12:26 a.m. on September 25, 2008 (EDT)
I'm a huge fan of the Tasty Bite meal. The technology was developed for the indian military, and results in delicious, fatty, salty foods that are easy to prepare, and free of preservatives or trans fats. Fantastic.
In fact, part of the reason I backpack with ultralite gear is to justify bringing tasty bites! One a day, usually, unless it is a particularly long trip.
Here is what I do: remove the cardboard before packing, that removes a chunk of weight. Then wash or wipe down the foil package, the point of which will make sense in a moment.
On the trip, I boil a small amount of water for heating the pouch. I use that water to make tea (hence the reason for washing the pouch off before leaving). If it is hot out, I don't even boil the pouch, I just leave it in the sun for a while.
Once, at Conundrum Hot Springs in CO (the highest hot springs in north america), I jammed a pouch down into the hottest part of the springs to heat it up. Carefully ate it with a spork while lounging in the springs during a sleet storm. Close to heaven, gotta say.
Favorite brands:
Tasty Bite - always good, but expensive, and not always available
Trader Joes - great price, most varieties very good
Ashoka - found at many asian groceries, very good. I suspect Ashoka is the OEM for Trader Joes.
Swad - found at many asian groceries, but not as good as the above brands. Curries good, potato dishes a little weird.
Favorite varieties:
Palak Paneer - very good, especially the TJ and Ashoka brand, spicy, filling. Super nutritious on the trail.
Dal Makhani - buttery, lentils, very tasty. Lots of protein for vegetarians like me.
Madras Lentils - Like chili, but vegetarian and indian. Very filling and hearty.
Jaipur vegetables - Sweet dish, has fruit and cashews in it! Not as spicy.
Punjab Choley and Punjab eggplant - Both good, but very spicy! Watch out! More savory, less 'sweet' curries.
Give them all a try, and see what you like best. Some are sweeter, others spicier, others savory-er. You'll find some you like for sure. They are all spicy and oily, and preservative free, which is great for the trail.
Have fun. Even if you just bring one or two on a long trip, there are few luxuries like busting open a few tasty bites to share on day 4. One thing my dad, an experienced mountain guide, taught me was, after many days of clif bars and dehydrated beans, even the most dedicated "backpacking food" proponent will garrot their best friend with a spectra cord for a snickers bar or some real indian food. I prefer to keep them on my good side by sharing a little every few days. ;)
-Sam