The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen a lot of dehydrated and freeze-dried meals promising a taste of home on the trail. The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack caught my eye because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good chicken pot pie? Could Wise Foods really deliver that comforting, savory flavor in a lightweight, shelf-stable package?
I was constantly searching for reliable, tasty, and easy-to-prepare meals for extended backpacking trips. Weight and convenience are paramount, but flavor is the key to morale, especially when facing challenging conditions. I needed something more exciting than the usual bland fare often found in outdoor food kits.
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack arrived in a sturdy, resealable bucket, a good sign for long-term storage. Peeking inside, the individual meal pouches looked well-sealed and compact. The packaging promised a “Country-Style Chicken Pot Pie” with herb-roasted chicken, vegetables, and buttery biscuits; quite a claim for dehydrated food.
Compared to other backpacking meals I’ve tried, like Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry options, the Wise Foods offering seemed less focused on purely minimalist ingredients and more ambitious in its flavor profile. While those brands often offer straightforward staples, Wise Foods promised a more complex dish, which swayed my decision. The price point, at $54.49 for six meals, felt reasonable compared to individual pouches of similar quality.
My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. After years in the field, I know that outdoor food can be hit or miss. However, the promise of chicken pot pie and the robust packaging gave me hope. Only real-world testing would reveal whether Wise Foods could truly deliver.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I took a Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack on a three-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The weather was variable, with sunshine, rain, and dropping temperatures at night. The meals were prepped at a remote campsite next to a frigid mountain lake.
Preparing the meal was straightforward; just add boiling water to the pouch, stir, and wait about 12-15 minutes. The rehydration process seemed effective, and the aroma was surprisingly appealing, smelling convincingly like a pot pie. The ease of preparation was a major plus after a long day of hiking.
The taste was… interesting. It definitely resembled chicken pot pie, with discernible chicken and vegetable flavors. The biscuit component, while slightly mushy, added a welcome texture. The salt content was noticeable, probably necessary for preservation and flavor enhancement in the field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple backpacking trips, the Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack has held up surprisingly well. The pouches have remained airtight and waterproof, even when subjected to rough handling in my pack. No signs of leakage or degradation were noticed.
Durability is excellent, with the bucket itself showing no wear despite being transported frequently. The individual meal pouches are also robust, resisting punctures and tears. Cleaning up after the meal is as simple as packing out the empty pouch, leaving minimal trace.
Compared to some other dehydrated meals I’ve tried, the Wise Foods pot pie is definitely more flavorful and satisfying. While it’s not exactly grandma’s homemade pie, it’s a palatable and convenient option for backcountry adventures. The portion size is adequate for a single hungry hiker.
Breaking Down the Features of Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack
Specifications
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack offers a convenient and lightweight meal solution for outdoor enthusiasts. Each pack contains two servings of chicken pot pie, designed for easy preparation in the field. This means each bucket contains 12 total servings.
Key specs include:
- Serving Size: Two servings per pouch.
- Main Ingredients: Herb-roasted chicken, assorted vegetables, buttery biscuits.
- Preparation: Requires adding boiling water.
- Packaging: Six individual pouches per resealable bucket.
- Shelf Life: Up to 25 years (according to Wise Foods).
These specifications translate directly to performance: the two-serving size is suitable for one very hungry person or two lighter eaters. The simple preparation is critical in situations where time and resources are limited. The long shelf life makes it ideal for emergency preparedness.
Performance & Functionality
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack performs its primary function effectively: providing a quick and easy meal in outdoor settings. Rehydration is generally good, although occasionally some ingredients may remain slightly dehydrated. The flavor is surprisingly robust, considering it’s a dehydrated meal.
The main strength is convenience. Adding hot water and waiting eliminates the need for complicated cooking. The primary weakness lies in the texture, which can be somewhat mushy, depending on the rehydration time.
The product meets expectations for a dehydrated meal; it’s not gourmet, but it’s palatable and filling. The flavor profile sets it apart from simpler, less ambitious meals.
Design & Ergonomics
The packaging design is functional and durable. The resealable bucket is a great feature for protecting the pouches from damage and moisture. The individual pouches are easy to open, even with gloved hands.
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack is user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve: boil water, pour, stir, wait, and eat. The lightweight nature of the dehydrated meal makes it easy to pack and carry.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack is designed for long-term storage. With a claimed shelf life of up to 25 years, it’s built to last. Minimal maintenance is required.
Simply store the bucket in a cool, dry place. There’s no need for refrigeration or special handling. The individual pouches are sealed to protect the contents from moisture and contamination.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack doesn’t offer much in the way of accessories or customization, as it’s a self-contained meal. However, you could add spices or hot sauce to enhance the flavor to your personal preference. This is a fairly common practice among seasoned outdoorsmen.
The product is designed to be used as-is, without requiring additional equipment. A simple spoon or spork is all you need to enjoy the meal. While not specific accessories, one might consider a Jetboil or similar rapid boil device a suitable companion.
Pros and Cons of Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack
Pros
- Convenient and easy to prepare.
- Long shelf life, ideal for emergency preparedness.
- Surprisingly good flavor, resembling chicken pot pie.
- Lightweight and packable for backpacking and camping.
- Resealable bucket provides excellent protection.
Cons
- Texture can be slightly mushy.
- High sodium content may not be suitable for everyone.
Who Should Buy Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack?
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack is perfect for:
- Backpackers and campers seeking convenient and lightweight meal options.
- Preppers and survivalists looking for long-term food storage solutions.
- Anyone who wants a quick and easy meal during emergencies or power outages.
This product might not be the best choice for:
- Those who are sensitive to high sodium levels.
- Gourmet food enthusiasts who demand restaurant-quality meals in the outdoors.
Must-have accessories include: a reliable heat source (camping stove or Jetboil), a long-handled spoon or spork, and perhaps some spices or hot sauce to customize the flavor.
Conclusion on Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack
The Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack offers a surprisingly palatable and convenient solution for outdoor meals and emergency preparedness. While the texture isn’t perfect, the flavor is a definite step up from many other dehydrated options. The long shelf life and ease of preparation make it a valuable addition to any emergency kit.
At $54.49, the price is justified by the convenience, flavor, and long-term storage capabilities. For anyone seeking a tasty and reliable meal in the backcountry or during an emergency, I would definitely recommend giving the Wise Foods Outdoor Food Kit Chicken Pot Pie 6 Pack a try. The next time you are stocking your bug-out bag, take a moment to consider your food options. You’ll be glad you did!
