One of my favorites: mixed nuts and a little beef jerky. 4 oz of the nuts plus 2 oz beef jerky = 820 calories, 63g fat, 1400mg sodium and 42g protein. *ZERO* water required to rehydrate, and *ZERO* minutes of prep time.
@@rangerdoc1029 You’re really obsessed. Less fiber and more fat. It’s opposite of the general recommendation to eat more fiber. Fiber constipates. Fat makes things move. As usual just do opposite of whatever a doctor tells you. Eat fatty red meat and don’t eat vegetables. Superhero feeling better than ever.
I absolutely LOVE the Peak meals and used them exclusively on my CT through hike. I also like to add olive oil or Ghee to any meal that does not have enough fat. Fat is the best calorie to weight ratio there is and my body is use to using fat for fuel. Thanks for another great video Darwin!!!
After a plethora of various camping meal packets over the decades - I find Peak to be one of the best and also when use of fresh food is limited on a trip, even keep a couple in my travel pack for non-camping trips as well for the times when I get in late somewhere and there is nothing open!
I've been eating backpacking meals since the 60's. At this point many offer greeat taste compared to then believe me. To get rid of the packaging is easy. I repackage a serving in to a PINT, that right PINT, sized freezer bag. You then mix and eat in that bag as it can stand up to boiling water. I made a custom sized heating pouch out of aluminum bubble-foil-bubble wrap and aluminum tape. Boilingwater in to bag, stir gently, put in warming bag and wait. clean up is rolling the pint bag up and putting it in the one from the night before. Simple, clean and no dishes of any kind.
I called Ziplock to ask if their freezer bags were safe for Girl Scouts to use for boing omelets in.” NO. Freezer bags’ plasticizers are not thermally stable” plasticizers are hormone disrupters, hence children start puberty younger than before plasticizers were used. So, use a bag meant for heat. Slow cooker bags. Sous vide bags, microwave bags, steaming bags, etc.
If you haven't tried Pack it Gourmet, you are missing out. The Texas State Fair Chili is amazing. We have been known to break into the stash and eat it for dinner or during a game. They have some really good meals.
I discovered Heather’s Choice on a section hike a few years ago. It’s a cottage company out of Alaska. Her “Packaroons” are awesome. I pack the espresso ones. For meals, Bison Chili, shepherd’s pie, and salmon chowder are all favorites.
Another vote for Packit Gourmet. Since Food for the Sole closed down, Packit is now my fav backpacking meal company. But I don't look at the same metrics as you; I look at whether or not it tastes good, because I lose my appetite when I'm backpacking. I won't eat at all if the food turns off my taste buds. I quickly lose weight and get depleted of energy, so good taste is everything.
Peak Refuel is my go to meals. When it comes to taste. Red pepper packets from Pizza Hut are also a must have, along with olive oil packet from Amazon.
Packet Gourmet’s meals have become my go to apart from dehydrating my own. Ditties Chicken and dumplings Texas State Fair Chile good dinners. West Memphis Grits and polenta with pork sausage killer breakfasts nice chant from oatmeal
My absolute fav backpacking meal is a Peak Refuel Butternut Dal Bhat, a king size Snickers, and a watermelon LMNT. Delicious and about 10 oz for roughly 1300 calories. I never really pay too much attention to sodium level in my backpacking food. More electrolytes the better.
Thank you for this video. Looks like Peak is the way to go. I like to take individual-serving packets of Spam and Salmon along with my freeze-dried meals. I also like to have a jar of peanut butter and a bottle of olive oil. My one great luxury is Starbucks instant coffee packets. I love that extra kick in the morning.
I mix my own muesli-like cereal mix with nuts and dried fruit for breakfast. I mix vanilla protein mix with water for the "milk". Lunch is chunky peanut butter with dried apples on tortilla shells for lunch. With a Snickers bar. Freeze dried meal for super, usually with another tortilla. I'm not super skinny so massive calories is not required. I want to feel full and i want good flavor.
Yeah I don’t want my body to feel like an old man again (inflamed and in pain). Staying keto is definitely necessary for physical and mental. Carnivore is even better. Beef never gets old!
For breakfast I have been blown away by how good the Backpacker's Pantry granola with blueberries, almonds, and milk tasted. Plus 620 calories for breakfast and 16 grams of protein.
The Peak brand is my favorite. I think they have the highest calorie to weight ratio and they taste good. It’s pretty much the only brand I use. It’s good to see you stopped cold soaking. Take care
Peak Chicken Pesto Pasta is my favorite. I carry a tube with a few seasonings with me, and with some MSG and pepper added this meal is actually delicious.
I love pesto and my family doesn't. I'm leaving next week for a section hike of the north country trail. I haven't done dehydrated in years. Going to grab this one because of you 🤙
My favorite is Next Mile Meals. Amazing low-carb/keto meals. They all have like 40-50g of protein and 20 to 30g of fat, and under 10 carbs. They're around 150 cal / oz. (And their sausage scramble breakfast is 176 cal / oz.) And they are DELICIOUS.
@@yungsmile7546 generally speaking, yes. But once your body is used to burning fats as its primary fuel source, not so much. I triple crowned while on Keto and my food weight was easily half of traditional stuff and with a higher and more dense calorie count.
I doubt you can get them in the US, but for Scandinavians (Europeans?), the very very best of freezedried meals i've ever had are the Norway based Real Turmat. They are precooked, taste awesome when you consider what it is, come in packs that are already vacuum sealed to remove air. Hard to beat, but probably on the expensive side.?
I've heard the reason Peak don't use as much water as others is because they don't use fillers in there meals so cuts down on the amount of water to use. The more filleres used the more water it takes. And Fuel is my favorite meals to use and the one you showed is my absolute favorite, the Chicken Alfredo I take that one when I go hiking or backpacking every time, great video , it was awesome.
It doesn't compete on stats, but for flavor On a basic ditch backpack trip, the Mountain House pro pack spaghetti with meat sauce is my personal absolute go-to. 500cal/3.8oz. It's filling and comforting. We keep these around the house as well for emergency food such as in an extended power outage, and everyone enjoys them. For a cold meal, I'm a fan of the mountain house granola with blueberries. 500cal/4oz. I can just slap some water in it, mix it up and eat it. The powdered milk in it is pretty passable to me. Sure, I could make my own by buying powdered milk, granola, and freeze-dried fruit... But That's a fair amount of extra work if I'm just going out for a quickie, when I can just grab one of these. And again, I keep these around as emergency food as well because they're super simple and tasty. This is actually one that I keep in the car when driving over mountain passes in the winter for extra food in case we get stuck on the pass for hours.
mountain house- biscuits and gravy! while this meal really doesn't come close to the caloric density of the ones you discussed, i'm a suuuuuuuuper picky eater - and it's been a big problem for me to get calories i want to eat at all on trail.. so finding a flavor that i could consume (and even enjoy!) was a game changer for me. def going to look into the flavors/brands listed here, hope i can find something palatable among them! thanks for the video!
The Peak Refuel strawberry granola is my fav breakfast food. Its so good I eat it off the trail too lol! Great video Darwin, and im so glad youre back, and back with sponsors. If anybody deserves to make some cheddar doing this, its you man. I remember hearing all the passive aggressive shots taken at the tubers who worked with sponsors and it always broke my heart because I love all you guys equally! Looking forward to the new videos bro. I hope you get this bag!
If you can get your hands on it, then i highly recommend the brand 'Turmat'. A bit pricey, but feels and taste like a proper meal that doesn't feel or taste like it was freeze dried to start with.
What most people don’t know is you can order the mountain house meals in BULK. They come in metal cans and I just scoop out as much as I need into a reuseable baggie. Only downside is you’re stuck with 7 servings of whatever you got until it’s gone.
I think I compared the bulk can price to individual packs and per ounce it was actually less to buy the individual packs. I can’t remember what I was comparing but I was surprised. I think it was the bacon and eggs.
Over in Europe I would go for either Real Turmat or Bla. Band. If you can get the Real Turmat Arctic rations you will get the taste, the calories and a decent portion.
I’m cheap so I just go with mountain house, but o always turn down the water. They always want 2ish cups but I get just fine with 1 cup or so. Also makes it easier to eat sooner as I can’t take scalding hot meals.
Here at Alaska Raft Connection, Peak Refuel is the go-to. Fly-out remote destination rafting float trips statewide can run mild to wild on multiday river adventures. Peak Refuel is a premier quality company and product. Meals have great ingredients, well thought out, with attention to detail, highest Q/C, and most certainly high card of overall value to cost. As an outfitter and guide this is what I use most nowadays as well as going solo. A favorite is Sweet Pork & Rice. Additional note: meal size, prep, calories per package are game changers. Food for thought: wild-game meals like bison, venison, & elk are great!!!
Peak for ease and flavor (try their wild game offerings), diy freeze dried for value. One other thing I do is to take freeze dried ingredients and mix/match/make the meal I want on the trail. I really wish some of these companies would just come out with freeze dried sauces so we could do our own thing closer to real cooking on the trail.
Peak refuel biscuits and sausage gravy! 1100 calories at 6.8 oz and only takes 8 oz of water! Honorable mention to probably my overall favorite right now the peak refuel butternut dal bhat. Not quite as calorie efficient (870 calories for 5.8 oz) but one of the best tasting backpacking meals I’ve ever had!
Just in time to help me plan my camping and backpacking menus for my Summer of '24 Colorado fly fishing pilgrimage. Peak, Trailtopia, and a few selections from Packit Gourmet have been my go to meals for a few years now. Will look forward to giving Farm to Summit and Pinnacle a try this summer. Thanks for the reviews!
The Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff, you are right, their water ratios are always spot on, and the noodles are never crunchy. Plus the taste is really enjoyable.
Love the Peak Refuel meals for all the reasons you've stated. I wish they sold them in smaller/ single serve packets. I don't finish them. I usually only go on single overnights so the rest is wasted. I've split them in half using a ziploc, but don't hike enough and always end up wondering if the repackaged half of the meal has gone bad.
I rarely eat a whole meal at one sitting but eat the rest for breakfast or lunch. If it's good hot, it's usually good later and chillier too. I like a good lunch on the trail but won't fix a meal as I do for breakfast and dinner, so leftovers are fantastic.
We discovered Peak Refuel 2 seasons ago. We love them! However, we are mostly above 10,000 feet in our backpacks. For us, at altitude, it takes longer to rehydrate.
Thanks Darwin, I have the Peak Alfredo for my upcoming HST in August. I haven't given the amount of water needed much thought but that's an excellent consideration when dry camping.
If you consider the water in the meal in your total water consumption , it doesn’t really matter how much water is required for any particular meal. E.g. If your total water consumption for the day is 2 litres (2000 ml), and you use 500 ml of water for the meal, then you just have to drink 1500 ml more of water to make your required water intake for the day. If the meal requires 700 ml, your other water consumption would be 1300 ml. Hope this helps. Interesting video. can’t wait to try some of the Peak2 meals.
My top two are the Pinnacle creamy Tuscan and their Italian sausage with zesty tomato sauce. Tied for first! My next is the Peak chicken pesto pasta. Crazy how little water it uses. I go almost entirely on taste for my ranking. I'll have to try some of the others you have mentioned. Thank you!
Packitgourmet cajun chicken salad equivalent to 1/3 pound of chicken 55g of protein It seemed like it was a cold soak but really great for a lunch meal I remember the cranberries celery onion tasting very fresh.
Polenta with Pork Sausage by Packit Gourmet, is my new favorite breakfast. It does take 9 oz. of water to hydrate, but it only weighs 3 oz. I don't like a heavy breakfast and this one is just right.
I agree Peaks does make some good meals. I don't remember that the exact name is but it was chicken, rice and mushroom's. I don't know how you like the Backpack Pantry Pad Thai. When I had ate it, it was terrible and everyone one I have talked to that has had it agree with me. But we all have our own taste that we like.
I was watching this screaming “Peak Chicken Pesto Pasta!” I’m glad it made an appearance. It was a great occasional treat on the PCT and was great repacked to save space in a bear can for the long Sierra carries.
What do you think of the Crotch Pot from Gossamer Gear? It works with your body heat, I have one, but I have not tried it yet. I am interested in your thoughts.
Agreed on Peak Refuel Chicken Alfredo. My comfort meal and a treat when out. To save money I’ve been making my own with a cheap dehydrator bc my other favorite is Next Mile Meals Beef Marinara and the prices are so high 😅.
The chicken pesto pasta goes hard. By far my favorite tasting meal. Every now and then (when I’m feeling broke) I’ll eat a bag for lunch during my shift (thanks REI employee discount). I’ve never really thought of trail food like this, guess I’ll have to go back and look at all my favorites to see how they stack up
I like those peak meals myself but I like the tomato based ones vs. cream. I even ate the peak peach cobbler one for dinner one time. I think the thru-hikers I was with were jealous - one said "my desert is bean water". I repackage them when I'm going on a trip into freezer ziplocks. The last time I wrote on each ziplock the amount of water each one listed. I was tired of second guessing how much water to put in them and ending up with soup. But the best meal I had on my last trip was a simple ramen. Really hit the spot. Interestingly, that one had the most water requirements out of all of them. 2 cups. Of course it could be done with less but the broth was great that time.
I really appreciate this kind of content. going to an REI and staring at a wall of camping meals. it's hard to know what to try. and when you get a dud and spent $10+ on it, it's a real drag on a hike. will be nice to try some of these new meals. and try them out.
i have always find these to be excessively saucy so i cut them with some additional carb and dried protein. Makes them cheaper as well. I get more meals per pouch.
Peak Refuel is also my go to! The Chicken Alfredo and the Beef Stroganoff because I have texture issues with cooked veg and I hate beans alas no matter how I try.
I’ve never tackled dehydrating my own meals but I’m looking forward to the project one day. I’m kinda jealous of people who do that. I’ve had some really amazing ones (and also gross ones) out of hiker boxes and from friends.
Nomad Nutrition isn’t cheap but, if you’re vegan they make the very best/healthiest dehydrated packing meals. My favorites are Ukranian Borscht, Hungarian Goulash, and Southwest Breakfast Skillet. No sponsored but, I do recommend.
From my limited experience, the Peak meals are my favorite as well. The Chicken and Rice is my go to from them, with the Beef Stroganoff being right behind it. As much as I like the thick creamy pasta meals, and bean meals, my stomach just can't do those anymore, or I will gas myself out of my tent later that night lol. I have to keep it more plain and boring for me.
The Chicken Alfredo is excellent. But that Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta is my jam. I've never looked at the numbers. I just know it's delicious and tastes even better when you eat it on top of a mountain or by a nice river.
Peak is definitely my favorite, followed by Heather's Choice. It's all I eat on even car camping trips. I do like Backpacker's Pantry cold breakfasts though.
One of my favorites: mixed nuts and a little beef jerky. 4 oz of the nuts plus 2 oz beef jerky = 820 calories, 63g fat, 1400mg sodium and 42g protein. *ZERO* water required to rehydrate, and *ZERO* minutes of prep time.
Good choice. And Trail friendly poops
Stay away from almonds. They’re toxic like crazy. Oxylates and cyanide. Terrible for kidneys and brains and eyes. Nuts are not in my diet at all.
@@rangerdoc1029 You’re really obsessed. Less fiber and more fat. It’s opposite of the general recommendation to eat more fiber. Fiber constipates. Fat makes things move. As usual just do opposite of whatever a doctor tells you. Eat fatty red meat and don’t eat vegetables. Superhero feeling better than ever.
You should try biltong sometime, its south african jerky but they do it a different way
Wish my jaw would tolerate that😂
I absolutely LOVE the Peak meals and used them exclusively on my CT through hike. I also like to add olive oil or Ghee to any meal that does not have enough fat. Fat is the best calorie to weight ratio there is and my body is use to using fat for fuel. Thanks for another great video Darwin!!!
I stumbled on to a stash of those individual olive oil packets in a hiker box on the PCT and it was a game changer for me
The Peak Refuel Sweet Pork & Rice in a tortilla is an amazing burrito on the trail too.
My favorite trail meal
Need to give that one a try
@@micahwinters7021my favorite too!
Theirs biscuits and gravy is easily my favorite
That's my favorite packaged dehy meal!
After a plethora of various camping meal packets over the decades - I find Peak to be one of the best and also when use of fresh food is limited on a trip, even keep a couple in my travel pack for non-camping trips as well for the times when I get in late somewhere and there is nothing open!
I've been eating backpacking meals since the 60's. At this point many offer greeat taste compared to then believe me. To get rid of the packaging is easy. I repackage a serving in to a PINT, that right PINT, sized freezer bag. You then mix and eat in that bag as it can stand up to boiling water. I made a custom sized heating pouch out of aluminum bubble-foil-bubble wrap and aluminum tape. Boilingwater in to bag, stir gently, put in warming bag and wait. clean up is rolling the pint bag up and putting it in the one from the night before. Simple, clean and no dishes of any kind.
Where do you find pint size freezer bags?
Online.
I called Ziplock to ask if their freezer bags were safe for Girl Scouts to use for boing omelets in.” NO. Freezer bags’ plasticizers are not thermally stable” plasticizers are hormone disrupters, hence children start puberty younger than before plasticizers were used. So, use a bag meant for heat. Slow cooker bags. Sous vide bags, microwave bags, steaming bags, etc.
That Farm to Summit chili is wonderful! The cornbread ends up being very moist and a nice touch.
I agree, that chili kicks if you bring some hot sauce!
@@shaggyterrell8460 now I'm hungry for chili
If you haven't tried Pack it Gourmet, you are missing out. The Texas State Fair Chili is amazing. We have been known to break into the stash and eat it for dinner or during a game. They have some really good meals.
I discovered Heather’s Choice on a section hike a few years ago. It’s a cottage company out of Alaska. Her “Packaroons” are awesome. I pack the espresso ones. For meals, Bison Chili, shepherd’s pie, and salmon chowder are all favorites.
I just found those at the grand opening of the local REI! Can't wait to try the two I picked up, the salmon chowder was one of them.
Another vote for Packit Gourmet. Since Food for the Sole closed down, Packit is now my fav backpacking meal company. But I don't look at the same metrics as you; I look at whether or not it tastes good, because I lose my appetite when I'm backpacking. I won't eat at all if the food turns off my taste buds. I quickly lose weight and get depleted of energy, so good taste is everything.
Peak Refuel is my go to meals. When it comes to taste. Red pepper packets from Pizza Hut are also a must have, along with olive oil packet from Amazon.
I just tried powdered siracha from garage grown gear and it was pretty awesome
Yes! I rotate through 3 different Peak Refuel meals, pretty much the only ones I ever use.
Packet Gourmet’s meals have become my go to apart from dehydrating my own. Ditties Chicken and dumplings Texas State Fair Chile good dinners. West Memphis Grits and polenta with pork sausage killer breakfasts nice chant from oatmeal
I was hoping to hear a review on this as well.
Sorry meant Dotties Chicken and Dumplings; nice change from ….
My absolute fav backpacking meal is a Peak Refuel Butternut Dal Bhat, a king size Snickers, and a watermelon LMNT. Delicious and about 10 oz for roughly 1300 calories. I never really pay too much attention to sodium level in my backpacking food. More electrolytes the better.
I was cold and hungry at the time, but Peak Refuel's "Backcountry Bison Bowl" is so far the most delicious freeze-dried meal I've ever eaten.
best tasting backpack food is Packit Gourmet, easily. everything from them has been great. as far as metrics go, it feeds me for my short adventures.
Peak's Chicken Coconut Curry is my favorite with the Chicken Alfredo a close second.
Thank you for this video. Looks like Peak is the way to go. I like to take individual-serving packets of Spam and Salmon along with my freeze-dried meals. I also like to have a jar of peanut butter and a bottle of olive oil. My one great luxury is Starbucks instant coffee packets. I love that extra kick in the morning.
Bingo!!! These are my favorite by far. I got these in Montana a few years ago and so happy REI came to Maine with them!!!
Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff is awesome as well. Give it a try
Everything I've had from them is pretty damn tasty!
That meal is as good as my scratch-made stroganoff. Add about 1/8 cup more water than the package calls for to make it not quite as thick.
@@kennyobrien One of my favorites. I add a little garlic. Then it's perfect.
Agreed! Just ate this one last weekend for the first time..👍
I mix my own muesli-like cereal mix with nuts and dried fruit for breakfast. I mix vanilla protein mix with water for the "milk". Lunch is chunky peanut butter with dried apples on tortilla shells for lunch. With a Snickers bar. Freeze dried meal for super, usually with another tortilla. I'm not super skinny so massive calories is not required. I want to feel full and i want good flavor.
For a keto option Next Mile Meals are really good. Buffalo Ranch Chicken was tasty. One of the few low carb options I have found.
I like Next Mile also but am getting burned out on them. I'm going to try Adventure Well meals. Another keto focused brand that has a unique variety.
Yeah I don’t want my body to feel like an old man again (inflamed and in pain). Staying keto is definitely necessary for physical and mental. Carnivore is even better. Beef never gets old!
@@jprender823gonna try them out. Thanks.
For breakfast I have been blown away by how good the Backpacker's Pantry granola with blueberries, almonds, and milk tasted. Plus 620 calories for breakfast and 16 grams of protein.
The Peak brand is my favorite. I think they have the highest calorie to weight ratio and they taste good. It’s pretty much the only brand I use. It’s good to see you stopped cold soaking. Take care
Peak Chicken Pesto Pasta is my favorite. I carry a tube with a few seasonings with me, and with some MSG and pepper added this meal is actually delicious.
My kids ask for the Peak CPP *at home* for dinner. Who would have guessed? :)
I love pesto and my family doesn't. I'm leaving next week for a section hike of the north country trail. I haven't done dehydrated in years. Going to grab this one because of you 🤙
@@mikekristin7201 Awesome, I first had that meal on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which is part of the NCT!
My favorite is Next Mile Meals. Amazing low-carb/keto meals. They all have like 40-50g of protein and 20 to 30g of fat, and under 10 carbs. They're around 150 cal / oz. (And their sausage scramble breakfast is 176 cal / oz.) And they are DELICIOUS.
I like them also but am getting burned out on the flavors. I'm going to try Adventure Well next. Another keto focused brand with a unique variety.
Man, you guys on this keto bandwagon shouldn't go backpacking. High carbs is at the top of the list.
@@yungsmile7546 generally speaking, yes. But once your body is used to burning fats as its primary fuel source, not so much. I triple crowned while on Keto and my food weight was easily half of traditional stuff and with a higher and more dense calorie count.
Love Next Mile Meals! Keto for 6 years. No carb cravings and better health.
I doubt you can get them in the US, but for Scandinavians (Europeans?), the very very best of freezedried meals i've ever had are the Norway based Real Turmat. They are precooked, taste awesome when you consider what it is, come in packs that are already vacuum sealed to remove air. Hard to beat, but probably on the expensive side.?
I've heard the reason Peak don't use as much water as others is because they don't use fillers in there meals so cuts down on the amount of water to use. The more filleres used the more water it takes. And Fuel is my favorite meals to use and the one you showed is my absolute favorite, the Chicken Alfredo I take that one when I go hiking or backpacking every time, great video , it was awesome.
It doesn't compete on stats, but for flavor On a basic ditch backpack trip, the Mountain House pro pack spaghetti with meat sauce is my personal absolute go-to. 500cal/3.8oz. It's filling and comforting. We keep these around the house as well for emergency food such as in an extended power outage, and everyone enjoys them.
For a cold meal, I'm a fan of the mountain house granola with blueberries. 500cal/4oz. I can just slap some water in it, mix it up and eat it. The powdered milk in it is pretty passable to me. Sure, I could make my own by buying powdered milk, granola, and freeze-dried fruit... But That's a fair amount of extra work if I'm just going out for a quickie, when I can just grab one of these. And again, I keep these around as emergency food as well because they're super simple and tasty. This is actually one that I keep in the car when driving over mountain passes in the winter for extra food in case we get stuck on the pass for hours.
The granola with blueberries is mind-blowingly good. It's amazing warmed up.
Jupiter's cold beans actually taste the best to me. Especially if you add fretos, cheese and throw it on a tortilla.
Backpacker's Pantry Mushroom Stroganoff is my go to. So good and filling.
mountain house- biscuits and gravy!
while this meal really doesn't come close to the caloric density of the ones you discussed, i'm a suuuuuuuuper picky eater - and it's been a big problem for me to get calories i want to eat at all on trail.. so finding a flavor that i could consume (and even enjoy!) was a game changer for me.
def going to look into the flavors/brands listed here, hope i can find something palatable among them! thanks for the video!
The Peak Refuel strawberry granola is my fav breakfast food. Its so good I eat it off the trail too lol! Great video Darwin, and im so glad youre back, and back with sponsors. If anybody deserves to make some cheddar doing this, its you man. I remember hearing all the passive aggressive shots taken at the tubers who worked with sponsors and it always broke my heart because I love all you guys equally! Looking forward to the new videos bro. I hope you get this bag!
Great choice!! Peak is a great meal that I had once on the trail and I was secretly hoping that you would name it the winner! I’m amazed it is! ❤🎉
In the backcountry, I'm all about breakfast. Best is Peak Refuel Biscuits & Sausage Gravy. I take it on every trip.
If you can get your hands on it, then i highly recommend the brand 'Turmat'. A bit pricey, but feels and taste like a proper meal that doesn't feel or taste like it was freeze dried to start with.
What most people don’t know is you can order the mountain house meals in BULK. They come in metal cans and I just scoop out as much as I need into a reuseable baggie.
Only downside is you’re stuck with 7 servings of whatever you got until it’s gone.
I think I compared the bulk can price to individual packs and per ounce it was actually less to buy the individual packs. I can’t remember what I was comparing but I was surprised. I think it was the bacon and eggs.
Most people do know that lol. But also most people with tastebuds and a normal gastrointestinal system would never do that to their bodies.
Over in Europe I would go for either Real Turmat or Bla. Band.
If you can get the Real Turmat Arctic rations you will get the taste, the calories and a decent portion.
I second Real Turmat, the best taste of any I ever tried. Somewhat expensive though.
Couldn’t agree more with Peak 2. Great choice. I then pack large Snickers as my pick me up on the move.
Totally agree, love peak refuel! My fav is their chicken pesto pasta though 😎
I’m cheap so I just go with mountain house, but o always turn down the water. They always want 2ish cups but I get just fine with 1 cup or so. Also makes it easier to eat sooner as I can’t take scalding hot meals.
Here at Alaska Raft Connection, Peak Refuel is the go-to. Fly-out remote destination rafting float trips statewide can run mild to wild on multiday river adventures. Peak Refuel is a premier quality company and product. Meals have great ingredients, well thought out, with attention to detail, highest Q/C, and most certainly high card of overall value to cost. As an outfitter and guide this is what I use most nowadays as well as going solo. A favorite is Sweet Pork & Rice. Additional note: meal size, prep, calories per package are game changers. Food for thought: wild-game meals like bison, venison, & elk are great!!!
Peak for ease and flavor (try their wild game offerings), diy freeze dried for value. One other thing I do is to take freeze dried ingredients and mix/match/make the meal I want on the trail. I really wish some of these companies would just come out with freeze dried sauces so we could do our own thing closer to real cooking on the trail.
You Americans have such great vegetarien freeze dried meals. At least they sound awesome. One day I will fly into the US and buy them all.
I like tortillas and a bag of cooked beans. Thanks for sharing your fav. I need to check those out.
Peak biscuit and gravy is so good
On my short list!
Agree Peak Refuel is the best that I have tried.
Peak refuel biscuits and sausage gravy! 1100 calories at 6.8 oz and only takes 8 oz of water! Honorable mention to probably my overall favorite right now the peak refuel butternut dal bhat. Not quite as calorie efficient (870 calories for 5.8 oz) but one of the best tasting backpacking meals I’ve ever had!
Just in time to help me plan my camping and backpacking menus for my Summer of '24 Colorado fly fishing pilgrimage. Peak, Trailtopia, and a few selections from Packit Gourmet have been my go to meals for a few years now. Will look forward to giving Farm to Summit and Pinnacle a try this summer. Thanks for the reviews!
A combination of premade and homemade is the trick for me, variety is that spice for life
Big fan of pad Thai- really good post of the meals worth going for! Glad to have found this- you are greatly appreciated Darwin! 🚴🏼♂️🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
The Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff, you are right, their water ratios are always spot on, and the noodles are never crunchy. Plus the taste is really enjoyable.
Stowaway gourmet wild boar bacon bean stew . A bit expensive but my favorite . It’s one I could eat every night on trail .
I've had that and it IS very good.
Love the Peak Refuel meals for all the reasons you've stated. I wish they sold them in smaller/ single serve packets. I don't finish them. I usually only go on single overnights so the rest is wasted. I've split them in half using a ziploc, but don't hike enough and always end up wondering if the repackaged half of the meal has gone bad.
I rarely eat a whole meal at one sitting but eat the rest for breakfast or lunch. If it's good hot, it's usually good later and chillier too. I like a good lunch on the trail but won't fix a meal as I do for breakfast and dinner, so leftovers are fantastic.
We discovered Peak Refuel 2 seasons ago. We love them! However, we are mostly above 10,000 feet in our backpacks. For us, at altitude, it takes longer to rehydrate.
Thanks Darwin, I have the Peak Alfredo for my upcoming HST in August. I haven't given the amount of water needed much thought but that's an excellent consideration when dry camping.
If you consider the water in the meal in your total water consumption , it doesn’t really matter how much water is required for any particular meal. E.g. If your total water consumption for the day is 2 litres (2000 ml), and you use 500 ml of water for the meal, then you just have to drink 1500 ml more of water to make your required water intake for the day. If the meal requires 700 ml, your other water consumption would be 1300 ml.
Hope this helps.
Interesting video. can’t wait to try some of the Peak2 meals.
My top two are the Pinnacle creamy Tuscan and their Italian sausage with zesty tomato sauce. Tied for first! My next is the Peak chicken pesto pasta. Crazy how little water it uses. I go almost entirely on taste for my ranking. I'll have to try some of the others you have mentioned. Thank you!
My favorite is Peak Refuel Chicken and Rice. Ditto my hubby.
Haven’t had that one yet
That one is good, but is edged out by the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli!
I agree - Peak has set a new bar. They taste good and are packed with calories and protein. And they taste good too
Pemican. Not ultralightest but you don't have to add water or cook so saves some weight there. Make your own. Very calorie dense.
FTW!
Packitgourmet cajun chicken salad equivalent to 1/3 pound of chicken 55g of protein
It seemed like it was a cold soak but really great for a lunch meal I remember the cranberries celery onion tasting very fresh.
Polenta with Pork Sausage by Packit Gourmet, is my new favorite breakfast. It does take 9 oz. of water to hydrate, but it only weighs 3 oz. I don't like a heavy breakfast and this one is just right.
One cannot evolve without satisfying your hunger. Thanks for the tips!
My favorites by far are: MH Pasta Primavera & MH Homestyle Chicken Noodle Casserole. The casserole is not easy to find, but it's worth it.
I agree Peaks does make some good meals. I don't remember that the exact name is but it was chicken, rice and mushroom's. I don't know how you like the Backpack Pantry Pad Thai. When I had ate it, it was terrible and everyone one I have talked to that has had it agree with me. But we all have our own taste that we like.
I was watching this screaming “Peak Chicken Pesto Pasta!” I’m glad it made an appearance. It was a great occasional treat on the PCT and was great repacked to save space in a bear can for the long Sierra carries.
I believe the amount of water is related to how much of the ingredients are freeze dried vs dehydrated. Same for the rehydration time.
What do you think of the Crotch Pot from Gossamer Gear? It works with your body heat, I have one, but I have not tried it yet. I am interested in your thoughts.
Agreed on Peak Refuel Chicken Alfredo. My comfort meal and a treat when out. To save money I’ve been making my own with a cheap dehydrator bc my other favorite is Next Mile Meals Beef Marinara and the prices are so high 😅.
The chicken pesto pasta goes hard. By far my favorite tasting meal. Every now and then (when I’m feeling broke) I’ll eat a bag for lunch during my shift (thanks REI employee discount). I’ve never really thought of trail food like this, guess I’ll have to go back and look at all my favorites to see how they stack up
The peak refuel pasta Alfredo is my favorite as well, together with the backpackers pantry lasagna.
The Lasagna is a classic!
Try Bowl & Kettle. Its a new brand and the couple meal they have are pretty good.
Thank you for this valuable information. Question : do you also look at the amount of fiber when deciding a meal plan of the day ?
Oh hell yeah some actually useful information 👍
You should try the Norweigan REAL turmat Reindeer stew from Drytech. Used by the Norweigan military and every hiker/backpacker in northern Europe.
I like those peak meals myself but I like the tomato based ones vs. cream. I even ate the peak peach cobbler one for dinner one time. I think the thru-hikers I was with were jealous - one said "my desert is bean water".
I repackage them when I'm going on a trip into freezer ziplocks. The last time I wrote on each ziplock the amount of water each one listed. I was tired of second guessing how much water to put in them and ending up with soup.
But the best meal I had on my last trip was a simple ramen. Really hit the spot. Interestingly, that one had the most water requirements out of all of them. 2 cups. Of course it could be done with less but the broth was great that time.
I really appreciate this kind of content. going to an REI and staring at a wall of camping meals. it's hard to know what to try. and when you get a dud and spent $10+ on it, it's a real drag on a hike.
will be nice to try some of these new meals. and try them out.
Darwin with yet another timely and relevant video for my upcoming hike. Thanks, man!
I just finished a 50 mile section hike of the at. All i took for food was 3 lbs of homemade ground beef jerky. It was amazing.
i have always find these to be excessively saucy so i cut them with some additional carb and dried protein. Makes them cheaper as well. I get more meals per pouch.
Wild Zora's quinoa meals are the best tasting meal I've ever had. Smaller portion size though, perfect for women with smaller appetites.
Great video. Where can I buy a Outdoor Evolution food bag?
Great breakdown of the offerings except for costs.
Paul the Backpacker (tiny channel) has a great vid on tasty high protein, high calorie vegan backpacking meals that are VERY lightweight.
hell yes! thanks for the suggestion
Awesome, happened to have that Peak Refuel Alfredo in my cupboard. I'll take that on my shakedown trip next week.
Peak Refuel is also my go to! The Chicken Alfredo and the Beef Stroganoff because I have texture issues with cooked veg and I hate beans alas no matter how I try.
I’ve never tackled dehydrating my own meals but I’m looking forward to the project one day. I’m kinda jealous of people who do that. I’ve had some really amazing ones (and also gross ones) out of hiker boxes and from friends.
Great stuff! Also, I would like to see more tips and tricks!
the chicken alfredo from peak is actually top tier. best meal ive had yet.
Nomad Nutrition isn’t cheap but, if you’re vegan they make the very best/healthiest dehydrated packing meals. My favorites are Ukranian Borscht, Hungarian Goulash, and Southwest Breakfast Skillet. No sponsored but, I do recommend.
SOOOO Glad you're making these vids again!!!
beefin' while I'm stroganoff
Yes?
Go easy Monterrey Jack…. 🤨
Oh so clever 🙄
Strogin my beef till I’m off
stroganoff till i beef
Here in Québec, we have Happy yak meal... The beef stew is a go to for me with the Ranchero soup.
From my limited experience, the Peak meals are my favorite as well. The Chicken and Rice is my go to from them, with the Beef Stroganoff being right behind it.
As much as I like the thick creamy pasta meals, and bean meals, my stomach just can't do those anymore, or I will gas myself out of my tent later that night lol. I have to keep it more plain and boring for me.
Can that Peak chicken Alfredo be split in half to make two meals? And you bag each part and then heat with pot?
The Chicken Alfredo is excellent. But that Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta is my jam. I've never looked at the numbers. I just know it's delicious and tastes even better when you eat it on top of a mountain or by a nice river.
Been waiting for more trail food content, awesome!
thank you
Peak is definitely my favorite, followed by Heather's Choice. It's all I eat on even car camping trips. I do like Backpacker's Pantry cold breakfasts though.
Yep ❤