Backpacking meals - Who makes the best biscuits and gravy?

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

2:20 On Peak's bag: "pro tip, before adding water, break apart biscuits into smaller pieces if desired."

[@johns7785]

Watched this at 4am…..made we want to run out to iHop for breakfast.

[@shadomane]

Great review and I'm glad I watched it before I made a purchase. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.

[@JerryArizona]

The more meals I try, the more I'm a fan of Peak Refuel. Definitely recommend giving them a try. Sweet pork and rice and the curry, especially, but everything I've tried is great. Packit Gourmet also has some really good meals too. Mountain House has some (lasagna, beans and rice), but overall I think there meals are pretty bland.

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice review. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful week. Stay safe.

[@jjames05]

maybe mention the cost difference too

[@TimmyCramer]

Just back yesterday from 2 solid weeks of San Diego beachside camping! I basically lived at the various taco shops and swam daily. Costco blowup bed and my Jackery and I was styling! Timmy C

[@JerryArizona]

Living the life, man!

[@h.b.4058]

Packit Gourmet rocks. I don't bother making individual biscuits. I add the water to the packet and knead. Then I plop it all out into the pan and use my spoon or whatnot to separate them into individual biscuits in the pan.

[@Bweizr]

Packit looks perfect for my motorcycle camping, though it's definitely approaching the same amount of work as making it from scratch. I certainly wouldn't want to take it backpacking. I really enjoyed the side by side comparison of each, and it was definitely clear which was going to taste the best. Food will absolutely make or break a long hard day, and often plan my day around my meals when traveling.

[@JerryArizona]

They have plenty of other meals that are easy to make. I love a bunch of Packit's stuff. We just started eating Peak Refuel and everything we've had from there is great also. Both are definitely far better tasting than any Mountain House I've tried.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I’ve been afraid to try most of these for years so thanks for this lol.

[@poolee77]

They’re not bad at all

[@Ancientcaptain]

You could always add more water to the mountain house to get the consistency you want, just to be fair

[@JerryArizona]

Tried my best to do them all according to the instructions. Personally, the Mountain House just ended up with the consistency of mush. Everything had the same texture. The other two, you could tell the difference between the ingredients. I've actually had some MH meals that are decent (red beans and rice, lasagna, spaghetti & meatballs), but for biscuits & gravy, no thanks.

[@danieljames2718]

Perfect video. Great laughs. Good teamwork. You've saved me a lot of money. I'm bypassing Mountain house. Cheers for posting. I've subscribed and liked. Until next time.....

[@JerryArizona]

Been a while since we made this video, but I've tried a lot more Peak Refuel meals since and they're now my go-to for backpacking. I still maintain that Packit Gourmet has the best biscuits and gravy (some of their other stuff is great too), but it's too much trouble for backpacking. I can hardly eat Mountain House anymore.

[@101southsideboy]

with the mtn home B&G i find all Mtn Home food items need longer time sit that the direction say

[@jimboburgess42069]

Check out how to make drop biscuits from a cookbook from home. It's a super simple recipe when you are in your own kitchen. I feel like you could DIY the backpacker gorumet and plan it out to be less of a mess. premix flour, shortening, salt a few days before a trip for the biscuits.

[@Mike-rx3mn]

I've eaten Mountain House for years, that's what some of the Vietnam-era LRP meals were, so I ate a few and thought it was normal some are better than MRE's imho. Then I heard about Peak Meals a few years ago. however I had never heard of Packit Gourmet Meals, I think I would rather keep them at home in my tornado pack if they have a long shelf life, but again I will have to use your link, I have never seen them in Illinois at any camp supply shop or had even heard of them so thanks. Good, helpful, and informative video, Big thumbs up, Thanks again.

[@JerryArizona]

Peak Refuel has become my go-to backpacking food. I've loved everything I've gotten from them. Mountain House has some meals that are OK, but to me they don't taste nearly as good as the other two brands. Packit Gourmet does have some easily prepared meals; the biscuits and gravy are sooooo tasty, but they're so difficult to make. We bring their queso dip and margarita mix on most overnights as a treat. Their gumbo, chili, tortilla soup and all american works burger are all really good too. I did notice they have the shortest shelf life of all my dehydrated meals BY FAR. Because of this, they're probably not a good option for an emergency stash. So if you want something that tastes good and has a longer shelf life, look into Peak Refuel. (Also worth noting that they have an insane amount of protein compared to all other brands. Quite a lot of calories too in most comparisons. Both important if you need fuel to backpack.)

[@Mike-rx3mn]

@@JerryArizona Thanks, I wanted to use some of my Mt House I have put away in a tornado kit, and it sounds like Pack Gourmet will fit the bill.

[@michaelcarter8147]

Related to food, what camping stove do you use?

[@JerryArizona]

It's a Jetboil. I forget the model, but we've been using it for a few years and really like it. Hard to go wrong with them. But I also have an MSR Pocket Rocket and a random pot (Odoland brand, maybe?) that I use for car camping that works just as well for a lot less. Had a cheap knock off and some Coleman pot I got at Walmart I used for years before that. The Jetboil boils water the fastest and has the best wind protection, but I can always find a rock or something to break the wind when I'm out with the Pocket Rocket.

[@MattKester]

That Packit Gourmet reminds me of the time I about lost my eyebrows trying to make a similar Biscuits and Gravy setup in a jetboil pot... I think I ended up with more on the ground than in my stomach by the time it was done. CeCe said that's a hard pass on the Mountain House version for her... apparently even the dog has standards!

[@JerryArizona]

I don't think Cece would give that Mountain House a second glance....

[@haroldbaker5051]

Just by Bisquick and make your own.

[@dmn3773]

I've never tried packet gourmet B&G or packet gourmet anything for that matter. Going to have to give Packet Gourmet B&G a shot on a car camping trip. Agreed on the Mountain House B&G. Sadly, pretty much anything post 2020 from Mountain House has been bland or very gross. A shame too, their meals have always been on the cheaper side but usually pretty good. I still have a supply from 2020 I am working through might just save the rest for the apocalypse! Peak Refuel looks interesting. Thanks for the thoughts on breaking up those biscuits. I tried a few of their meals this year. Their Sweet Pork and Rice is decent, the Chicken Pesto is really good, and so is the Coconut Curry. Next backcountry trip, I'll have to give the Peak Refuel B&G a go. Fun video!

[@JerryArizona]

We almost always have their Margarita mix along for a treat during a backpacking trip. Sometimes the queso dip too. I really like the chicken salads for lunch and the All American Works Burger, tortilla soup, chili, gumbo and the meyer lemon cheesecake. We just started trying Peak Refuel, but everything I've had from them is good too. Mountain House, I can only stomach the chili mac and beans and rice....

[@mrhalfstep]

Betty Crocker markets a Bisquick Buttermilk Biscuit Mix in a small pouch that uses 1/2 water to make 6 biscuits. Pioneer markets a number of gravy mix packets that make 2 cups of gravy with just 2 cups of boiling water. The pouches come as Biscuit Gravy, Pepper Gravy, Bacon Gravy, Sausage Gravy or Southern Gravy. The whole shebang will set you back exactly $3 at my Kroger store and it would be prepared almost exactly as the Packit Gourmet stuff you ate, which I'm guessing costs more than $3. I've trued MH B&G, but not the Peak B&G, so you convinced me to try it out. The Breakfast Skillet by MH is a better meal, IMO

[@JerryArizona]

Peak and Packit are my go-to meals for backpacking. MH has some good stuff, but not nearly as good as those two imo. I do agree on the Pioneer gravy though. That's what Tina uses to make biscuits & gravy at home.

[@mrhalfstep]

@@JerryArizonaThanks for responding to my comment. If you can find Libby's Sausage Gravy in a can, you should try it. I get mine at Meijer and Walmart. If you have tried other canned sausage gravies and found them lacking, don't despair until you try this one. I found all the others to be crap as well. This canned gravy is great for car camping or eating at home. I've known some that were even willing to pack it in and carry out the can because it is so good. It's almost as good over a few slices of white bread (toasted is best) as it is over biscuits. You may still prefer homemade, but I bet you end up agreeing that it's the best canned gravy you've tasted. I've made believers out of several friends. Peace, friend.

[@cathiecollins7320]

It almost looked as though the mountain house really needed more water

[@steveh5169]

Just got back from a backpack trip with my two sons. We tried both the mountain house and Peak Refuel. Peak Refuel was the consensus winner. You are right, the Packit gourmet isn't practical for a multi day backpack trip. It would be fine for an overnighter or car camping when the weight of the gear and the extra time isn't as important.

[@BigHugeYES]

Would like to see this as a blind test. The Mountain House criticism was exaggerated.

[@JerryArizona]

I really like the idea of the blind taste test, but I still stand by it. I really thought it was nearly tasteless. That can be argued since taste is subjective. And I really didn't like the texture. There are a couple Mountain House meals that are passable to me, but I get it. Lots of people like it. But to me, the texture and taste of the other two was way better than the Mountain House.

[@miken7629]

I have substitute biscuits & gravy. Break up Ramen package into small pieces (don't use seasoning packet), add 1/2 packet Pioneer Country Gravy + 1/2 packet Bacon Pieces + 1 Cup boiling water. I mix it all in a pint freezer bag then add the boiling water to bag, let sit 5 minutes.

[@JerryArizona]

Pioneer Country Gravy is the best! That sounds pretty awesome, actually.

[@serioussoldier7977]

The packit gourmet looks great but, the amount of prep and equipment needed is a little unrealistic for a backpacking breakfast. Peak refuel is the perfect sweet spot for quality, taste, and time in my opinion.

[@JerryArizona]

Those two brands are definitely our go-to. We've been fans of Packit Gourmet for quite a while now. They have plenty of other options that are perfect for backpacking (just not the biscuits & gravy). But the Peak Refuel meals we've had are great too. No complaints on either brand. We'd given up on Mountain House and were down to instant mashed potatoes & Ramen before we found Packit.

[@climbjt]

Shit. Now I want biscuits and gravy

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I’ve never seen packed gourmet but I’m glad you showed this cause I’d never ever buy that now.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Who is that for ?? Isn’t it for backpackers ? I’m so confused.

[@JerryArizona]

They're honestly incredible. My wife made biscuits and gravy all the time and said Packit's are better. I can't agree because it would get me in trouble, but they are really good. Peak Refuel would be my choice for backpacking. Most of their food is really good. Packit has some great stuff too. The Meyer Lemon cheesecake, queso and margaritas go on most of our trips. Their other stuff is hit or miss, but when it's good, its incredible. (Try the All American Works burger, tortilla soup or chili to start. All solid choices.) I like some Mountain House (red beans and rice, lasagna and similar), but they just aren't as good as Peak or Packit imo. Peak in particular seems to be taking over the market and they've earned it. Great food.

[@juggernaut316]

holy cow that packit was a complete mess!

[@kamikazitsunami]

I've had all three of those and peak refuel is my favorite because I don't want to sit there and cook all that stuff from packit gourmet unless I'm home. But I do love packit gourmet in general. I think my top backpacking meals are peak refuel, packit gourmet, stowaway gourmet, and happy yak.

[@JerryArizona]

I like the Packit best, but definitely too much trouble for most trips. They have some items that go on most trips (the margarita mix and queso especially) and some of the meals are great. Just started eating Peak and I've loved everything I've tried except the pasta marinara. We just tried some salmon/seaweed meal from Stowaway....it was horrible. But the other meals I've tried from them were great. I'll need to check out Happy Yak. Mountain House....ew. We gave up on that years ago and were eating mashed potatoes and bacon bits for a while until finding Packit.

[@ROL2023]

Peak HANDS DOWN NO ONE IS EVEN CLOSE

[@JerryArizona]

Overall, Peak has become my absolute favorite. By a long shot with most of their meals. I think I've only had one I didn't absolutely love. You still should try Packit Gourmet. We take their margaritas and queso on most backpacking trips. Their gumbo, all american works and a few of their other meals are really good too. But you're right. Peak is consistently the best food I've ever tried on the trail. And when you compare calories and protein, it's no contest.

[@KrispyLegend69]

I can see the Packit Gourmet working if you're not planning on hiking a ton of miles, or you're staying at camp for the day. Otherwise you've wasted close to an hour just cooking your food.

[@JerryArizona]

Lots of their meals are great for backpacking, but the biscuits and gravy are definitely better for car camping. Too much trouble for a backpacking trip. But they taste great.

[@gregjepsen7155]

Taking Peak Refuel (biscuits and gravy amongst others) for a week in the Wind Rivers next month. Will certainly break up the biscuits.

[@darrelljanssen588]

I'd make my own biscuits or buy Mrs. B's frozen biscuits. Use canned Libby's Country Sausage Gravy. Buy 12 cans for $21.20 Gravy tastes as good as home cooked.

[@WarriorWisdom]

I love biscuits and gravy in general. Never had Packit Gourmet, but I think both Mountain House and Peak Refuel are good -- Though I'd give the win to Peak between the two.

[@JerryArizona]

Peak Refuel has become my go to. Packit Gourmet has some solid food that's always in my rotation though. Their biscuits and gravy are a lot of work though.

[@billj5645]

Measuring 57ml? I seem to remember that is about 2 ounces. 57 is an odd number maybe it is exactly 2 ounces converted to ml. Depending on what measuring devices you have you might do the conversion from ml to ounces before your trip, or just remember the conversion. I usually remember about 30ml per ounce and this can make the math easy. Google says 29.6 ml per ounce. The messier processes could be a problem in bear country.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, the mess is worth the result, but not when you're backpacking. I'd definitely take the Peak Refuel for that kind of trip. But for car camping? Packit Gourmet all the way.

[@mikeyoung7086]

I've had peak refill and mountain house Both I would say would be a good meal If you want scratch Then make it from scratch Mountain house is definitely the Mountain houses definitely the best price Add a little more water to it next time

[@alexabney7913]

Ya know latex gloves might make the general cleanup of pack it gourmet a lot easier. And they weigh basically nothing

[@JerryArizona]

That's a really good idea.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@dustinkittel2830]

Tried Gastro Gnome B&G, now my new favorite

[@JerryArizona]

I'm gonna have to try that out.

[@thereloaderscloset9096]

I personally would even consider the packet gourmet even in the running if you have to make all that stuff. Its supposed to be a packet mill. If I have to cook it them you just need to bring a bag of bisque and some real sausage and a cooking stove. Personal opinion not even worth the mess and the time. Especially when you in a tent in the back woods on a hunt.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina makes home made biscuits and gravy often. And I have to say, we both agree Packit Gourmet is on par with home made. But you're right. Messy and takes so much work and gear, it's not worth considering unless you're car camping. Backpacking, we take the Peak Refuel.

[@vandenbrink1]

does anyone know the difference between regular mountain house b&g and the classic?

[@rubystewart3814]

The Regular or new recipe of their Biscuits and Gravy is ok, but the sausage is rubbery and the gravy is kind of bland. The Classic Biscuits and Gravy was delicious!

[@ifilmalways7122]

I don't mind a little work but the Packit looks like way too much work when I'm out on the trail without pots and pans. I'll pay a little extra for the instant. The taste is good however and enjoyed it when in my pop-up camper.

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely Peak Refuel while backpacking and Packit while car camping.

[@fredfleming261]

👍

[@SonoranVibezzz]

Hey Jerry, what's your favorite brand for these meals? I'm just getting started hiking. Can't afford to buy all the brands lol

[@JerryArizona]

By far, the most calories and best tasting are Peak Refuel. The chicken coconut curry, sweet pork and rice and beef stroganoff are great, but there are a lot of others that I haven't tried. Only one I don't like so far is beef pasta marinara. I also really like Packit Gourmet; the Texas state fair chili, all american works burger and tortilla soup are great. Really like their margarita mix and meyer lemon cheesecake too. Mountain House seems to be everyone's favorite, but I really haven't liked anything from them except the lasagna and red beans and rice. It all depends on taste, but I recommend starting with Peak Refuel. You can buy online or at REI.

[@freethinker5225]

Peak refuel is always the best bang for your buck... there but be some better tasting meals out there but for the most part you get pretty good stuff with whatever you go with and you get plenty of it for two to eat... I always bring a loaf of sour dough bread with me, great for energy and helps as a filler in case you accidently put to much water in

[@JerryArizona]

I'm loving Peak more and more. No idea how they pack that much protein and calories in their meals and still make them taste so much better than your average hiker food. I tried a couple others since this and they were horrible.

[@freethinker5225]

@JerryArizona agreed. I feel like with most the other ones saying 2 servings it's more like 1 and a quarter. Idk why you wouldn't just pay the extra and actually get more food espescially when you want your significant other to come with. No one wants to have just enough food to still be hungry

[@helpfulcommenter]

Bro the Peak Refuel packaging literally says verbatim "Pro tip: ...break apart biscuits into smaller pieces..." lol It's literally in your own video when you're saying the instructions don't say to break it up, I couldn't stop laughing.... 2:18

[@JerryArizona]

I just saw that. Reading directions is not my strong suit. And now you've forced me to order Pinnacle Herbed Sausage Gravy with Jalapeno Biscuits.....

[@helpfulcommenter]

Time for an update. Pinnacle Herbed Sausage Gravy and Jalapeno Biscuits murders all of these and laughs over their corpses

[@poolee77]

Live off MREs for a few weeks and these will feel like a Michelin star

[@JerryArizona]

Man, the legit MRE's are horrid. I'd take Mountain House over those any day of the week.

[@67L48]

0:47. What happens to cause the leakage of 40 calories? First serving is 570 calories, but the second serving only gets you 530 calories, apparently.

[@JerryArizona]

Good question. It’s a smaller company. I’m guessing that’s a typo.

[@Redfour5]

Lets see... open the bag put in water (maybe a bit more than you did) wait x minutes, snarf down and go... Or, cook a meal, have a bunch of dishes and sure it tastes better, but shoot if I want something that good I'll bring the trailer with the oven, stovetop and sink... make bacon and eggs and take off in an hour... Oh, I also fixed the Mountain House granola and blueberries and had some little packets of pepper and am half way up the mountain while you are doing what? But seriously, I guess it is a matter of individual taste and priorities and sounds like the Peak and the other one taste pretty good... I hadn't tried either as Mountain House except for the sodium levels work good enough for me and some of it even tastes pretty good. Some people don't mind the logistics and clean up.

[@derpderp74]

For me it’s Peak all the way

[@JerryArizona]

@@derpderp74 the more meals I try by them, the more I wonder how they even do it. Typically up to 2x the protein and usually more calories and it just tastes good. Mountain House has some good meals but a lot of bland ones. Packit has some stuff that is absolutely incredible, but just as many that are unremarkable. Peak is my overall go-to as well.

[@jamesbuchner5875]

What's the chair

[@jonschmidt1709]

Dude! I'll have try the Peak Refuel....I've been carrying the MountainHouse stuff...my go to bfast for years...maybe just cuz I'm cheap?! Lol.

[@JerryArizona]

Peak Refuel is solid. Everything we've had by them was good. Right up there with Packit Gourmet imo. Peak also has a breakfast scramble that is great. Had one from Mountain House a couple years ago and threw it away.

[@jonschmidt1709]

@@JerryArizona haven't tried a dried egg I've liked yet...if I try the Peak one, I'll let you know!

[@MongoMan1776]

Not even an honest review the mountain house and I've had it taste really good You either put enough water in it or you let it sit too long like your video shows and you didn't even try So you gave it on visual after you waited a while Not even a taste test

[@JerryArizona]

At 3:46 Tina tastes it at the cook time given on the bag (and I taste it right after her). It's literally shown in the video. But doesn't really matter. Taste is entirely subjective. If you like it, go for it. I like some Mountain House, but not their biscuits & gravy. But that's just me. Go with what you like.

[@russellrlf]

One for car camping: check One for backpacking: check One for the dog: check. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelmcdonald6605]

One item? Mountain House is by far a better, nutritious and real product. Heat and rehydrate in a sealable pouch. Follow directions

[@JerryArizona]

I like some of their stuff, but just prefer the taste of Peak and Packit. Although Peak seems to be taking the whole backpacker meal world by storm. And for good reason. Unlike all the others I've tried, I have really liked the taste and texture of every one of Peak's meals that I've tried. But to each their own. Mountain House is the OG and they make good stuff too.

[@larryjanson4011]

way too much trouble for that third choice. in my case the other brand the baskets never did soften up. i will stick to Mt House. but yes most meals should be on the bland side. so you can spice up to your likes. as not everybody like curry. and dome of us needs far less salt than most. - too much salt, is a killer-.

[@M60gunner1971]

Mountain house all day long. Has 30 year shelf life. 🤔

[@thelast1900]

Peak refuel has a short shelve life because they haven’t been around as long. Mountain houses shelve life for the pouches was seven years a while back. Mountain house tested stored packets from thirty years ago before they adjusted their shelf life. Peak will eventually follow. They are both great they both excel in certain meals. The chicken based ones are always the best from both. Mountain house pepper steak is also amazing.

[@allenwurl6245]

@@thelast1900correct, freeze dried and mylar pouch technology is pretty equal across the board. Ingredient quality, taste and calorie count per $ is the metric I use. I was a huge fan of mountain house before the cough cough shrinkflation. I only buy Peak Refuel now and couldn’t be happier.

[@braddahbill8131]

Packet Gourmet 1 serving, Sodium 2470mg 107% daily intake.....wow. Thats a lot of salt.

[@JerryArizona]

It's an insane amount of salt. But I find that lots of times I'm hiking I'm sweating all the salt out of my body. Wouldn't be something I would want to eat every day, all day, but now and then, especially when you're out on the trail, I don't mind.

[@jcbynum007]

After watching a dozen independent channels performing these taste test comparisons, I have noticed one striking similarity. "This is my first time trying this" is a common one liner and basically a lie... In my opinion. Comparing other videos made by the same channels, one usually can see that each channel is bias 90% or more to one brand or against another. Thus the "basically a lie" comment. Example: From the comments section of each channel, regardless of the results, the vast majority of those commenting have stated they like or love Mountain House. Where you have clearly painted your experience as Mountain House Biscuit and Gravy meal as looking and tasting like glue, it's obvious you have a bias to not give that company anything other than a blatant 0 score. You even post this conclusion for me: "Probably the best known backpacking meal brand is Mountain House. And over the years, we've tried a lot of their food. Most of it isn't great. In fact, I find most of it inedible." If you go into a controlled test environment with a predisposition, then your outcome WILL BE BIASED as such. In other words, if you don't like MH products and have a long history of such feelings, then it's clear to assume that you will never offer a fair and honest review on their company, so why waste your time trying sell a half hearted effort? PLEASE NOTE: The results of what Mountain House Biscuit and Gravy meal looks like in this video are NOT consistent with the majority of other channels, in my experience.

[@Katmai_Bear_480]

Sausage gravy is supposed to be thick! Not like mashed potato gravy!

[@alexabney7913]

Now I know why some channels never show the freeze dried food lol

[@JerryArizona]

I've found Packit Gourmet and Peak Refuel are really good (for the most part). Mountain House....I like only a select few of their meals. The rest are hard to choke down for me.

[@drdlin]

Damn....that's a good looking woman. Congrats

[@JerryArizona]

I agree!

[@hoosierpete]

Mountain House is garbage, I tried the Beefstew and Breakfast Skillet and couldn't choke either one down. Honestly, I wouldn't feed it to my dog. I felt guilty dumping it for the wildlife to eat.

[@JerryArizona]

I'm definitely a fan of Peak Refuel and Packit Gourmet. There are a few Mountain House meals (spaghetti, beans and rice) that I'll eat, but not most of them.

[@mrs2691]

Ohhh there’s a lot worse than Mountain House out there. I am wondering if it’s a technology issue - Mountain House and Backpacker’s pantry got their start when commercial freeze drying was a relatively new technology, and they may be using older methods.

[@thelast1900]

20 minutes minimum for Borge the peak and mountain. Mountain house a little less water, peak a little more.

[@FLsheepdog1]

SHELF LIFE: MH 30yers Peak 5 yrs Packit, website does not say COST: MH $8.99 Peak $14.95 almost 6.00 more! Packit: Not even listed on site 2024 Packit: Might as well bring Bisquick, flour, and sausage. Abt 5.00