Not sure if this is the right place to post this query, but I have been looking at purchasing some of the MRE (commercial version) food and was just wondering if anyone has a suggestion for some good stuff. My wife and I keep a pretty well stocked pantry of canned goods, both home and store bought but I am thinking of buying a two or three months supply of some freeze dried stuff. What's good out there?
- Thread starter tomcat mv
- Start date
Re: Freeze dried food
You don't want MRE's or MRE style foods. The freeze dried stuff is much better and tastes better too.
http://mountainhouse.com/
http://www.thereadystore.com/food-storage/brand/mountain-house
Would a 25 year shelf life be long enough for you? Smaller packaging, better storage options, you know, good basic common sense stuff. Fast and easy to move, and no rotational cycles
You don't want MRE's or MRE style foods. The freeze dried stuff is much better and tastes better too.
http://mountainhouse.com/
http://www.thereadystore.com/food-storage/brand/mountain-house
Would a 25 year shelf life be long enough for you? Smaller packaging, better storage options, you know, good basic common sense stuff. Fast and easy to move, and no rotational cycles
Re: Freeze dried food
mountain house is good stuff but its expensive, some guys make their own freeze dried stuff, my favorite mountain house is lasagna, get yourself a jet boil and you can be self sufficient.
mountain house is good stuff but its expensive, some guys make their own freeze dried stuff, my favorite mountain house is lasagna, get yourself a jet boil and you can be self sufficient.
Re: Freeze dried food
Switchblade is right...most "mountain house" stuff is very good. I've tried most of all the offerings out there and they are one of the best. The "backpackers pantry" stuff is also very good.
-Tyler
Switchblade is right...most "mountain house" stuff is very good. I've tried most of all the offerings out there and they are one of the best. The "backpackers pantry" stuff is also very good.
-Tyler
Re: Freeze dried food
Does Ramen noodles have an exp. date? Just curious because the likely hood of ever using these foods is fairly small why not just go super cheap.
Does Ramen noodles have an exp. date? Just curious because the likely hood of ever using these foods is fairly small why not just go super cheap.
Re: Freeze dried food
Makes their own freeze dried food?
Please share the how, the only answer I have been able to find is a $5-8K lyophylizer on ebay and the freight would suck on something that big.
Thanks
Makes their own freeze dried food?
Please share the how, the only answer I have been able to find is a $5-8K lyophylizer on ebay and the freight would suck on something that big.
Thanks
Re: Freeze dried food
If raman was vacuum sealed and had a dessicant pack, it would hold for a very long time. MREs just plain suck hot or cold...well except for the enchilada and the black bean burrito. The rest tastes like dog chow. Freeze dried, especially Mountain House, kicks ass and tastes way better
If raman was vacuum sealed and had a dessicant pack, it would hold for a very long time. MREs just plain suck hot or cold...well except for the enchilada and the black bean burrito. The rest tastes like dog chow. Freeze dried, especially Mountain House, kicks ass and tastes way better
Re: Freeze dried food
Yes the mountain house bag food is good to go. Had my first outing with that stuff last winter on a camping adventure, was damn tasty for pouring boiling water in a bag.
Yes the mountain house bag food is good to go. Had my first outing with that stuff last winter on a camping adventure, was damn tasty for pouring boiling water in a bag.
Re: Freeze dried food
MH and similar foods are pretty good, but be aware they have quite a bit of preservatives in them. Not a huge deal, but still...
Also, MH is made @ a place called Oregon Freeze Dry, which also packs for several other companies like Wise Foods and Daily Bread, and some others. Most of the freeze dried stuff is packed by them, so it's really not any different... so basically just shop around for the best deal regardless of brand.
Alternatively, global foods (formerly efoods direct) does not have as many preservatives and is dehydrated rather than freeze dried, but the selection is not as vast... though they have added quite a bit of stuff since they got started. They have some pretty alright deals on their stuff sometimes, I have some and it's pretty good though some dishes are a bit more seasoned than a comparable MH type meal. It is made in their own facility last I checked.
Be aware also that many of these prepacked dry meals are very high in sodium as well, though not all. If that is a dietary issue for anyone in the family, then caveat emptor.
PS- I really like the Mountain House Beef Stroganoff. It's great.
MH and similar foods are pretty good, but be aware they have quite a bit of preservatives in them. Not a huge deal, but still...
Also, MH is made @ a place called Oregon Freeze Dry, which also packs for several other companies like Wise Foods and Daily Bread, and some others. Most of the freeze dried stuff is packed by them, so it's really not any different... so basically just shop around for the best deal regardless of brand.
Alternatively, global foods (formerly efoods direct) does not have as many preservatives and is dehydrated rather than freeze dried, but the selection is not as vast... though they have added quite a bit of stuff since they got started. They have some pretty alright deals on their stuff sometimes, I have some and it's pretty good though some dishes are a bit more seasoned than a comparable MH type meal. It is made in their own facility last I checked.
Be aware also that many of these prepacked dry meals are very high in sodium as well, though not all. If that is a dietary issue for anyone in the family, then caveat emptor.
PS- I really like the Mountain House Beef Stroganoff. It's great.
Re: Freeze dried food
I have been going through some of the stuff from a new company out of Utah called Thrive Shelf Reliance they have a bit of a different take on the long term food storage. Their stuff is designed to be stuff that you could use every day in your day to day eating as well as last 20 years or so.
They have a nice selection of fruits & vegetables along with meats & other treats & quite a bit of it is actually great to chow down on straight from the can or the pouch. (their freeze dried corn is delicious)
If for example you get hit with a bad storm and power and roads are closed for a bit and the stores are not open, you could use this stuff & still pretty much feel like you are eating normal nice meals. The eggs cook up really well and the whole milk is delicious.
It's worth taking a look at their website for the ideas and such that they have.
I have been going through some of the stuff from a new company out of Utah called Thrive Shelf Reliance they have a bit of a different take on the long term food storage. Their stuff is designed to be stuff that you could use every day in your day to day eating as well as last 20 years or so.
They have a nice selection of fruits & vegetables along with meats & other treats & quite a bit of it is actually great to chow down on straight from the can or the pouch. (their freeze dried corn is delicious)
If for example you get hit with a bad storm and power and roads are closed for a bit and the stores are not open, you could use this stuff & still pretty much feel like you are eating normal nice meals. The eggs cook up really well and the whole milk is delicious.
It's worth taking a look at their website for the ideas and such that they have.
Re: Freeze dried food
You can store McDonald's food for years. It still looks the same years later!!! Just store it in a jar. But then you'd have to eat it.....
You can store McDonald's food for years. It still looks the same years later!!! Just store it in a jar. But then you'd have to eat it.....
Re: Freeze dried food
Live on MRE's for a month, then live on dehydrated/freeze dried for a month. I think you will figure out which one you like better really quick...maybe even only go a week. Spent a few 'outings' eating MRE's for three weeks to a month at a time, and each time it sucked. Spent a few outings eating nothing but freeze dried and it was way better. I can say this though, for some reason, when I emptied out my saddlebags from my road trip from NY to TN in Dec 09, I took the MRE's that I stripped and just put the bag in my bottom drawer...couldn't quite part with good shelf stable food...maybe I'll put them in my pack and eat them at school in front of the other military vet students just for the WTF? looks
Live on MRE's for a month, then live on dehydrated/freeze dried for a month. I think you will figure out which one you like better really quick...maybe even only go a week. Spent a few 'outings' eating MRE's for three weeks to a month at a time, and each time it sucked. Spent a few outings eating nothing but freeze dried and it was way better. I can say this though, for some reason, when I emptied out my saddlebags from my road trip from NY to TN in Dec 09, I took the MRE's that I stripped and just put the bag in my bottom drawer...couldn't quite part with good shelf stable food...maybe I'll put them in my pack and eat them at school in front of the other military vet students just for the WTF? looks
Re: Freeze dried food
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MH and similar foods are pretty good, but be aware they have quite a bit of preservatives in them. Not a huge deal, but still...
Also, MH is made @ a place called Oregon Freeze Dry, which also packs for several other companies like Wise Foods and Daily Bread, and some others. Most of the freeze dried stuff is packed by them, so it's really not any different... so basically just shop around for the best deal regardless of brand.
Alternatively, global foods (formerly efoods direct) does not have as many preservatives and is dehydrated rather than freeze dried, but the selection is not as vast... though they have added quite a bit of stuff since they got started. They have some pretty alright deals on their stuff sometimes, I have some and it's pretty good though some dishes are a bit more seasoned than a comparable MH type meal. It is made in their own facility last I checked.
Be aware also that many of these prepacked dry meals are very high in sodium as well, though not all. If that is a dietary issue for anyone in the family, then caveat emptor.
PS- I really like the Mountain House Beef Stroganoff. It's great. </div></div>
bcw1284, I'm here at Sniper's Hide on behalf of Mountain House. We've been listening to fans who have voiced their concern about the high sodium in freeze dried meals. That's why we'd like to send you a free sample of our new 300mg low sodium Mountain House meals. If you're interested, send me a PM and I'd be glad to help.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MH and similar foods are pretty good, but be aware they have quite a bit of preservatives in them. Not a huge deal, but still...
Also, MH is made @ a place called Oregon Freeze Dry, which also packs for several other companies like Wise Foods and Daily Bread, and some others. Most of the freeze dried stuff is packed by them, so it's really not any different... so basically just shop around for the best deal regardless of brand.
Alternatively, global foods (formerly efoods direct) does not have as many preservatives and is dehydrated rather than freeze dried, but the selection is not as vast... though they have added quite a bit of stuff since they got started. They have some pretty alright deals on their stuff sometimes, I have some and it's pretty good though some dishes are a bit more seasoned than a comparable MH type meal. It is made in their own facility last I checked.
Be aware also that many of these prepacked dry meals are very high in sodium as well, though not all. If that is a dietary issue for anyone in the family, then caveat emptor.
PS- I really like the Mountain House Beef Stroganoff. It's great. </div></div>
bcw1284, I'm here at Sniper's Hide on behalf of Mountain House. We've been listening to fans who have voiced their concern about the high sodium in freeze dried meals. That's why we'd like to send you a free sample of our new 300mg low sodium Mountain House meals. If you're interested, send me a PM and I'd be glad to help.
Re: Freeze dried food
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Live on MRE's for a month, then live on dehydrated/freeze dried for a month. I think you will figure out which one you like better really quick...maybe even only go a week. Spent a few 'outings' eating MRE's for three weeks to a month at a time, and each time it sucked. Spent a few outings eating nothing but freeze dried and it was way better. I can say this though, for some reason, when I emptied out my saddlebags from my road trip from NY to TN in Dec 09, I took the MRE's that I stripped and just put the bag in my bottom drawer...couldn't quite part with good shelf stable food...maybe I'll put them in my pack and eat them at school in front of the other military vet students just for the WTF? looks </div></div>
C'mon bro, the five fingers of death with the potato sticks weren't all that bad. I didn't mind most MRE's but some were absolutely rancid. Ever try the cold weather MREs? Those were gourmet meals compared to the "regular" meals.
Kinda off topic but the best thing about MREs was the bartering that took place come chow time for the different components of a certain meal.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Live on MRE's for a month, then live on dehydrated/freeze dried for a month. I think you will figure out which one you like better really quick...maybe even only go a week. Spent a few 'outings' eating MRE's for three weeks to a month at a time, and each time it sucked. Spent a few outings eating nothing but freeze dried and it was way better. I can say this though, for some reason, when I emptied out my saddlebags from my road trip from NY to TN in Dec 09, I took the MRE's that I stripped and just put the bag in my bottom drawer...couldn't quite part with good shelf stable food...maybe I'll put them in my pack and eat them at school in front of the other military vet students just for the WTF? looks </div></div>
C'mon bro, the five fingers of death with the potato sticks weren't all that bad. I didn't mind most MRE's but some were absolutely rancid. Ever try the cold weather MREs? Those were gourmet meals compared to the "regular" meals.
Kinda off topic but the best thing about MREs was the bartering that took place come chow time for the different components of a certain meal.
Re: Freeze dried food
I'm a big fan of Mountain House. Coupled with my JetBoil it makes for pretty decent eatin' when you're out and about away from civilization for a while. I'm excited to hear about the new low sodium meals. Sounds like I might have to pick up a case.
I'm a big fan of Mountain House. Coupled with my JetBoil it makes for pretty decent eatin' when you're out and about away from civilization for a while. I'm excited to hear about the new low sodium meals. Sounds like I might have to pick up a case.
Re: Freeze dried food
C-rats are the best, but hard to find and are heavy.
Went to LRP=Rats, not sure but I think they were made by Mountain house in the late 60s earl 70s.
I can live on chicken and rice, or beef in rice. Stay away from the chili. The longer you soak or cook them the harder the beans get.
We use to get indeginous rations which were fishheads and rice. Toss the package of fish heads, shoot a rabbit, cook it then cut it up into little pieces, toss it in with the rice before you add the boiling water. Its pretty good. YOu can use fish too but I cook the fish first.
Mountain house has some good meals but I'm not into the fancy stuff.
As with C-rats, stash a bottle of Tobasco souce in your pack.
When I first went to work for the Anchorage Police Dept, we just came off our (NG) two week annual training. I had to move from Healy to Anchorage so didn't have much money. I pretty much fed my family on LRP Rats for the first month until I got my first paycheck. We survived.
C-rats are the best, but hard to find and are heavy.
Went to LRP=Rats, not sure but I think they were made by Mountain house in the late 60s earl 70s.
I can live on chicken and rice, or beef in rice. Stay away from the chili. The longer you soak or cook them the harder the beans get.
We use to get indeginous rations which were fishheads and rice. Toss the package of fish heads, shoot a rabbit, cook it then cut it up into little pieces, toss it in with the rice before you add the boiling water. Its pretty good. YOu can use fish too but I cook the fish first.
Mountain house has some good meals but I'm not into the fancy stuff.
As with C-rats, stash a bottle of Tobasco souce in your pack.
When I first went to work for the Anchorage Police Dept, we just came off our (NG) two week annual training. I had to move from Healy to Anchorage so didn't have much money. I pretty much fed my family on LRP Rats for the first month until I got my first paycheck. We survived.
Re: Freeze dried food
kraig, Your post brings to my mind my participation in the war games in sunny southeast Asia in 69-70.
Being an 11 Bamboo puller, I had my share of both C and LRP rats.
You are right about the LRRP chile but don't forget the good chicken and or beef stew. I had no idea that beans or peas could be made that hard. They could have been taped to a claymore to add letality even after soaking up the water put in them. I could choke down the spaghetti.
As to the Cs I remember they would dump them out of the case lable down and if you were the first to pick you grabbed one of the middle row meals and took a quick glance at the lable and knew which way to go to get the ones you wanted.
I liked the B-2 units and even could put down ham and MFs, didn't like beef&shrapnel too well.
Had to take some bad shit to get fruit and loved it when I got pears. That didn't happen often. There was a little variety in the fruit.
One of the things I hated the most was the tropical Hershey bars that came in a Sugar Pop. I think they could be melted down over high heat and made into candles.
Regards, FM
kraig, Your post brings to my mind my participation in the war games in sunny southeast Asia in 69-70.
Being an 11 Bamboo puller, I had my share of both C and LRP rats.
You are right about the LRRP chile but don't forget the good chicken and or beef stew. I had no idea that beans or peas could be made that hard. They could have been taped to a claymore to add letality even after soaking up the water put in them. I could choke down the spaghetti.
As to the Cs I remember they would dump them out of the case lable down and if you were the first to pick you grabbed one of the middle row meals and took a quick glance at the lable and knew which way to go to get the ones you wanted.
I liked the B-2 units and even could put down ham and MFs, didn't like beef&shrapnel too well.
Had to take some bad shit to get fruit and loved it when I got pears. That didn't happen often. There was a little variety in the fruit.
One of the things I hated the most was the tropical Hershey bars that came in a Sugar Pop. I think they could be melted down over high heat and made into candles.
Regards, FM
Re: Freeze dried food
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mountain House is our favorite for backcountry camping. Most offerings taste great.
MountainHouse, Thanks for checking in!</div></div>
Thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to talking with everyone here!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mountain House is our favorite for backcountry camping. Most offerings taste great.
MountainHouse, Thanks for checking in!</div></div>
Thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to talking with everyone here!
Re: Freeze dried food
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JohnnyC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of Mountain House. Coupled with my JetBoil it makes for pretty decent eatin' when you're out and about away from civilization for a while. I'm excited to hear about the new low sodium meals. Sounds like I might have to pick up a case.</div></div>
Thanks JohnnyC. JetBoil has definitely made my camping trips much easier.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JohnnyC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of Mountain House. Coupled with my JetBoil it makes for pretty decent eatin' when you're out and about away from civilization for a while. I'm excited to hear about the new low sodium meals. Sounds like I might have to pick up a case.</div></div>
Thanks JohnnyC. JetBoil has definitely made my camping trips much easier.
Re: Freeze dried food
I remember when I first saw Mountain House in the early 1980s (?) some of their stuff is really great. I have only tried a few of their entree's. But our grandkids are addicted to the freeze dried ice cream. I have to have that every weekend when they come here.
The C Rations I have are dated 1960s and 70s. Anything with tomato sauce will leak at the seams. The acid must really be strong.
Some people say that food is food. But if it tastes better than the box it comes in I'll enjoy it better.
I remember when I first saw Mountain House in the early 1980s (?) some of their stuff is really great. I have only tried a few of their entree's. But our grandkids are addicted to the freeze dried ice cream. I have to have that every weekend when they come here.
The C Rations I have are dated 1960s and 70s. Anything with tomato sauce will leak at the seams. The acid must really be strong.
Some people say that food is food. But if it tastes better than the box it comes in I'll enjoy it better.
Re: Freeze dried food
I tried most all of them, I found the MSR Whisperlite to be the best for me. Super light, white gas, burns a long time, easy to clean.
Like others you don't want to roast a rabbit over it, but it will get water boiling right quick.
As to freeze dried food:
Mr Mountainhouse, you're preaching to the quire. It's the only freeze dried stuff I will buy, and I have been at it a long time, since about '68 to b exact.
It may be more expensive then some, but life is too shot to each cheap food.
If you want to talk about "lite" come with me sometime, I'll show you lite and comfortable while lite.
I put the Light in Light Infantry.
I tried most all of them, I found the MSR Whisperlite to be the best for me. Super light, white gas, burns a long time, easy to clean.
Like others you don't want to roast a rabbit over it, but it will get water boiling right quick.
As to freeze dried food:
Mr Mountainhouse, you're preaching to the quire. It's the only freeze dried stuff I will buy, and I have been at it a long time, since about '68 to b exact.
It may be more expensive then some, but life is too shot to each cheap food.
If you want to talk about "lite" come with me sometime, I'll show you lite and comfortable while lite.
I put the Light in Light Infantry.
Re: Freeze dried food
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: W54/XM-388</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been going through some of the stuff from a new company out of Utah called Thrive Shelf Reliance they have a bit of a different take on the long term food storage. Their stuff is designed to be stuff that you could use every day in your day to day eating as well as last 20 years or so.
They have a nice selection of fruits & vegetables along with meats & other treats & quite a bit of it is actually great to chow down on straight from the can or the pouch. (their freeze dried corn is delicious)
If for example you get hit with a bad storm and power and roads are closed for a bit and the stores are not open, you could use this stuff & still pretty much feel like you are eating normal nice meals. The eggs cook up really well and the whole milk is delicious.
It's worth taking a look at their website for the ideas and such that they have. </div></div>
We use the Shelf Reliance products for our pantry as well as daily use. The products are great and most even taste good without rehydrating (skip the chicken if not rehydrated) and can be eaten straight from the can. The average shelf life is 25 years sealed and up to 18 months after opening when properly stored. They are freeze dried without any preservatives or additives. They have some different programs available that are tailorable to your needs. I would suggest finding someone that is hosting a Shelf Reliance party if you are interested in the products.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: W54/XM-388</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been going through some of the stuff from a new company out of Utah called Thrive Shelf Reliance they have a bit of a different take on the long term food storage. Their stuff is designed to be stuff that you could use every day in your day to day eating as well as last 20 years or so.
They have a nice selection of fruits & vegetables along with meats & other treats & quite a bit of it is actually great to chow down on straight from the can or the pouch. (their freeze dried corn is delicious)
If for example you get hit with a bad storm and power and roads are closed for a bit and the stores are not open, you could use this stuff & still pretty much feel like you are eating normal nice meals. The eggs cook up really well and the whole milk is delicious.
It's worth taking a look at their website for the ideas and such that they have. </div></div>
We use the Shelf Reliance products for our pantry as well as daily use. The products are great and most even taste good without rehydrating (skip the chicken if not rehydrated) and can be eaten straight from the can. The average shelf life is 25 years sealed and up to 18 months after opening when properly stored. They are freeze dried without any preservatives or additives. They have some different programs available that are tailorable to your needs. I would suggest finding someone that is hosting a Shelf Reliance party if you are interested in the products.
Re: Freeze dried food
Mountain House and Natural High are the best commercial freeze dried products out there.
I went through my stash quickly last spring during the Midwest flood since we were cut off for 2 weeks.
If you are wanting a standard MRE ... you will get more nutritional value from MAKING YOUR OWN! I presently have a few Ameriqual left and they make a good product, and are convenient for me to obtain since the company is only 30 minutes away. However, I've found it cheaper and more nutritional for me to make my own using a Foodsaver w/ Gallon bags and making a trip to my local Sam's Club.
You will save a ton of money if you make your own. Trust me. I caught onto the idea through a local mom who preserves everything and introduced me to the idea. I now have over 180 meals at the cost of what I would buy 36 MREs for.
Plus, I don't have to worry about packing the laxatives with my own meals.
Mountain House and Natural High are the best commercial freeze dried products out there.
I went through my stash quickly last spring during the Midwest flood since we were cut off for 2 weeks.
If you are wanting a standard MRE ... you will get more nutritional value from MAKING YOUR OWN! I presently have a few Ameriqual left and they make a good product, and are convenient for me to obtain since the company is only 30 minutes away. However, I've found it cheaper and more nutritional for me to make my own using a Foodsaver w/ Gallon bags and making a trip to my local Sam's Club.
You will save a ton of money if you make your own. Trust me. I caught onto the idea through a local mom who preserves everything and introduced me to the idea. I now have over 180 meals at the cost of what I would buy 36 MREs for.
Plus, I don't have to worry about packing the laxatives with my own meals.
Re: Freeze dried food
Could we get a group buy going on Mountain House?
Could we get a group buy going on Mountain House?
