I'm looking for ways to cut down on bulk. Mountain House recommends eating their products within 7 days of opening the original packaging. Does anyone have any experience with repackaging their products, then storing them for about a month before eating? Also, what did you use for repackaging?

Sounds like a waste of time, effort, and plastic. They are already water tight and wt almost nothing. I can see repacking bulk items from the local grocer(we do this.....alot cheaper tham Mountain house)but in this case you are already paying for the packaging from the factory, then throwing it out?
CB

Ive purchased MH #10 cans and repackaged. The cost savings is good if you need that number of servings ($2.54/serving compared to $2.95/serving for the pouch and $5.90/serving for a propak). We measure by volume and package in zip-top freezer bags. We have always used them within two weeks of opening the can.




As an aside...MH was recently (maybe still is) experiencing an increase in demand for the #10 can entrees and was asking distributors to not take orders until further notice. In the past I had bought from Emergency Essentials (beprepared.com) and was happy with the price and service. When EE didnt have any items in stock, I found that TheEpicenter.com did have some. I sent an email to confirm and got a quick response that they had plenty of the flavors I wanted. Their price was a bit lower than EE and they offered free shipping on MH #10 cans. I received the box in jut under a week.

One way to reduce the bulk a little, assuming they aren't ProPaks, is to make a pinhole in the package to release trapped air, then cover that with tape.

Thanks boonie, I like that solution to bulk.
Boppa

quote boonie: "One way to reduce the bulk a little, assuming they aren't ProPaks, is to make a pinhole in the package to release trapped air, then cover that with tape. "

Great idea!

Even if you cover with tape, it's still best to make the pinhole high on the package if you plan to eat out of the pouch ;).

quote WindChill: "Ive purchased MH #10 cans and repackaged. The cost savings is good if you need that number of servings ($2.54/serving compared to $2.95/serving for the pouch and $5.90/serving for a propak). We measure by volume and package in zip-top freezer bags. We have always used them within two weeks of opening the ca



As an aside...MH was recently (maybe still is) experiencing an increase in demand for the #10 can entrees and was asking distributors to not take orders until further notice. In the past I had bought from Emergency Essentials (beprepared.com) and was happy with the price and service. When EE didnt have any items in stock, I found that TheEpicenter.com did have some. I sent an email to confirm and got a quick response that they had plenty of the flavors I wanted. Their price was a bit lower than EE and they offered free shipping on MH #10 cans. I received the box in jut under a week. "

I buy the pouches, and measure them out carefully, and repackage in doubled zip lock freezer bags. I tried it for my group solo across Quetico a couple weeks ago and it worked great.

I would store them in the vacuum pack ziplock and throw them in the freezer. I've done this a lot when I get a deal on 2 person meals and need to split them up for a solo trip. Repackaging saves a lot on space when you need to fit it all in a bear can. I've had good luck with the vacuum ziplocks. I have some home made oatmeal mixes in the freezer that have been there for a year and still hold their vacuum.

mooseplums - did you rehydrate by pouring boiling water in the freezer bag and then eat it out of the bag? If so, any issues with leakage?

@boonie - that is how we do it. Pour boiling water right into the FB, squeeze out most of the air, squish things around a bit (even turn upside down to get the stuff out of the corners), place in cozy for 10 minutes or so then eat right from the bag.

Not usually a problem but I have had bags get a small hole if the food is large pointy pieces and the bag gets crushed in the pack. Obviously if you use a fork or spork you have to be extra careful not to puncture.