MREs

[Night goat]

Thinking about getting a few cases of MREs to have around in case of an emergency, maybe for my boat, just to have
...

Noticed there are alot on the market, and im familiar with some of the US military ones, they taste alright, but was wondering what you guys think, what you dont like, brands to watch out for....

[Skyvalhunter]

I would suggest buying some and trying it out first. The last ones I purchased the heating packet didn't work well in heating the main coarse. The Salzburg steak was like rubber. I think I got mine thru Cyros(sp). I still get emails from them on specials. Might be better off to buy some mountain house.

[jrebel]

I enjoy mountain house way more than I do military MRE's. 

[cbond3318]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the cold weather MRE’s. The main courses are Mountain House but then they also come with lots of extras, haven’t finished one yet.

[ctwiggs1]

Since I’m not paid to eat MREs anymore, I don’t 

I would look at other dehydrated food options

[Stein]

If you are going with an MRE, go with the military ones.  You can usually pick them up on Craigslist for cheaper than the civilian kind, just know how to read and understand date codes.

The cold weather versions are good too, you just need to add water.

I use them for hunting sometimes, they are just handy to have a hot lunch without needing a stove.  I even used on in a mountain marathon once although I don't recommend that.

[wadu1]

MRE-MRE's give "C" rations any day still carry my P38 just in case 

[Night goat]

Yeah I bought a sailboat off a guy who thought hed make it to Hawaii with jugs of water, mres, a sextant, a compass and a bible, and when I cleaned it out I discovered it was loaded down with 2 months worth of MREs and some of em were pretty good.... Hard to mess up spaghetti.... Seen the Spanish and Norwegian ones too... I suppose my biggest question is whether some of them are loaded down with preservatives and what not or if they are actually high quality food meant to keep a man in good spirits high energy and in shape....

I mean.... Beats a can of beans, a freezer burnt hot dog and plain top ramen....


But what are the nutritional pros and cons?

[ctwiggs1]

Yeah I bought a sailboat off a guy who thought hed make it to Hawaii with jugs of water, mres, a sextant, a compass and a bible, and when I cleaned it out I discovered it was loaded down with 2 months worth of MREs and some of em were pretty good.... Hard to mess up spaghetti.... Seen the Spanish and Norwegian ones too... I suppose my biggest question is whether some of them are loaded down with preservatives and what not or if they are actually high quality food meant to keep a man in good spirits high energy and in shape....

I mean.... Beats a can of beans, a freezer burnt hot dog and plain top ramen....


But what are the nutritional pros and cons?

You would have to do your own research but I recall the seniors always saying that you weren't supposed to have troops go more than a few weeks on MREs due to nutritional deficiencies.  That may be Army folklore though.

[Stein]

The nutritional value isn't huge.  Some are pretty horrible but the newer ones seem to be somewhat improved.  The bread items in particular tend to be loaded with trans fats, so I would stick to the main course.  I don't think anyone would put together a rational plan to eat them on a regular basis.

[pianoman9701]

I got a 60-day supply of emergency food from COSTCO, along with 20 lbs of black beans, 20 lbs of rice, and 20 lbs of kidney beans from Cash & Carry (can't remember what the store changed its name to), in addition to some medical supplies and 40 gallons of water jugs. A lot cheaper than buying the individual MREs and a lot more food.

[ctwiggs1]

I got a 60-day supply of emergency food from COSTCO, along with 20 lbs of black beans, 20 lbs of rice, and 20 lbs of kidney beans from Cash & Carry (can't remember what the store changed its name to), in addition to some medical supplies and 40 gallons of water jugs. A lot cheaper than buying the individual MREs and a lot more food.

We did something similar.  I ended up buying the Mylar bags and desiccant packets as well.  The rice and beans should be just fine for quite some time. 

FWIW, you can buy 1 gallon jugs for a buck a piece at your local grocery store.  They don't store the easiest but they're cheap.

Medical supplies... Well, being a former 68W helps 

[pianoman9701]

91C here. 

[ctwiggs1]

91C here. 

Yep, always knew there was something I about you that I liked 

[Fl0und3rz]

I got a 60-day supply of emergency food from COSTCO, along with 20 lbs of black beans, 20 lbs of rice, and 20 lbs of kidney beans from Cash & Carry (can't remember what the store changed its name to), in addition to some medical supplies and 40 gallons of water jugs. A lot cheaper than buying the individual MREs and a lot more food.

MREs, I only buy the entrees and some sides separately.  Don't need the heaters, etc.  And I get what I know I'll eat.
Same with MH. 

They are a good part of a plan, along with Mountain House, Spam, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, Mary Kitchen Corned Beef Hash, Tuna, Rice, Beans, Pastas,, all of which are good longer term options, assorted canned fruits and veggies, your own canned goods, and a water source.