I mentioned before, the nutrition enhancement is good but the oil really enhances the flavor as well. Plus, when you kill something, smother a tenderloin in olive oil, season with some salt and pepper packets from the mini mart, let sit in a ziplock till dinner time, and fire roast that sucker. Next level mountain dining right there :chuckle:
I buy em by the 100 pack because any other way is a tad expensive and I go through a ton of them so it is worth it to me
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MZFL1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454169454&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=olive+oil+single+serve+packets&dpPl=1&dpID=31dP-NCs4EL&ref=plSrch#
I've used olive oil packets and the little sauce packets from Taco Bell too. The downside to that is that I have to buy something at Taco Bell :chuckle:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GZHCC12/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454172905&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=tapatio+packets&dpPl=1&dpID=41ewxKg8HOL&ref=plSrch#
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 09:06:05 AM
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is Peanut-Butter, Honey, Bacon-Bagel Sandwiches (say that ten times fast)
I've gone nine days with nothing but Mountain House, Tuna Fish and PBHBB Sandwiches. I felt great at the end of it...although I was craving a steak.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 09:09:33 AM
Almond butter and jelly singles in tortillas is my new thing this last year. Pretty tasty. Long live Amazon Prime!!!!!
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 09:15:38 AM
I was kind of hoping this thread would bring some more advocates of the lesser known brands from the woodwork. So far all my thread has tempted me to do is buy a $4000 freeze drier and more overpriced Tapatio packets :chuckle:
Post by: mossy8352 on January 30, 2016, 09:19:07 AM
For other I make my own soup/stew mix onions, potatoes, carrots with a dehydrator. I use salt free spices from Oregon and add them to my soup/stew mix. I make my own jerky and will add pre bought beef sticks and low sodium spam in individual packages along with powdered eggs and my own bannock mix.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 09:20:35 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 09:27:16 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 09:29:54 AM
Post by: 7mag. on January 30, 2016, 09:32:36 AM
Here is a random question for you all. Does anyone actually like the MH beef stew? It is hands down the worst one I've had and I've tried them all! The "potatoes" are not from this planet I'm pretty certain
Yeah, it was the first MH I tried. It made the rest of them better....except any of the breakfasts, powdered eggs are gross.
Post by: kentrek on January 30, 2016, 09:45:09 AM
Post by: kentrek on January 30, 2016, 09:46:33 AM
Here is a random question for you all. Does anyone actually like the MH beef stew? It is hands down the worst one I've had and I've tried them all! The "potatoes" are not from this planet I'm pretty certain
That stuff is mouse bait
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 09:46:40 AM
Also, you don't need a freeze dryer to make your own. A simple deydrator will work too. One of my favorites is carrots, corn, and peas, and burger. Deydrator it, then once on the mountain, put it in a recycled MH bag with appropriate amount of boiling water. Once hydrated, add Idahodian garlic herb mashed potatoes and BOOM!!!!! Delicious mountain version of Shepards pie
Haven't tried it yet...I think I'll give it a whirl in our dehydrator.
Here is a random question for you all. Does anyone actually like the MH beef stew? It is hands down the worst one I've had and I've tried them all! The "potatoes" are not from this planet I'm pretty certain
No...it's what I would call "no bueno"
Here is a random question for you all. Does anyone actually like the MH beef stew? It is hands down the worst one I've had and I've tried them all! The "potatoes" are not from this planet I'm pretty certain
Yeah, it was the first MH I tried. It made the rest of them better....except any of the breakfasts, powdered eggs are gross.
I like the breakfast scramble enough. I hits the spot for me.
Red lobster style biscuits and any type of honey or sweet additive are a new favorite aswell
I like that. Drop biscuits in the backcountry :tup:
Post by: 7mag. on January 30, 2016, 09:50:41 AM
Post by: mossy8352 on January 30, 2016, 09:55:55 AM
:tup: mossy8352, do you use like a regular dehydrator? One that is used for fruit leather and jerky? Or do you have something a little fancier?Some time ago I bought the 10 tray dehydrator from Cabelas for our storage pantry this we use for vegetables onions and things. I just looked and they do not sell the one I have any more but any good one will make a lot of light weight good tasting food without any salt.
The jerky is done in my Traeger pellet smoker and then shrink wrapped and frozen for future use. When I make the jerky I slice in a little thicker than most so when added to my soup mix (cut up) it makes a good flavoring and swells up to normal size and it is tender.
Post by: mossy8352 on January 30, 2016, 09:59:13 AM
Here is a random question for you all. Does anyone actually like the MH beef stew? It is hands down the worst one I've had and I've tried them all! The "potatoes" are not from this planet I'm pretty certain
Yeah, it was the first MH I tried. It made the rest of them better....except any of the breakfasts, powdered eggs are gross.
Have you tried the Ovaeasy freeze dried eggs they are not bad and mixed with onions potatoes and spam make a decent breakfast?
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 11:58:39 AM
Now, the actual powder egg in other brands make me wretch...similar to the mouse bait beef stew
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 30, 2016, 12:22:56 PM
Food is always tough for me because I get bored eating the same stuff, but on a backpack hunt, keeping things simple and consistent is key so I have a few core items that I pack but I change it up. I divide food into daily rations and put them in labeled ziplock bags so I can just grab "tuesday" out of my big pullout I use for all my food and then move it to a more accessible spot in my pack. This is usually the top lid to my pack. These are my items I pull from. This way your not eating the same thing every day. For instance I will alternate lunches between ramen and tuna or alternate breakfasts between granola and bacon sandwiches.
breakfast
-granola/dried bluberries/protein powder (just add water, stir up in the ziplock you packed it in and BAM! Granola and blueberry cereal with some added protein.)
- PB, honey, bacon sandwich
-Pastry (the prepacked bearclaws or cinnamon rolls from the gas station)
-Starbucks VIAS coffee single.
Lunch
-Starbucks VIAS coffee single
-Ramen noodles
-Tuna packet with olive oil and hot sauce
-Peanut butter and crackers
-hard salami, cheese, bagel sandwich (not my favorite)
-peanut butter, jelly, tortilla
snacks
-jerky
-nuts
-energy gels (multiple)
-Fruit leather
-Protein bar
-sour patch kids
I pack all of these snacks for each day and consume them between meals. I find that I don't get very hungry, especially late season, when I'm hunting but you are still burning calories so force yourself to eat a snack every few hours.
Dinner
This never changes. Its always some flavor of Mountain house, I mix up a Wilderness Athlete Hydrate and Recover drink (little single packets). I used to use EmergenC but I think the Wilderness Athlete drink mix gives me more bang for my buck. Then I I have a king size candy bar of some kind for desert.
Post by: mossy8352 on January 30, 2016, 01:34:15 PM
I, for one, don't have a big problem with the flavor/texture of MH eggs. They lack the real "eggy flavor" but the pork sausage, peppers and added hot sauce really livens it up.
Now, the actual powder egg in other brands make me wretch...similar to the mouse bait beef stew
I hear you on the "powdered eggs" not even good for adding to other things. Have not tried the "beef stew" make my own.
Post by: pd on January 30, 2016, 03:00:17 PM
I only make my own food. I cannot stand frozen dinners, fast food restaurants, freeze dried packaged foods, etc. That said, I do always carry a single MountainHouse in my pack---this is emergency food for me, and worth the weight. I carry the same pack for about a year, then move on to another. I haven't eaten a MH bag in 3 seasons.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F107vqrp.jpg&hash=eb62ea46b43ee212c9c7db6041d769bb84b96c26)
Post by: pd on January 30, 2016, 03:06:24 PM
Many of the better supermarkets or health food stores carry a wide range of powdered foods. Look for powdered soybeans. Add a liberal amount of olive oil, and there you will have reconstituted hummus. Very high in proteins, and essential fats. Best of all, the weight addition is almost nothing.
Olive oil can be added to any non-sugar based meal to make it better.
Finally, even the the weight addition is high (high water content), I do usually carry a small squeeze bottle of mayonnaise. The eggs and oil in this sauce really help you choke down something dry, which is very helpful to a tired body.
Post by: ian_padron on January 31, 2016, 07:43:22 PM
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on January 31, 2016, 08:01:28 PM
I take my nutrition in the back country very seriously as I am a personal trainer with about 200# of muscle to maintain.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
200# of muscle? You're one big dude, I bet you're counting gristle.
Post by: ian_padron on January 31, 2016, 08:02:32 PM
Lean mass might have been a better way of putting it...muscle, organs, bones, etc....all the good stuff!I take my nutrition in the back country very seriously as I am a personal trainer with about 200# of muscle to maintain.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
200# of muscle? You're one big dude, I bet you're counting gristle.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Post by: danderson on January 31, 2016, 09:03:52 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:08:40 PM
I like those little cans of Venna sausage, and a can of spam tastes pretty good when you been living on dehydrated meals for a week or two, but mostly I make all my meals my self with fresh ingredients, invest in a good commercial dehydrator and your meals will be as good as home cooked, seal up a complete dinner for 4 that weighs a pound, 99% of what you eat for dinner at home can be dehydrated and packaged up for back packing or hunting trips, plus it cost almost nothing except your time.Spam on a stick over a bed of coals in the middle of know where is food fit for kings :chuckle:
Post by: coachcw on January 31, 2016, 09:15:50 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:21:47 PM
Well I take the live off the land approach to some degree , I'm a big dude and carry it with me . Water , nuts , Jerrky a few protien bars and maybe a couple cans of smoked oysters go a long ways ....that Lil blrman is stopping all the time to cook something ....loloysters :puke:
:chuckle:
Post by: coachcw on January 31, 2016, 09:22:58 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:26:27 PM
Or just send Jake to dairy queen .Best meal EVER :chuckle:
Post by: coachcw on January 31, 2016, 09:28:42 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:33:08 PM
Yeah a 48 mi,e trail bike ride for a burger isn't too efficient though :chuckle:Ya but when you factor in the value of the 20oz Diet Mt. DEW it made the journey priceless :chuckle:
Post by: danderson on January 31, 2016, 09:34:38 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:38:47 PM
I take a week off every year for a 50 mile hike on the PCT, although the last 3 years it was more like 75 miles in a week, I have to admit the morning raisin bran cereal with powered milk was pretty good. sometimes the quick simple meals are the best.add some chocolate protein powder to that if you want to hit that sweet tooth shamelessly. My favorite breakfast is on the hill is granola with freeze dried blueberries, and chocolate or vanilla protein powder in place of the powdered milk. Have it in a ziplock, add water, shake it up and dig in. No mess, quick and easy. You can do warm water too if you want hot cereal.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 31, 2016, 09:40:23 PM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 01, 2016, 09:47:50 AM
I like those little cans of Venna sausage, and a can of spam tastes pretty good when you been living on dehydrated meals for a week or two, but mostly I make all my meals my self with fresh ingredients, invest in a good commercial dehydrator and your meals will be as good as home cooked, seal up a complete dinner for 4 that weighs a pound, 99% of what you eat for dinner at home can be dehydrated and packaged up for back packing or hunting trips, plus it cost almost nothing except your time.
I am going to start a thread on dehydrating your own. I have been intrigued by this for some time, but never really tried it. I'd certainly rather have my own cooking than prepacked, but don't know where to begin.
Post by: swanny on February 01, 2016, 09:48:30 AM
Alpine Aire also does a pretty descent job, they get a good mix of flavor and spice in theirs, just go easy on the water.
Post by: mossy8352 on February 01, 2016, 10:03:31 AM
I like those little cans of Venna sausage, and a can of spam tastes pretty good when you been living on dehydrated meals for a week or two, but mostly I make all my meals my self with fresh ingredients, invest in a good commercial dehydrator and your meals will be as good as home cooked, seal up a complete dinner for 4 that weighs a pound, 99% of what you eat for dinner at home can be dehydrated and packaged up for back packing or hunting trips, plus it cost almost nothing except your time.
I am going to start a thread on dehydrating your own. I have been intrigued by this for some time, but never really tried it. I'd certainly rather have my own cooking than prepacked, but don't know where to begin.
Here is a link to some good information and ideas. I have tried some of his ideas (bean bark) and the only thing was his rehydration time was kind of short from reality but the site does give you a good start on what you can do. Worth a look.
http://www.backpackingchef.com/
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 01, 2016, 10:06:40 AM
Post by: whacker1 on February 01, 2016, 11:30:54 AM
For anyone wondering about the olive oil, these are the ones I use. Every one of my MH gets one. Like I mentioned before, the nutrition enhancement is good but the oil really enhances the flavor as well. Plus, when you kill something, smother a tenderloin in olive oil, season with some salt and pepper packets from the mini mart, let sit in a ziplock till dinner time, and fire roast that sucker. Next level mountain dining right there :chuckle:
I buy em by the 100 pack because any other way is a tad expensive and I go through a ton of them so it is worth it to me
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MZFL1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454169454&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=olive+oil+single+serve+packets&dpPl=1&dpID=31dP-NCs4EL&ref=plSrch#
Thank you for sharing
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 01, 2016, 11:31:08 AM
Man all this talk of mountain food makes me wanna go do some snow camping just so I can eat some food. Call for some cats :EAT:
Oh yeah, some of the lean and mild bobcat meat with olive oil and tapatio :drool:
Post by: jjaba on February 01, 2016, 11:39:43 AM
one last two days.....
Post by: JM on February 01, 2016, 12:59:43 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 01, 2016, 01:14:44 PM