It appears that BPL no longer sells the "Backpacking Light FoodZip 7” x 8” Zip-Closure LEAKPROOF Meal Bags (12-Pack)."

Can anyone direct me to a new source for them? Or, alternatively, to an equal but different product?

(I already know about Aloksaks and OP Saks.)

Thanks!

- Robert

Why not buy the bags that Packitgourmet carries? They are a heavier grade than quart freezer bags (mil thickness) and are rated for use with boiling water (which you don't need for dry meals done FBC style).

Unless you are putting the bags INTO water anything over a freezer bag is overkill.

Hi,

I'm still looking for a source for Backpacking Lite's original "FoodZips." These were extra strong, highly flexible, strong zip closure, and could withstand 212 F boiling water temperatures.

Can anyone recommend a source? (I know about Aloksaks/OPSaks and ordinary freezer bags. These are not what I want.)

Thank you,
Robert

There are these.

And these.

Edited by Hitech on 08/15/2011 13:09:13 MDT.

Larry,
Thanks for the Packit link.

I can attest to the sturdiness of the PackIt Gourmet Ziploc bags - although I always order my prefilled with:

- Red beans & rice
- Tuscan Beef Stew
- Chicken & Dumplings
- Tortilla Soup

If you're ordering some bags and haven't tried their meals you should include at least one in your order.

How are the chicken and dumplings? Are they hard to make. I've tried all the others on your list, but never tried the dumplings. I am willing to make the breads, but don't want something else with that much work!

Thanks! The "Boilable Bags" will work.
- Robert

Robert,

How are you using these?

I have been using Ziplock Zip & Steam bags. They have a "one way" steam vent in them, as they are designed to be used in microwaves to steam foods. They do not leak and food stuff when traveling. I have not had any leakage when doing "freezer bag cooking." They work well for me.

Really like the sound of some of the packitgourmet meals.

Do you usually repackage the meals before hitting the trail or is the packaging they come in fine? Particularly interested in comments from those who've used these meals when hiking in the sierras where bear cans are necessary.

Jd

When I took them to Yosemite I left them in the original packaging. On several of them I poked a pin hole (with a safety pin) in the outer package near the "zip lock" to let the air out. They are not excessively packaged, IMO.

The Packit meals are overall small in comparison to other brands (by small I mean the packaging, not the food quantity!). They use the space in the bags well and many are the width of a woman's hand.

Even my picky eaters love the PackIt Gourmet meals. I've stuck with only those that can be prepared with boiling water (the Zydeco Red Beans & Rice is a favorite) but they have a wide selection that should meet everyone's fancy.

Another thing they have that I encourage everyone to try is their Jump Start Fruit Smoothies. They're filling and quick to do in the morning - especially for those who don't want to fire up their stoves.

As for the packaging - I've never bothered to repackage any of their meals. I use the paper preparation instructions as a firestarter and simply squeeze the air out of the used packaging and put it in my trash bag.

David, I haven't used the Packit meals yet, but after hiking a lot in the Sierras (with a bear can) I can definitely recommend repacking everything that goes into the can. It gave me the chance to pack food for 2 more days into the can (8 instead of 6). Also, ziplocs are usually lighter than the normal packages.

Thanks for the info - think I'll give a few of their meals a try next year. The fruit smoothie looks really good actually.

Sabine - which bear can do you use?

David,

You will enjoy the Packit meals. And this is coming from someone who makes her $$ developing outdoor recipes ;-)

The meals are good. I repackage mine for space savings but keep the baggies for home use.

I've been using the Garcia - rented by Yosemite National Park. But it's not so good, if you want to pack a lot of food.
I'll buy the Bear Vault next time I'm over there. It's bigger than the Garcia and you can see inside, which helps you a lot finding your food in the huge chaos inside the can =)
As far as I heard, the best of all is the Bearikade by Wild Ideas but that one is beyond my budget...

The BV works well, especially in that the sides are straight and more so the lid coevrs the top. One issue I have always hated about the Garcia is that rain can and does get in at night - so I have to line the can or use gallon freezer bags to keep everything dry. The BV doesn't cause that problem.

"One issue I have always hated about the Garcia is that rain can and does get in at night"

Simple fix. Invert the bear canister for overnight.

--B.G.--