Dehydrated Meals

About

Dehydrated and freeze-dried meals are the most practical way to eat well on multi-day tramping trips. Lightweight, long shelf life, and just-add-boiling-water preparation — they take up minimal pack space and require minimal cook gear. On a long day on the Routeburn or a hut night on the Heaphy, a hot meal that actually tastes good makes a real difference. Our dehydrated meal range is led by Back Country Cuisine — an Invercargill-based company that sources NZ ingredients and produces some of the best-tasting freeze-dried meals available. Real meals designed for real NZ conditions, not just calorie-dense slop. Dehydrated vs Freeze-Dried: What's the Difference? Freeze-dried meals are processed at low temperature under vacuum — they retain more flavour, texture, and nutrition than dehydrated alternatives, and rehydrate faster. They're the premium option and what Back Country Cuisine produces. Dehydrated meals use heat to remove moisture — slightly heavier and slower to rehydrate, but more affordable. For most NZ trampers, freeze-dried is worth the price difference on multi-day trips. How to Choose Calorie count: On a full day's tramping with a loaded pack, most adults need 500–700+ calories per meal. Check the label — some "two-serve" pouches are actually 350 calories per serve, which won't cut it after a big day. Serve size: Back Country Cuisine offers single and double serve options. For hungry trampers or long days, the double serve is worth carrying. Water requirement: Most meals require 350–500ml of boiling water. Factor this into your water planning on dry routes. Dietary requirements: Back Country Cuisine has a strong vegetarian and gluten-free range — check the collection for options. Frequently Asked Questions Are dehydrated meals worth it for NZ tramping? Yes — particularly for multi-day trips where every gram counts and hut kitchens may be limited. A 150g pouch that provides 600+ calories and takes 10 minutes to prepare is hard to beat on weight, convenience

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