Let’s Talk About Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy
Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy is a freeze-dried meal designed to bring the comfort of a classic Southern breakfast to the backcountry. From Mountain House, a well-known name in the outdoor food industry, this offering promises a quick, convenient, and surprisingly tasty start to any adventure. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little taste of home when you’re miles away.
I was searching for a lightweight, easy-to-prepare breakfast option for my upcoming backpacking trip in the Smokies. Tired of bland granola bars and instant oatmeal, I yearned for something more substantial and satisfying to fuel my early morning hikes. Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon receiving the package, I was impressed by the compact and lightweight design. The pouch felt durable, and the image of fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy gravy was certainly enticing. My initial thought was, “Can something this convenient really taste good?”.
Compared to other backpacking breakfasts I’ve tried, like instant grits or breakfast bars, the Mountain House option stood out due to its promise of a complete meal experience. While oatmeal and bars are certainly lighter, they often lack the savory element I crave. I chose Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy hoping for both convenience and flavor.
I was cautiously optimistic. The concept of freeze-dried biscuits and gravy seemed almost too good to be true, but the positive reviews and the reputation of Mountain House gave me hope. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and become a staple in my outdoor adventures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy on a chilly morning during a camping trip in the Adirondacks. The temperature hovered around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a light drizzle was falling. I needed a quick and warm breakfast to get me going.
The preparation was incredibly simple: just add boiling water to the pouch, stir, and wait. Even with the damp conditions and slightly lower water temperature from my camp stove, the meal rehydrated well within the recommended time. There were no cold spots or powdery residue.
The biscuits were surprisingly fluffy and the gravy had a creamy texture with a distinct peppery kick. I didn’t need any extra seasoning. The only minor issue was that the sausage crumbles were a bit sparse, but the overall flavor compensated for it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple backpacking trips, the Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy has become a regular part of my trail diet. The pouches have held up well in my pack, showing no signs of tearing or leaking. The 30-year shelf life provides great peace of mind for long-term storage.
I’ve found the meal to be consistently tasty and filling, regardless of the weather conditions. Clean-up is a breeze, as there’s no need for extra dishes. You simply eat straight from the pouch and pack it out.
Compared to other freeze-dried meals I’ve tried, Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy consistently delivers on taste and convenience. Some other brands require more precise water measurements or longer rehydration times, but this option is remarkably foolproof. It surpasses my expectations and provides a comforting and satisfying breakfast, time and time again.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy
Specifications
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy boasts several key specifications that contribute to its appeal. Its weight is 4.4 oz per pouch, making it a lightweight option for backpacking. It’s packaged in a sturdy, bowl-like pouch.
Each package contains 2 servings, offering a substantial meal for one or a smaller portion for two. The preparation time is just 9 minutes, ideal for quick and easy breakfasts. Mountain House advertises an impressive shelf life of 30 years.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the convenience and practicality of the meal in an outdoor setting. The lightweight nature minimizes pack weight, while the quick preparation time allows for more time on the trail. The long shelf life makes it a suitable option for emergency preparedness kits or long-term storage.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy performs its job exceptionally well by providing a hot, filling, and flavorful breakfast in a matter of minutes. The gravy rehydrates to a creamy consistency, and the biscuits retain a surprisingly soft texture. The sausage adds a savory element that enhances the overall taste.
The strengths lie in its ease of preparation, satisfying flavor, and long shelf life. The only area for improvement would be to include a slightly more generous portion of sausage. Overall, it far exceeds expectations for a freeze-dried meal.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy features a simple yet effective design. The pouch is made of durable, multi-layered material that is both waterproof and tear-resistant. Its bowl-like shape allows for easy eating directly from the pouch.
The lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a backpack or store in an emergency kit. There’s virtually no learning curve; the instructions are clear and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
With a 30-year shelf life, the Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy is designed for long-term storage. The pouch is durable and resists tearing or puncturing under normal packing conditions. There’s essentially no maintenance required other than properly storing the unopened pouch.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy doesn’t require any specific accessories, as the pouch itself functions as both a cooking container and a bowl. However, some people may choose to add a sprinkle of hot sauce or extra pepper to customize the flavor to their liking. While there aren’t many modification options, the product is designed for straightforward, no-fuss consumption. It’s also great by itself.
Pros and Cons of Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy
Pros
- Extremely convenient: Quick and easy to prepare, requiring only hot water.
- Delicious flavor: Replicates the taste of homemade biscuits and gravy remarkably well, with a satisfying peppery kick.
- Lightweight and compact: Ideal for backpacking and other weight-conscious activities.
- Long shelf life: The 30-year shelf life makes it perfect for emergency preparedness and long-term storage.
- Minimal cleanup: Eat directly from the pouch, eliminating the need for extra dishes.
Cons
- Sausage portion could be more generous.
- Some may find the sodium content high.
Who Should Buy Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy?
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy is perfect for backpackers, campers, hikers, and anyone seeking a quick, convenient, and tasty breakfast option in the outdoors. It’s also an excellent choice for preppers and those building emergency food supplies. This is great if you value convenience and great taste.
People who are highly sensitive to sodium or who prefer strictly organic or all-natural ingredients might want to skip this product. Additionally, those seeking a meal with a high protein content might find the sausage portion insufficient.
A long-handled spoon or spork is a must-have accessory for eating directly from the pouch. Also, a small bottle of your favorite hot sauce can add an extra kick for those who enjoy a spicier breakfast.
Conclusion on Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy
The Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy delivers on its promise of providing a comforting and convenient breakfast option for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. Its ease of preparation, surprisingly delicious flavor, and long shelf life make it a standout product in the freeze-dried meal category. The flavor of the Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy is great.
At $10.95, the price is justified by the convenience, taste, and long shelf life, especially when compared to other backpacking meal options. It is definitely worth the price.
I would absolutely recommend the Mountain House Biscuits And Gravy to anyone looking for a hassle-free and satisfying breakfast in the backcountry or for stocking their emergency food supplies. It’s a little taste of home, wherever your adventures take you. Grab a pouch and experience the convenience and flavor for yourself!