Growing up, family vacations didn’t mean fancy resorts or theme parks for me. As an only child with a hardworking, single mom, our adventures were road trips across the country, camping under the stars, cooking over a fire, and discovering the beauty of the outdoors. Those early trips sparked my love for adventure and simple, whole food meals shared in nature.

In college, I spent my summers as a sea kayak guide at a YMCA camp on Orcas Island, leading teens through the wild. Later, my twenties were filled with backpacking trips through the Sawtooth National Forest, where I learned that nothing beats a good meal after a long day on the trail.

Fast forward to COVID — when the world hit pause, my family hit the trails. Every week, my husband, our two boys, and I would head out backpacking. Determined to stick with clean eating, I packed our bags with homemade whole food meals. The catch? Whole food weighs a ton. I’d freeze everything, then search for snow patches at higher elevations to act as our "fridge." If that failed, I’d find a freezing cold creek and tuck our food-filled dry bag into the water, hoping it stayed chilled. My kids called it "Mom’s Mountain Refrigerator."

To make those hefty meals work, I invested in a huge REI pot so I could cook big, satisfying portions for my hungry crew. It was far from lightweight, but it was worth it to know we were eating well and feeling good.

One day at REI, a staff member called me a "whole-fooder" — a badge I wore with pride. Whole food kept our guts happy on the trail, avoiding the dreaded emergency bathroom stops that no backpacker wants to experience. I swore I’d never switch to freeze-dried meals. Too bland. Too processed. Too...gross.

But after a summer of hauling heavy food packs, my husband asked, "What if we made our own freeze-dried meals?" I shot the idea down immediately — too much work, too complicated. But he persisted: "What if you made the food, and I handled the business?" Eventually, I caved.

We bought a small freeze-drying machine, and I dove into research. Batch by batch, I turned my Eazy Peazy Kitchen recipes into lightweight, flavorful, whole food meals designed for the outdoors. We started sharing samples with friends, then expanded to a broader audience. The feedback was incredible — adventurers couldn’t believe they were eating whole veggies or feeling full from what seemed like a full-sized chicken breast. They raved about how their stomachs felt great after eating our meals — no gut issues, no discomfort, just real food that fueled their adventure.

Now, with a commercial freeze-dryer running full speed, we’re making big batches to keep up with demand. Our meals pack all the nutrition, flavor, and energy we love — without the weight and hassle of fresh food.

I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I’d do with that massive REI pot anymore. Our meals have become my go-to not just for backpacking but for busy days, late-night lacrosse games, and ski trips when overpriced lodge food just won’t cut it. I’ll grab a freeze-dried meal, boil some water, and enjoy a delicious, whole food meal that makes me feel amazing — no matter where I am.

Today, Alchemy Outdoors meals are designed to fuel your journey with bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and none of the gut issues that can ruin a great adventure. It’s real food, real flavor — without the weight. And to make it even better? We've created the perfect add-on: a custom-engraved Titanium Spoon — designed to keep your hands clean while you enjoy every last bite. Because adventure should be fueled by good food and even better memories.

From our pack to yours — happy trails!

Nikki & Arn