Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are HAWK VITTLES ?

A: HAWK VITTLES are meals that combine taste, fuel and light weight for backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts.


Q: How did HAWK VITTLES come about?

A: As a lifetime backpacker, camper, and professional chef, not happy with the selection of specialty backpacking foods available, I began cooking and dehydrating my own food. I often hike with other people and would provide or share the food for the trip. I was asked to prepare some for friends and then it was suggested that I sell the meals to others.


Q: Why should I buy Hawk Vittles?

A: Because they are the tastiest food available and contain more carbohydrates and proteins, fuel needed for strenuous activities, and come in the biggest portions.


Q: Are Hawk Vittles "assembled" from dehydrated ingedients like one of the other brands?

A: NO! Hawk Vittles are cooked from the freshest ingredients and dehydrated


Q: Can I order HAWK VITTLES without certain ingredients because of allergies?

A: Yes, however in some cases it may affect the taste. You must order a minimum of 2 double servings (1 batch) of any meals that require special preparation. You should also notify us at least 1 month in advance of your trip.


Q: What's the shelf life on HAWK VITTLES?

A: Stored in a cool dry place, HAWK VITTLES are good for over 1 year. I have tried somw that were 3 years old and they were still fine.


Q: How do I rehydrate and eat HAWK VITTLES?

A: Directions are on each package. You may also just add boiling water to the bag and let it set for 15-20 minutes.


Q: Is each double serving really 2 servings?

A: Yes, I base my serving size on the appetites of two full sized men who have spent a day of hard exercising. Many of the meals have been more then my hiking partner and I would finish.


Q: Are HAWK VITTLES loaded with sodium to enhance the flavor, like some of the other brands?

A: NO salt is added. Some have a small amount of salt in the ingedients, (base, sauce, etc.)


Q: What artificial ingredients are used in HAWK VITTLES?

A: None. All ingredients are natural. I use fresh ingredients whenever available.


Q: How about preservatives?

A: None. The dehydration removes the moisture that bacteria need to breed.


Q: What is the turn around time for an order?

A: In most cases, if the item is not in stock, I ship within five business days. Large orders or busy times of the year might take a little longer. Get your order in early.

 

Q: Are your vegetarian meals ALL vegetable? What about the stock, do you use a meat stock?

A: All meal listed as vegetarian cantain no meat, poultry or seafood. Those requiring a stock are made with a 100% vegetable stock.


Q: Are HawK VittleS Organic?

A: No, however natural and organic ingredients are used whenever possible.

 

Q: How come you no longer vacuum pack the meals?

A: We found that the sharp edges of pasta and other dried ingredients often punctured the packages. Since the vacuum packaging was originally to compress the package and give a professional look, we discontinued the vacuum sealing. We also found that the pouch is more flexible and easier to pack if not vacuum sealed.

 

Q: Can I call in an order or pick it up?

A: Sorry. I only accept orders through the website.

 

Q: I'm a thru hiker with a large order. How much lead time do you need?

A: It depends on the length of your trip. If you are thru hiking for several months and require a huge order, it's best to get the order in at least 6 weeks ahead of time.  If you are hiking for several days, then 3 weks is usually enough lead time.
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