Backpacker’s Pantry freeze dried meals – My Favourite!

Probably the quickest and easiest way of cooking on the trail is with Freeze Dried meals. Your meal, as many of us know, comes pre mixed in a reflective, resealable bag and only requires boiling water. You just mix it well and thne seal it and in 5-15 minutes you’re ready to eat. The waiting time is a great opportunity to set up camp or chat with friends… or just plain relax after a long day of hiking. Fortunately, because of all the money invested in this market, you can get pretty much whatever you want!

Unfortunately, not all brands are created equally. Some are far inferior and don’t hydrate properly, others just become a mix of goopy slop (kind of like that lunch you left in the bottom of your backpack in elementary school). I’ve received free samples from several different companies with mixed results… including one that I could barely finish and then barely keep down (avoid freeze dried asparagus).

However, some brands just seem to have gotten it right. They know what they’re doing, they take care with recipes and quality of ingredients… and the results are just incredible. That has always been the case with me for Backpacker’s Pantry. I’ve never been disappointed with any of their entrees. They have a great taste and texture every time… Even when I’ve prepared them at high altitudes (over 9000 feet) they’ve rehydrated correctly without any crunch… that wasn’t supposed to be crunch. I’ve been so impressed with them, that I went out and bought their Vegan 2 person, 3 day meal kit for next year’s John Muir Trail hike (#JMT2013 on twitter).

As I mentioned, a while ago I was sent a variety of their freeze dried meals by Backpacker’s Pantry to try and another set to giveaway (see entry form below). They had even had a vegan meal in there (Pad Thai). Not only were they the envy of my hiking buddies, but it was some of the best hiking food I’ve ever tried.

The reason I bought the Vegan 2 peron, 3 day meal set was because it comes with 2 Pad Thai meals. Although it take a bit longer to prepare (20 minutes) it was well worth the wait. It comes with a big pack of peanut butter and another pack of peanuts to add to the rice noodles and other ingredients. In the end you have something that rivals a decent Thai restaurant.

The Santa Fe style chicken and rice was something I tried on a hike down the Choro Trail. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was incredible. I know hunger is always a factor in taste, but the portion was so big I had to stop half way through. I woke up later that night and ended up polishing it off. I just couldn’t stop myself.

There were other meals as well that were equally as pleasing and I won say too much more because a lot of it depends on one’s individual tastes. Personally, I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of the entrees!

I just want to say I’m not a huge desert fan. On a hike with a bunch of guys I decided to share around a pack of Dark Chocolate Cheesecake. I admit that it doesn’t have the consistency of cheesecake, but all in all, everyone who tried it was pleased with the taste. If you’re someone that doesn’t like to go without dessert, check out their line of freeze dried desserts.

Have you tried Backpacker’s Pantry? What are your experiences? Do you have a favourite meal?