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Where do you find the best deal (lowest prices) on Mountain House or other freeze dried foods?

I've looked at Midway USA, campmor, gander mountain, bass pro, etc...

I'm heading to Arizona in November for a backpack hunt and starting to gather supplies.

I've done alot of long range hiking and ultra light camping - never got into de-hydrating my own food.

Just looking for leads, thanks,

Emergency essentials just had a 30-50 percent off sale, plus if you spent 150 they gave you 50 off. Check their site they do it about 1x a month.

Costco used to have Mountain House meals on a seasonal basis. I have also purchased online from cheaper than dirt.

What hunt in AZ are you backpacking for?

Right after I posted that I was dorking around and found some at camp saver, plus 10% discount for signing up. Thank you!

Walmart and fred meyer have great discouts in the fall, 5 bucks apiece. The costci deal is only 4 basic meals. Fred meyer and walmart are all varieties. Try the italian pepper steak.

Watch amazon, they do great deals on and off.

+1 on Emergency Essentials. If you really want to save buy the #10 cans and repackage into individual servings. There store brand freeze dried stuff is also good.

Costco. They're the lowest cost. Box of 12 (or 16?) meals. Only problem is you get their choices not to pick and choose.

I've not tried any yet, but I plan on ordering some of Heather's Choice, its high calorie dehydrated ...NOT freeze dried.

Heathers Choice linky

Be Safe

Thanks claybreaker, Mountain House has been ok but I'll be trying Heather's Choice next. It looks pretty good.

Our Costco has Mtn House boxes with 13 pouches said to contain 36 meals. $45.

Edited to say 13 pouches with 32 meals. $46

That's a awesome deal that I'd jump on in a minute, but there are no Costo's in my area.

I shopped in one with a friend in Washington once and was impressed by the store. Sams Club pales in comparison.

Heathers choice is 15 a meal plus shipping. Outrageous. The popular brands are 7 a meal or 5 on sale. Rei gives you 10 percent off all major brands if you buy 10. I stock up at fred meyer buy 2 get one free. Epicenter in oregon has some deals also.

MIke, Sorry Missed that, Coues Deer, way down south, with a member here.

I was thinking of trying this sampler:

http://www.heatherschoice.com/products/heathers-choice-sampler-box

makes it a little bit cheaper to try something different I'm thinking....

The problem with Freeze Dried food is it's a chemical mess. I've gotten to where I can barely tolerate it (physically). I just don't like putting that kind of chit in my body.

So in recent years I've switched back to slightly heavier, more cook-time required dehydrated meals. The "Heathers Choice" linked above is NOT freeze dried... it's dehydrated, like these linked below.

Haven't tried this yet, but plan to:

http://hawkvittles.com/

Pretty good:

http://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/Food

My favorite:

http://outdoorherbivore.com/

Freeze dryers large enough to produce at a retail level are incredibly expensive. Heck, they're even expensive at a personal-sized level:

https://harvestright.com/

Our backpacking buddy just bought one of the Harvest Right freeze driers. Will be testing out meals this summer. Good old organic elk and antelope will figure into some of the meals!

I'm glad you posted this list. I'm with you - I can't stomach most of the freeze dried foods. Most Mtn House meals makes me gag after a couple spoonfuls.

My wife is vegan (I'm not) and the link to outdoor omnivore is the bomb.

She's a Girl Scout leader and has been looking for freeze-dried foods.

Thanks!

I have eaten too many Mountain House and intend to try these dehydrated products instead.

How much more cook time is to be expected?

How much water is needed compared to freeze dried?

I can't even stomach the idea of bringing myself to try that Outdoor Herbivore vegan stuff. It's against my religion!