Can someone recommend a good 72hour+ survival kit/mre's

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pitbull592

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Feb 9, 2010
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I'm looking to purchase a good 72 hour+ survival kit for at least three people. I've been seeing some good ones on egay, but wanted to get your guys opinions? I'm also looking into some mre's. The kit's I've been looking at have shelf lives of at least 5 years, do they make one's that go longer, and how long will mre's stay good? Being a navy vet, we weren't exposed to mre's, though I did have to eat the blue eggs from time to time & it was always rumored to have softpeter in it:D
 
MREs have a "usable" shelf life of 5-6 years. We ate MREs that were older than that (expired in 1998 and we ate them in 2004) with no discernable difference in taste. Nobody got sick either. I've heard of people eating C-Rats from the Vietnam era with no ill effects, but I'd have to be desperate for one of those.

Real MREs are government property unless you got them from a government auction, so the ones you see on The Sportsmans Guide and so on are aftermarket (not government issue) MREs. I think they even mention this. Anyway, buy the latest lot you can buy and don't worry about the "expiration" date. Pretty soon you'll be concocting your own custom meals with the M&M packets and chili con carne.
 
JNieporte said:
MREs have a "usable" shelf life of 5-6 years. We ate MREs that were older than that (expired in 1998 and we ate them in 2004) with no discernable difference in taste. Nobody got sick either. I've heard of people eating C-Rats from the Vietnam era with no ill effects, but I'd have to be desperate for one of those.

Real MREs are government property unless you got them from a government auction, so the ones you see on The Sportsmans Guide and so on are aftermarket (not government issue) MREs. I think they even mention this. Anyway, buy the latest lot you can buy and don't worry about the "expiration" date. Pretty soon you'll be concocting your own custom meals with the M&M packets and chili con carne.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Yeah, the closest I got to being in the field & combat was vbss duty. My brother is currently active army & he's given me a few boxes. Said he can give me more if I want (he thinks I'm nuts for asking for mre's)
 
Copied from my post on this subject from 2007...

I assembled my first survival kit many years ago for less than $30, and the prices are still pretty much the same. This one can fit into most jacket pockets, so you can get used to having it with you at all times.
1. Matches, but only use them when other fire-starting means have failed.
2. Candle; both a light source and useful when starting a fire. Tallow wax can be eaten in an emergency.
3. Flint; make sure you have plenty of practice with flint and a striker. It will be there long after your matches have been used up.
4. Sewing kit; useful for repairing clothes and equipment. Improvised stitches if you need them.
5. Water purification tablets; useful when you can't boil water.
6. Compass; a small, button liquid-filled type is good, but check regularly for leaks.
7. Mirrors; used for signalling.
8. Safety pins; Useful for securing things and the manufacture of improvised fishing equipment.
9. Fishing line and hooks. These can also be used to catch birds.
10. Wire saw; can cut even large trees. Cover it in grease to prevent from rusting.
11. Large plastic bag; can be used to carry water and also as a solar still.
12. Snare wire; brass is best.

Remember to check your kit periodically for signs of deterioration.
 
It's also useful to make another, larger kit that will fit into a duffel bag or backpack which can be carried with you on trips. Do NOT think that everything in this kit is a neccessity; it's just what's in mine. As with the smaller kit, get used to always having it with you and check for signs of deterioration.
1. Sewing kit (maybe add more items than the smaller one)
2. Pliers with wire cutter (for cutting snare wire, tying fishing line, etc.)
3. Dental floss (for sewing and hygienic purposes)
4. Folding knife (keep it clean and sharp)
5. Ring saw.
6. Snow shovel (you can get the military tri-fold shovels for around $10)
7. Signal cloth; at least 3 feet by 3 feet.
8. Fishing hooks, line, weights, flies.
9. Large safety pins.
10. 150 feet (45m) of nylon line.
11. Multivitamins (keep you in shape)
12. Protein bars (protein source)
13. Large chocolate bar (energy source)
14. Dried eggs (nutrition)
15. Dried milk (nutrition)
16. File (will help improvise weapons and tools)
17. Three space blankets
18. Lensatic compass
19. Signal mirror
20. Four candles
21. LED light and extra batteries
22. Windproof and waterproof matches
23. Flint and striker
24. Butane lighter with extra butane
25. Insect repellent
26. Twelve snares
27. Spool of snare wire
28. Can opener
29. Plastic cup
30. Water purification tablets
31. Sling shot and ammunition
32. Knife sharpener
33. Soap
34. 225 feet (67m) of nylon twine
35. 225 feet (67m) of nylon cord
36. Mess kit
37. Pair of work gloves
38. Mouse trap (believe me, this will come in handy)
Use any extra space to pack petroleum jelly-coated cotton balls. It keeps your items from rattling, and starts fire easily.
 
I have been working on two kits for a little over a moth now. One small kit to bring with me while hunting and backpacking and a larger bag to bring with me should I need to leave the house quickly. The extra cost involved with someone doing nothing more than putting your stuff into the bag for you isn't worth it. Plus you will be able to make yourself a better more personal bag by doing it yourself.
 
emergency essentials sells some decent premade kits complete with backpack at a fair price. they also sell civilian legal MRE's.
 
Making your own kit is so much better and actually cheaper normally. You can have much better quality control on your equipment. Plus you can test your stuff and know you can trust it.
 
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