ProView – GOOD TO-GO Backpacking Meals

Winner of Backpackers Editors Choice Award, Good To-Go meals are well packaged, exceptionally flavored, and easy to prepare dry food for alpine backpacking missions. While I was traveling through mountainous terrain on the highlands of central Peru, the package and contents were put to the test. Our expedition departed to survey ancient ruins found in the Rurec Valley of Peru’s famous Cordillera Blanca. Moving in the high altitude Andes was brutal, as oxygen levels decrease significantly. There are cold frosty mornings abound. Having an easy setup meal with a practical package and clear instructions made a huge difference. Plus points for great taste, perks such as coconut milk, and easy to dispose package. 

GOOD TO-GO Backpacking Meals

Product Name: GOOD TO-GO Backpacking Meals

Product Description: Chef Jennifer's creations are thoughtfully crafted to provide a meal that not only tastes great but is truly good for you. Whether you've hiked all day for that summit view, rose with an alpine start to earn those backcountry turns, or are simply looking for an easy-to-make option at home, all you need is boiling water and in minutes you'll have a delicious meal.

Offer price: MSRP: various

  • Quality
    (4)
  • Features
    (5)
  • Durability
    (4)
  • Eco-Friendly
    (3)

Summary

Very practical and enjoyable meals for backpacking trips and other outdoor activities. 

Overall
4

Pros

  • Practical package design
  • Clear instructions
  • Great taste and many meal options
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Extra trash generated on package additions for flavor such as coconut milk or lime juice
  • Extra time to rehydrate in altitude

Tech Specs

Regarding weight and portions, these meals are ideal for any backpacking mission. The amounts are proper and well distributed from a two serving container or a single serving container. The package stands on its own once filled with water on a flat surface and avoids tilts or leaks. The sealing on the top strand of the package is of quality and prevents both leaks or mishaps. Altitude is definitely a factor that affects Good To-Go meals and all others, in this case backpacking between 14k and 15k ft from sea level has a direct effect on the time spent for rehydration. This is clearly stated in the packaging so expect more time at altitude.

Storage and Disposal

The meals pack very light and flat in a backpack, duffel, or pack. Twisting, folding, bending or trying to reduce the size and volume of the sealed packages is not recommended since it can cause them to rip. Stacking them close to each other works just fine. Once used, the product can contain solid or liquid residuals, use the sealing on the upper part of the package to prevent leaks and dispose of  every package responsibly. 

Hydration Times *at altitude from 14k to 15k
Average temp 40F/6C

Cuban Rice Bowl

14:30 min to hydrate
Flavor: 8/10

Mexican Quinoa Bowl

16:30 min to hydrate
It’s will be harder to rehydrate Quinoa at altitude and colder temps.
Flavor: 6/10

Thai Curry

23:30 min, keep it warm while it hydrates!
Flavor: 9/10
Additional coconut milk container seems big for what it is but makes the meal delicious! It does create an extra piece of trash.

Chicken Pho

14:30 min
Flavor: 8/10
Additional lime juice is well preserved, well packaged, and tasty. It creates another piece of trash.

The Final Word

After finding, mapping, and surveying dozens of fantastic pre-Hispanic ruins for eight nights, Good To-Go meals became an essential part of our expedition. Even at altitude and when weather was adverse the meals were practical to prepare and always tasty. At the end of the backpacking-archaeological mission we had concise trash packages and no leaks! Both at base camp, and in unexplored territory, Good To-Go will be a brand of choice.

Shop the GOOD TO-GO Backpacking Meals on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!

About the Gear Tester

Outdoor Prolink Pro
Felipe Proano
Professional Climber

Felipe Proano is one of South America’s most recognized climbers and explorers. His adventures have taken him from the depths of the Amazon jungle to the high peaks of the Andes. Rock climbing is his purpose and archaeological research a huge passion he has. When he is not is Ecuador or Peru, Felipe lives in the Fort Collins area of Colorado. Follow his stories, discoveries and first ascents @feli.proclimber / www.feli-pro.com

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