In a recent Instagram post, I mentioned how that when I'm out hunting I typically don't spend a lot of time cooking.
But Bradley, you say, you're WILD FOOD... you do cooking stuff... why aren't you cooking in camp?
The real answer is I'm tired and I want to sleep.
I much prefer to whip up a freeze dried meal, and use the time I save not cooking and cleaning to get some additional rest. Maybe I'm just old at this point.
Regardless, here are 5 of my favorite freeze dried meals for hunting camp, in no particular order.
Peak Refuel Biscuits & Gravy
Everybody knows biscuits and gravy is the best breakfast meal. While the Peak Refuel version isn't perfect by any means, it does have the better flavor of the different brands I've tried so far. If there is a downside to it, it seems that their biscuits have a harder time rehydrating compared to some others, so you may occasionally get some extra crunch. Stay tuned though because I've been buying up some new brands and will be doing a massive biscuits and gravy review across all the brands I can get a hold of soon.
Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Granola
I'm not really a big breakfast person while hunting. Typically I'll just grab a protein bar and then get the day rolling. Sometimes, however, breakfast is needed and biscuits and gravy is too heavy. The only other option for me is some good old fashioned breakfast cereal and Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Granola fits the bill. I can hear my mom yelling at me to finish getting ready for school now.
After 10am, any other meal is fair game the rest of the day. Here are my favorite entree meals.
Backpacker's Pantry Pad Thai w/ Chicken
The first time I ate this meal it blew my mind. It may be the one backpacking meal that most closely replicates the flavor of what you're getting at that seedy local restaurant you're always ordering from. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is one of my favorite meals right now and Peak does it right. It's creamy, beefy, mushroomy, and has a great flavor overall. Watch out if you're sharing a tent though as it can generate some noxious fumes!
Heather's Choice Grass-Fed Beef Marina w/ Spaghetti
I was a little skeptical of this one going in due to the gluten-free noodles... but man the flavor is on point. The downside to this meal is the rehydration time so enjoy it when things are moving a bit slower around camp. Overall though, it's one of my newer favorites and I'll be keeping an eye out for sale prices on it (these freeze dried meals can get expensive!).
Speaking of expensive freeze dried meals... one of my goals in the relatively near future is to start freeze drying my own meals. While the upfront cost is substantial for the proper equipment such as a HarvestRight freeze drier, the cost-savings over time do add up.
There is also the added benefit of being able to make your personal favorite recipes and know exactly everything that is going into your food.
In a future post, I'll cover some of the meals that I DO cook up in camp when I'm feeling frisky.
If you've made it this far, thanks so much for reading. The easiest way to support my efforts here is to use my links to make purchases. This provides a commission to me at no additional cost to you. Thanks for the support!
Shop freeze dried meals at these retailers:
