Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I'm not understanding your comment about the extra weight of packaging. How do you want to carry it? Nor do I understand your concern about water. Any other food items I have to carry come along with packaging and water in them. I also always stop for the night where there is a water source of some sort nearby. If nothing else, I need it to replenish the water I used during the day. Using some to cook a meal (after being suitable treated) is no big problem.
I thought the MH packaging was heavier than necessary, didn't burn down as far as it should (if that was how I tried to dispose of it rather than carrying it out with me) and required more water than other similar food packages I've used. If you/I do not accurately plan stops for the night/for meals, you can end up having to use up your drinking water to prepare the meal. Not all camp sites have potable running water, especially stealth and/or primitive sites.
I'm not saying this is is always a major concern for the OP, for myself or for anyone else in particular. Just relating my experience as something relevant to the OP's request for information/experience in using these MH meals.
As I said, YMMV.