Taste Testing BACKPACKING MEALS! | Miranda in the Wild

[@rei]

A quick note from Miranda: "Hi, all! Someone called out an error in the video - the Firepot Bolognese is accidentally labeled as Porcini Mushroom Risotto. Whoops! Thanks for the diligence in watching this video. Our editor apologizes - Miranda"

[@user-ev8jc7uo1v]

Can you pin their comment?

[@SirBobbyDuncan]

After 20+ years of living out of my backpack. I must warn: you're taste buds are different when you are sitting at home vs "out there"

[@rei]

I find that I'm functionally willing to eat anything after a long hike. - Miranda

[@UrDoinItWrong]

@@rei Miranda all the Firepot meals sold out in like 12 hrs after this video posted haha, please tell REI to restock more of them!!! Oooo and the other vegan options they make as well! Thanks yo.

[@TheTrailDancer]

@@UrDoinItWrong they are a small company from the UK. Just getting started and REI are the only ones that carried them. So good!!!

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Almost everything tastes amazing out there...

[@Dfgbuiiyyyybb]

Everything tastes good when you’re out! Except maybe a cliff bar

[@scottymcm]

On the noodle dishes the graphics state that the Firepot is a risotto when it is actually a different dish Vegan Orzo Bolognese. They do address the name but thought it should be pointed out for the hearing impaired.

[@rei]

Thank you, Scotty! I'll add this into the description. - Miranda

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Thanks for clarifying, I am not officially HoH but still not fully Hearing, and I missed that ...

[@josiahkline9258]

Absolutely, please do a protien bar review!!

[@rei]

Oh I love this idea!! Thank you! - Miranda

[@lild3vil4u]

Strongly second this!

[@pururin9449]

I agree, I'd LOVE a protein bar review.

[@Nicole_Noga]

I really appreciate a) that you saved all of the food you made to eat later (so it didn't go to waste), and b) that you told us about it! The likely food waste often puts me off taste test videos, but this one made me like the Miranda in the Wild team even more. I hope others take you lead with this kind of thing. : )

[@MakoBeauty]

Firepot also does compostable packaging!!

[@shazzylynne]

Just wanna say I’ll pretty much watch anything with Miranda. Thanks for keeping it real and fun!

[@MikeWood]

I agree on the granola. Except in winter when you want to warm up. Suggestions: least waste meals, energy gels. Or when hiking with others, mixing a couple of meals together. Like the 3 sisters + 3 amigos. And this was the one video where you could burp and you didn't! 😂👍

[@alangauld6079]

Granola/muesli made with hot water (especially if you are OK with milk powder) is a good warming breakfast. It doesn't need to be cold! :)

[@bcamping1]

It is funny, but also potentially serious medical condition.

[@KendallW12345]

I really enjoyed this and I'm not even a backpacker! I love Miranda's content. I think one way you could've added to this video is to consider the price of each meal. I see that firepot meals are 13.95 on REI for 2 servings and Campers pantry stew is 8.95 per meal. So seeing the different price points is always awesome too!

[@jeremycombsmetalsculptor]

Would love to see more taste testing, I’ve been recently trying rehydrated meals again working with my dietary restrictions and a lot are wasted money because they are nasty.

[@rei]

Absolutely! We'll bring on more taste testing :) - Miranda

[@azclaimjumper]

food taste, likes & dislikes are different from person to person so much so that I consider all food tasting videos to have no more substance in them than the tooth fairy.

[@jeremycombsmetalsculptor]

@@azclaimjumper I tried her DIY dehydrated recipes and they were delicious so I would say she's a good judge of taste so far. Plus the only difference between a good meal and bad meal is hot sauce

[@meg9953]

Please taste test anything and everything you're willing to put into your mouth Miranda! Your reviews have been so fun, and you keep me coming back. Comparison videos are super helpful. I'd be happy to see more rounds of this video. More breakfast items, more varieties. It helps me know what to try first as I'm getting started backpacking. Thank you!

[@nuggethikes]

Miranda, you rock. Please do another video like this with different food items. Please disclose the prices of each of your favs in description or wherever. The collective “we” come here to see you, not really others much. Although I do enjoy your producer’s comments. You guys just keep doing what you are doing, simple to the point videos. I love it. Thank you REI as well.

[@JarrettOriginal]

We need Miranda and Robbie from The Adventure Archives to do a whole series of trail food videos. The chaotic love of food energy would be amazing.

[@kcapkcans]

Love the Archives guys, but one of my favourite things about them is the distinct lack of gear talk on their content, so I'm not sure a gear retailer would be good for their style.

[@donnajean72]

I love Outdoor Herbivore chipotle chili and blackened quinoa.

[@eliblaker7787]

Def wanna see other trail foods, like meal bars, but it would also be cool to compare homemade recipes from around the interwebs

[@melissarobinson9618]

Those are the littlest stairs ever, lol, and don't feel like you're being too critical, they can't all be your favorites. Now we need recipes for desserts, or ten ways to make salads!

[@Swimdeep]

If you are interested in creating your own backpacking meals, I can recommend the Reddit sub, “ r/HikerTrashMeals “ Recipes, methods for dehydrating, and all types of recipes from Vegan to Keto, etc. 🌿

[@melissarobinson9618]

@@Swimdeep I love links to more recipes, thank you kind person!

[@Swimdeep]

@@melissarobinson9618 My pleasure. 🌿

[@residentoutsider6598]

Heads up, you get 10% off at REI if you buy 8+ backpacking meals at once. I was using this video to find brands to steer towards and bought a bunch. That’s how I found out about the discount 🤣

[@melox05]

Thank you for this video! and yes please more taste test especially desserts!

[@ERSwanger]

Love this! Taste test everything!

[@BadRongo]

All the taste tests! Yes!

[@emmatrevena3408]

Ooo yes do protein bars or snacks to hike with! I am from Australia so don't have these brands of meals but have tried a few different ones and it is so hard to know if you like it until you try it.

[@jrr1394]

I always just stick to two packets of instant oatmeal for breakfast because it's cheap and easy. But you've convinced me to try Firepot! I had thought about it on my last trip because it sounds so good but stuck with Backpacker's Pantry. The Three Sisters' Stew is delicious (so many good veggies!) but I'll have to attempt the Three Amigos' Stew, too!

[@Zadok8611]

Would love a review on sports drink mixes/tablets. Not only taste but performance too (i.e. what makes you feel rehydrated better)

[@pipers_mom]

I'd love a taste test of the different electrolyte tablets/powders!

[@AllenSchubert]

WHOA! Vegan backpacking meals! W00T! (Is that okay to say?) ... And I so like that at the end you told us how you were handling all the food you tasted! Cool!

[@leonardspetstop]

Definitely loved this. Definitely would love to see more.

[@LuxRLD]

This was a great video and I love the variety that you ended up trying ! Would like to see more taste test videos. Also not sure if you’d be able to do this but also including the price in the video

[@alanbierhoff6831]

This was very helpful and fun to watch. I’m a huge fan of Peak Refuel. Their chicken coconut curry is my favorite

[@jt4513]

Pad Thai just got robbed! That's definitely the best meal!! :)

[@marjiecleveland]

I'd definitely enjoy watching more taste tests, especially desserts and other food categories.

[@mariannedresser2579]

Nice rundown on what REI sells, but there are quite a few small makers of dehydrated meals making great stuff, such as Bushka's Kitchen (Bay Area!) and Stowaway Gourmet. I'm intrigued by the new-to-me Firepot brand, will check it out! And while Miranda says she's not a marinara pasta fan, all the pasta meals from Peak Refuel, including the Beef Pasta Marinara, are really good, though obviously not vegan/vegetarian. Thanks for another fun and informative video.

[@alfredodejuan390]

One thing to take into account is that you know the meals you usually buy or cook yourself. And overall if they need more or less water, also more or less time to get the best taste.

[@alangauld6079]

My standard backpacking breakfast is a 50/50 mix of Muesli and granola with milk powder to taste and packed into a ziplock bag. I sometimes mix it with hot water but mostly use cold. Main meals I usually go with cous-cous or pasta and some tinned meat or jerky (I'm definitely not vegan! :) but I'm not waiting for 20 minutes for rehydration - way too long and besides it will be cold by then! A fun video.

[@smileyhappyradio]

Love that you tried the vegan meals Miranda! I want to see more food videos.

[@30-06]

Mountain House “Chicken and Rice” WITH TONS OF HOT SAUCE is the BEST! Yes, hot sauce (Cholula) is my only luxury item I bring with me😂 ...I’ll try Miranda’s top 3 breakfast for sure lol Btw, higher altitude shift sense of taste. I don’t think it’s just me, my friends agree on it.. things taste good just don’t taste good above ...10k feet.

[@TylerDickey1]

Ohhhhh great idea! I’m bringing Cholula with me next trip :)

[@30-06]

@@TylerDickey1 I hope you’ll like it, my friends laughing at me literally fought for it after trying it once 😂

[@evanwilson4035]

That is so true!! I always have to have chicken and rice with some hot sauce!

[@rei]

Hot sauce is such a great way to spice up a meal!!! Great idea. - Miranda

[@30-06]

...reading these replies gave me goose bumps! Amazing feeling to know that it’s OK for me to add 350grams of Cholula, while I cut toothbrush handle, file down tent stakes, etc.,. to minimize my pack weight 😂

[@hollygroseth2198]

Miranda is hilarious and adorable! I love her quirky mannerisms. Very informative and funny ;)

[@medacat1]

Thanks for the reviews, I wish I could get more of those brands in Canada! The Pad Thai is my favorite of what I can get..I always pack along a little bottle of hot sauce if I can too. Definitely going to pick up some of these (hello porcini risotto) when I can finally get to an REI again.

[@mohdakmalabdullahkassim7706]

Good to know that no food is wasted. 😊

[@heidi8909]

It might be fun to do a vegan jerky review!! I really like primal spirit hickory smoked jerky but I haven't tried many others

[@andreasweber5638]

Would like to see you tasting self-made dehydrated alternatives. Like leftovers de- and rehydrated. Have you ever made any plant based Pemican? What meal contains the most wind energy? (Har-harr)

[@rei]

Hi Andreas! Check out my dehydrated meals video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oanXpq2qhKefqNk - Miranda

[@Pants13]

Taste test was entertaining but the only outdoor store, unless I drive two hours, only carries one or two vegetarian backpackers pantry meals. The homemade meals are my go to so I’d love to see more recipe videos!

[@Arbie812]

Super duper helpful video. I had no idea there were so many vegan backpacking meal options.

[@denisedoodles]

yeah, taste test desserts!

[@kentuckypete76]

This video was good and fine. Thanks, Miranda. Been wanting to do this myself and see which brands to use, and I completely trust your opinion, so you just saved me some money.

[@rei]

Thank you, Kentucky Pete! Broccoli is the best. Your secret is safe with me. - Miranda

[@lisakinlinger8872]

Was the Chili Mac vegan?

[@DeloraUpwards]

@@lisakinlinger8872 yes, they have 2 options; a vegan one with beans, and one with beef.

[@Bea4IceCreem]

Super helpful for what is out there for meals. Would love another one of these videos with new food available at rei 😁

[@garyroyea151]

Great Video Miranda. You should have tried Happy Yak from Canada which is the bomb.

[@laurak6186]

Love the sustainability! I’d definitely like a video on snack taste testing (protein bars, TJs trail mixes, something like that). Thanks for the video!

[@genxcpa]

Try the granola with hot water. When we camped in Jasper a few years ago we used hot water in cold blueberry granola and it was very tasty and warmed us up in the morning.

[@mikefr12]

Great to see comparisons! Yes, do desserts and bars.

[@196813JSC]

Goes to closet to check rehydrated meals to compare to Miranda’s choices. Great video Miranda and team!

[@staleyexplores]

I appreciate you doing this, it will be very helpful for those that I help at work.

[@jessieblevins5657]

We for sure need to see the protein bars and desserts! 🤤 Also, as a veteran, I think you should try the Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) Spicy Vegetarian Chili and the Vegetarian Lentil Stew with Potato! 🤪 I believe these are the only 2 "main meals" in the MREs that are vegan. Clearly there aren't many vegetarian or vegan options, but that is an issue that is currently being tried and tested. 👍

[@Swimdeep]

All I could think about was I hope the leftover food didn’t go to waste. Glad and grateful for the content🌱 Hope you do a part two of vegan eating.

[@rei]

It definitely did not go to waste! Stocked my freezer for a few weeks and enjoyed them all 😋 - Miranda

[@Swimdeep]

@@rei I appreciate you so much Miranda 🌿

[@karenpolansky9097]

I love this. There are some brands that I stay away from because I’ve had one that I didn’t like. This taught me that I need to give them a shot again. Just not choose the ones I didn’t like initially. Thanks!

[@karenpolansky9097]

@@helpfulcommenter those are the two brands that I stay away from as well. I actually tried to cook one of them to see if I could get rid of the extra water and soften the noodles! Nope! I suffered through it, but not good.

[@musiciansuphigh]

Definitely do more taste test videos! Could you please add one thing though? If you’re going to taste all the meals, list which ones are gluten free and/or vegan so that those w/food restrictions know what’s good to grab!

[@glendacrouch1877]

Loved the video! Yes more taste testing!!!

[@arieltemple5888]

Thank you! Would definitely love and appreciate some taste testing of protein bars and such :)

[@jinpae6972]

Would love to see another episode on the same topic. So many backpacking meals out there.

[@pavement4pele378]

Absolutely!!! Let's do bars! Thank you so much for doing this though I have more faith now in some of the ones I chose!

[@erinjoyaraneta617]

I love this episode so much! I will love a protein bar taste test!

[@chrisc.3472]

Have everyone try all the meals REI offers so we know which ones to try! This was really helpful. I have a few different meals I would be willing to try now.

[@MingWLee]

If it isn't too much trouble, you could do a taste test after a short hiking? To make it feels better, taste them outside of your cabin. :D

[@DiminutiveFlower]

I 100% appreciated the sustainability note at the end. :)

[@rei]

No food goes to waste!

[@utopia.exploring]

This was great! I've seen a lot more brands of meals lately, not just Backpackers Pantry or Mountain House, and every video I watch people have really great reactions to them! Peak Refuel, Real Turmat and Good to Go all seem to be really good, quality, meals! Lots of calories, great flavors and pretty easy. I would love to see more of the taste tests of the not Big 3 (Alpine Aire, Mountain House, Backpackers Pantry)

[@monkey0lovin]

I am somewhat new to backpacking. I have a few meal replacement bars I like and I make own meals. Dehydrated food was kinda scary to me. I would love to help taste and rate food with other hikers. This is a really cool idea to me. Jessica Buckley, WA

[@hikermichael9443]

Best breakfast is either instant oatmeal or dehydrated milk in a baggy of cereal. One for cold days and one for warm or stove less days.

[@megweb362]

Thanks for the video! It's nice to get opinions on so many different kinds of meals! I'm a huge fan of the Peak Refuel ones myself (the strawberry granola is AMAZING), but I might have to try that Mushroom Risotto! Also, your videos are so cheerful and fun :D

[@rei]

You can always count on Miranda to put a smile on your face while providing useful info. 😁 Thanks for watching, Meg!

[@riptide8350]

Granola is my go to for lunch simple tasty. Breakfast is a dehydrated meal that hydrate as I pack up camp. Dinner is the meal that I put effort in to.

[@brenttesterman1198]

It would have been cool if you showed a breakdown of the ratings at the end, to see how all the different brands stacked up. Btw this was the best taste test video I have seen, great job! Peace

[@susietopspin]

I'm new to backpacking and am so glad I found your channel. So disappointed that the REI closest to me closed, as I was excited to go and purchase essentials and get setup for my first overnight hike. The fact you are also vegan was a fabulous surprise. Thanks and keep posting. I'm hitting subscribe 👍🏻😎🥾

[@simongee8928]

From experience, I now avoid any freeze dried meals and stick to ready to eat ration packs. Heat them up, add some 'own recipie' spices and then use the hot water for a brew - ! Efficient and a tasty result - ! 😁

[@jmason61]

Excellent video, cool set-up with the even prep & blind tastings, for sure not fair to just use the bags. & Good call with the calories, 700+ sounds like the winner

[@gmt5664]

This has been really great! I look forward to more taste tests! I don't even backpack, LOL, although I'd love to. I bought a few meals for emergency use but I'm not familiar with brands so this is very helpful

[@louisw]

great video, enjoyed the focus on veg meals!

[@atropineman3541]

13:51 graphic for firepot is a repeat of the mushroom risotto from previous tasting.

[@atropineman3541]

What's your favorite peanut butter 😋

[@jenny12061989]

Really enjoyed this video and I love the idea of having several people try them, I’ve always hesitated buying these because they’re expensive and I didn’t know if I would like them so this really helps

[@michellegood8825]

I would love the picky eater's (plain/meat& potatoes) guide to backpacking meals! I feel like my only good option is the mountain house chicken and potatoes. I can only eat that for so long!

[@jerryd.4767]

Thank you, really hard in choosing such good tasting meals for the trail, especially when one is vegan like myself. Peace and good tidings from the Conejo.

[@sturmykins]

A) Thank you for mentioning that you'll be eating these later! B) I would love to see you do more taste testing videos! I could have watched this for a good hour. 😂

[@Galactico42]

This was so helpful. Though not vegan, my younger son has allergies to both dairy and eggs, and I've been thinking ahead about what kind of meals will be available for him when we finally get to the Family Backpacking Trip stage when he's big enough. Thank You!

[@iamgarystevens3601]

New Miranda video woooooooooooooo!

[@lizzietrot2522]

Happy there's a new episode on my birthday 🎉

[@DarkStarX]

Lizzie, I Hope You Have A Wonderful And Very Happy Birthday!

[@30-06]

Happy Birthday❗️

[@dillonchamberlain]

Happy birthday!

[@lizzietrot2522]

Thanks y'all! This channel has the best community ❤️

[@JacoboAmaro]

¡Happy birthday form Mexico! 🎉🎊🥳

[@LeviLoden23]

I love Miranda and this channel!

[@rei]

😁 Thank you Levi! - Miranda

[@nohemy84]

Could you do a review on Patagonia's line of food ☺️

[@TheJosephReyes]

I would also be interested since I’ve never tried Patagonia’s food

[@ktrpillar]

are you kidding me...#5??? The cuban black beans with cilantro and plantains are friggin bomb! reminds me of a dish that my favorite puerto rican restaurant makes. thats one of my favorite bougie backpacking meals from backpacker pantry. definitely give it a shot if you think you'd enjoy trying a more authentic latin flavor combination versus the run of the mill americanized tex-mex flavors. And by the way thank you for saving and eating the leftovers!

[@John-eq8cu]

very informative, thank you -- although I wouldn't buy pre-packaged backpacker meals, I wanted to understand how these compare with home-made dehydrated meals.

[@kjclem94]

Yaaaay a new MitW!!!

[@vshybeej8756]

Awesome video as always!!!

[@rei]

Thanks for watching! Did any of these meals sound good to you? 😃

[@authenticarkansas]

I’ve totally become a Peak Refuel fan girl. I’ve not had anything that wasn’t excellent from them (full disclosure, I’m not vegan so I really like the meat ones). Their breakfast skillet is AMAZING.

[@chris58718]

Good for you for saving all the food. Great work as usual, keep it up!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Firepot Meals are SO GOOD! Real Turmat and Firepot are the BEST IMHO! :) Backpackers Pantry's Pad Thai is amazing as well!

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Loved this. Thank you Miranda!!! Next up puddings perhaps? I'm a pudding addict!

[@markmcgrath6812]

As a non-vegan, I would love to see if you could get some carnivores to chime in on some meals. I would have my hiking house tiger taste test, but he just likes the trailtopia freeze-dried diced chicken so far and some cat-specific freeze-dried meals (not a picky eater as long as it's chicken). It was awesome to see that different brands came out on top in different areas. Great job and I will have to try some of these.

[@zam6877]

This was really helpful! All vegan?! YAY! THANKS BUNCHES!!

[@UrDoinItWrong]

Aaaannd now all the Firepot meals sold out in 24 hours after this video posted lol... REI PLEASE RESTOCK!!! Thanks! Also please carry the full ine of meals, these really seem to be top quality. k thx

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

I absolutely love the firepot vegan orzo bolognese. Comes with me on each hiking trip.

[@brianbrinegar6086]

Very fun food video - please do more!!

[@rei]

Thanks Brian glad you liked it!

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

REI: please include product cost ranges/medians on this series. Cost is a huge barrier to backpacking & overnight outdoorsing, I think it would really help diversify & expand the hobby/community if there was more up-front info & discussion of costs/alternatives. Presumably, REI makes it's big $ on gear, for those who can't buy everything they want for a trip, I hope Miranda will eventually present DIY alternatives to some of your less profitable product categories. Also, do u sell spice organizers? Packing favorite dried herbs & spices would fix up most of the "meh" dishes, especially if cost/dietary restrictions/caloric needs narrow one's options...

[@jmason61]

Hey also a little wrap up at the end? the 4 best in each category would be cool to mention since some of us don't take notes

[@rikuk3]

For me one of the joys of hiking/camping was cooking a meal at the end of the day with real food, its a pleasure so the freeze dried meals for me were simply body fuel.