Mountain House is one of the most popular brands for freeze-dried backpacking and emergency food. They offer both Pro Pak and Regular meal kits with differences in calories, shelf life, and packaging.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of the key features of Mountain House Pro Pak and Regular kits to help you decide which is better for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Mountain House Pro Pak | Mountain House Regular |
| Calories per pouch | 640-1200 | 190-1320 |
| Shelf life | 30 years | 7-30 years |
| Packaging | Thicker, more durable | Standard pouches |
| Variety | More limited selection | Wider variety of meals |
| Portion size | Larger servings | Smaller servings |
| Price | More expensive | Lower cost per pouch |
| Best for | Long-term storage, larger groups | Short trips, smaller groups |
Overview of Mountain House Pro Pak
The Mountain House Pro Pak line features high-calorie pouches designed for longer term storage and larger groups. Key features include:
- Shelf life of 30 years when stored properly
- Thicker, heavy-duty packaging for durability
- Larger portion sizes with 640-1200 calories per pouch
- More limited meal selection (13 entrees)
- Higher price point per pouch
- Best for long-term emergency food storage, larger groups
- Includes basics like rice, chicken, beef, eggs, beans
The Pro Pak line is Mountain House’s premium offering focused on maximum shelf life and reliable nutrition for emergencies and large groups. The pouches are significantly thicker and more durable than regular pouches. The entrees are more basic but provide sufficient calories.
Overview of Mountain House Regular
Mountain House Regular line offers a wider variety of freeze-dried meals in smaller portions for short trips and smaller groups. Key features include:
- Shelf life ranging from 7-30 years depending on meal
- Standard thinner pouches
- Smaller portion sizes from 190-1320 calories per pouch
- Wider selection with over 50 meal options
- Lower average cost per pouch
- Best for shorter trips, smaller groups
- More unique entrees beyond basic rice, beans, chicken
The regular line focuses on providing variety and smaller portions best suited for short backpacking trips or small families. The pouches are thinner and more typical of the freeze-dried industry. The entrees are more varied, including options like lasagna, chicken fried rice, and chili mac.
Also Read: Comparison Between Flexpro Meals And Trifecta
Key Differences Between Pro Pak and Regular
When it comes to preparing for emergencies or even just enjoying a camping trip, the kind of food you bring along matters a lot. Between Pro Pak and Regular, there are key differences. Let’s take a closer look.
- Shelf Life
One of the primary concerns when storing food for emergencies is its longevity. How long will it last before it becomes inedible?
Pro Pak: Pro Pak comes with a guarantee that is almost unbeatable – a 30-year shelf life. Imagine packing away food today and having it remain fresh and safe to eat three decades later!
This assurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that your emergency food supply is secure for a very long time, even if you forget about it.
Regular: On the other hand, the shelf life for the Regular line can be a bit unpredictable. Depending on the specific meal, its lifespan can be anywhere from 7 to 30 years. This range means that while some meals can last as long as the Pro Pak, others might expire much sooner.
For someone planning for shorter-term emergencies or needs, this might be sufficient. But, it certainly doesn’t provide the long-term security that Pro Pak does.
- Packaging
Packaging can make a difference, especially if the food is going to be stored in conditions that might be less than ideal.
Pro Pak: Pro Pak prides itself on its robust packaging. Its pouches are thick and heavy-duty, designed to withstand not just time but also potential external threats like punctures or adverse conditions.
For those looking to stockpile food, perhaps in a basement, attic, or a remote cabin, Pro Pak ensures that external factors won’t compromise the food.
Regular: With the Regular line, the packaging is not as formidable. While it’s decent and will protect the food for its intended shelf life, it’s more prone to damages like punctures.
For short-term needs or when careful handling is guaranteed, this might not be an issue. But for long-term storage, especially in environments where accidents might occur, this could be a concern.
- Variety
A variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. When it comes to food, having diverse options can make a difference, especially during stressful times.
Pro Pak: Pro Pak keeps things simple and sticks to the basics. The selection might be limited to staples like rice, beans, and chicken, but these are nutritionally dense foods. In emergencies, nutritional value often trumps taste, ensuring you’re getting essential nutrients.
Regular: The Regular line, however, offers a delightful culinary journey. From lasagna to pad thai, the range is vast.
For those who value taste and are looking for a bit of comfort during their outdoor adventures, the Regular line might be more appealing.
- Portion Size
Whether you’re solo trekking or with a group, portion sizes can dictate how much you need to carry and how long your food supplies will last.
Pro Pak: Pro Pak meals are substantial. Ranging from 640 to 1200 calories, they’re designed to feed groups.
If you have a family or a group of people, one pouch from Pro Pak can ensure everyone gets fed. This means fewer pouches to carry for the same number of mouths, reducing bulk and weight.
Regular: The Regular meals vary widely from 190 to 1320 calories, catering more to individual needs. While it can cater to groups, it would require more pouches, making it a bit cumbersome. But for solo hikers or pairs, it’s perfect.
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- Price
Pro Pak: Given its enhanced packaging, longer shelf life, and larger portions, Pro Pak is, understandably, pricier. While some might baulk at the cost, considering it an investment in long-term security can make the expense justifiable.
Regular: The Regular line is lighter on the pocket. For those on a tighter budget or not looking for long-term storage, this is a cost-effective option that still delivers quality.
- Best Uses
Pro Pak is designed with the future in mind. Its durability, extensive shelf life, and larger portion sizes make it perfect for those planning for the long term, like for emergency bunkers or large group outings.
Regular shines for short-term needs. Whether it’s a weekend hike, a short camping trip, or a quick backup meal option at home, its variety and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice.
Both Pro Pak and Regular have their strengths and best-use scenarios. Your choice between the two will largely depend on your specific needs, budget, and future plans.
Whatever you choose, ensuring you have a reliable food source in times of need or adventure is always a wise decision.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ka’Chava And Whey Protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The key differences are Pro Pak has a 30 year guaranteed shelf life, thicker packaging, larger serving sizes focused on basics like rice and beans, and a higher price point. The Regular line has varying shelf lives up to 30 years, smaller portions, more meal variety, and a lower average cost.
Pro Pak pouches are guaranteed to last 30 years when stored properly. Regular pouches vary from 7-30 years depending on the meal, with an average of 10-15 years. Storing them unopened in a dark, dry, temperature controlled environment maximizes shelf life.
In 2020, Mountain House upgraded the Pro Pak line to thicker, heavier duty pouches to improve durability. The Regular pouches have not changed. So current Pro Pak pouches are easy to distinguish with their thicker construction.
Mountain House meals are generally healthy, made from real food that is freeze-dried to preserve nutrients. They are low fat, sodium, and cholesterol. The calorie content ranges widely based on portion size from 190-1200 per pouch. Overall, they provide balanced nutrition convenient for backpacking or emergencies.
Also Read: Differences Between Stamets 7 And MyCommunity.
Final Thoughts
For maximizing shelf life and emergency preparedness, Mountain House Pro Pak is worth the extra investment.
The thick packaging and 30 year guarantee provide peace of mind. For recreational backpacking and short trips, the Regular line offers variety and lower cost.
Either way, Mountain House makes high-quality freeze-dried meals that provide reliable nutrition whenever you need it. Consider your primary usage, group size, and budget to decide if Pro Pak or Regular is the best choice for you.