Packit Gourmet — Sweet Southern Hospitality in Every Pouch

Holy Toledo! I recently tried a few of Packit Gourmet backpacking meals on an overnighter and was really impressed. I have been looking for a good backpacking meal that would not only satisfy my hunger but also replenish my energy levels. Oftentimes, I’m left feeling overly salted and bloated when I’m done with the most readily available food options — and therefore super lethargic. 

First and foremost, preparation was a breeze. All I had to do was add hot water and pop it in their “Cook-in-Cozy”, which is like a little insulated pouch that helps it stay warm and cook thoroughly.

It’s very obvious that this brand was created by a family of outdoorsy folks, just like you and me. I spend a lot of my days cooking and creating in the kitchen, and I am a firm believer that food is love. I can feel the love that Packit Gourmet packs into every pouch of their trail food.

As far as options go, they have a little something for everyone*:

• Meat Options
• Vegetarian Options
• Vegan Options
• Dairy Optional
• Dairy Free
• Gluten Conscious
• Keto Friendly
• Kid Friendly
• Cook in Bag
• Cook in Pot
• Cool Water
• Hot Water

Added Bonus! They cleverly have a couple of options that are BYO-Tortilla — tasty fillings for you to stuff into your wrap of choice.

*GGG’s selection of in-stock Packit Gourmet meals is more limited featuring best-sellers and customer favorites. 

Here’s a deeper dive into 3 of my favorite Packit Gourmet meals … 

Packit Gourmet’s Polenta with Pork Sausage

Weight: 3oz
Price: $9.49
Calories: 370
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 14g
Process: Just Add Hot Water, 10min
Taste: 10/10

This polenta was creamy, buttery, and perfectly salted. I could taste the garlic and it was delightfully cheesy. The small morsels of sausage were flavorful and soft after 10 minutes of soaking. It was absolutely mouth-watering. I can barely explain it, other than comparing it to my favorite blanket being pulled up around my chin on a cold winter day. Pure comfort. 

It provided a hearty and filling option that left me feeling replenished after my hike. ​​I was able to continue on with setting up camp without feeling weighed down or fatigued.

With the carb/fat/protein amounts in this particular selection, I felt like I was having a balanced and nutritious meal, which for me, is rare in the backcountry. The best part was that it truly tasted homemade — like my Texan sister had airdropped it to me in the middle of my pine grove campsite in Northern California.

Packit Gourmet’s Texas State Fair Chili

Weight: 5.6oz
Price: $12.99
Calories: 680
Carbs: 72g
Fat: 27g
Protein: 39g
Process: Just Add Hot Water, 10min
Taste: 9/10

 
This meal was not only great-tasting, but it was fun. The pack comes with the chili itself, and an additional little packet with tortilla chips, dehydrated cheese, and an individual Texas Pete Hot Sauce (my favorite part). The chili consisted of beef, red beans, and peppers. It tasted of warm smoke and tart tomatoes. 

This was another meal that left me feeling satisfied, and not bloated nor tired. It filled that hiker-hunger hole in my stomach but didn’t cause me any digestional distress — you know what I’m talking about.

This meal is a serious powerhouse. I couldn’t even finish it, so I shared it with my husband and we both loved it.

Mama’s Banana Pudding

Weight: 3.8oz
Price: $9.49
Calories: 470
Carbs: 73g
Fat: 17g
Protein: 8g
Process: Just Add Cool Water, 10min
Taste: 12/10

Y’all! I know you’re craving super sweet treats out in the woods. This meal packs it all into a brilliant punch. Vanilla pudding, bananas, cake croutons*, and coconut?! I could have eaten 3 of these. In one sitting. It’s just like a nilla wafer dessert at a potluck, but you can eat it with dirty feet and sweaty hair.

It makes you feel like you’re on top of the world — which is a great feeling when you’re literally on top of a mountain. 

OK, but back to the *cake croutons… whoever decided cake croutons needed to be a thing deserves an award. I want to give them this award, and I want to hug them and give them a couple of gentle pats on the back. Cake croutons might become my new religion.

Anyway, I should add that my husband and I are usually really good at sharing, but not when it came to this Banana Pudding. We were fighting over it like jealous siblings, and that’s not a good look for a married couple. I think I won in the end, but I’m trying to put the whole ordeal out of my mind…

Main Takeaway

It's easy to tell when a business puts their heart and soul into a product. These Packit Gourmet Meals speak for themselves when it comes to taste and nutrition. Made in Austin,Texas, that sweet southern hospitality comes through just right. 

Packit Gourmet

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