BACK COUNTRY CUISINE, $11.50–16.50
The most popular brand in Australia, this NZ freeze-dried classic
has a huge range of f lavours.COTTAGE PIE WITH MASHED POTATO:
‘A homemade mix of savoury mince and warm vegetables topped off
with a potato topping’.
Ta : I like the different textures, and the veggies are crunchy, like
when you steam them but without overcooking them.
D: It tastes almost like cottage pie, like it’s been cloned but has a
glitch in it.
Ta : Tastes like Aussie-Chinese takeaway, like a chicken chow mein
from the 80s.
Th: The mashed potato is a good accompaniment. Often rehydrated
potato can taste very powdery whereas this is quite smooth.
P: Pretty small portion though, even for one person.VENISON RISOTTO:
‘Succulent venison pieces in a rich mushroom sauce garnished
parmesan with chives’.
Th: It sounds lovely but doesn’t look that appetizing, to be honest.
But after a heavy days’ hike you’re not too fussy. Actually, it doesn’t
taste too bad.
Ta : I don’t mind it. I’m going back for seconds and thirds.
D: I’m hoping the mushroom taste is strong...nope, I don’t like that
one. I can’t really taste the mushroom or the parmesan, only
venison and rice.
G: Very nice. I like it a lot, but the meat is a bit funny.PATAGONIA PROVISIONS, $7.95–14.95
Patagonia are aiming high with their range of organic food,
their thinking being that people buy food more often than
clothing, so the overall benefit to the planet will be greater.
ORGANIC GREEN LENTIL SOUP WITH GARLIC AND
GINGER
P: Not bad.
D: You can taste the ginger but it’s not overwhelming. I’m
getting into it. It’s quite thick for a soup though, more of a
sauce, an interesting texture on the palate. I could eat this as a
meal, if I was vegetarian. Could you?
P: Not a whole one on its own. Maybe with some mashed
potato.
Th: This would definitely be two-person, if not three. Lentils
are surprisingly filling. It’s not sloppy or mushy; sometimes
lentils can break apart. Salt would probably boost its flavour.
LEMON PEPPER WILD SOCKEYE SALMON WITH
ORGANIC SAVORY GRAINS
Th: Ooh, smells a bit risky, very fishy. Alright, I’m taking one
for the team... It breaks apart easily. Oh my god, it’s delicious. A
little dry in texture so I’d probably leave the oil in as a
moistener. It is very rich. After four or five mouthfuls I’m done
with it on its own, but with the grains is a good combo. Their
earthiness tempers the fishiness, so you could make a whole
meal of that. The salmon piece is big, and rich, that’s a two-
person meal right there.
G: The salmon is lovely but the grains are a bit dry.
D: They’d make a nice change from rice and pasta on a
multi-dayer, and more interesting than couscous.
OUTDOOR AMPLITUDE
106 / Outdoor