This post will focus on the specialty materials used to prepare different meals at home for remote backpacking trips where weight matters and simplicity is required. Simplicity and low weight do not mean you are limited on your menu if you are willing to experiment a little. I also do not want to poison myself by using the wrong container to prepare meals, so a little research is in order as well. Most meals are contained in one or more plastic bags. Everything to prepare the meal is in the bag except the water which is where the majority of food weight comes from.
The first material item is the food itself. I used freeze dried and dehydrated food items. Freeze dried and dehydrated foods can be purchased from several manufacturers and most of them are available through Amazon.com. I have tried the places below and recommend them.
The next material item is the container in which the meals are stored and many times are also prepared within. Special plastic bags designed to have boiling water poured in them or bags that are designed to be placed in boiling water are used for these meals. ZipLoc brand freezer bags are not designed for either of these purposes. The plastic in ZipLoc freezer bags softens under these conditions and can melt which can release toxic stuff we should not ingest. I do use these types of bags to keep items separated withing the main bag on occasion though. The bags listed below are the types I recommend.
The first material item is the food itself. I used freeze dried and dehydrated food items. Freeze dried and dehydrated foods can be purchased from several manufacturers and most of them are available through Amazon.com. I have tried the places below and recommend them.
- Mountain House: http://www.mountainhouse.com
- Emergency Essentials: http://beprepared.com
- Honeyville: http://honeyville.com
- Augason Farms: http://www.augasonfarms.com/
- Mother Earth Products: http://www.motherearthproducts.com/
- Packit Gourmet: https://www.packitgourmet.com/AllGrocery.html
- Harmony House Foods: http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/
The next material item is the container in which the meals are stored and many times are also prepared within. Special plastic bags designed to have boiling water poured in them or bags that are designed to be placed in boiling water are used for these meals. ZipLoc brand freezer bags are not designed for either of these purposes. The plastic in ZipLoc freezer bags softens under these conditions and can melt which can release toxic stuff we should not ingest. I do use these types of bags to keep items separated withing the main bag on occasion though. The bags listed below are the types I recommend.
- opentip.com: http://m.opentip.com/product_info.php?products_id=8412154 These bags are used for pouring boiling water in to. I use the 16 oz, 25 oz and 34 oz sizes. The 25 oz size seems to be the right size for a one person meal without any extras. The other two sizes are handy in other circumstances.
- Weston 30-0206-W Vacuum Zipper Seal Bags (50 Count), 6" x 10": Amazon Link. These bags are used for immersing in boiling water to cook the contents in the bag. These are made to be used with a vacuum sealer and are primarily used to cook eggs.
Travel sized condiments and food preparation items can greatly enhance the flavor of meals and still maintain a level of simplicity. Many of these items can be found at fast food restaurants, food bars and convenience stores. For specialty items in this class I recommend the places listed below.
- minimus.biz: http://www.minimus.biz/FoodMain.aspx
- Packit Gourmet: https://www.packitgourmet.com/CondimentsSeasonings.html
- Webstaurant Store: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/48631/condiments.html
TTFN
B
Disclaimer: Do your own research and find what works for you. I have done that for myself and I feel comfortable with the items I use. The information above should help get you started.
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