Engearment

Patagonia Provisions – Making a Difference 1 Meal at a Time

Patagonia is known for doing great work to make reliable gear that is good on the environment as it is for it.  Patagonia Provisions is Patagonia’s take on creating sustainable food for outdoor adventures.

Wait – Patagonia makes food?!

Everyone I talked too about Patagonia Provisions was shocked when I mentioned that Patagonia makes food. Like, seriously shocked.  Patagonia has been working with farmers, fishermen, and others to create the Patagonia Provisions for several years.  They find as sustainable sources of food as possible.  From wild caught salmon and free-range bison to seeds and ancient grains like Kamut. Patagonia sent over the Shareable Feast Box (MSRP $160) for the Engearment crew to test out.  We took the food to the mountains of Colorado, to fuel our adventures for the last few weeks.  Below is our take on the bounty of food.

Wild Caught Salmon

All of us here love salmon, so this was right up our alley.  The salmon Patagonia sources are from two locations. First, the Wild Sockeye salmon(MSRP $14) comes from a community based, in-river fishery on the Situk River of Alaska.  You can read more about the operation here. I took the wild sockeye salmon on a backcountry tour up to a mountain pass.  It was shared amongst four friends during a snowstorm at 11k.  Everyone was impressed.  The taste was excellent, not too salty or oily.

Wild Pink Salmon

The Wild Pink Salmon (MSRP $14) was nice as it was actually two packets of 4oz servings.  This made for an ideal snack on another splitboarding tour.  I shared the Black Pepper Pink Salmon with our crew as we enjoyed the clear blue skies at 12.5k feet.  We also added a few packets of the seeds (and shared a local beer) to create a well-rounded lunch :). The Wild Pink Salmon comes from the Lummi Islands in Washington state.  They use an ancient netting technique in collaboration with Wild Fish Conservancy.  Check out this video for more info on this:

 

Mussels

The Patagonia Provisions Mussels (MSRP $23) was my favorite of all the foods I tested.  A little pricey at $23 for 3 cans, but SO worth it. I love oysters, clams and mussels, but have never had any canned that was as good as this. Seriously, if you like mussels you should treat yourself to these.  If just for a special occasion – you won’t regret it. Unfortunately, none of the other Engearment crew was privy to testing these out (as I ate all three cans in a day LOL). Available in three flavors – Smoked ($8), Lemon Herb ($8) and Savory Sofrito ($8) as well as a three pack (MSRP $23)

Buffalo Jerky

We eat a lot of bison and elk jerky over here.  The Patagonia Provisions Buffalo Jerky (MSRP $10) was really good.  Shared amongst the crew as we set out for a tour, alongside some seeds, we were all impressed.  The bison comes from affiliated ranches of Wild Idea Buffalo.  These bison are free range and improve the ecosystem as well as supply jobs locally.  Check out this video to learn more:

Patagonia Organic Savory Seeds

The Patagonia Organic Savory Seeds are made from lentils, hemp, buckwheat, and other seeds.  Packaged in an easy to carry 1oz packet.  Flavors are Barbecue (MSRP $30), Chipotle Lime (MSRP $30) and Mellow Curry (MSRP $30).  We had the sampler box (MSRP $30), so we tried each flavor repeatedly.  Of all the food we shared with others, the seeds were polarizing.  Either people loved them or did not.  Being that these are not necessarily “normal” flavors for “energy food” category, I can see why.

Personally, I loved the variety of savory flavors.  I have never had curry seeds while watching birds in the middle of winter.  So, I was into them.  Most everyone liked the BBQ.  The Chipotle Lime was hit or miss and the curry was a love/hate for some.  Regardless, I think the seeds are a very nice source of sustainable energy and a nice variety of flavor from the usual flavors we see.

Organic Fruit + Almond Bars

Patagonia Provisions Organic Fruit + Almond Bars are made from organic, non-GMO fruit, fruit juice, chia seeds, and almonds.  Available in three flavors Mango (MSRP $27 for 12), Inca Berry (MSRP $27 for 12) and Apricot (MSRP $27 for 12)These bars are easy to eat and convenient. I am not as used to sugar as some of the other testers, so they were a bit sweet for me.  But it did not stop me from appreciating them and eating them.  Fun flavors and clean ingredients.

Organic Soup + Chili

Patagonia Provisions Organic Soup + Chili was surprisingly good.  Back in Omaha, I was a young (like 10-year-old) chili taste tester at Aksarben.  So, I can appreciate a good chili.  The Patagonia Organic Red Bean Chili (MSRP $7) is as good as any meatless chili I have ever had.  Bonus, these soups and chili are great on the trail. Just add 2 cups of boiling water, wait 10 minutes, and eat.  Perfect backpacking food! If you eat the whole package, which I suggest you share, you get 35 grams of protein, 30 grams of fiber and 100 grams of carbs.  Very economical, efficient and delish. The Organic Green Lentil Soup (MSRP $7) has a similar nutritional profile and same cooking instructions. Organic Black Bean Soup (MSRP $7) packs the most fiber (46 grams!), protein (32 grams), and energy punch.

Organic Breakfast Grains

Patagonia Provisions Organic Breakfast Grains are another excellent backpacking food.  These packets cook up easily with 2 cups of boiling water in ~ 10 minutes.  The packets are filled with rolled oats, buckwheat kasha, flax seeds, whole barley, and fruit.  Available in three flavors Creamy Banana (MSRP $7) Red Rasberry (MSRP $7) and Tart Apple (MSRP $7) The raspberry and apple were wonderful.  I am not a fan of banana, so I am not the best candidate for appreciating the flavor.  Other testers like it though.

Organic Savory Grains Featuring KAMUT®

Patagonia Provisions Organic Savory Grains are tasty packets of nutrient-dense awesomeness.  Perfect for backpacking and backcountry camping.  These easy to cook pouches provide 16 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber.  They cook up with just 1 cup of water too! The big story here though is that they are made with Kamut, an ancient grain that has not been modified in any way.  Read more about Kamut here. The Organic Mushroom + KAMUT® Khorasan Wheat (MSRP $7) was savory and the Organic Green Kale + KAMUT® Khorasan Wheat Savory Grains (MSRP $7) was a tasty mix of mushroom and kale.  Delish.

Review of Patagonia Provisions

Patagonia Provisions is high-quality food for those who can appreciate Patagonia’s commitment to bettering the environment and fueling adventure. It is not cheap, although it does go on sale from time to time.  Plus you can get 20% off your first order.  So order big! Of all the foods we tested, the mussels were my personal favorite.  Followed by the seeds, bison jerky, and salmon.  The soup and chili are perfect for backpacking.  Breakfast mix and grains were also great for camping. While not the cheapest option out there, you can feel good about buying food that was responsibly sourced, tastes good and is good for the environment.