Shortage of Freeze Dried Camp Food This Summer

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Steven over at My Life Outdoors posted a report yesterday, that as a result of economic times and natural disasters, makers of freeze dried foods, like Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry, are currently experiencing shortages due to high demand. The shortages, according to his report, are likely to persist through the summer hiking season.

Steven even went so far as to check in with his local Mountain House retailer in Midland, Texas, and found the shelves bare.

But backpackers and campers don't despair, it looks like both REI and Amazonstill have plenty of freeze dried meals from which to choose from.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

5 comments

My Life Outdoors said...

On further inspection Backpackers Pantry doesn't seem to be having as much of a shortage in stock as Mountain House. From the best I can tell...BP is simply experiencing a spike in sales as MH is becoming harder to find. I suspect as summer nears it will be harder and harder to find supplies in stock.

The Smoky Mountain Hiker said...

I can understand the run on freeze dried food due to all the recent disasters, but it doesn't seem to make sense that people would buy these foods due to the economy - seems there are much cheaper options for feeding your family.

Great find though.

My Life Outdoors said...

The only reason I can suspect economy is a factor is the long shelf life of freeze dried food. The pouches last 7 years, and the cans last 25 years on the shelf. If you are expecting a economic crisis similar to the depression...I guess you might stack up on food that can sit on the shelf until you need it. But then again...don't most canned goods last that long?

The Smoky Mountain Hiker said...

MLO - you make a great point. No, I think freeze dried food will last longer than normal canned foods. I believe the shelf life for canned foods is normally in the 2-3 year range - at least based on the dates that are stamped on them.

Anonymous said...

If you want to be prepared you need to stock up on freeze dried food.