I know better, but I'll ask anyway - why not MRE's

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That is worth the buy just to make the 'heater bombs' that have left many of my MRE's sans heater :D

I caught a program on the news the this last week about the chef behind the Army's MRE program, they really have been investing in some major menu improvements. For a last minute or emergency meal, why not. I pack a few and have enjoyed them for lunch or dinner on a camping trip that got extended or longer than expected day on the trail.
 

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
The new mfg MRE's are quite good actually. I remember when the packages were brown vice tan and came sans heaters... the heater really changed them for the better because cold rations just suck. I always keep several in the truck for emergencies or as a grab and go for an impromptu scouting hike. I choose to cook real meals in camp.

Check out the new "First Strike" rations if you get the chance - another leap in quality above even the newest MRE's and lighter to carry.
 

mrshish

Observer
I've used/use all kinds of different foods depending on what I'm doing. When I'm fast packing I go light with dehydrated foods and when I'm in the car I like to spread out a little and enjoy the food so we bring the grill, stove and fridge. Don't let me or anyone here dictate what you should eat. If you like the taste of MRE's (which I don't mind) then use them.

The short answer is, other than taste, there is no reason not to use MRE's.
 

Newtac11

Observer
I agree with TACODOC on this. MRE's have made leaps and bounds in the past couple decades. I remembering chipping a tooth on a dehydrated beef patty...man that was a nasty meal. But nowadays they taste and pack better. I usually strip them down further to get rid of the stuff I don't need.

They also come in different styles. Vegetarian, kosher, even a cold weather version which is my favorite ( tough as hens teeth to find though) and a long range patrol version. By looking at the website, it appears they have changed again and made one style for both cold weather AND lrp. http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/media/fact/index.htm

The cold weather mre's are completely dehydrated, and resemble the mountain style sold at REI, but include many extras. You will need hot water, and a way to make it though. They taste incredible, and pack well. I have a box and a half left in the garage, but I personally don't take em with me camping because I like fresh food if at all possible. That being said, I think they would serve the op's purpose well albeit expensive.
 

BIGGUY

Adventurer
I keep a few on hand for emergencies and I've tried several different ones. Some are better than others. I keep a few in my bag in my truck so that if I have an emergency situation I have something to eat that is ready without the added stress of trying to get a fire or stove going to cook. I also have some emergency food bars and some dehydrated packets too. I carry some water pouches and always have bottles of water in my Engel so I can set up a stove or fire and boil water. I also have these so that if I'm out somewhere and decide at the last minute to camp, I have some food with me. If I'm camping and have planned ahead of time, then I will bring fresh foods to cook up meals with.
 

BigAl

Expedition Leader
You were running with Al, his most impressive meal to date has been Spam on a Plank:sombrero:

Jeez, one fail:sombrero: I believe you are on to something using a plank. The log I was using acted as too much of a heat sink, Next time...(insert Muahaha sound effect here)
 

Karma

Adventurer
HI All,
For emergency food, they seem to be a good idea. Where can they be bought? I have never tasted them. But, I can eat anything in an emergency.

Sparky
 

Karma

Adventurer
I've bought things through the first place and they are really good to work with. They also carry Mountain House pouches and cans. I've read about the second place but have never done business with them yet.

Hi All,
I pulled up the web sites that BIGGUY gave. Frankly I'm surprised at the variety of MRE's. Do any of you have particular favorites including the deserts? Because they seem like such a good idea (assuming they are edible) I'm going to try a few and if I like them I will add some to my emergency rations. But I don't know where to start.

Thanks, Sparky
 

trump

Adventurist
Echoing what others have said, they're pretty good now. Much improved over the menu that included the "five fingers of death." I personally have had my fill of them and eating more than a days worth makes me loose my mind.
 

Yossa

New member
I`d be curious to know how many of you dehydrate your own stuff? The MRE`s available is Spain are pretty dire, unless you can get hold of Spanish Army rations (the most popular of allthe armies serving in Afghanistan seemingly). One of the local mountain guide companies does their own stuff, which is good, but very pricey for what it is.

Looking at what is contained within the Longlife products gives me the heebie-jeebies. There ain´t nothing natural about them chemicals. For an emergency fine, but for a nice meal in the great outdoors - nah.

This is what is in a Bacon Sandwich from LongLifeFood - not sure whether to eat it or throw it at bear for self-defence ;)

Bread (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Water, Cheddar Flavored Flakes [Hydrolyzed Vegetable Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Wheat Flour, Milk, Maltodextrin, Salt, Lactic Acid, Enzyme Modified Cheese {Milk, Salt, Enzymes}, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Disodium Phospate, Anatto {for color}], Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Glycerol, Yeast, Salt, Sucrose Ester, Dough Conditioners [Wheat Flour, Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides {DATEM}, Soy Oil, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, Enzyme, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide {ADA}], Gum Arabic, Butter Flavor [Modified Food Starch, Maltodextrin, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Water, Soy Lecithin], Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Calcium Sulfate, Xantham Gum, Sorbic Acid),
Bacon (Cured with Water, Salt, Hickory Smoke Flavor, Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite).

Where I come from, a Bacon Sarnie is revered and consists of bacon and, er, bread. Good mustard, HP (Brown) sauce or ketchup tops it off.

I`m tempted to get a dehydrator as we`re living in the "fruit/vegetable basket" of Spain and neighbours/friends give you crazy amounts of veg/fruit, from their fincas/farms all year long. Being able to combine various veggies, meats as well as spices and the like means I can really tailor my food. Thoughts or personal experiences on this?
 
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Dave Bennett

Adventurist
Echoing what others have said, they're pretty good now. Much improved over the menu that included the "five fingers of death." I personally have had my fill of them and eating more than a days worth makes me loose my mind.

Hey, five fingers of death was my favorite! ;)
 

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