Mountain House MCW (Meal, Cold Weather) is a freeze-dried meal specifically designed to be eaten in cold weather conditions. The meals are packaged in lightweight, easy-to-carry pouches, and you must reconstitute them with hot water before eating.

There are two reasons Mountain House MCW appears at the top of the list of the best “meals ready to eat” according to BugOutBill. Foremost, Mountain House is a well-known brand in the outdoor and camping industry. Secondly, their MCW meals are perfect for military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and backpackers who need a convenient and nourishing way to refuel while on the trail. Here are some key features of Mountain House MCW meals:

High-Calorie content

The calorie content of a Mountain House MRE can vary depending on the specific variety, but in general, these meals are high in calories. For example, a single serving (one cup) of Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles contains about 250, and a serving of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce contains about 520 calories.

What does this mean? In situations where individuals may be physically active or have limited access to food, it is important to consume enough calories to support their energy needs. Mountain House MREs are designed to provide a high number of calories in a compact and portable package, making them a convenient option for individuals who need many calories in a short time.

Long Shelf life

Mountain House recommends storing MCWs at a temperature of 75°F (24°C) or lower for optimal shelf life. At this temperature, most Mountain House MCWs have a shelf life of up to 3 years, although some varieties may have a shorter or longer shelf life depending on the specific ingredients and processing methods used.

Easy to Prepare

With Mountain House MCWS, you don’t need to cook anything. This makes these meals a convenient option for people who don’t have access to a stove or other cooking equipment. Here’s how to prepare MCW meals:

• You’ll need your Mountain House meal pouch and hot water.
• Open the pouch, remove the inedible oxygen absorber, add hot water, and stir.
• Seal the pouch and your meal will be ready in 10 minutes.
• You may use cold water instead of boiling water. In this case, allow the meal some 20 minutes to rehydrate.

Variety of Flavours

Mountain House offers a wide range of flavours for their MCW meals to suit different tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular flavours include classic dishes like beef stroganoff, lasagna and chicken teriyaki, as well as vegetarian options like vegetable stew and rice and beans.

Packaging

Mountain House MCW meals are packaged in lightweight, easy-to-carry pouches that are made of durable, puncture-resistant material. The pouches have a wide mouth for easy scooping and are resealable to keep the food fresh.

Allergens

Some Mountain House MCW meals contain allergens such as soy, wheat, and nuts. It’s important to check the ingredient list on the packaging if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

Environmental impact

Mountain House claims to use environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes and packaging materials, and they have a program to recycle their packaging materials. However, like all freeze-dried meals, Mountain House MCW meals generate some waste in the form of packaging and discarded food packaging.

Conclusion

Mountain House MCW is a great meal for anyone in need of some heat-stable calories. It’s easy to prepare, lightweight enough to carry on any hike, and has all the nutrition you need to keep going strong.

I hope this guide has helped you understand how this product works and why it could be useful for your next trip or emergency.