Mountain House Hike & Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I prepare Mountain House freeze-dried meals in the backcountry?

  Add the amount of boiling water listed on the pouch or can, stir, seal the pouch or close the lid, and wait 5–10 minutes before eating; many pouches are designed to be eaten directly from the package to minimize cleanup. No cookware beyond a pot to boil water is required, and instructions/measurements are printed on each product.
• How long will Mountain House pouches and #10 cans keep in storage?

  Most Mountain House pouches and #10 cans carry up to a 30-year shelf life when stored cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, thanks to freeze-drying and sealed packaging with oxygen absorbers. For opened pouches or cans, follow the manufacturer’s label for resealing and consumption recommendations to maintain quality.
• Are Mountain House meals calorically sufficient for multi-day, high-exertion backpacking?

  Calorie content varies by entrée and pouch size, and some users report individual pouches can be lower than needed for very high-exertion days. Check calories per serving and plan extra portions, high-calorie snacks (nuts, bars), or 2-person pouches to meet your daily energy requirements on strenuous trips.
• How do Mountain House pouches compare to #10 cans and 14-day preparedness kits?

  Pouches are compact, lightweight, often resealable, and geared toward single-serve/backpacking use, while #10 cans and 14-day preparedness kits are bulkier but optimized for long-term emergency storage and larger meal quantities. All use freeze-drying for shelf stability and taste consistency, but choose pouches for packability and cans/kits for household emergency planning.