Menu Planning Options

• When you are out in the field, the menu has already been pre-planned so you don't have to think about what you want to make.
• You can make a lot of the same meals that you enjoy at home, using fresh ingredients.

Disadvantages

• You usually end up with too much food because everyone in the group brings extras (like a potluck).
• It takes more pre-planning.
• It usually ends up costing more per day than bulk rationing.
• It can be more complicated and heavier for trips longer than four days.

Bulk Ration Planning

What is it?
Bulk ration planning is a great tool for groups going on long (more than four day) trips into the backcountry. You are essentially taking out a bunch of pre-weighed and bagged bulk food items into the field with you. You will then have the freedom once you are out there, to prepare the meal that best works for your group on any given day. Bulk ration planning is easy with the help of our unique ration program,
 The Food Planning Wizard. 

You can be creative and make up your own meals from the ingredients when you are out in the field.
You can also download and print a copy of The Ultimate Backcountry Kitchen ebook packed with ration planning information, nutritional tips, food storage tips, one-burner cooking tips, favorite one-burner recipes and more. 
There are also plenty of one-burner cookbooks to help you with recipes and ideas.

To learn more about the steps of bulk ration planning, download
The Ultimate Backcountry Kitchen. 

Advantages

• No pre-trip menu planning required.
• Food weight is pre-measured according to exertion and expected weather so you are unlikely to take way too much food.
• It's easy to plan with the help of the Food Planning Wizard.
• It's a lighter and cheaper option than menu planning.
• There is more meal flexibility when in the field, so if it's getting late and your group is low on energy you can opt for a quick and easy meal.
• It is easy to split into a re-ration.

Disadvantages

• Bulk rationing is less necessary for shorter trips.
• The meal prepping takes some creativity and getting used to.
• It's not as light as taking all pre-packaged, dehydrated/freeze dried foods.
• The pre-planning is difficult to do on your own (without a program like the Food Planning Wizard). 

Freeze-Dried or Deydrated Pre-Packaged Meals

What is it?
This option involves figuring out how many meals you will need in the field, shopping for the pre-packaged meals and taking them out with you. Many of the meals are designed to 'just add hot water'.

Difference Between Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated
Dehydrated food is slow 'cooked' at very low temperatures, either in a commercial food dehydrator, an oven or in the sun (a.k.a. sun-dried). Freeze-dried means the food has been flash frozen and vacuum-sealed. In either case, about 98% of the food's moisture has been taken out and you need to re-hydrate the food by adding water. Some dehydrated foods are eaten without needing to add water, such as dried fruits, fruit leather, and dried meats. It's important to fully re-hydrate the meals by following the instructions on the package.

Tips on dehydrating at home

Advantages

• They are lighter to carry.
• Some of the products out there today are FAR BETTER than they used to be. You can even buy organic meals now.
• Taking pre-packaged meals involves a lot less pre-planning.
• When you are hungry and tired they can be a good quick option.
• Many of the meals can contain a nutritional balance of food, which is important to have, especially later in a trip when you have run out of fresh foods.

Disadvantages

• This is the most expensive option.
• Some of the meals are not so tasty.
• You are sure NOT to impress your companions with your culinary abilities.
• If they are not re-hydrated properly, they can be really bad and give you gas.
• The serving size can be small. 

A Combination of All Three

Why?
This option can make the most sense for a number of different backcountry trips. For example, say you are going on a ten day backpacking trip, with a two-day peak ascent on days 7&8. If you don't mind a little extra weight on the first few days, consider either planning a fresh menu for the first three, or bringing some fresh veggies and treats in addition to a bulk ration. You can then rely on bulk rationing for the next three days. On the first day of your peak ascent, you could bring some power snacks along with dehydrated/freeze dried meals which are light to carry and easy to prepare after a long day of ascending. You can then go back to bulk rationing for the last two days of the trip.

This is an example of how the menu plan might look: