I want to start doing my own freeze dried food as well as re-package any packed freeze dried food in to my own bags.

I want to make sure I find the correct zip lock bags that can handle boiling water and not melt or burn. Can anyone tell me what bags are good to use and what are not?

Thanks!
Kris

I just started experimenting with FBC and used a the Ziploc Freezerbag with the SmartZip http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/FreezerBagsSmartZipSeal.aspx?SizeName=Pint successfully.

I've found only Ziploc freezer bags to work reliably. Also, note that you don't need boiling water for rehydrating. It just needs to be hot.

I just use the Ziploc brand. The pint size will hold a two serving Mountain House meal.

I got some generic quart-size freezer bags at wally world.

--B.G.--

I'm using Walmart's freezer bags. I learned from my recent hiking partner that Subway sandwich bags will even work.

I use name brand ones due to them being produced in the US (might as well support our economy if I can!) and I like the bags as well.

But as pointed out you do not need boiling water - hot is fine. I bring the water to a boil to purify the water and then let it sit for a minute or so while I putter getting my bag in the cozy, etc and then add the water.

Keep sporks and forks out and you are good to go.

Most grocery stores carry "boil/steam in bag" items. You'll find them near the turkey cooking bags where the other type of bags are racked.

These are made to deal with high temps. You'll be saved from the threat of "plastic bleed" chemicals in your food. Their also more sturdy and work well in cozy, or sitting in a bowl.

I also use chopsticks to eat from. You can reach farther down and less clean up.

If you use wood/bamboo "throw-aways", then they can be used for fires after dinner, or just a bio-degradable item, like the other tree/brush debris.

"If you use wood/bamboo "throw-aways", then they can be used for fires after dinner, or just a bio-degradable item, like the other tree/brush debris."

Actually, you can get multiple uses out of them by using them as tent pegs.

--B.G.--

Or just reuse them as chopsticks....

I normally use my Compact Snow Peak Chopsticks. They clean easy.

Harder to get a "safe" cleaning of anything woodwise. So, if on a 1-2 adventure, or did not want to make time to clean, I use "throw-away" sticks.

It is also kind of "quaint?" to be sitting there with your "sticks" and eating, surrounded by wilderness.

Is there any advantage to repackaging pre-packaged freeze dried? The packages they come in seem kind of bulky and might weigh more than zip lock?

Absolutely.

Your typical MH freeze-dried meal is sealed in plastic and foil where it will "keep" on the shelf for a couple of years. If you need to keep it that long, then you better keep it in its packaging. But when it gets within a few days of when you depart on your trip, you might want to repackage it to save the weight and bulk. However, you would not want to do that if your trip gets postponed for months. The taste and consistency will degrade.

--B.G.--

+1 for repacking freeze dried meals.

Two meals repacked in freezer bags take up the same space as one meal in it's original package. Plus the less space it takes up after you have eaten the meal.

I've even had the original package poke holes in my food storage bag before.

It's sort of a sliding scale. Sandwich ziploc bags are light, but get really soft when filled with hot water and require the support of something like a fitted cozy. Hard bits such as noodles can poke holes in them through rough handling or mashing of the food bag. Freezer ziplocs handle boiling water just fine and don't get holes. The storage grade is intermediate. It works much better than sandwich bags and not as well as freezer bags. Boil-in bags and some of the other things suggested above also work fine. Another option is to same the zip-closed bags for nuts (Blue Diamond is one brand), Splenda sweetener, and other food products. They are a bit heavier than ziploc freezer bags, but they are larger and do the job well. They may have fewer plasticizers to get into the food.
Good closures keep animal-attracting odors down. Repackaging commercial backpacking meals is a great idea, but should be done close to the trip to avoid oxidation.

Thanks for the tip
I just repackaged all my freeze dried into zip lock freezer bags for a 4 days/3 night trip in a couple of days. Not only did it cut down on the space required I also saved 6oz!!
Now i can take a cup of Vodka some Vermouth and olives for a martini after a long day hiking.
I think those little packets they put in there to absorb moisture were half the weight savings.