Makers of Prepared Backcountry Meals

AMC Outdoors, September 2002

By Michael Lanza

Listed below are the companies whose products are reviewed, with information about each food line. Some websites provide nutritional stats.

AlpineAire Foods (www.aa-foods.com) contain no preservatives, coloring, or MSG. AlpineAire has foods for people who are gluten-intolerant and a new line of low-carbohydrate soups.

Backpacker's Pantry (www.backpackerspantry.com) meals generally offer larger portions than others and have no MSG. BP's Campfood line of meals are less expensive and feature two 10-oz. servings per package.

Mountain House (www.mountainhouse.com) products include single-serve, double-serve, and four-serve entrees.

MSR Mountain Gourmet Foods (www.msrcorp.com or www.backcountryfoods.com) are all organic and vegetarian; they also tend to be lower in sodium, more exotic, and spicier than most competitors' products, but you don't get a lot of food for your dollar.

Richmoor/Natural High (www.richmoor.com) makes the food lines sold under both names. Natural High contains no MSG, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. Richmoor is known for its traditional flavors and meals.

—Michael Lanza is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.