First Thoughts on the ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, always seeking dependable solutions for unpredictable environments. The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks caught my eye as a potential game-changer for short trips where minimizing weight and maximizing convenience are paramount. It promised a simple, affordable way to ensure nutritional needs are met in demanding situations, packaged in a way that withstands the elements.
My biggest frustration with quick outdoor trips has always been the food situation. Pre-planning meals, packing ingredients, and cooking in the field eats up valuable time and energy. I’ve tried various dehydrated meals before, but often found them lacking in taste and nutritional value. The appeal of the ReadyWise kit was the all-in-one convenience and the promise of “great-tasting gourmet entrees.”
Upon receiving the kit, the first thing I noticed was the compact size of the 10 Liter dry bag. It felt reassuringly sturdy and waterproof, a critical feature given my often wet and wild adventures. I was immediately impressed by the organization within; everything was neatly packed and clearly labeled. Compared to other “emergency” food kits I’ve seen, the ReadyWise kit appeared to prioritize portability and ease of use, rather than sheer volume of food.
I had considered building my own kit with individual freeze-dried meals from different brands. I also looked at pre-packaged MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat). The ReadyWise kit stood out due to its balanced selection of entrees, breakfasts, and snacks, all within a reasonably priced, waterproof package. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put these meals to the test and see if they lived up to the promise of convenience and taste.
Real-World Testing: Putting ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks on a solo three-day backpacking trip in the Cascade Mountains. The terrain was challenging, with steep inclines and unpredictable weather patterns. The pack was put to the test, facing rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures.
Preparing the meals was incredibly simple; just add hot water, stir, and wait. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow, even in fading light at the end of a long day. The first meal I tried was the pasta primavera. I was genuinely surprised by the flavor. It wasn’t gourmet restaurant quality, but it was significantly better than other dehydrated meals I’ve had.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple trips, the ReadyWise kit has proven its reliability. The dry bag has held up admirably, keeping the contents dry even after being submerged in a creek during an unexpected downpour. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the pouches themselves, and they remain easy to open, even with cold hands.
The meals have consistently delivered on their promise of quick and easy preparation. Cleanup is a breeze. Just pack out the empty pouches. Compared to my previous experiences with preparing fresh meals on the trail, this kit has been a massive time-saver. It allowed me to focus on enjoying the wilderness, rather than stressing about cooking.
Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks
Specifications
The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks is designed for short outdoor excursions where lightweight and convenient food options are crucial. The kit includes a 10 Liter dry bag to protect the contents from moisture. It contains 6 entrees, 3 breakfasts, and 3 snacks, designed to provide sustenance for one person for three days.
The food is freeze-dried and dehydrated, then nitrogen-packed in mylar pouches to ensure a long shelf life and maintain freshness. This process reduces weight and bulk. It also helps preserve the nutritional value of the meals. While specific calorie counts vary per meal, the kit is designed to provide approximately 1200-1500 calories per day, sufficient for moderate activity.
Performance & Functionality
The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks excels in simplicity and convenience. The meals are incredibly easy to prepare. The dry bag provides excellent protection from the elements. However, the taste may not appeal to everyone.
The kit’s strength is its all-in-one design, eliminating the need to plan and pack individual meals. A weakness is the limited variety of flavors. Another weakness is the reliance on hot water, which requires a stove or fire to prepare. It meets expectations for a lightweight, convenient food solution for short outdoor trips.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for its intended use. The mylar pouches are reasonably durable. The 10 Liter dry bag is lightweight and easy to carry. The overall design emphasizes portability and functionality over aesthetics.
The kit is incredibly user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to prepare the meals. There is no learning curve involved. The clear instructions on each pouch make the process straightforward, even for novice campers.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, the freeze-dried and dehydrated meals have a long shelf life, typically 25 years. The mylar pouches are designed to withstand reasonable handling. The dry bag is durable and waterproof, ensuring the contents remain protected.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. The pouches are disposable, so there is no need for cleaning or washing. Proper disposal of the used pouches is the only required maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks comes as a complete package, with no additional accessories included. Customization is limited to supplementing the kit with additional snacks or energy bars, based on individual preferences. While you can’t swap out individual meals within the kit, you can certainly add items to round out your nutritional intake.
The kit is universally compatible with any backpacking stove or fire pit used to heat water. It doesn’t rely on any proprietary equipment or accessories. The simplicity of the kit is part of its appeal.
Pros and Cons of ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks
Pros
- Exceptional Convenience: The all-in-one kit eliminates the need for meal planning and preparation.
- Lightweight & Portable: The 10 Liter dry bag is easy to carry and minimizes pack weight.
- Long Shelf Life: Freeze-dried and dehydrated meals offer years of storage without spoilage.
- Waterproof Protection: The dry bag ensures the contents remain dry in wet conditions.
- Affordable Price: Offers a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing individual meals.
Cons
- Limited Flavor Variety: The kit offers a limited selection of entrees, breakfasts, and snacks.
- Hot Water Required: Preparation requires access to hot water, necessitating a stove or fire.
Who Should Buy ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks?
The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks is perfect for casual campers, hikers, backpackers, and survivalists seeking a convenient and lightweight food solution for short trips. It’s also ideal for anyone wanting an emergency food supply in their car or home.
Those seeking gourmet dining experiences in the outdoors should skip this product. Individuals with specific dietary restrictions or preferences may also find the limited variety of flavors and ingredients unsatisfactory.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable backpacking stove or fire starter to heat water. A lightweight insulated mug can help keep the meals warm longer.
Conclusion on ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks
The ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks offers a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing convenience and portability in their outdoor food solutions. While it may not deliver a culinary masterpiece, it provides a dependable and affordable way to ensure nutritional needs are met in challenging environments.
At $77.98, the price is justified by the all-in-one convenience and peace of mind the kit provides. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a hassle-free food solution for short outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness.
Grab a ReadyWise Outdoor Food Kit 3 Day Weekender Pack w/Dry Bag Includes 6 Entrees, 3 Breakfasts and 3 Snacks today. Simplify your next adventure and experience the convenience firsthand!