I am looking for the best dehydrated and/or MREs. Even if it is dehydrated at home. I make dehydrated meals to eat here regularly. I have an open mind. I have looked at the ones at walmart, cabellas, bass pro shops, and online. Some makers sell theirs specifically on their own sites. Amazon has quite a few as well. My daughter has some MREs leftover from leadership camp, I will be taking those along in the future, but not quite ready to try them out.
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
I can understand the impulse to ask advice about the best meals out there, but people differ so much about what makes a meal good or bad that whatever advice you get needs to include some clear guidelines about what standards are being applied. This includes the kind of stove and cook kit one carries, how much fussing about one tolerates either before or during the hike, how available or expensive the ingredients are, and so on.
I tend to favor suppers with more vegetables, complex carbs and dietary fiber because my normal diet at home leans that way and my digestive tract rebels if I switch gears on it too rapidly. But some hikers get along eating nothing but snack foods and energy bars.
Registered: 02/26/02
Posts: 301
Loc: The Southwestern Deserts
We dehydrate now so it’s been quite a few years but for freeze dried Mountain House has an array. As for military MREs they would certainly feed you but many prefer other options nowadays. A lot of your food will be finger food like cheese, nuts, chocolate and perhaps some dried fruits. Take something you’ll really like.
Registered: 02/26/02
Posts: 301
Loc: The Southwestern Deserts
Salami and Rye Krisp are a couple more very energizing and popular trail foods that need no cooking. We used to buy Mountain House freeze dried meals from VitaCost. At times you can find good deals.
I've taken to making my own FBC meals from dehydrated foods I purchase. 1. Cans of dehydrated vegetables are readily ordered online, 2. dehydrated beans or TVP is readily ordered online and 3. couscous or anything labeled "quick" or instant" (rice, barley, etc.) are available from the grocery store. Mix 1/2 cup from 1, 1/2 cup from 2, and 1 cup from 3. Add spices to taste, bring olive oil to add after rehydrating. It required 2 cups boiling water and about 30 minutes to rehydrate.
I try them out at home first to see what works for me.
Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
Salami and Rye Krisp sounds good. Last time I was at the store they didn't carry Ry Krisp any longer. I'll have to search on line. Thanks for that tip, I have no imagination when it comes to food to carry.
Registered: 02/26/02
Posts: 301
Loc: The Southwestern Deserts
Just yesterday I bought the Kindle version of The Hungry Spork , Trail Recipes by Inga Aksamit for some new inspiration. It’s one of those things where you know a lot of it but do find some interesting things that were not on the radar. I do like having all the spice blends highlighted and easy to find.
Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
I just today threw away 24 military MRE packets that were old. They are heavy and taste only fair. Backpacking requires lighter meals if you don't want a heavy pack. I used to supplement Ramon Noodles with some peas, onions, and carrots I dehydrated. I switched to Knolls Sides and if you find the flavors you like they are really good. You can add to them or use them as they come. I add a half bagel to that and that is dinner. I am a light eater on the trail. I have even used just a cup of Maruchan Instant Lunch for my evening meal (290 calories) and I was fine. Sometimes with a few crackers added. I researched MRE's for hours today. They are expensive and you can easily use your imagination at the grocery store and find more of what YOU like for less.
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