Review: RightOnTrek Adventure Meals

Freeze-dried food tends to taste like the good stuff was just zapped right out. But RightOnTrek's Adventure Meals have managed to incorporate unique and interesting recipes that follow through with flavor. I went with the Chicken Coconut Curry after I heard through the grapevine it was the best freeze-dried meal on the market. After trying it for myself, I’d have to concur. It’s even better than many boxed options that you’d make at home.

Here’s what some other O/B staffers had to say:

In all honesty, freeze-dried, pre-prepared meals have always freaked me out—especially meals with meat. Hesitantly, I tried the Chicken Alfredo Pasta and well, I’d like to apologize for my skepticism. The meal was flavorful, filling, and even the chicken tasted like something I’d make in my kitchen. I appreciated how quick and convenient the meal was to make, not to mention the packaging is sustainable and bio-based. I’m looking forward to my next one. —Annika

 

Delicious, rich, and flavorful are just a few of the words that came to my mind as I devoured the Bechamel Style Mac and Cheese. The most filling dried meal I've ever eaten, I would serve this as a family dinner at home, it was so good. The included optional spice packet is a great addition, and it was quick and easy to prepare. I can scarcely imagine a better combination after a long day outside. —Ian

After six hours of hiking, the High-Country Pad Thai was just what I needed to feel rejuvenated. It was filling, but didn’t leave me feeling heavy or lethargic. It was easy and quick to make, and even easier to clean up. —Jamie

I tried the Hearty Beef Bolognese, and "hearty" is a good description for this prepared meal. It was a well-proportioned dinner for one, and it satisfied my hunger. A dry-seasoning bag packed the bolognese-flavor and made for a good creamy bite. —Hannah 

It’s far from the worst pre-packaged meal I’ve ever had (oh, and I’ve had some bad ones). After letting the Cauliflower Forest Chicken Risotto soak in hot water for around 20 minutes, I dug in with my spoon and was quite satisfied with the flavor. I don’t know why it’s called “risotto” because there was no rice in it, but that would make a nice addition for some extra calories. —Jack

 

A long day scampering around the high country calls for a hearty meal, so on a recent overnighter, I opted for the Backcountry Chili—not realizing it was vegetarian. Well, I’m a red-blooded American man—I don’t drink non-alcoholic beer, I don’t sip decaffienated coffee, and I don’t eat meat-less chili. Luckily, I had some grilled chicken on-hand to mix in, and so my streamside supper was hearty indeed, not to mention tasty. It cooked up in a few short minutes and I devoured it, heading to bed with a broad smile and a full belly. The only drawback was the usual post-chili effect, which plagued my tent-mate all night. —Mike