GOOD TO-GO Food Review: Dehydrated, Distinctive, Delicious
Some years ago, a mix-up had an Active Junky tester living off dried apricots for the last 24 hours of a 5-day trip. When he made it back to civilization, he went straight to a grocery store for yet another package of dried apricots, for nothing had ever tasted so magnificent.
No surprise: the rubbery fruits were mediocre once out of the woods. Those sad, shriveled apricots were discarded with disdain and he went straight to In-N-Out Burger.
The moral of the story? Trails trick taste buds. So now what?
Good To-Go, the dehydrated meal company, was founded by Jennifer Scism, a gourmet chef and experienced backpacker. Active Junky tasted all four Good To-Go flavors – two car camping where BBQ was only 30 minutes down the road, two bikepacking on Utah’s remote, calf-cramping Kokopelli trail. In both instances, meals earned their “gourmet” designation.
Smoked Three Bean Chili
Calories per serving: 340
Protein per serving: 16g
First Bite Impressions: What is that? Paprika!
We’ve all done it. Grab a can from a nearby grocery, heat it over the fire or dump it into a Jetboil. Inhale, crush the can and pack out. G-T-G Chili proved a dish more scrumptious and nutritious as well as easier to carry. The relatively high calorie count earns kudos from backpackers and climbers looking for serious fireside fuel.
Classic Marinara with Penne
Calories per serving: 460
Protein per serving: 12g
First Bite Impression: That’s al dente. But I don’t even care.
Thunder cracked and the skies began to dump, a perfect welcome to the campsite after a 63-mile day. In a lull, the MSR Pocket Rocket stove went into action. Poor adherence to directions (read: not enough water) meant al dente was our destiny. Still, the sauce was unmistakably delicious and brown rice noodles packed a punch. Follow the specified steps for penne as Jennifer intended.
Thai Curry
Calories per serving: 380
Protein: 10g
First Bite Impression: Am I in Bangkok right now?
While Thai Curry isn’t as substantial as some of Good To-Go’s other offerings, it was the most delicious, even restaurant-worthy. The spicy blend of jasmine rice, veggies and spices is balanced by coconut milk. On cold nights, add extra water for a steamy broth at the end for an award winning soul- and belly-warmer.
Notes from the Kitchen:
Prep: Good To-Go prep time exceeds that of conventional dehydrated meals; factor 20 minutes following water stir-in. Get the kettle on upon hitting camp and add boiling water to the bag before you pitch camp for a rewarding meal when your site’s set.
Serving Size: Good To-Go comes in two sizes: Single and Double servings. Depending on the meal, calories are approx. 300-450 for single serving packages and 600-900 for a double. Go double if your days are spent pursuing high-output objectives.
Herbed Mushroom Risotto
Calories per serving: 410
Protein per serving: 13g
First Bite Impressions: This is the closest I’ve been to the Cinque Terra trail in Italy.
Risotto is destined to become an Active Junky staple with this creamy mushroom house of carbs. Calories aside, the best parts of this dish are the taste and texture of the mushrooms themselves. There’s a hint of freshly-sautéed fungi in every bite, a rarity in dehydrated meals.
Read this Active Junky exclusive interview with chef Jennifer Scism to get more of the nutrition facts behind Good To-Go.
Looking for more? Explore our Hiking, Camping and Backpacking Activity Guide:
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