Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 24, 2020, 08:07:57 PM
I'm getting prepped for a 13ish day fly in elk and mule deer hunt and am stocking up on my mountain house meals. What are your favorites and what are your No bleep! way meals?
I'm packing, biscuits and gravy (1 favorite), beef stroganoff (#2), Lasagna with meat sauce, chicken noodle casserole, and Pad Thai chicken.
You will never see in my pack Chili Mac, or any other breakfast they make. Over the years I have learned, less flavor is better for me and reconstituted Chili Mac with ice water when the stove is broken is the pits.
Post by: MtnMuley on September 24, 2020, 08:11:27 PM
Post by: Jason on September 24, 2020, 08:12:39 PM
Post by: Born2late on September 24, 2020, 08:15:16 PM
Heathers choice makes a much better product in my opinion.
My daughters have sensitive stomach and this stuff sits fine with them. You can read and understand all the ingredients and they fill you up. I like the apple spiced pie for breakfast and the smoked sockeye salmon chowder dinner,moms spaghetti is good to.
Post by: huntnnw on September 24, 2020, 08:16:52 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 24, 2020, 08:23:24 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on September 24, 2020, 08:24:04 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 24, 2020, 08:24:17 PM
Good luck on the hunt, sounds killer.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 24, 2020, 08:34:06 PM
Best thing you can do for any freeze dried meal is put one packet of fbomb house blend oil in it...il eat one for lunch and one in my freeze dried dinner....easy 500 calories that isn't carbs
Awesome idea. I eat Justin's like its going out of style. Fbomb looks kinda similar but I had never heard of it.
As far as why I am buying Mountain House, simply because I have used them. I will probably grab some meals from PEAK too, some of those flavors looked great. I just know hunting I'm totally fine eating MH biscuits and gravy every day, builder bars, complete cookie, Justin's almond butter and a nut butter cliff bar throughout the day to keep me going until dinner. Totally not married to my food yet. In exactly one month I will be chilling in spike camp.
Post by: Eric M on September 24, 2020, 08:34:19 PM
Anybody who recommends Heather's Choice Smoked Sockeye Salmon Chowder needs a thorough mental evaluation. :chuckle: :chuckle:Unless they enjoy heartburn.
Post by: Mtnwalker on September 24, 2020, 08:44:34 PM
Post by: opdinkslayer on September 24, 2020, 09:21:11 PM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on September 24, 2020, 09:34:52 PM
Post by: MADMAX on September 24, 2020, 09:39:34 PM
Lasagne
Beef stroganoff
All good
Breakfasts are edible
I’ll take a cliff bar and some oatmeal over there breakfasts
Post by: Snakeriver on September 24, 2020, 10:08:03 PM
Post by: callturner on September 24, 2020, 10:25:43 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on September 24, 2020, 10:47:07 PM
I could eat four cheese instant potatoes for a week:yeah:
Variety is key!
Instant potatoes are an awesome addition.
Favorite MH meals are lasagna, chicken and rice, chicken and dumplings.
That said, I've become a huge fan of Peak Refuel. Their beef stroganoff is the best freeze dried meal my wife and I have ever had, no lie.
Everything I've tried from them has been good; I don't really have much in the way of favorites from them yet.
Post by: fowl smacker on September 24, 2020, 11:09:08 PM
Post by: Eric M on September 25, 2020, 12:52:49 AM
Quote from: fowl smackerlink=topic=253331.msg3429085#msg3429085 date=1601014148
I love the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Lasagna with meat sauce and stroganoff are my favorite dinners, but I don't mind chili mac, chicken and dumplings, or creamy macaroni and cheese either.I agree with this except I could never get the Mac and Cheese quite right.
Post by: Rob on September 25, 2020, 04:59:01 AM
I bring cayane powder and add that to most meals to spice them up.
Two of my favorite Mountian House meals seem to no longer be made. Chicken breast with potatoes and chicken a la king.
I was about to order 10 of the biscuits and gravy breakfasts but decided to pick one up at Fred Meyer and try one first. Absolutely hated it! Biscuts and gravy were both OK but the pork bits were terrible in my opinion.
If you like the biscuits and gravy you might like the chicken and dumplings as the dumplings are similar to the biscuits.
Post by: Rob on September 25, 2020, 05:03:28 AM
Post by: bearpaw on September 25, 2020, 06:00:14 AM
Post by: hollymaster on September 25, 2020, 06:06:54 AM
Gonna try some of the healthier ones this year also.
Post by: Jpmiller on September 25, 2020, 07:01:01 AM
Quote from: fowl smackerlink=topic=253331.msg3429085#msg3429085 date=1601014148I love the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Lasagna with meat sauce and stroganoff are my favorite dinners, but I don't mind chili mac, chicken and dumplings, or creamy macaroni and cheese either.I agree with this except I could never get the Mac and Cheese quite right.
I'm 0-2 on the Mac and cheese and it's now on my no go list.
That lasagna one is pretty good, every year I say I'm going to try some other brand but end up just picking up more mountain house.
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 25, 2020, 07:11:30 AM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on September 25, 2020, 07:12:00 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on September 25, 2020, 07:37:27 AM
Post by: zwickeyman on September 25, 2020, 07:40:21 AM
Haven't seen MH spaghetti with meat sauce mentioned yet. It is one of my favorites and easier clean up than lasagna, with that glue-like cheese that sticks to your spork.
MH has changed their recopies for the worse. The lasagna cheese doesnt stick to the spoon any more, Nice but doesnt taste as good. IMHO, none of the new recopies are quite as good
Post by: Onewhohikes on September 25, 2020, 08:06:39 AM
Post by: grundy53 on September 25, 2020, 08:31:45 AM
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 25, 2020, 09:05:45 AM
Usually have my own stuff that we freeze dry. If I have to slum it with MH, I stick to the less expensive and simpler options: Mac'n'Cheese, Lasagna, etc. There are better ones but add a salt packet, black pepper, chili flakes, sriracha packet etc. and it is just fine.@Jonathan_S do you have a freeze drier or do you just dehydrate it?
Post by: Jpmiller on September 25, 2020, 09:22:10 AM
I love it and the beef stroganoff is to die for. But if you are out there hiking your rear off and working up an appetite a Mickey D burger would taste good.
Well there's the real answer. It all seems to taste pretty good on the mountain when you're hungry cold and tired. I tried eating a lasagna (my fav) at the end of a day we just spent driving from spot to spot to glass and I was warm, not at all tired and had been snacking all day. It wasn't very good.
Post by: LDennis24 on September 25, 2020, 10:02:11 AM
Post by: Stein on September 25, 2020, 10:18:38 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 25, 2020, 11:40:20 AM
Usually have my own stuff that we freeze dry. If I have to slum it with MH, I stick to the less expensive and simpler options: Mac'n'Cheese, Lasagna, etc. There are better ones but add a salt packet, black pepper, chili flakes, sriracha packet etc. and it is just fine.@Jonathan_S do you have a freeze drier or do you just dehydrate it?
Freeze dryer.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on September 25, 2020, 11:49:19 AM
I was turning away from MH until they came out with biscuits and gravy.
Seen that a lot in this thread. I will have to try them out.
Post by: buckfvr on September 25, 2020, 11:58:29 AM
Post by: kselkhunter on September 25, 2020, 12:10:58 PM
Usually have my own stuff that we freeze dry. If I have to slum it with MH, I stick to the less expensive and simpler options: Mac'n'Cheese, Lasagna, etc. There are better ones but add a salt packet, black pepper, chili flakes, sriracha packet etc. and it is just fine.@Jonathan_S do you have a freeze drier or do you just dehydrate it?
Freeze dryer.
Which brand do you have? Every one I've looked at is $2K-$5K.
25 years ago I was the engineer responsible for the Mountain House line at Oregon Freeze Dry....small world. But got to taste all the test recipes from the food scientists on staff alot. Recipes have changed over the years of course, but my go-to's are Stroganoff and Chili Mac. Lasagna and spaghetti with meat sauce are not what they used to be. The biscuits and gravy is decent for a freeze dried meal. Chicken primavera used to be good but not a fan of the current recipe.
Post by: KFhunter on September 25, 2020, 12:11:54 PM
MH sausage gravy and biscuits didnt move the needle much for me.
May I make a suggestion?
https://www.amazon.com/ULTIMATE-Assortment-Yucateco-Louisiana-Single-Use/dp/B07VLC4HS6/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=mini+hot+sauce&qid=1601061045&sr=8-8
@Jonathan_S
toss the appropriate packet in your homemade freeze dried meals
Post by: LDennis24 on September 25, 2020, 01:04:05 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 25, 2020, 02:25:58 PM
Usually have my own stuff that we freeze dry. If I have to slum it with MH, I stick to the less expensive and simpler options: Mac'n'Cheese, Lasagna, etc. There are better ones but add a salt packet, black pepper, chili flakes, sriracha packet etc. and it is just fine.@Jonathan_S do you have a freeze drier or do you just dehydrate it?
Freeze dryer.
Which brand do you have? Every one I've looked at is $2K-$5K.
25 years ago I was the engineer responsible for the Mountain House line at Oregon Freeze Dry....small world. But got to taste all the test recipes from the food scientists on staff alot. Recipes have changed over the years of course, but my go-to's are Stroganoff and Chili Mac. Lasagna and spaghetti with meat sauce are not what they used to be. The biscuits and gravy is decent for a freeze dried meal. Chicken primavera used to be good but not a fan of the current recipe.
It's a Harvest Right. Correct, not cheap!
That's cool that you have that history with the industry!
I just cook the greasiest and tastiest meals like breakfast hash, mac n cheese etc. a week or so before leaving and the stuff lasts long enough for a delicious season.
Post by: LDennis24 on September 25, 2020, 03:51:25 PM
Post by: ganghis on September 25, 2020, 05:54:16 PM
Post by: Oldguy on September 25, 2020, 06:09:39 PM
Post by: SGTDuffman on September 25, 2020, 09:55:58 PM
https://blog.safecastle.com/2012/08/osu-lab-test-pits-mountain-house-vs.html?m=1
Post by: actionshooter on September 25, 2020, 10:16:08 PM
Post by: HAGEMANIAC on September 25, 2020, 10:22:46 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 25, 2020, 11:37:22 PM
Post by: elkchaser54 on September 26, 2020, 12:41:54 AM
Post by: Salmonmoocher12 on September 26, 2020, 07:04:07 AM
Post by: jackelope on September 26, 2020, 09:19:59 AM
Post by: Oldguy on September 26, 2020, 09:25:32 AM
I can’t believe someone talked down about the MH chili Mac n beef. Blasphemy.
I hate regular Mac and Cheese but I'll admit the MH with beef is tasty. I'm starting to sound like a company rep!
Post by: Tiger1358 on September 26, 2020, 10:34:26 AM
Post by: ganghis on September 26, 2020, 01:09:29 PM
Taste wise it’s up to you on the freeze dried stuff. But there are oceans in between the brands on their shelf life/preservation techniques. If you’re just buying then and using them during the same season it’s a nonissue. If they’re something you keep or store for emergency food however, other brands don’t stack up. Not even close. Wise for example has almost atmospheric levels of oxygen in their meals, roughly 100x more than MH.
https://blog.safecastle.com/2012/08/osu-lab-test-pits-mountain-house-vs.html?m=1
I had a buddy who found some misplaced mountain house in his basement and took it with him backpacking. Turned out the scrambled eggs had gone rancid - that sure would suck! Not sure how old they were but the shelf life is finite. Probably some meals more than others
Post by: JeffRaines on September 26, 2020, 01:34:39 PM
I’ve always been a mountain house eater, but was recently recommended to try the Peak meals. Good flavor, less water and better for you. I’m going to sample a few one of these days.
The peak meals are BOMB. Every one I’ve had has been great. The best part is the huge portions - with a MH meal after a hard hunt you better have something else to eat because you’re still gonna be hungry. Not with the peaks.
Post by: zwickeyman on September 26, 2020, 01:36:37 PM
Taste wise it’s up to you on the freeze dried stuff. But there are oceans in between the brands on their shelf life/preservation techniques. If you’re just buying then and using them during the same season it’s a nonissue. If they’re something you keep or store for emergency food however, other brands don’t stack up. Not even close. Wise for example has almost atmospheric levels of oxygen in their meals, roughly 100x more than MH.
https://blog.safecastle.com/2012/08/osu-lab-test-pits-mountain-house-vs.html?m=1
That stuff is rancid even if it was made yesterday :chuckle:
I had a buddy who found some misplaced mountain house in his basement and took it with him backpacking. Turned out the scrambled eggs had gone rancid - that sure would suck! Not sure how old they were but the shelf life is finite. Probably some meals more than others
Post by: SGTDuffman on September 26, 2020, 02:08:34 PM
If they’re something you purchase as a long term survival option, just know that there are significant differences in the longevity between brands, as well as significant differences based on the packaging used within the same brands. The vacuum sealed bags have a significantly shorter shelf life (7-10yrs) than the cans (25-30yrs). And cans of individual ingredients would be more versatile than premade meals.
You can also get relatively plain “meals” like macaroni and cheese and add to them with bacon bits or tuna etc. to make them better than most fully freeze dried/dehydrated meals. You really gotta stir things up to make sure you don’t find some semi dry lump of something in those meals too. Newer MREs are actually really good. Canadian MREs have wine in them, but I doubt you can buy those.
Post by: Buckhunter24 on September 26, 2020, 03:23:53 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 26, 2020, 04:26:34 PM
I’ve always been a mountain house eater, but was recently recommended to try the Peak meals. Good flavor, less water and better for you. I’m going to sample a few one of these days.
The peak meals are BOMB. Every one I’ve had has been great. The best part is the huge portions - with a MH meal after a hard hunt you better have something else to eat because you’re still gonna be hungry. Not with the peaks.
You must not buy the 2.5 serving MH’s. I eat like a horse and have trouble finishing them.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 27, 2020, 10:20:24 AM
Taking with me, (all MH)
(6) biscuits and gravy
(2) lasagna and meat sauce
(3) beef stroganoff
(1) noodles and chicken
(3) rice and chicken
Trading to poor schmucks, (all MH)
(2) chili burger mac
(1) ice cream bar
(1) scrambled eggs
(2) breakfast skillets
I have also ordered:
(2) Peak refuel pesto
(2) Peak refuel alfredo
The plan is the 13 dinners I take will get me through all my days out. The biscuits and gravy I will get to have every other day and on an off day hot oatmeal. For lunches I normally use bars and junk food items. I think I have a solid layout for my hunt other than I have never tried the stuff from PEAK.
Post by: MtnMuley on September 27, 2020, 05:18:52 PM
Post by: grundy53 on September 27, 2020, 05:49:31 PM
Exactly. I'm a fat kid and they fill me up.I’ve always been a mountain house eater, but was recently recommended to try the Peak meals. Good flavor, less water and better for you. I’m going to sample a few one of these days.
The peak meals are BOMB. Every one I’ve had has been great. The best part is the huge portions - with a MH meal after a hard hunt you better have something else to eat because you’re still gonna be hungry. Not with the peaks.
You must not buy the 2.5 serving MH’s. I eat like a horse and have trouble finishing them.
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Post by: Buckhunter24 on September 27, 2020, 06:41:20 PM
Post by: jstone on September 27, 2020, 06:44:13 PM
Post by: Stein on September 27, 2020, 06:56:36 PM
Some of those peak meals look really good, im going to pick some up. Never tried any of the mh breakfasts either but I think I'll give them a go. Will have to up my benefiber intake on the next trip I suppose
Eggs are always dicey freeze dried. Back in the day you would have to actually cook them after rehydrating and they were incredibly horrible. Now, they have improved to so-so on a good day if you are really hungry. The B&G is where it is at, I don't even eat breakfast and those things are still on the menu for sure.
Post by: 7mmfan on September 27, 2020, 07:34:29 PM
Post by: Stein on September 27, 2020, 08:34:20 PM
Post by: HAGEMANIAC on September 27, 2020, 09:05:40 PM
Guys, I have to say, there are other options. Looks at getting some good pho soup bowls and add some sesame oil and summer sausage or the like to them. Usually weighs less, has higher caloric count and if you find the right ones same sodium intake. Man they are satisfying. Breakfasts for me are 2 packs of instant apple cinnamon oatmeal with a squeeze pack of ghee. Filling and gets the wheels turning man.
Pho bowls from costco are awesome!
Post by: Stein on September 27, 2020, 09:15:04 PM
Post by: RockChuck on September 27, 2020, 09:20:53 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on September 28, 2020, 05:26:26 AM
All the pho bowls I have had have the nutritional goodness of top ramen. Have you guys found ones that are actually meals? They taste great, but just don't have much too them.
You need to add to it. I've added the little packs of chicken like RockChuck said, I've also added tuna to it. My favorite is to slice up some summer sausage real thin and add a bunch of that in it.
The ones from Costco taste really good but they are LOADED with sodium. There are some larger ones that I find at Safeway that have significantly less sodium in them, can't remember the name though.
Post by: Onewhohikes on September 28, 2020, 05:42:19 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on September 28, 2020, 05:53:13 AM
did you check the sodium content on the labels
Yeah
Post by: Rainier10 on September 28, 2020, 11:51:28 AM
Low Sodium Backpacking Meals
Servings per package/Sodium per package (mg)
Mountain House Beef Stew 2.5/2225
Mountain House Noodles and Chicken 2.5/1725
Mountain House Beef Stroganoff w/ Noodles 2.5/1975
Mountain House Lasagna with Meat 2.5/900
Looks like lasagna would be my only option unless I only ate one serving a day of the other three and nothing else with sodium all day.
Post by: trophyhunt on September 28, 2020, 12:09:05 PM
Post by: opdinkslayer on September 28, 2020, 12:14:18 PM
Post by: actionshooter on October 03, 2020, 07:51:46 PM
I'm not a big fan of the MH biscuits and gravy, it fills a hole which works for me, but the breakfast I find is good is the granola with blueberries. Never tried it with hot water, I'll have to try it.
Absolutely my favorite breakfast... have over a dozen stockpiled right now :)
... MH and Backpackers Pantry, never tried it hot,
Post by: skidynastar33 on October 03, 2020, 08:28:04 PM
mountain house - chicken and dumplings is second.
mountain house - breakfast skillet with a tortilla to make a breakfast burrito is favorite breakfast