Taste-Testing All 31 Mountain House Meals. Save yourself time and money by watching this!

[@Equip2Endure]

What's your favorite Mountain House meal?

[@__hjg__2123]

Granola and Chicken-n-Dumplings

[@Equip2Endure]

@Broad Side We're planning on doing another video where we compare all the major players. -Rusty

[@Equip2Endure]

Both would be a pleasure to eat on the trail and especially in an emergency situation. Thanks for sounding off, HJG! -Rusty

[@paw9568]

They discontinued my favorites Raspberry crumble and steak and peppers, and they are I belive getting rid of the curry chicken, That's become a new favorite as well. But lucky me... I stocked up ;).

[@Equip2Endure]

@@paw9568 I hope they do not get rid of the curry. It was our favorite from the entire lineup. Would have loved to have had the Raspberry too! -Rusty

[@Badbeau]

For future reference, being a retired military person I have learned the importance of hot meals vs cooler or cold ones. Other than thoroughly stirring the food in the pouch, I recommend tasting the food at the optimum time of preparation, to get the best taste/texture from it. Having soo many just sitting there getting cooler as you chat about the others will have an overall affect on their taste/texture. Other than that, thank you for making this video as it is exactly what I was looking for to help my wife and I pick out our MH meals for upcoming kayak camping trips. Oh, and if you're doing a 1-5 scale, don't throw halves in there cause if you're going to do that then just change the scale to 1-10 and be done with it.

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad it was helpful, Badbeau! We tried to account for that cooling period by doing the test in three batches. Overall we were fairly impressed with all the options. It really boils down to (see what I did there?) the types of flavors you like best. What's your favorite?

[@jayrio8649]

This dude didn’t want to give a 5 at all like what the hell is a 4.75??? He’s the type of a dude u give excellent customer service and discounts to and when asking for a survey he’ll give u a 7 just cause he thinks nothing is perfect. total loser but thanks for the review

[@Equip2Endure]

@@jayrio8649 Loser because I didn't want to oversell any of the meals? If you say so.... I did give the alfredo and curry a 5 each though. -Rusty

[@SimonSays_]

Agreed with everything you just said I cut the video at 10 minutes

[@ohopejr]

I've tried them all.. Mountain house and peak fuel are the best.. I prefer mountain house.. If you put the right amount of hot water and you mixed/mash the bag covering all areas the food is great. You can't scale this food accurately, because you are comparing to real prepped food. You have to take in account its freeze dried. I guarantee if you cooked a sausage and then added just water to another one that's freeze dried, there's going to be a drop off in texture and taste.. Most of their meals are 5 star for outdoor camping. If your not a fan of a certain meal, then why try camping meal you don't like. Already the review on that meal is bias. This is camp, freeze dried food.. You're not going to have the flavors That you get from the grease that some meats natural make when cooked, or butter, ext. .. This review is like a 2.735 🙆🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤣🤣🤷🏾‍♂️💁🏾‍♂️

[@idanceforpennies281]

"Viewers have commented don't use the full recommended amount of water - we haven't found that". The first meal comes out runny. I laughed my ass off.

[@perfectionnotallowed6093]

I had that same thought. 😂😂😂

[@SquidandCatAdventures]

The first one needed to be saucy though because it's biscuits and gravy. If you've had the actual dish (not freeze dried) in the southern US, it's usually served with copious amounts of sausage gravy (white, creamy sauce originally made by scraping up the brown bits on a pan after cooking the sausage. It sounded like he added 1.5 cups instead of 1 cup for the scrambled egg ones so that was just a mistake. I too have found the recommended amounts of water better in MH than the AlpineAir I've tried, but it depends on which meal it is. I also tend to stir it more thoroughly with a long spoon (mine has a silicone head that scrapes up everything), especially getting any corners, rather than their squishing the bag method and I think that would actually help with even absorption.

[@idanceforpennies281]

@@SquidandCatAdventures I agree with all of that.

[@Mat-si4uy]

You can tell these guys won't last long.. they don't get a long well.. one tried to get the other to elaborate because he realizes this was sponsored and the other guys didn't care one bit

[@nicholasbilowsky2960]

I've purchased more than 50 of these meals simply because my friend introduced them to me while driving to Alaska from Ohio. My first meal was the Chicken pad tye and I was blown away by the flavor and how simple it was to prepare. This is now my go to for freeze dried food of choice. I keep a full 7 day pack in both of my trucks as well as my boat.

[@ryanjofre]

Where do you buy em??!

[@ryennino5470]

@@ryanjofreamazon, any outdoors store, and even walmart in the camping section

[@ryanjofre]

@@ryennino5470 I’m aware of that man. I was just curious where you personally buy it from??? I was a Boyscout, I’m 44 now! I use to take the bus to other the end of town when I was a kid to go to REI, one of the coolest stores on Earth. I was always captivated by the dehydration food. I’ve never bought dehydrated food cause I’m not a serious backpacker and the food is so fuking expensive. Mountain House is an absolute legend. The storage life of dehydrated food is amazing and it tastes ok but it’s surely not like homemade. I recently bought ten from an eBay close out seller for less then half price. I should have bought everything he had for emergencies. I was supervised how much it costs even at Walmart. I got really stoned one night and ate two bags🤣😱. Again, it’s not bad relative to the storage life but I wouldn’t wanna eat it daily if I ran an outdoor KZbin channel.

[@sandraspears6389]

for the spaghetti and lasagna meals, i take along packets of parmesan from my favorite pizza joint and it really help bring out the home style flavor.......imho

[@jakefallin9748]

Packets of parm you devil 😭😭

[@Chrisarch117]

thats genius! Thanks for the idea

[@clintbg7253]

Good idea. Spaghetti is my favorite

[@sprintgca]

Pro Tip - for a two person breakfast, make the Breakfast Skillet and the Biscuits & Gravy, then split. The gravy poured over the skillet is amazing. Finish with black pepper and a little Cholula, wrap inside a tortilla for a killer burrito. Great video. If you could go back in time (armchair QB), it might have been good to have some paper bowls so each meal could be individually displayed with more light and less taste contamination. This video was very helpful.

[@1980Baldeagle]

100% agree. A touch of hot sauce and salt. Can't get any better for breakfast.

[@stacky512a]

Great idea. Poor mans hollandaise !

[@thedadgeek4793]

These are the most respectful men I’ve ever heard chewing on a video. Kudos to you. Even with my headphones in it wasn’t bad. You guys are awesome thank you

[@rarpcprinter1641]

This is the single best freeze dried review video on KZbin, bar none. You guys ROCK! and thanks to MH for sending you the food

[@Equip2Endure]

And yours was an awesome compliment, @RarPc Printer! Hope to see you around in the comments on all our videos. -Rusty

[@andrewkellerhals1361]

When you're consuming only water for hydration, sodium is important for electrolyte replenishment. Secondly, more recent nutrition studies have shown that sodium isn't as bad for you as once thought.

[@iReturnV1deotapes]

Exactly. Like Him salt. Natural organix shit that isn't saturated in chemicals.

[@crimzonempire4677]

In basic everyone was getting. Sluggish and tired We drank plenty of water Maybe too much and I was one of the few who was fine Because we put salt packets in our water.. It’s needed

[@crimzonempire4677]

@Zek Kiel yes Sir, Thank you very much sir It’s a bad Habit sir Nasty Habit sir

[@js5072]

Nah get potassium chloride, you have enough sodium but not potassium.

[@js5072]

@@iReturnV1deotapes him salt sometimes has lead and mercury, table salt has only iodine in it, your statement is ridiculously false.

[@NightimeDan]

Man, guy on the left has NO patience lol he was rushing through while guy on the right is trying to explain flavors and input on his computer.

[@jgates5019]

He seems grumpy lol.

[@chalion8399]

I gained 20 lbs. watching you taste test them all. All kidding aside, MountainHouse won me over years ago when I first tried them out. A few years ago, we got hit by a tornado and didn't have power for a week. I had a supply of MH on hand and used them and was quite happy with them for meals. I still have a case of them from that time and am confident they will taste the same if I needed them now.

[@Equip2Endure]

Yep! The sacrifices we make for our viewers, right? Excellent real world experience input. Thanks for sharing, @Chalion! What is your favorite MH meal? -Rusty

[@chalion8399]

@@Equip2Endure All of the beef line, except the stew. I also like the chicken but not the spicy ones.

[@MountainHouseMeals]

Glad to know you were and still are prepared! We appreciate you sticking with us!

[@brucelarson4283]

Empty your meal into a container......add your water into the package....then add back your meal and stir!.....you won't get dry pockets!!👍👍

[@Equip2Endure]

Good tip, Bruce. Thanks for watching and sounding off. -Rusty

[@myrandacollins706]

I love how happy he was when he re-tasted the biscuits and gravy 😂😂🤗

[@mudbob1]

Any of the ones with eggs are MUCH better if you can cook it in a pan for a few minutes after rehydrating it. Big difference in texture and somewhat in flavor.

[@baptizedinblue]

That defeats the purpose!

[@otetechie]

I don’t know if I can trust anyone that doesn’t like biscuits and gravy.

[@Equip2Endure]

I love good biscuits and gravy! The Mountain House option for the biscuits in gravy was really good for freeze dried, but isn't as good as fresh. Was tough trying to score these. Thanks for watching! -Rusty

[@MountainHouseMeals]

Same 😅😅

[@patriotchic3364]

@@MountainHouseMeals it shocked me when he dissed the B &G those are my favorite. 😲😂

[@Homested_Happenings]

I thought MH biscuits and gravy were the best until I started freeze drying my own The freeze dryer was expensive but I control the ingredients and menu now

[@PrepperPotpourri]

I'm surprised that this video isn't getting more views. It is well crafted and I haven't seen anyone else do a taste test comparison for all the MH meals. Well done!

[@Equip2Endure]

Some videos take a while to get rolling. Thanks for watching and chiming in, @Prepper Potpourri! -Rusty

[@robinbrowne5419]

I agree. Just the facts and to the point. No stupid jokes and meme video clips. 👍

[@charliemartin4392]

everyone knows peak refuel is better. MH is sold at Walmart for f'ks sake

[@brumleytown1882]

NOT well done. Useless unless you want to sit an hour. Unorganized.

[@fishersaerialphotography121]

Guys, I just found your channel looking for the best freeze dried food and I watch this video. I’ve also watched which is the best Emergency Food. I want to let you guys know very professionally done and enjoyable to watch. Excellent video and audio quality. And this definitely looks like a non-biased review. Thank you very much, this helps us not wasting money buying prepackaged food so we have no idea what it taste like.

[@Solderpro_1]

I'm doing something similar at my work place. I am lucky enough to get a job at an outdoors store and I can get these meals at 3 dollars a pouch. I am eating each one of these for my lunch and I had similar results with you guys!

[@Equip2Endure]

Have you tried that curry yet? 👌

[@UberDapr]

if you ever end up with a surplus, would love to help you downisize on some portions

[@nextleveltosuccessdenisewi3341]

Loved this video, it was very helpful. Although I don’t know what your pallets are like as compared to mine, it was still helpful to hear why you graded things in the way you did. I made a few notes and will keep these in mind the next time I buy this product. Thanks guys.

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad it was helpful, Denise. Thanks for watching and chiming in. -Rusty

[@u.s.militia7682]

I actually bought a home freeze dryer and started making my own meals almost 4 years ago. About a week ago I wanted to try some mozzarella cheese sticks I dried 3 years ago. My whole family loved them. I don’t know about the rest of the food I’ve dried but I’m pretty much stocked up. I’d definitely recommend buying a home freeze dryer. Stay vigilant, everyone. 🇺🇸

[@kristinwright6632]

Mountain House has always been my go to for backpacking. I have developed a habit of going easy on the water and then adding the last of it as needed. Also I find I always need to let it sit longer than the package says.

[@brentparks3669]

Did altitudes effect heating times, water added?

[@lcsodiver]

@@brentparks3669 I never had a issue with altitude, but I did find after adding a little less water than recommended it really helps to drop the pouch into a stocking cap to retain the heat. It really helps the reconstitution. Also the scrambled eggs I’ve always drained after reconstituting.

[@GregR2023]

Pour out the water in eggs. Keep reading the instructions

[@Equip2Endure]

You are right. User error.

[@DeepDiveDiver]

@@Equip2Endure human error

[@Lia-ij4mg]

@@DeepDiveDiver People who dont read* error

[@DeepDiveDiver]

@@Lia-ij4mg people who read but still don’t follow the instructions error.

[@davidgomez5116]

You guys are too funny

[@kensearle4892]

Thank you for the reviews! Your impressions and the ones I have eaten are about the same; very good for eating on the trail or in an emergency. I have yet to find another company that is better. Wish they sold a starter pack like that with 1 of every kind so we could do our own taste testing and then buy the ones we like in larger quantities. In an emergency, a variety helps. After this review, I think I would feel comfortable buying any of them. Thank you.

[@AltruisticApe]

Conclusion: for what it is, isss pretty good

[@Equip2Endure]

Well said. A lot of these we wouldn't mind eating at home in a non emergency - which is saying a lot for the typical "emergency food" genre. Thanks for watching and sounding off, AltruisticApe! -Rusty

[@TheDoctor1225]

@@Equip2Endure Because of your videos, my wife and I are going to add some of this to our emergency stocks of food. As you and the original poster both said, is it something we'd eat all the time? Not at all, any more than we'd eat MRE's - but they are appetizing and good, and would well work for the purpose for which we'd buy them. Thank you for your good work, and no-frills, straight to the point video. It is appreciated!

[@Equip2Endure]

@@TheDoctor1225 Gold it was useful for you, @TheDoctor1225! That what our goal was. Have a great one and enjoy. -Rusty

[@michaelhoward1411]

I love that old boy keeps checking guy on the right. " it's an add water camping meal ".

[@hs5167]

Have you guys thought of maybe sewing 2 large potholders together to make a pouch and slipping the meals inside to see if they reconstitute better and stay hot?

[@thechannel1664]

But why ? It's not sitting out for much longer than its recommended cooking time ? And two portions is what someone would normally eat.

[@hs5167]

@@thechannel1664 I’ve never tried them before. I thought maybe keeping it insulated would help improve absorption. Since then, I’ve tried a couple, (Temp of the house was 78); absorption was just not great on some of the ingredients such as dumplings/biscuits and eggs. Adding more water, than the package states, might help though. Glad we tried them before I bought in bulk….

[@xulshaenlightened5860]

I made a pouch for the pouches out of some scraps of Reflectix insulation material. Space blanket pieces would serve similar function but the Reflectix was something I already had.

[@freethinker5225]

I took some of these on a hiking trip and I can tell you right now the convenience and flavor far exceeds minor gripes when your starving and cold

[@Equip2Endure]

That's something I don't think people can appreciate unless they've experienced it. They talk about how any food will work and they don't need a tasty, hot meal, etc. Until their in a rough situation and try one of these... then it's worth it. -Rusty

[@freethinker5225]

@@Equip2Endure absolutely true. I mean when you burn that many calories out in the bush, even the worst of these meals with be like a five star meal

[@SprayJ503]

I was so excited to find this video!! I am getting ready for a backpacking trip and am planning on buying these this week. Now I'm ever more stoked to know they are actually good on top of leightweight and easily portable. Thanks guys!! Really enjoyed it!

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad it was helpful! They are definitely a good option for backpacking trips. Enjoy yourself and stay safe! -Rusty

[@bicparker1]

Some things to note about the Granola (blueberry) meal. It is designed to be made with cold water. If you want a quick to prepare cold breakfast for the morning, this, for me, has been a great quick tasty breakfast or quick meal for several outings, where my mornings did not have the circumstances for heating up some water.

[@FaZeZombieslayer]

The beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and fajita bowl are so good i eat them as regular meals, not just in the outdoors.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching, @FaZe! It is surprising how good they are, huh? -Rusty

[@Funkafella01]

I tried mountain house for the first time last week. Chicken and dumplings, was very good, I added a little salt and pepper and my kids tore it up. I’ll have to try the chicken and curry next. Purchased 14 different meals

[@minicomma]

THANK YOU for tasting all the different MH foods. I've never been disappointed so far with MH, but have not tried all of them so was just trying to add to my stash. Your review was helpful.

[@Humborg1]

I add about 3/4 boiling water first, stir and seal up, let sit for 10minutes, add bit more boiling water and stir and seal. Wait 10minutes. I Never add all my water at once. Sometimes I add boiling water 3 times. Been doing it that way for 25 yrs. I only eat mountain house. chili mac is my favorite

[@williambahler]

Coming from being a military veteran in the late 80’s through the 90’s, and using MRE’s, it’s interesting to see where the technology used in todays dehydrated food has brought us. Good job on this video. I personally am looking forward on trying the purchases of Mountain House products I’ve recently made. I feel your video, and others like it give me a non bias starting point. Thanks again fellas, for making this taste test video. 👍🏻

[@sendit7777]

I can say this much. I've recently had mountain house meals (with picky adults and kids-vs-other meals) and they were all past the expected use date by 13 years. Still, everyone ate them at a family get together. They ate all the mountain house I had vs the other simple foods we had cooked. The taste and consistency was great.

[@NickC9545]

How old were these to have been expired by 13 years? Don't MH meals have a 30 year shelf life?

[@sultanofswing7198]

I just ate the lasagna 5 years expired it tastes fine. As long as they weren’t exposed to moisture or the air they are fine.

[@dolphinlover4864]

Wow guys I must say that was the best review on food kits I've ever seen! ❤'d your video & how honest your presentation was, well done! Next time after you show us how it comes out, please turn the pouch around so we can see the name, you go too fast, have to go back to see again.....Thank you! I never bought MH before, I looked on internet for this type of food, did my research, bought it based on the reviews & now I'm very happy with my purchase, THANK YOU!! 👍😊

[@woodywoodpecker9408]

Hi guys. Thanks for the video. I have alot of negatives though. 1; should've had a system worked out ahead of time such as taste, texture & looks. 2: do 1 at a time to exact directions. 3: maybe use different paper bowls. 4: not comparing it with the previous ones, just finish talking about the one your eating before discussing the others you've had. 4: if your doing 1-5, have it marked what the numbers stand for like 1 being no way and five being excellent. And whats with the halves?. 6: this is survival food, not a restaurant. Bug out food, mre type, camping, emergency, etc.

[@konnerg568]

1 is would not buy it, and 5 is would buy and take it backpacking or eat it every day

[@sarahtomm3131]

As an trail walking camper, these meals r sometimes a savior. Most times just carry beans, rice and jerky tho... the jerkey always cooks up nice when shredded

[@Equip2Endure]

Great real world experience, Sarah. Thanks for sharing that. What's your favorite MH option? -Rusty

[@shawnapierson2321]

"mint chocolate chip" is from the office when they are trying to decide Meridiths bday cake but Michael insists on ice cream cake even though Meridith is allergic to dairy ☺️

[@Equip2Endure]

You got it. There were two other office references in this video if you enjoy hunting for those. -Rusty

[@davinci3259]

I love Gravy and Biscuits. So judging by the faces made when tasting, I definitely need to get them. I also like adding eggs to my gravy, so I may have to give that a try with these. When in doubt add hot sauce.

[@1980Baldeagle]

I love biscuits and gravy too. The best is mixing the breakfast skillet meal with the biscuits and gravy. Add a little salt and hot sauce. You can't get any better.

[@darkdante2k4]

@@1980Baldeagle I used to work in a Diner and we used to have an entree exactly like that called the breakfast garbage plate. It was delicious.

[@1980Baldeagle]

@@darkdante2k4 you can get a trash plate at Waffle House. It's the most food for the money anywhere I think.

[@janp7660]

This is very helpful. The only thing you might have done differently would have been to try the less bold flavors first and maybe do some sort of palette cleansing so as to get a truer taste. Thanks guys!

[@kashmann220]

This video was ideal. I was up late pondering on which brand would be the most tasty and what texture would be the closest to the real deal. Thank you for posting a video that was super useful. You made my choice easy

[@Equip2Endure]

Happy to help! -Rusty

[@stolencommentpolice7600]

I use to eat these a tons through the hard times of my life when i was homeless, little expensive but for a lightweight just add water meal it was definitely worth it, my fav would probably be the chili mac and lasagna....worse ones are any with rice

[@stolencommentpolice7600]

Oh and they can be bought using ebt!

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for chiming in with real life experience! Did you find the meals sustained you well with you were in less ideal circumstances? -Rusty

[@northernninety7]

Dude the rice ones are the best.

[@EricElliott-h1m]

I have several meals for preping but have not tried them yet you guys were very helpful 😊

[@BobbyBoccalino]

for the ones that come out too watery- leave a small part of the pouch open to let some steam escape and you can get it to perfection- others- you dont want to let stand too long.. Love mountain house- this was awesome- save money by avoiding ones that are less than desirable- and right to the good ones!

[@LTCTDD]

Thank you for the review. I already had a supply of Mountain House products ……. Now I know which ones to give the kids.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching and we're happy to help, LTCTDD! Hope it was good enough to earn a sub from ya. -Rusty

[@sweet_jen7752]

My picky son loves the spaghetti

[@shannonm4309]

We're in the middle of taste testing as well. The Readywise needs 1/2 the water, but even so, Mountain house is WAY better! Love them and they're local to us!

[@Razdasoldier]

Did you have the issue they had in their Ready vs Mountain video? The Readywise were poorly mixed soup while the mountain was well formed meals.

[@shannonm4309]

@@Razdasoldier i did. The ready wise needs half the water it states, but even then it’s not as good.

[@Razdasoldier]

@@shannonm4309 OK. I miss understood your half the water comment. I thought you meant the package asks for half the water. ^^"

[@shannond2707]

Helpful video, thanks! I'm glad I saw the eggs cooked-I like them on the drier side, so I'm happy that I saw you guys make them more than once 🙂

[@trailmix4715]

Why not forego the bowls and just take a spoonful from each pouch, am I wrong in saying that?

[@richardleach1706]

What's needed is single serve size. If you ate alone what to do with the leftovers?

[@Equip2Endure]

I've zipped one up and come back to it later. However, when I'm out and about, I usually don't have leftovers 😁. Thanks for watching and commenting, RIchard! -Rusty

[@richardleach1706]

I get that, but if you're use in survival situation and have no means to keep leftovers seems to be a bit of a waste. I have tried mountain house and liked the product, as a single guy it's to much. Do they produce single serve? I've not found any on line. PEACE and Good Health

[@orangetruckman]

Mountain House is awesome! I have not tried them all, sadly 😢 I have noticed that their content size has shrunk 😑 for example: Mac & cheese dropped almost 2oz from 2018 packages and the price went up as well. Still tastes amazing and I don’t dare eat any other brand because quality matters!!!

[@u.s.militia7682]

Everyone has a different taste. You really have to buy these and taste test them yourself. I do know you can’t go wrong with Mountain House chili though. I’ve fed it to unexpected guests and they never even knew it until I told them.

[@MrJKD360]

Biscuits and Gravy, we bring the pre-cooked bacon(microwable kind) to throw in it before adding the water too

[@Equip2Endure]

@360 Outdoors. Now THAT is a plan. Thanks for sharing great input and real world experience. -Rusty

[@tgafire87]

People who complain about the sodium shouldn’t be eating these.

[@JoshuaC0rbit]

I've got a couple of months worth of these and honestly they're so good my bachelor ass would eat them in a pinch anytime. Especially living on the Gulf Coast where we lose power for days at a time frequently.

[@MrJaylassiter]

Just found your channel, thanks for the video 👍

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching and welcome aboard! -Rusty

[@NLeung723]

It’s too bad they don’t make the sweet and sour pork anymore. That was easily my favorite.

[@laraw560]

That one was delicious!

[@NickM1013]

Great video! Appreciate all that went into it. Lighting could’ve been better but amazing work overall, gentlemen.

[@sqike001ton]

ive found the egg meals need less water more than any other meal in my experience

[@marvalouslegend30]

“Mint chocolate chip” Michael Scot from the office

[@marvalouslegend30]

Indeed

[@EngineerPrepper]

Propack usually have all the Air vacuum removed from the bag to allow better packing

[@erik0073]

Great point, EP.

[@carolbradshaw7158]

Thanks… looking at so many.. this really helps!

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad it helped, Carol! Makes sure to watch our more recent video where we compared 13 of the most popular brands/options. -Rusty

[@otway00]

I been hoping Mt House would bring back their Sweet Sour Pork. I have a couple left and want to take them on a backpacking trip and but don't because I can't get it anymore. In the early 70's Mt House came in a red package for civilians and said meal for two. The military version came in a military green package and said meal for one. They were the same meal, weight ect just different color package

[@nicholasmatthew9687]

The watery consistency is largely due to not eating it right away at higher temps. These types of meals tend to loosen up as they come back to room temp, it’s just one of those weird happenings of processed food science. In the future you guys should take the time to cook then eat, cook then eat. This would help brands like mountain house get the fairest review possible of their entrees! Thanks for the video boyz.

[@TheRivrPrncess]

I can totally understand having higher sodium content in the food for camping and hiking, but Mountain House really needs to make a line of food that is for use when you must leave your home which is totally different from going camping/hiking. People moving from their home to another home or a hotel would not necessarily needs to have foods with high sodium.

[@marzsit9833]

sodium aka salt is a preservative, it has to be there in order for the food to be safe to eat.

[@dickkrab6280]

Then don’t get freeze dried food for camping lol

[@YNPEX]

Well done guys. I camp a lot and have been hesitant to try a lot of these. Sick of cliff bars and now excited to try some of these.

[@archbus]

Lasagna with meat sauce is my Go To meal

[@northeastoutrider2124]

Ive done the taste test with my kids to figure out which ones to stock up on. Turned out to be a great idea as my sone asks regularly if he can have them on any given night.

[@glockman9c]

Bags are more convenient but the #10 cans are a better value. Thanks for the video.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching, Glock Man! The cans may be more economical sometimes but we have heard that once you open the cans you have to use them within a fairly short period of time.

[@glockman9c]

@@Equip2Endure - yep, you do. Most cans are only 9-11 servings which is really only 4-6 meals. They are usually cost 30-60% less than the bags though. So for a couple or family or group they can get eaten quickly.

[@marzsit9833]

my personal experience has been that if you can refrigerate the opened cans, they will last at least one month, maybe longer but i've never had an opened can that wasn't eaten after one month..

[@floydvaughn836]

Truck driver here. I do a lot of boondocking and love my Mtn. House. The average $ is 10$. Same as a fast food mess hall in a truck stop. I can easily store a dozen or so entrees. Throw in a little hot water and you're eating. Plus, the bags are great for peeing in. Haha. Since Mtn. House started the LURP ration thing, I always look out for Chicken and rice, beef stew, spaghetti, and chicken a la king. Which is now chicken noodle casserole. These were the original LRP ration menu items. LOL, one of my favorite things is to carry my meal into a truck stop, open it, and then rob them for hot water. By the time I've payed for my drink and maybe a cupcake dessert, my meal is ready. If y'all are still hooked up with them, please ask WTF happened to the Thanksgiving entree? If cost is a factor, I'd pay more, it's that good! Y'all have a GOODN.

[@jabow1878]

Building my own kit. Showing the meals and then the legit first impressions are a great help. Off to order! Thank you for the reviews.

[@benajah1976]

I like Mountain House and I do eat it backpacking but one night I nerded out and did a calorie per ounce analysis of my different camping food alternatives and found that little squeeze pouches of peanut butter is the best option for calories per ounce. Cheap too. I have lately gotten pretty into Sailor Boy Pilot Bread with peanut butter on it. That being said, having watched a video of how MH makes their food and looking at the nutritional profiles the MH has not much fat, which it seems to me they intentionally try to get as much fat out as possible to assist with long term preservation. Also, if not feeling lazy or it is convenient, simmering the mixture in a pot after the soaking time for a couple of minutes improves the texture a lot.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for the insightful comment, @Ben Crowley! There's a reason MRE's have those peanut butter pouches. I imagine we'd both prefer a nice fresh meal with quality ingredients... but that can be difficult to find in the woods sometimes. -Rusty

[@robertbates6057]

I've been looking for the right spot to comment. I first started eating Mtn House in the very early 80s. Best flavor but I really recommend taking other solid food as after days of nothing but freeze dried, you stay hungry. First day or two, you can take anything.

[@ceejay6553]

I've had many of these meals, I bought the bucket for camping and hiking during the winter. Nothing beats having a "hot" meal on a cold day. Word of advice, for any of these meals especially the egg based ones...make sure your heating system truly gets the water hot. I was using an Esbit stove (small) and it took forever to heat the water without truly getting hot. I now use a Jetboil and I've never looked back. Any of these meals will work though to sustain you on the trail. Some are definitely better tasting than others but it's all about your own preference.

[@AZCanner]

I used the coffee pot since I was camping with grandchildren and there was a fire restriction in place and our choice was MH or open a can. We cheated and got a cabin since it was over 100 degrees.

[@jac1207]

the granola and blueberries, hands down no contest.

[@jamesthornton3339]

Peak Refuel mountain berry, or strawberry granola are good as well. The blue berries are good but not high on my list

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

Watched the whole thing… very ASMR Thanks guys

[@thebigcoorslight]

Your guys' channel is really a hidden gem. You've really filled in the gap left by Survival Dispatch. Their channel used to be top-notch survival info and expertise. Since they went through whatever they went through last year, they have been garbage and are unwatchable now. You guys might not have the raw survival expertise the old SD group had (please don't take that the wrong way) but you do provide a lot of immensely helpful information!

[@Equip2Endure]

Much appreciated, @The Big Coors Light. We try to hit a broad spectrum of self-reliance topics, not just wilderness survival. Hope to see you around regularly. Thanks for sounding off! -Rusty

[@joymccracken1939]

Thank you guys so much for the effort in doing this taste test, it is extremely helpful! Great job here!😉😉

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

There are a lot of reasons to go with mountain house. It’s not just about taste . It’s lightweight, easy to prepare. But... bring your wallet!

[@maryburger1232]

Definetly bring your wallet, here in France they cost about $10 EACH 😭

[@gamingcollection4448]

Thank you both for your taste test

[@KorumEmrys]

Are you guys even Friends? The vibe I get is "Hey, we just work this KZbin" channel together, but NO!

[@Equip2Endure]

😆 Funny enough... we're like family. We might just come off a little gruff to some. -Rusty

[@tolson57]

RE: Scrambled Eggs: Chris: You are "Afraid" of it because it is watery? You act as thou you think too much water is going to give you food poisoning. WTF? PS Moutain House Freeze Dried food is fully cooked. You are not cooking it when you add boiling water, you are only rehydrating it.

[@ilovethe80s74]

LOL! I thought he said brisket too. I had trouble with the eggs fully rehydrating as well. They were still a little dry on the inside. Lasagna was my favorite and the ice cream sandwiches were good. The texture reminded me of Styrofoam, but it was tasty Styrofoam.

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad I wasn't the only one. Though it is understandable... I often have good brisket on the mind. Thanks for watching, @I Love The 80's! -Rusty

[@Badbeau]

I have seen other videos where they tell you to make sure the water is boiling when poured in, and you put LESS than called for. After your first wait and stir, you then add the rest of freshly boiling water, stir, and finish the wait. This would also allow you to wait longer without it getting cold.

[@RogersGirl88]

Im bummed that i found a few of these in my old survival kit but they “expired” 2 years ago. Does anyone know if that is just a taste thing? Dont they last like forever if the bag isnt punctured?

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching, MSM! Open one and see if it passes the smell test. What I have heard is that the food just drops off in nutritional value after that long, even if it hasn't gone bad. -Rusty

[@marzsit9833]

oregon freeze dry (the company that makes mountain house) does ongoing tests of old product to see how long they will last. according to them, pouches will still taste the same and have the same nutritional value 9 years after the manufacturing date. canned food apparently will last almost forever as food that was packed in 1969 was still good in 2020 and they have never found a bad can of food in the company's history.

[@frankkelly6016]

If you take biscuits n gravy & put it over the top of the breakfast skillet it’s AWESOMMMMMMME ! Oh & your suppose to dump excessive water from the eggs ! I have tried just about every mre from most countries and I have to say that mountain house meals. Hands down they are the best ! But that’s just me.

[@drewschneider6588]

Have you tried Peak ReFuel? I’ve found those to far exceed mountain house.

[@tamaralambert2403]

Thankyou for tasting all the meals will buy some next time Iam out to Walmart

[@Equip2Endure]

Happy to help and thanks for watching. Be sure to compare the prices. You can get 10% off using our coupon online - which might end up costing less than Walmart. -Rusty

[@thebigcoorslight]

Thanks for doing this! There isn't much info out there about some of the lesser-known varieties.

[@Equip2Endure]

That’s exactly why we did it. Glad it was useful for you. Stay tuned for the comparison to other manufacturers.

[@MountainHouseMeals]

Agreed! E2E did an amazing job running through all of our recipes. This has NEVER been done before, even by our employees. Great job E2E!!

[@mik3ymomo]

@@MountainHouseMeals E2E’s review convinced me to place a $900 order tonight on your site. Everyone is a winner.

[@ritastevenson5639]

after many backpacking trips, I have found that it's always best to add about an eighth a cup less water, sometimes up to a fourth, than what is called for. I've never had a problem with anything being runny/watery after that.

[@chaseb4828]

I wish Fettuccine Alfredo w/ chicken was available in #10 cans

[@lyndajones6605]

you should have used disposable bowls.. you kept using the same bowl..wasnt the flavors of the other dishes mixing?...

[@captaincodebook3200]

So jealous...I love MH. I have at least 20 5 gallon buckets packed full. My family loves the chili mac, beef stroganoff, lasagna, pad Thai, chicken rice and I am a yellow curry nut. Eat them a few times a month when out in the field. I keep the water in a yeti thermos until lunch. Pita bread to soak up the sauce.

[@Equip2Endure]

@Captain Codebook - Way to be prepared! My previous favorite was the alfredo, until I had the curry. I was surprised at just how good it is. Thanks for sounding off! Have any favorites that are no longer offered? -Rusty

[@MountainHouseMeals]

The hot water in a thermos is a pro tip! Great way to make an easy meal without having to take a stove with you.

[@maryburger1232]

They are about $10 EACH here in France, can't afford those rediculous prices !

[@bethanyjoy9344]

You guys are great! ♥️ your presentation.

[@northernninety7]

Chicken fajita bowl is the best entree one I've had so far. But I still have to try the alfredo one.

[@johnbishop2356]

Hi awesome video. I just wanted to let you know your volume went down not to long after yall started. GOD BLESS

[@mitchweigel6713]

I don't leave the house with out a M H biscuit & gravy, SO good!

[@Equip2Endure]

That's a smart thing to do, Mitch! Thanks for watching and sounding off. We just had another comment where the viewer said they like to add bacon to the B&G. Let us know if you try it too. -Rusty

[@jeremybain4305]

Drinking game…take a shot every time they say, “It’s pretty good”

[@MilwaukeeGhilie]

Hard to hear u guys and I have full volume up not a slam glad u guys did this

[@YuriBaskov-d2z]

Hands down Mountain house is the best!!! I had many verities of meals on my Thru hike of the Appalachian trail.

[@Mountainhomesweetlife]

Love mountain house. The curry is my favorite.

[@Equip2Endure]

The curry was fantastic. Thanks for watching! -Rusty

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

Biscuits and gravy is my fav, can be any meal you want. #2 is the Beef Stew. When I'm out flopping around out of doors with another person I'll add a sidekick or another item to add to it. I packed some rice and dehydrated veggies as a spanish rice type, add the extra water and rice right to the meal.

[@shaylajay190]

YOU CAN ALWAYS ADD YOUR OWN HERBS OR SPICES ! ✌️❤️💥😇🖖

[@dru370]

Great job , I think this is one of the best reviews I have seen.

[@Equip2Endure]

Glad you liked, @ Dru! Stay tuned for more! -Rusty