Sprache wechseln
Tasting team: Caro, Claudia, Elisabeth, Mike, Stefan, and Tristan
Let’s face it, seasoned steaks straight off the grill or a hearty stew simmered for hours on the coals are not only a good source of nourishment, but represent a key aspect of an active outdoor lifestyle especially when paired to a cold drink, feet warming near an open fire, and a clear star-studded sky to gaze up into.
In reality, however, building a fire, unpacking the utensils, and preparing the ingredients are sometimes impractical, such as during a brief stop to regenerate on a long journey, when poor weather prevails or arriving later than expected at camp. Those are the moments when a quick and simply prepared hot meal makes all the difference.
We asked five European companies to provide us a selection of their trekking meals to review. The tasters were six outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, three men, three women, each with a different approach to their favourite meals.
Due to the fact that taste is a very personal criteria, selecting an outright winner is very difficult in the sense that if the six of us decided a particular meal ticked all the boxes, this opinion doesn’t necessarily carry over other products by the same manufacturer or apply to another person’s taste buds. Instead, we chose to evaluate two meals from each company based upon practical criteria we could reproduce across all manufacturers and then include personal opinion.
While keeping our focus upon meals readily available to our European audience, this evaluation coincides with a tasting performed by our colleagues in the US. Hence, we have followed some of the guidelines laid out by Scott Brady:
WHY PACK SHELF-STABLE MEALS?
As with anything we pack in our vehicles or motorcycles, even food requires justification. Simplicity should always remain the mantra, leaving any grand aspirations of meal prepper nirvana at the altar of payload. However, that makes a case for having shelf-stable meals in the vehicle. They are often designed for backpacking; the packaging is compact and lightweight, and the food requires minimal cooking complexity to prepare. The newest meals are also quite delicious and notably healthy, so it is the perfect excuse to turn a day trip into an overnighter—everything is already on hand. Scott: “I keep a combination of backpacking meals and dry goods with me, along with a simple Primus Lite+ all-in-one stove, and a few bowls and sporks. I have used these meals many times on the road or during impromptu camps. They are essential to have for backup when the fridge stops working, or even to help someone else in need.”
Backpacking meals can also be a necessity in certain conditions where it is impossible to keep fresh food for extended periods of time, such as during long desert crossings or polar expeditions. Scott survived on freeze-dried and dehydrated meals for months during his Antarctic and Greenland crossings, and they never failed to warm the belly and feed the spirit when it was -40°. These meals are also a key consideration for remote motorcycle travel, where weight and space are at a premium. With that, the motorcyclist should also be looking for maximum calorie load from the meal, as riding adventure bikes in the dirt is a serious energy expense.
SELECTING THE BEST MEALS
The best piece of advice is to try the meals before making a bulk investment and read the reviews on popular outdoor sites. The flavour and quality of these products vary wildly, with some tasting worse than military field rations and others being hardly distinguishable from something served at your local diner.
Weight and Packability This consideration is primarily for the motorcyclist, but the packaging of these meals varies widely, particularly when you compare the calorie density. It is also important to calculate how much water is needed for rehydrating and plan accordingly. In areas where fresh water is plentiful (and can be filtered), then rehydration is not a problem. However, in areas where hauling water is a factor, there is no downside to bringing shelf-stable meals such as Adventure Menu (the only non-dehydrated meals in this evaluation).
Health, Nutrition, and Calorie Density Travellers can have a wide range of nutritional and dietary restrictions or preferences. Fortunately, it is easy to find vegan, vegetarian, or pescetarian meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, etcetera. Those with nut allergies will have a more difficult time. It is also possible to find meals with higher protein content, but it is far more challenging to purchase keto- and paleo-friendly options.
Flavour and Palatability In my experience, nearly every backpacking meal tastes amazing at the end of a long day of hiking, so we tested this lineup from the comfort of a controlled domestic environment.
Ease of Preparation For preparation, we evaluated how easy it was to open the package and how much water was needed for rehydration. The dehydrated meals took the longest to make, with some taking as long as 15 minutes.
TESTING CRITERIA
We emphasised a combination of objective and subjective criteria, with a weighting toward taste as determined by our panel of judges. We selected brands based upon their reputation in the industry and chose a broad range of options for travellers with diverse food needs. There are certainly more options out there, but it is our job to thin the herd down to a manageable few.
On testing day, we gathered six team members for a long lunch of tasting, banter, and judging. Fortunately, our team represents a wide range of foodies, with some being more interested in texture, others being more excited about taste, and a few being most interested in the nutrition of the meals. We selected two meals from each manufacturer and prepared them according to the instructions to validate cook time before sampling for aroma and palatability.
Adventure Menu meals were prepared in a frying pan on an induction stove. For dehydrated meals, we boiled water in an electric kettle to ensure repeatability, before adding the precise measure of liquid to the bag according to the instructions. The meal was then stirred as directed and left to cook for the prescribed time. Any variations to cook time were recorded. Each meal was served on a new paper plate and eaten using bamboo forks. The evaluators made notes and ratings on texture, flavour, appeal, temperature, salt level, accuracy of hydration, and closeness to actual food. Additional comments were noted, and all of the scores were aggregated into separate overall ratings, weighted ratings, and then an overall combined scoring. The evaluation was certainly dynamic but filled with critical commentary and impressions. Despite all of us being as objective as possible, it would be impossible to accurately and appropriately evaluate these meals without a quorum of overlanders to balance individual biases.
BEFORE YOU COMMIT
The best piece of advice is to try the meals before making a bulk investment and read the reviews on popular outdoor retailer sites. The flavour and quality of these products vary wildly, with some tasting worse than military field rations and others being hardly distinguishable from something served at your local diner.
Clockwise from top: Precise measurements were critical to the evaluation and proper rehydrating—but the process is really easy, simply pour boiling water into the bag, reseal, and wait. Not surprisingly, the food that looked good dried tasted better, too. Savouring the aroma of herbs and spices wafting from the bag. The meals had informative, and sometimes even humorous labelling. Opening page: This is not your grandpa’s backpacking food, the options for shelf-stable meals are better than ever.
ADVENTURE MENU | CHICKEN KORMA | ROAST BEEF
Real food to go…ready-to-eat meals.
Adventure Menu from the Czech Republic are best known for their range of 16 savoury ready-to-eat meals, two sweet meals, two trail mixes, and two types of jerky. Sterilising ensures an excellent shelf life on the one hand, but does mean that these hydrated meals weigh more than their counterparts. However, you do not need to transport or source extra water, nor do you need to carry a stove if you choose to use the Flameless Heating System which is a practical accessory. Most notably, Adventure Menu meals are by far the fastest to prepare.
The recommended storage temperature lies between 1 and 30°C which could present an issue if stored in a vehicle in particularly hot or cold regions for prolonged periods. Out of the bag, into the pan, ready to eat in two to three minutes. By far the quickest preparation in this evaluation. Alternatively, you can reheat the meals inside the bag in a pot of hot water for ten minutes.
CHICKEN KORMA WITH RICE
Presented on a plate, the ingredients were easily distinguishable, and the aroma held promise of a real curry. The rice had not become soggy, the texture of the meat was as if freshly prepared, and the sauce was smooth. However, the flavour was good but did not match the aroma insofar as the oriental herbs and spices were not as powerful as we had anticipated.
400g | 556 calories | 29g protein | €9, one serving | adventure-menu.com
ROAST BEEF WITH THYME Premium
First of all, this Premium dish is pure meat in a sauce without any vegetables, potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it an excellent source of quality protein. The flavour and aroma were regarded as amazing, even if the well proportioned morsels of meat were a little dry—something which may be less pronounced if prepared in the bag and/or combined with a side dish.
200g | 358 calories | 37g protein | €11.50, two servings | adventure-menu.com
PROS
- Long shelf life
- 100% fresh, recognisable ingredients, and no preservatives
- Many gluten-free options
- “Simple fast food; good taste; quick and easy—also good for microwave.” -Mike (Chicken)
- “Big chunks of meat—would make a good pulled beef.” -Stefan (Beef)
CONS
- Chicken needs more spice
- Beef needs side dish and/or sauce
- “It’s pretty bland—smelled more like curry than it tasted.” -Elisabeth (Chicken)
- “A bit dry on its own—smells of thyme but flavour gets lost.” -Claudia (Beef)
DRY TECH | CREAMY SALMON | PULLED PORK
BAM! This tastes so good.
Founded in 1989, the Norwegian family business produces Scandinavian cuisine packed with flavours and textures which met with approval by all our tasters. In addition to the REAL Turmat outdoor meals, the range extends to On The Go energy foods and drinks, and NATO approved lightweight Field Meals.
Not only are the Turmat meals freeze-dried, they are also vacuum packed. This may well be part of their secret to creating meals packed with class-leading aroma and flavour. As the notice on the back of the packet implies, the contents are rock hard and firmly compressed meaning they need to be mindfully stirred for all ingredients to become thoroughly rehydrated. Prepared in the resealable ziplock bag, both meals were rehydrated with the specified amount of water in eight minutes.
The bags have a second tear line to facilitate eating.
CREAMY SALMON WITH PASTA
On the plate, this meal presented itself by filling the room with aroma and looking enticingly good. When the one member of the team who readily declines any fish dish says that “this is actually ok”, then that is a credit to the flavours. Some of the larger pieces of salmon could have benefitted from a little more time, but together, with the creamy sauce and al dente pasta, this made a delightful meal.
500g | 601 calories | 21g protein | NOK105, one serving | realoutdoorfood.com
PULLED PORK WITH RICE
Pulled pork has grown to become a popular street food, so expectations were quite high. Opening the bag after the eight-minute wait and you are greeted by a surprisingly smoky aroma. On the plate, the meat is not so readily discernible, but the compliment of flavourful sauce, slightly crunchy onions, and rice made this a popular meal amongst all of the tasters.
500g | 547 calories | 20g protein | NOK105, one serving | realoutdoorfood.com
PROS
- Highest evaluator taste rating
- Freeze-dried and vacuum packed for extra food safety
- Moist; well seasoned
- “Looks, smells and tastes like fresh food—I even like their slogan Dinner is served, folks!” -Caro (Salmon)
- “Yummy, my favourite—a balanced meal that you can look forward to after a long day’s hike.” -Stefan (Pulled Pork)
CONS
- Requires extra care when mixing
- “I’m not a fish person but this is actually okay—bigger salmon chunks are a little chewy.” -Tristan (Salmon)
- “Aromatic dish—but doesn’t look like Pulled Pork.” -Claudia (Pulled Pork)
TREK’N EAT | BEEF STROGANOFF | CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
Quality meals for every occasion.
Trek’n Eat is a subsidiary of the Katadyn Group, well known for water filtration and brands like Optimus and SteriPEN. Currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, Trek’n Eat have built a reputation for providing all natural, healthy and nutritious meals that are simple to prepare, yet free from preservatives, white sugar, artificial colouring or flavouring. As we discovered in the past, the vast range of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner are virtually unparalleled.
Large pictograms provide clear instructions for preparation. A second tear line makes eating out of the bag more manageable. The cooking process was straightforward. The amount of water could be reduced slightly to make the finished meal less of a stew.
BEEF STROGANOFF WITH RICE
With the bag folded to the specified water level, hot water was added, the ingredients stirred, and the bag resealed for a ten-minute wait. Presented on a plate, the ready-to-eat meal was wetter than expected. Despite being well seasoned, to the extent of being slightly salty, the taste lacked the distinctive flavours of a stroganoff.
540g | 670 calories | 23g protein | €6, one serving | trekneat.com
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
A meal recognised as Britains unofficial national dish with its origin cloaked in mystery…Scotland, England, India? This debate is never-ending. So, when 50% of the tasters are curry fans who have frequently enjoyed this particular menu item in the UK, the game was on. The aroma rising from the steaming bag was enticing and enhanced by good texture and flavour with ingredients maintaining the natural crunch of freshness. This meal certainly does justice to a mild curry but without the typical colour and mix of spices associated with the name.
470g | 566 calories | 26g protein | €8, one serving | trekneat.com
PROS
- Quality, recognisable ingredients, and no preservatives
- Many gluten-free options
- “Well seasoned—but unfortunately not my taste.” -Caro (Beef)
- “Nice flavour and good texture—chicken tastes like chicken and onions are still crisp.” -Tristan (Chicken)
CONS
- Soggy, too much liquid
- Needs more spice
- “Reminds me of instant mushroom cream sauce.” -Stefan (Beef)
- “Tasty—but I miss the distinct tikka masala flavour and colour.” -Elisabeth (Chicken)
FIREPOT | MUSHROOM RISOTTO | PASTA BOLOGNESE
Handmade in Dorset, UK.
The company was founded in 2014 out of a passion for trekking and a yearning for flavourful food easy to prepare in the wilderness. The menu is made up of ten meals of which eight are available in half size portions so that you can taste them before stocking up on supplies for your adventure. Firepot offers the option of compostable packaging which is guaranteed to disintegrate within a year. Whilst being environmentally friendly, you cannot prepare the meal in the bag, entailing you to carry a cook pot with you.
Orders are prepared fresh without additives, and each meal is also available in extra large portions for particularly strenuous adventures where a higher calorie uptake is required. Firepot meals take 15 minutes to prepare and require a little extra patience compared to the other meals in the evaluation.
PORCINI MUSHROOM RISOTTO vegan
Risotto is renowned for being a filling meal, and this variant of a typically Italian meal does justice to its name and origin. Flavour, texture and general appeal ranked highly with the level of salt being just right for all the tasters. The hydration time could still have been slightly longer to ensure all the mushrooms and rice were tender.
535g | 560 calories | 11.5g protein | from £7, one serving | firepotfood.com
ORZO PASTA BOLOGNESE
Pasta Bolognese is a firm favourite for family members of all ages. Once prepared according to the instructions and served on plates, the pasta was al dente despite the meal being more liquid than expected. Firepot pride themselves in having a higher meat content in their sauces than their competitors, but still we found the meaty flavour missing along with that of tomato. Seasoning was on the mild side and required added salt.
460g | 635 calories | 36g protein | from £7, one serving | firepotfood.com
PROS
- Produced to order
- All-natural ingredients, no artificial additives
- Many gluten-free options
- “Well seasoned—tastes like you expect a mushroom risotto to taste.” -Elisabeth (Risotto)
- “Looks okay and pasta is still al dente—but meat lacks flavour.” -Tristan (Bolognese)
CONS
- Longest hydration time
- Missing instructions for waste disposal
- “Some mushrooms are still rubberlike.” -Stefan (Risotto)
- “Disappointing—too much liquid, too little flavour.” -Mike (Bolognese)
ADVENTURE FOOD | CHICKEN CURRY | VEGGIE COUSCOUS
Powered by Hans van der Meulen.
A 70-day trek to the North Pole in 1997, and an ascent to the top of Mount Everest without additional oxygen in 2002, brought home the necessity for nutritional value, taste and ease of preparation under extreme conditions. Adventure Food was born in the Netherlands.
The menu selection is diversified and provides variety for the three main meals of the day plus snacks which includes very tasty and nourishing energy bars. Adventure Food is the only manufacturer in this evaluation to include palm oil in its ingredients. The pouches are sturdy and easy to open. Preparation time is eight minutes.
CHICKEN CURRY
Once prepared and served on plates, the aroma was less convincing than the appearance which was a colourful array of tender beans, rice, and bell peppers. In comparison, the chicken pieces were very small without any noticeable flavour and did not rehydrate fully. Better classed as a mild risotto, the sauce was smooth but would benefit from more herbs, spices, and salt.
515g | 600 calories | 18g protein | €6, one serving | adventurefood.com
VEGGIE COUSCOUS
Couscous is simple, nourishing and satiating. This meal was no exception: after the eight minutes had passed, the couscous was tender and the open bag released an aroma with a hint of mint. The ingredients included raisins, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and peas, all of which were properly hydrated except the latter which would have benefitted from added time. Texture was pleasing, the vegetables were decently sized, and their flavour was good. This is a meal you can keep in the kitchen at home to satisfy those late night hunger pangs.
454g | 600 calories | 17g protein | €6, one serving | adventurefood.com
PROS
- Good texture
- Fresh appeal, plenty of veggies
- “I like the taste—would make an even better veggie rice dish without the chicken bits.” -Claudia (Chicken)
- “Typical couscous, huge portion, nice minty aroma—I’d eat this at home.” -Tristan (Couscous)
CONS
- Chicken and peas are rubbery
- Needs more spice; curry taste is virtually non-existent
- Palm oil
- “Looks okay—can neither taste chicken nor curry or pineapple.” -Caro (Chicken)
- “Good aroma doesn’t match the flavour.” -Mike (Couscous)
VERDICT
This was the first time we have sat down as a group to test foods from a number of different manufacturers at the same time. As a general rule, we all fall into the category of vehicle-supported travellers with the ability to carry food supplies to last several days at a time. Consequently, this style of cuisine is rather the exception than the norm.
During a long afternoon, we tried ten different products. I am not sure if I am surprised or not, but there wasn’t a meal amongst them which any of us would adamantly refuse to eat again. On the contrary, I think it is fair to say that, had we pursued any physical exertion during the day and were sitting around a camp fire in the evening, each meal on its own would have provided a flavourful, nutritious and satisfying meal.
As explained at the outset, we prepared all the meals in a controlled environment and immediately transferred the contents to plates once the preparation time had lapsed. In a real outdoor environment, the food will remain in the pouch and continue to absorb liquid as we eat. Therefore, I am inclined to place less emphasis on comments regarding the wetness or “slight” chewiness of meat or legumes. Note: I have yet to find a chili con carne that doesn’t have crunchy kidney beans immediately after preparation, which is why we deliberately chose not to include this particular dish in the evaluation despite it being a firm favourite—an indication that we are slightly more forgiving when out and about.
The manufacturers all used pouches which could be spread at their base for free-standing during preparation and eating. Due to their non-degradability, they will need disposing of responsibly. Firepot offers compostable packaging on request, but you are unable to prepare meals in them.
Finally, and taking the group’s demographics and varied food preferences into consideration, Drytech’s REAL Turmat meals stood out from the crowd and met with an unanimous positive response in regard to preparation, aroma, flavour, and nutritional value lending these meals an additional comfort food factor.
This article was first published in the Autumn 2019 issue of Overland Journal.
