Meals

[Elkmen]

I am going on a backpack hunt this fall. I have done some in the past but its been a few years. What do you all use for your dinner meal. I am thinking freeze dried but am not aware of the newer quality and which brand you all use?

 

[bronco]

I prefer "Mountain House" when it comes to freeze dried meals.

The beef stroganoff is my "go to" favorite. Typically the are very lightweight and packable. Most importantly they taste good! They run about $6-8 a piece. You can get differant sized/portioned meals. As a big man with a big appetite I opt for the "2 serving Po-Pak." It's always enough food for me! If your going with a partner they make larger 4 serving meals also. They are cheaper than buying two meals with less weight and less bulk as well. And if you have unopened meals left at the end of the trip they will stay good for the next hunting season. (Also good to have around in case of emergencies)

Yeah they cost a little bit. But a good hot meal that you didn't have to break your back humping in is worth it everytime.

 

[Elkmen]

Mountain house was one of the brands that I have been looking at. I will be selecting meals heavy on pasta (carbs) and calories. Appreciate the help. !!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Mountain House is the best by far and I used quite a few on an 11 week 4 state trip last Fall. Ten minutes or so and you can eat it right out of the pouch to save having to clean dishes, pots& pans, etc. I bought several #10 canisters of my favorite ones and then vacuum packed individual meals out of them for about 30-40 suppers. Beef stew, beef stroganoff, and chicken & rice are my three favorites.

 

[Mike 338]

I've gone pretty spartan. Jar of peanut butter & hard bread like pizza crusts. Some freeze dried oatmeal some nuts and a slingshot to kill camp meat along the way. Most of my weight was in water.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

What were you shooting with a slingshot?

 

[Elkmen]

I will have P&J along for lunches. I also have planned on prepacking in a ziplock bag, Oatmeal, a dried milk like product, granola and brown sugar for a breakfast meal each day. It will be a quick pick me upper. Also a large amout of chocalot for snacks. Instead of a sling shot I will carry a rifle.

 

[Mike 338]

What were you shooting with a slingshot?

The slingshot is to "quietly" add to the food larder. Grouse, squirrels and the very occasional rabbit/hare. I'd just cut the meat up and boil it with 1/2 a Top Ramen. Camp meat can add a couple of meals and extend your stay by a day or so. I use it only to replace a meal, not to supplement a meal. With a lightweight sleeping bag or wool blanket strapped to my day pack along with a small tarp and I would stay in about 3 or 4 days if there's water available. Camp was anyplace I got tired. I don't do it as much anymore because I need to get back and tend the pack animals but it's still a good way to scout.

Of course this was only when I hunt/scout alone. I'm almost always a little hungry and talking about it makes it worse. Come to think of it, Beef Stroganoff is sounding pretty good!

 

[Blockcaver]

Mt House ProPaks augmented with dried mash potatoes are a great evening meal. They pack small too as the air is sucked out of them. They are slightly smaller than the regular Mt House meals, hence the mashed potatoes added in.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

1+ on Mountain House my favorite Chicken Teriyaki with Extra Chicken in foil package from grocery store.

 

[Biggs300]

While there may manufacturers that may have better meals on an individual "meal" basis, overall I have been very happy Mountain House and they certainly have a good selection. The best thing is that they can be purchased at almost any department store with a sporting goods dept.

 

[midnightmalloy]

I dont know if anyone here has said this yet in this thread but I like Mountian House! haha just joking, but for real its pretty obvious they are the go to meal if commercially bought meals is what your looking for.

 

[bigbuck]

We carried Ramen noodels when we camped in gunnisen Colorado. It was light weight but requires water . We stayed in the Mtns 3 days and nearly starved to death . I also was dead tired at the end of the trip. I would make sure I got the right food to keep my Energy level up if I where to do it again.

 

[mcseal2]

I'm also a mountain house fan. The chicken rib meat & mashed potatos is by far my favorite. I get it in the 2 serving size also, and it is pretty darn filling. I was very sceptical the first time I opened one but it tasted and even looked darn good after it was "cooked".