Survivalist Gear 101: Food

 BattleboySurplus - Survivalist Gear

If you're looking to go on a camping trip, a hike, or just trying to be prepared, MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) are a good place to start. MRE's are the main operational ration for the U.S. Military, and are meant to be completely self contained. These meals typically include an entree, a side dish, crackers, peanut butter or cheese spread, a dessert, instant coffee or tea, matches, toilet paper, a spoon, and a heater to heat the food up. Most MRE's can be eaten cold, however, they typically taste better if they've been heated up.

MRE's come with many entree's and come in Vegetarian choices as well. There are two types of MRE's. There is the U.S. Military MRE, which includes basic meals, food for cold weather, etc, and the civilian alternative. Civilian MRE's include Ameriqual Apack, MREStar, Sopakco Sure-Pak, and Wornick Eversafe to name a few.

Shelf-life for MRE's depend on how you store them. They will keep, at minimum, for 1 month if stored in 120 degree weather. However, if stored at 50 degree weather, they can last up to five years. MRE's have a Time and Temperature Indicator, known as a TTI. TTI's are small circles on the packaging of your meal, that will have an outer circle, and an inner circle. If the inner circle is lighter than the outer, your food will still be good. If you've left your food around for a bit, be sure to glance at the TTI to make sure your food is still good. Typically MRE's last around three years at normal room temperatures.

If you're looking for more Survivalist Gear, be sure to check out Survivalist Gear - BattleBoySurplus.com. They offer a good selection of gear, food, belts, or anything you'll need to weather out the wild, or to survive in any situation.