BootsnAll Travel Community

On the last backpacking trip I went on I bought some military rations instead of the usual boring fare and I have to say that these aren't your grandfathers military rations... they are actualy quite good and come in a lot of different meals.

Which ones, American MRE's? Because I have to say, the Canadian ones SUCK. They are really grim. (Except for the salmon, which tasted just like the smoked salmon you buy in the vacuum-packs on the West Coast. That was ok.) The ravioli and the 'breakfast ham' though? Dear lord, I STILL have nightmares about those!

I always liked MREs. Yes they are way better than the military rations. Since they are not in cans, it weighs a lot less, and nowadays it includes flameless heat packs that you can warm your food with. I don't understand why people would hate it.

Be careful, though... Have it too much and you'll suffer with constipation. Also it contains about 3,000 calories a pack, so you can easily gain weight.

Nic

the way i see it, with a weeks worth of military rations and adult diapers, any bootie can survive anything!

quote:

the way i see it, with a weeks worth of military rations and adult diapers, any bootie can survive anything!

Ok, that was really funny.....

i always used dinty moores stuff if i didnt care about weight. its surprisingly good stuff, especially the beef stew. just throw the sealed white container in boiling water and wait a bit! most dehydrated foods are really bad, IMO, but im certainly no minimalist either. maybe for some people, that lightweight makes it taste better? stagg chili also makes these little boxes of chili in a bunch of flavors. lots of carbs and protein for the weight and price. noodles are great too. i always like getting my own food when im out there too, whether by hunting or fishing. that saves the most weight, and if you know how to cook (bring spices! its not like they are heavy!) you can whip up some pretty fancy and absolutely delicious dinners!

also, great comment zopa hahaha, never seen that smiley before either.

I guess it depends what kind of "backpacking" you're up to. If you're hostel-hopping, MREs will keep you well fed on the cheap. Of course, you won't get to enjoy any of the local fare.

I would never take MREs on a wilderness backpacking trip. Dry food is where it's at. And there are plenty of inexpensive dry options - you don't have to spend $7 on Mountain House to eat well in the backcountry.