Survival Meals Ready to Eat – MRE Contents:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn each MRE survival pack, you will receive the following food products and accessories.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Entree – the main course, such as Spaghetti or Beef Stew
\n\u2022 Side dish – rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes.
\n\u2022 Cracker or Bread
\n\u2022 Spread – peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread
\n\u2022 Dessert – cookies or pound cakes
\n\u2022 Candy – M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls
\n\u2022 Beverages – Gatorade-like drink mixes, cocoa, dairy shakes, coffee, tea
\n\u2022 Hot sauce or seasoning – in some MREs
\n\u2022 Self-Heating Flameless Ration Heater included in each pack.
\n\u2022 Accessory Pack – spoon, matches, coffee, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper. Contents of meals and accessory packages vary.
\n\u2022 With 24 different menus, you won’t get tired of the same foods.<\/p>\n
As you can see there is a massive amount of food and side dishes available just for one meal. All you need to supply is the water. When I was in the army as a reservist we would often swap out our meals with each other as sometimes it\u2019s a lucky dip on what you will get. I don\u2019t drink coffee so I would always swap that out for hot chocolate or extra candy. Nowadays you can often pick out the main dish like chicken, beef, or even vegetarian.<\/p>\n
What I like about these MREs is that they are so complete it’s all you need to take with you. Even items like toilet paper are included. We have a few of these meals in our first aid kit on the boat just in case something happens and we are stranded. Make sure to rotate them out every year or so.<\/p>\n
You also don\u2019t have to use the flameless ration heater. If you have a campfire going just put a kettle or mug onto some hot coals. This will heat up your pouch faster and makes the stew rice and toasty. Perfect for those hotter cups of coffee or hot chocolate.<\/p>\n
How long do MREs last?<\/h3>\n
Well, it\u2019s not a defined science but I have eaten MRE meals up to 10 years old. I survived but the meals were starting to taste bland. MRE packages don’t have an expiration date stamped on them. They usually have a manufactured date of when the package was made on the main ration carton box. Sometimes this stamp is also on the individual food packets. I would say stick to the usual 5-year-old rule. As long as your MREs are stored in a cool dark place under 75\u2019F you should have no dramas.<\/p>\n
If one of your ration packs does leak or has a pinprick hole discard it immediately. Don\u2019t take any chances with eating a possibly contaminated meal. I have seen many times out on a reconnaissance mission that MRE packs can get torn or holed due to the many sharp objects in a rucksack.<\/p>\n
What tastes better chicken or beef?<\/h3>\n
This is all a personal preference, but I prefer beef. It’s best to order a couple of each type to compare and then mix and match down the track. I just like to eat a nice beef stew while sitting around a campfire. It just reminds me of my mom\u2019s hot pot stew when growing up.<\/p>\n
My verdict is these MREs have come along way since I was in the Army Reserve. A lot of the older ration pack had freeze-dried food. These lasted longer but the taste was very bland and basic. Its great to see that Western Frontier have stepped up the game and included some tasty meals.<\/p>\n
Trust me when you are starving and running low on energy these 2300 calories are just what you need. Never throw out the unused ration pack condiments. Save them for an afternoon snack. Or bring them home for your kids to enjoy. My kids often liked to eat the peanut butter or jam that I would bring home after a weekend Army training camp.<\/p>\n
Packing your Bug out Bag<\/h2>\n
I love hose these are fully sealed and ready to go. Don’t forget if you are packing a few of these in a quick bug out bag to also pack in a water purification device.<\/p>\n
I can totally recommend the Lifestraw Mission 12 water purification system<\/a> for camping. This is suited for a family to be able to filter out over 12L of water an hour. Enough for your whole family each day.<\/p>\nI like how it folds down small and is nice and light. Other items to pack are some money, first aid kit, jumper, raincoat, tent, tools, matches, string, gun and a slingshot for hunting.<\/p>\n
All this gear should keep you safe and secure if you need to make a quick getaway in a hurry.<\/p>\n
Conclusion – Ready to eat meals for camping<\/h2>\n
If you are a prepper, survivalist or just an outdoor adventurist looking for\u00a0survival meals ready to eat then these packs are totally worth it. It’s a small price to pay for a comfortable energy-rich experience in the wild. Its a one-stop shop for all of your dietary requirements.<\/span><\/p>\nLet me know in the comments if you use these MRE packs or can recommend some other brands.<\/p>\n