The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red Made a Bold First Impression
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red promises peace of mind in a compact package. ReadyWise aims to provide a readily available source of sustenance during unforeseen circumstances. This kit is designed to sustain one person for 72 hours, a critical timeframe in most emergency scenarios.
My interest in this kit stemmed from a growing awareness of the need for personal preparedness. Living in an area prone to severe weather, I wanted a reliable, easily storable food supply. I needed something that didn’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking, offering simple nutrition when resources are scarce.
Unboxing the kit, the first thing I noticed was its manageable size and weight. The packaging felt durable enough to withstand some jostling. The individual meal pouches were neatly organized and clearly labeled.
I considered several similar kits, including offerings from Mountain House and Valley Food Storage. Ultimately, I chose the ReadyWise kit due to its compact size, positive customer reviews, and palatable variety of meals. The price point of $34.99 was also a significant factor.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed well-organized and practical. I was eager to taste the meals and assess their actual nutritional value and ease of preparation in a simulated emergency setting.
Real-World Testing: Putting ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red during a weekend camping trip focused on practicing basic survival skills. This allowed me to simulate a limited-resource environment without the actual stress of an emergency. I evaluated the meals’ ease of preparation, taste, and satiety.
The kit performed adequately in the relatively mild conditions. The weather was dry and temperatures were moderate. The meals were straightforward to prepare, requiring only boiling water.
Using my portable camping stove, boiling water was quick. Rehydrating the meals took the specified time. The initial concern I had was about the limited amount of water needed to prepare each meals.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial weekend test, I kept the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red stored in my car for several months as part of my emergency preparedness kit. I rotated the kit after six months to test another pouch, ensuring the contents remained palatable. I also wanted to ensure that I was still happy with the ReadyWise after several months of owning it.
The packaging showed no signs of degradation after this period. The pouches remained sealed, and the contents appeared unchanged. I was able to re-taste the contents.
Maintenance is non-existent, as the kit is designed for single-use consumption. My experience reaffirms its suitability as a reliable, long-term emergency food source. It’s basic, but better than nothing!
Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red
Specifications
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red is designed to provide sustenance for one person for three days. It contains a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. Each kit averages around 2,000 calories, which might be low for high-exertion scenarios.
The kit typically includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The contents may vary, but usually feature items like granola, pasta dishes, and soups. The shelf life is approximately 25 years, making it suitable for long-term storage.
The kit’s weight is approximately 1.6 pounds, and its dimensions are roughly 9 x 3 x 8 inches. This compact size and weight make it easy to store in a backpack, car, or home emergency kit. Water is required for rehydration.
The kit comes in a red, resealable bucket. The red color coding is used to identify the ReadyWise product, specifically the American Red Cross branded version. It is designed for easy identification and storage.
Performance & Functionality
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing basic nutrition during emergencies. The meals are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. This ease of use is crucial when dealing with stressful situations where time and resources are limited.
The taste is acceptable, though not gourmet. It’s important to remember this is emergency food. The meals are functional, but bland and repetitive if consumed over several days. The calorie count is also a limiting factor.
The kit meets expectations for basic emergency food provision, although improvements in taste and nutritional value would enhance its overall appeal. The lack of significant variety is its biggest downfall.
Design & Ergonomics
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red features a straightforward, practical design. The individual meal pouches are clearly labeled, and the instructions for preparation are easy to follow. The compact size and lightweight design are significant advantages for storage and portability.
The kit is user-friendly, requiring minimal preparation skills or equipment. There is no learning curve. The red bucket aids in quick identification and storage among other emergency supplies.
The packaging is reasonably durable, though prolonged exposure to extreme conditions could potentially compromise the seals. Extra care should be taken when storing this kit to prevent puncture or damage.
Durability & Maintenance
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red is designed for long-term storage with a shelf life of up to 25 years. This indicates good durability under proper storage conditions (cool, dry place). However, once opened, the individual meal pouches should be consumed promptly to prevent spoilage.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular inspection of the packaging for any signs of damage or compromise is recommended. This will ensure the kit remains viable for use in an emergency.
There is no repair involved, as the kit is designed for single-use consumption of the meal pouches. Care should be taken not to puncture any pouches while stocking or accessing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red comes as a self-contained unit. It does not require any additional accessories for basic use. However, augmenting it with items like a portable stove, utensils, and extra water purification tablets would enhance its effectiveness.
There are no customization options available for the kit itself. However, users can supplement the kit with their preferred snacks or supplements. The user can add them to their emergency preparedness kit.
The kit is compatible with standard cooking and eating utensils. It’s also compatible with portable water boiling devices. Consider supplementing this kit for children, persons with allergies, or people requiring a higher caloric intake.
Pros and Cons of ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red
Pros
- Long shelf life (up to 25 years) provides peace of mind for long-term storage.
- Compact size and lightweight design allow for easy storage and portability.
- Simple preparation requires minimal effort and equipment in emergency situations.
- Red American Red Cross branding allows easy identification in a crisis.
- Affordable price point for entry-level emergency preparedness.
Cons
- Limited calorie count might be insufficient for high-exertion activities.
- Taste and variety of meals are basic and can become repetitive.
- Water needed for rehydration and there is no provision of this in the kit.
Who Should Buy ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red?
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red is perfect for:
- Individuals seeking a basic and affordable emergency food supply for home, car, or office.
- Apartment dwellers and urban residents who have limited storage space.
- Those new to emergency preparedness and looking for an easy starting point.
Who should skip this product?
- Individuals requiring high-calorie or specialized diets for intense physical activity.
- Those with dietary restrictions or preferences that the kit doesn’t accommodate.
- People seeking gourmet or highly palatable emergency food options.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Portable camping stove for boiling water.
- Utensils (spoon, fork) for eating.
- Additional water purification tablets or a portable water filter.
Conclusion on ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red
The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red is a functional and affordable option for basic emergency preparedness. It provides a convenient and long-lasting food supply for short-term survival situations. The simple preparation and compact design are appealing to a wide range of users.
The price of $34.99 is justified, especially for those new to emergency preparedness. The shelf life alone offers peace of mind. However, individuals with higher caloric needs or dietary preferences may need to supplement this kit with additional items.
I would personally recommend the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit – American Red as a starting point for building a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. It provides a foundation of basic nutrition that can be augmented to meet individual needs. Don’t wait for disaster to strike – be prepared!