The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup Made a Bold First Impression
The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup promises a hearty, convenient meal for outdoor adventures. Manufactured by Readywise, this pouch aims to deliver cheesy potato goodness with minimal fuss, needing only water for preparation. I’ve spent years relying on various dehydrated and freeze-dried meals during expeditions, constantly seeking the elusive balance between taste, convenience, and nutritional value.
What prompted me to try this particular product was an upcoming solo backpacking trip in the unforgiving terrain of the White Mountains. I was looking for a lightweight, calorie-dense option that wouldn’t require extensive cooking or cleanup, something that could easily be prepared directly in its packaging. My experiences with prior brands often left me disappointed with either bland flavors or cumbersome preparation processes.
Unboxing the Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup, I was immediately struck by its compact size and the resealable pouch. The packaging felt sturdy and reliable, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of being jostled around in my pack. The listed weight was reassuringly light, a critical factor when every ounce counts.
I’ve previously used similar products from Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry. While those brands have their merits, the Readywise option stood out due to its promise of direct-pouch preparation and its affordability at $6.49 per pouch. The other brands tend to be pricier, which adds up quickly over a multi-day trip.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The promise of a simple, cheesy potato soup after a long day of hiking sounded incredibly appealing. I was eager to see if the actual taste and ease of preparation would live up to the initial promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup on the second night of my White Mountains backpacking trip. After a grueling day of navigating rocky trails and steep inclines, I was ready for a warm, comforting meal. The weather was damp and chilly, adding extra weight to my pack and making a hot meal even more desirable.
The preparation was remarkably simple. I added the recommended amount of boiling water directly to the pouch, stirred thoroughly, and sealed it. After the recommended wait time of about 10-15 minutes, the soup was ready. Eating directly from the pouch eliminated the need for extra dishes and cleanup, a major advantage in the backcountry.
Initially, the taste was surprisingly pleasant. The cheesy flavor was present, though not overpowering, and the potato chunks were reasonably soft. However, the consistency was a bit thin, more like a broth than a hearty soup. I also noticed a slightly artificial aftertaste, common in many dehydrated meals but still noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks, I tested this soup a few more times in different conditions. I found that adding slightly less water improved the consistency, making it a bit thicker and more palatable. The pouches held up well during transport and storage, showing no signs of leakage or damage.
The durability of the pouch is impressive, withstanding being packed, unpacked, and generally abused in my hiking bag without issue. Cleaning is non-existent, as you eat directly from the pouch, then pack it out as trash; maintenance couldn’t be easier. It outperforms some of the other brands I’ve used in terms of ease of preparation and cleanup, but it falls slightly short in terms of overall flavor compared to Mountain House’s offerings.
Breaking Down the Features of Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup
Specifications
- Each pouch of Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup contains 2.5 servings. This makes it suitable for a hungry individual or a light meal for two.
- The pouch is resealable, allowing for easy storage of leftovers if you don’t consume the entire serving. This is a great feature for minimizing waste and keeping your pack organized.
- The lightweight design makes it easily portable on any outdoor adventure. Every ounce matters, so this is a significant advantage.
- Preparation is incredibly simple: just add water. This minimizes cooking time and cleanup.
Performance & Functionality
The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup performs its primary function adequately: providing a quick and easy meal in the outdoors. The convenience factor is its biggest strength. Its flavor profile could be more robust, but it is acceptable given its lightweight and simple preparation.
The major strength of this product is its ease of use, especially in situations where time and resources are limited. The main weakness is its slightly artificial flavor and thinner consistency. It meets the basic expectations of a dehydrated meal, offering convenience and sustenance, but it doesn’t necessarily exceed them in terms of taste.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent. The pouch is sturdy and reliable, and the resealable design is a plus. The lightweight nature of the pouch contributes to overall comfort when carrying it in a backpack.
The product is user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. Simply add water, stir, wait, and eat.
Durability & Maintenance
The packaging is durable enough to withstand typical outdoor use, lasting throughout a trip without tearing or leaking. Maintenance is extremely simple, since you simply discard the pouch after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup doesn’t come with any accessories, nor is there much scope for customization, as it’s a pre-packaged meal. However, one could potentially add spices or hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
The product is designed to be self-contained and is not intended to be used with external accessories.
Pros and Cons of Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Easy and quick preparation with just water.
- Resealable pouch for convenient storage.
- Affordable price point ($6.49 per pouch).
- Minimal cleanup required.
Cons
- Somewhat thin consistency.
- Slightly artificial aftertaste.
- Flavor profile could be more robust.
Who Should Buy Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup?
The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup is perfect for backpackers, hikers, and campers who prioritize convenience and lightweight gear. It is also suitable for survivalists seeking easily prepared food rations. Anyone looking for a quick and easy meal during short outdoor excursions would benefit from this product.
This product might not be ideal for gourmands or individuals with very discerning palates. Those who prefer richer, more complex flavors should skip this product. Anyone expecting a gourmet dining experience in the backcountry will likely be disappointed.
A must-have modification would be to add dehydrated vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Conclusion on Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup
The Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup offers a convenient and affordable solution for quick meals in the outdoors. While its flavor and consistency might not be exceptional, its ease of preparation and lightweight design make it a worthwhile option for backpackers and campers. Its value proposition is strong, particularly for budget-conscious adventurers.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone seeking a fuss-free meal option for their next outdoor adventure. Its simplicity and portability make it a practical choice. Don’t expect a culinary masterpiece, but do expect a reasonably tasty and filling meal with minimal effort. Grab a pouch of Readywise Open Range Cheesy Potato Soup and make your next adventure a little easier.