Why Freeze-Dried Meals Outshine MREs for Outdoor Adventures
When it comes to fuelling your outdoor adventures, the choice between freeze-dried meals and MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) can significantly impact your experience. While MREs have their place, freeze-dried meals offer undeniable advantages for most trampers, hunters, and adventurers. Let’s break down why freeze-dried meals are the better choice for the majority of outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Weight Matters: The Lightness of Freeze-Dried Meals
One of the biggest advantages of freeze-dried meals is their weight—or lack thereof. Freeze-drying removes nearly all the water content from the food, leaving you with a lightweight, pack-friendly meal option. MREs, on the other hand, are significantly heavier because they retain their water content.
For example, a typical freeze-dried meal might weigh around 100 grams, while an equivalent MRE can weigh up to 500 grams. Over a multi-day trip, this weight difference adds up. If you’re carrying meals for five days, freeze-dried options could save you up to 2-4 kilograms in your pack! Provided you have access to water—a staple in most outdoor locations—freeze-dried meals are a game-changer for reducing your load.
2. Simplicity and Ease of Preparation
Cooking in the outdoors should be simple and stress-free. Freeze-dried meals excel here, requiring only the addition of water—hot or cold. This minimal preparation makes them perfect for campers, trampers, and hunters who often rely on lightweight stoves designed solely for boiling water.
MREs, by contrast, are more complex to heat. Many include flameless ration heaters that require careful use and can risk uneven heating or even burning the food. Additionally, the heating process for MREs often demands more time and effort, while freeze-dried meals are ready to eat as soon as they’re rehydrated.
3. Fuel Efficiency
Since freeze-dried meals only require boiling water, they allow you to use less stove fuel compared to cooking or heating an MRE. This efficiency means you can carry smaller fuel canisters, further lightening your pack. In a world where every gram counts, this is a significant advantage.
4. Superior Shelf Life
Freeze-dried technology excels in preserving food for extended periods. Freeze-dried meals can last 10+ years when stored properly, making them an excellent choice for emergency preparedness or long-term storage. MREs, while convenient, typically have a shelf life of 3-5 years. If you’re planning to store meals for future trips or keep some on hand for emergencies, freeze-dried meals are the clear winner.
5. Variety and Taste
Freeze-dried meals often come in a wider variety of flavours and cuisines, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Brands like Real Meals focus on creating delicious, nourishing options that are a joy to eat after a long day outdoors. While MREs have improved over the years, their taste and texture often fall short compared to the fresh and vibrant flavours of freeze-dried meals.
6. Compact Packaging
Freeze-dried meals are typically vacuum-sealed and take up less space in your pack compared to bulkier MREs. This compactness is a huge benefit for anyone trying to maximize their pack’s efficiency.
When MREs Might Be the Better Choice
While freeze-dried meals have many advantages, MREs have their place in specific situations:
- Cost: MREs are generally more affordable than freeze-dried meals due to their simpler production process. If budget is a primary concern, MREs may be a more economical option.
- Water Availability: If you’re heading into an area where water is scarce or difficult to access, MREs—which include their own water content—can be a lifesaver.
The Final Word
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your trip’s needs and priorities. For most adventurers, the light weight, ease of preparation, fuel efficiency, and long shelf life of freeze-dried meals make them the superior option.
Whatever you choose, remember that food is an essential part of your outdoor experience. It’s more than just fuel; it’s a moment to pause, recharge, and savour the journey. Make your choice wisely and enjoy every bite!
Why Freeze Dried is better than MRE
