I have messed around a lot with different foods for bug-out bags, get-home kits, and general backpacking. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type. While there is no one food that will fit everyone’s menu and needs I have come to a conclusion:
Freeze-dried foods are the best foods for bug-out bags.
Here’s why: If someone is bugging out they are likely traveling some distance on foot. Weight is a major factor and that is where freeze-dried food really shines. Freeze-dried foods are extremely lightweight. I can throw in several meal pouches for just a couple of pounds. They are also very simple to prepare and are very nutritious. Most of the freeze-dried food that I have eaten has tasted no different than regular food although a few samples were on the salty side.
Drawbacks? They require water to reconstitute and prepare. If you live in a desert this could be a serious dilemma as carrying water is quite a task due to its weight. They also do not provide a ton of calories in the smaller pouch-sized packages. For longer term time periods this could be an issue.
MREs are another option and not a bad one either. Again, weight is the issue at hand as they are heavy. Sure – a few cans of soup can be thrown in a pack as well as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or twelve but to me, freeze-dried foods make a lot better choice.
My favorites:
Now this should be assumed, but, I’ll go ahead and state the obvious: Having a couple of Payday bars or something that requires no preparation should certainly be included on a bug-out bag. Some calories on the go will certainly be needed.
Anyone have a favorite they have tried?
JR
Because I live in the high desert of Arizona, water is a really big issue. I know where the springs and wells are in a 25 miles radius of home, but that doesn’t mean that’s where I would be if the SHTF.
I have always kept a supply of Mainstay Emergency Food Rations in my bug out vehicle and bug out/get home backpack as a supplement to other food items. Each bar is 400 calories and comes packaged in 1200, 2400 and 3600 calorie units and is good for five years.
This is my second attempt at responding Ben. Not sure what happened but the first disappeared. Appreciate you sharing. Good point on the Mainstay Bar. Right now as I type this I have a bag in my truck sitting outside my cabin in Maine that has a similar ration bar.
I’m not disagreeing with you, but if money’s an object and I have to boil water anyway, I’m sticking with instant oatmeal and ramen noodles. Add some instant coffee or hot chocolate packets, and I’m good to go. They’re familiar comfort foods, and I usually have them in the pantry. That said, when I win that lottery I don’t play, I’m going to get myself a supply of Mountain House meals!
Thanks Single mom. When you win the lottery don’t forget I’m your favorite Patriot blogger named Rourke!!
Sounds a bit like you are describing a poor man’s MRE – or homemade MRE. I’ve done a little work putting together something like this. WOuld be good to throw out an article and/or video on these.
Appreciate it.
For me it is vacuum sealed dehydrated food. Dried oatmeal is my main stay along with dried fruit.
I can’t find organic food when I travel in most places so I stock to stay away from resturants.
Dehydrated fruit such apples and bananas in a vacuum sealed bag are
light weight,delicious and easy on the budget.
You can do the dehydrating in the kitchen oven or with a simple air dryer.
Both methods are time consuming but are very less costly than an eight
tray Excalibur. Instructions are all over the internet.
Jerky and Billabong are both long term meat preservation processes that
yield a tasty light weight product.
London Broil is the least expensive meat for jerky or billabong.Meat with
too much fat is not good as it can go rancid
Bugging Out will work out for the young and healthy but for us geezers
that have medical issues staying put is the best bet.
I almost forgot nuts and raisins and I totally agree with Mom about the
instant oatmeal.Also hard tack will give a full feeling in the belly.
We must all do what we think is best. Just remember what my friend
Pete says,”There are crazy people out there”.
If you walk on the trail you will die on the trail.Be careful out there!
Thanks Chuck. My brother-in-law is a jerky lover and makes some often. I need to hang out with him and find out how he does it. I like jerky – not my favorite but I buy some here and there.
Pete is 100% correct – – “There are crazy people out there.”
Sorry for my terrible spelling!!! It is BILTONG!!
The Sisters of Saint Dominic didn’t whack my knuckles enough.
I agree with the freeze dried food, it’s some of the easiest to prepare and carry for the calories. Next time try out Pinnacle foods – they’re fantastic. Also a small company in Ohio called Swartz Foods. Swartz Foods I’ve found to have a lot lower sodium content than typical meals.
I’m going to go against the instant oatmeal crowd for BOB/GHB bag food for these reasons after carrying them for many years, this is what I’ve found. Cons: 1) it may cause constipation in people if not properly rehydrated or eat too much of it, 2) if you are low on water, instant oatmeal may actually INCREASE dehydration since it takes a lot of fluid in your stomach/intestines to break it down. 3) One package won’t be enough, need to eat a couple or add more nuts or berries to it for proper nutrition. 4) Shelf life, yes it’s generally a year however heat and humidity will cause it to lose nutritional value quickly.
Thanks jh! I’ve never been an oatmeal eater. Good points.
I do believe the food in the bug out bag should be food that we have tested and would want in high stress condition. I did find out when my van got stuck in sand on a day of 105 deg high humidity that 1/2 gal of water was not enough, I have moved up to 1 gal of water in my van. I did find when my 1/2 gal of water was out, I was forced to go on a trek for water which was about a mile away…. I could see this being a real issue if the water was 5 miles away.
Excellent point Mart. Water is essential. In most of the area I’ve lived there is a ton of water all around – from small streams or creeks to rivers, ponds and lakes. This is one of the reasons I have felt freeze dried foods would work for me. Given changing geographic conditions I would adapt and make the necessary changes.
i have always carried cans when primitive camping. they already have water in them, they don’t HAVE to be heated, you can eat them on the run if necessary and can be heated in the cans if wanted. the water needed to rehydrate freeze dried foods weighs as much as what’s in the cans so it’s one or the other. cans are just more convenient for me, and the empty cans themselves are useful for many other things. think trip wire alarms for one.
P/S,, don’t forget your spoons and can openers : )
Good points Scout. I need to do a write up and maybe a video on my “bug out” philosophy. An area that I often find disagreements with others is on weight. I prioritize keeping weight low to allow rapid movement and limit fatigue(and calorie needs).
one other thing,
i have always kept some PayDay bars around. lots of calories and long term energy in em, what with the peanuts and all.
i’m always open to new ideas but this what has worked for me for 60 yrs.
Yup – Love me some Payday bars! No chocolate mess either.