There is a common misconception among people who have never eaten MRE’s that they are the same as backpacking meals. (I’ll even admit to being this naïve in the past) They are both lightweight meals on the go but that’s about where the similarities end.
SKIP AHEAD
7 Reasons
Calories
Most Mountain House backpacking meals have 400-600 calories. All military MRE’s have approximately 1,250. Everyone knows survival is a calorie game. You have to put as much or more in than you use and MRE’s are a more efficient way to do that.
Side Dish
Every standard issue MRE comes with a side dish, usually something like rice, vegetables, or fruit. Backpacking meals only come with one main entrée, unless you buy extra sides.
Cracker or Bread
Every MRE comes with a cracker or bread package. I don’t know about you, but I’m a good southern boy and I like to have some kind of bread at every meal. You gotta have something to push with…
Dessert, Candy, Spread
MRE’s come with a dessert package and candy (yes, both) as well as a spread for your bread like peanut butter, jelly, or cheese. Backpack meal: no, no, and no.
Drink Mix
MRE’s get a sports drink, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or shake. Of course with a backpacking meal you have to bring your own.
Accessories
Every MRE comes with an accessories packet that can include things such as (but not limited to) a spoon, matches, TP, wipes, sugar, salt, chewing gum, and of course Tabasco. You know where this is going, backpack meals have none of these.
Heater
And finally the most important reason MRE’s are better than backpacking meals, the Flameless Ration Heater. If it’s driving rain, freezing, and you have no fire supplies, with an MRE you can still have a hot meal. Just tear open the heater pouch, add water, add entrée, and wait.
MREs Benefits at a Glance
- More calories
- Side dish
- Includes cracker or bread
- Includes a dessert, candy, and spread
- Includes a drink mix
- Includes accessories
- Comes with a flameless heater
Best MREs You Can Buy
Here are my top picks that you can buy:
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#1 MRE
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Check Price on Amazon.com
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Check Price on Amazon.com
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Check Price on Amazon.com
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MRE Info
Most of the pictures and a lot of good information for this came from MREinfo.com.
They know everything there is to know about MRE’s and can definitely answer any questions you might ever have about things like dating, menus, and knock off brands. (They even have a message board devoted to MRE’s)
