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Used to hate dehydrated meals for backpacking. Then I tried one that actually worked.
For years I swore by packing heavy cans of chili and beans on multi day trips. I figured the weight was worth it for real food. Then last summer on a 4 day hike in the Smokies my buddy brought along a pouch of something called Peak Refuel. I rolled my eyes and made him cook it away from camp. After 12 miles in the rain I was so hungry I asked for a bite. It was actually good. Not just edible but actually tasted like pasta with meat sauce. The texture wasn't mushy and it didn't leave that weird film in my mouth. Now I keep a few of those in my truck for quick lunches on job sites too. Anyone else have a brand they swore off then changed their mind about?
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michaeljones1mo ago
So was the texture the main thing that turned you off about the others, or was it more the overall taste? I've tried a few brands where they just dump way too much salt in to make it seem flavorful, then it dries your mouth out something fierce. The mush factor is real too, some of them turn into straight up baby food after they sit in the bag too long. I wonder if the ones you tried before just didn't have the right kind of processing or if it's a specific cooking method you have to nail. I used to hate Mountain House for that exact reason - always felt like I was eating a science experiment.
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olivia_hernandez1mo ago
Yeah is it just me or does the cooking method actually make or break these things? I used to swear by another brand for years, thought everyone complaining about texture was just picky. Then I tried Peak Refuel on a whim last summer and it completely flipped my opinion. The difference was night and day, no weird soggy bits or that salty aftertaste that makes you chug water for hours. Now I actually look forward to eating it on trips instead of just forcing it down.
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