I bought standup retort pouches with a zip-lock closure that are about 16 fluid oz capacity. I'm making backpacking rations. For the moment I'm using what I have, which is instant mashed potatoes, cous cous and instant oats, with spices and dried vegetables and fruit to suit.
I like mountain house, wise, etc dehydrated meals for the trail but I tend to find that they are not up to snuff on calorie per volume or in calorie per dollar. What mountain house calls two servings is a bit less than one rather light meal per person under conditions of exertion, and while I appreciate their emphasis on texture for some menus, I find it to be very bulky for what it is. Wise is a bit more compact but their menus are even less enticing and varried and otherwise they call the same amount of food 4 servings. the price is better but still not practical for my budget.
I managed to source my bags for about $0.26 apiece and for simple but spicy stuff using what I have on hand I can put together a 600kcal entree for about $1.5. When I can add more variety, vegies and protein I expect I can do about the same for perhaps $2.5. A better economy of scale could be had by purchasing ingredients in bulk but this is already a fun adventure that better suits my palette and saves me some cash.
Anybody else done similar with dehydrated meals? Would you care to share your experiences, caveats, recipes? I'll post more if there is any interest.
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