ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply Review

First Thoughts on the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply promises peace of mind in a compact box. Manufactured by ReadyWise, it claims to provide 12 servings of lunch/dinner, 6 servings of breakfast, and 12 servings of milk. This appeals to anyone prepping for emergencies or short-term power outages.

I’ve always preached self-reliance, and a readily available, easily stored food supply is fundamental to that philosophy. My main concern was addressing the potential for short-term disruptions in access to groceries, especially during winter storms. The promise of a 72-hour supply seemed like a reasonable starting point for my family.

Upon receiving the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply, the box felt surprisingly light. The packaging was straightforward, and opening it revealed the individual pouches of food. Initial impressions were that it was a very minimalist approach.

I considered other options like building my own emergency kit with individual canned goods, or purchasing larger, more comprehensive long-term food storage solutions. The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply won out due to its convenience, affordability, and relatively small storage footprint compared to those alternatives. I wanted a simple, ready-to-go solution, not a massive undertaking.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The compact size and low price point were appealing, but I was skeptical about the taste and nutritional value. It felt like a good starting point, but I needed to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to test the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply during a weekend camping trip. This would simulate a situation where access to normal food sources was limited. I wanted to experience preparing and eating the food in a realistic setting.

The weather was mild and dry, so I couldn’t test it in extreme conditions. The biggest challenge was the limited water supply at my campsite. I quickly realized how important water is for rehydrating these meals.

The Cheesy Macaroni was the first meal I tried. It was relatively easy to prepare, requiring only boiling water. However, the resulting texture was a bit mushy, and the flavor was bland.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, I had sampled all the items in the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply. The pouches remained intact, and there were no signs of spoilage. Shelf life appears to be a strong suit of this product.

The packaging held up well under normal storage conditions. I kept the box in a cool, dry place, and it showed no signs of damage. However, I wouldn’t trust it in a damp or humid environment without additional protection.

Cleaning up after preparing the meals was easy, as there were minimal dishes involved. The pouches are disposable, so there’s no need to wash anything. This is a significant advantage in a survival situation where water is scarce.

Compared to my previous experiences with freeze-dried meals, the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply underperformed in terms of taste and texture. However, it was also significantly cheaper. The convenience factor made up for some of the shortcomings.

Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply

Specifications

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply includes:

  • 1 pouch of Cheesy Macaroni: Contains 6 total servings.
  • 1 pouch of Teriyaki Rice: Contains 6 total servings.
  • 1 pouch of Brown Sugar and Maple Multi-Grain Cereal: Contains 6 Servings.
  • 1 pouch of Whey Milk: Contains 12 servings.

Each pouch is designed to be rehydrated with water, providing a quick and easy meal option. The specified servings are based on recommended portion sizes. Individual needs may vary based on activity level and appetite.

These specifications highlight the focus on simplicity and ease of preparation. No cooking skills or special equipment are required. The light weight and compact packaging make it easy to transport and store. This is ideal for bug-out bags, emergency kits, or camping supplies.

Performance & Functionality

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply fulfills its basic function of providing sustenance in an emergency. The meals are relatively easy to prepare, and they offer a source of calories and basic nutrients. However, the taste and texture leave something to be desired.

The Cheesy Macaroni and Teriyaki Rice were palatable but bland. The Brown Sugar and Maple Multi-Grain Cereal was the most enjoyable of the three. The Whey Milk, when reconstituted, had a slightly chalky texture.

The main strength is its convenience and ease of use. The primary weakness is the taste and nutritional value compared to fresh food. It meets the basic expectation of providing food but doesn’t exceed it.

Design & Ergonomics

The packaging is simple and functional. The pouches are lightweight and easy to open. However, they are not resealable, so you need to consume the entire contents once opened.

The build quality seems adequate for short-term storage. The pouches are made of a durable material that should withstand normal handling. However, I wouldn’t recommend exposing them to extreme temperatures or rough conditions.

There is no learning curve involved in preparing the meals. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Even someone with no cooking experience could easily prepare these meals.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper storage, the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply should last for several years. The manufacturer claims a shelf life of up to 25 years. However, I would recommend checking the expiration date regularly.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply store the box in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. No special cleaning or maintenance is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. What you see is what you get.

The product is self-contained and doesn’t require any additional equipment. However, you will need a source of clean water and a pot for boiling. A portable water filter would be a valuable addition to your emergency kit.

Pros and Cons of ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply

Pros

  • Affordable price point making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
  • Compact and lightweight for easy storage and transport.
  • Long shelf life ensures availability when needed.
  • Simple preparation requiring only boiling water.
  • Provides a basic source of calories and nutrients in an emergency.

Cons

  • Taste and texture are often bland and unappetizing.
  • Nutritional value is limited compared to fresh food.
  • Pouches are not resealable, requiring consumption of the entire contents once opened.


Who Should Buy ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply?

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply is perfect for:

  • Individuals and families seeking a basic, affordable emergency food supply.
  • Campers and hikers looking for lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals.
  • Preppers on a budget who need a convenient starting point.

Who should skip this product?

  • Those with discerning palates who prioritize taste and texture.
  • Individuals with specific dietary needs or restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan).
  • People who require a comprehensive, nutritionally balanced emergency food supply.

A must-have accessory is a portable water filter or purification tablets. This ensures access to clean water for rehydrating the meals.

Conclusion on ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply is a budget-friendly option for basic emergency preparedness. It’s not a gourmet experience, but it provides a convenient and shelf-stable source of calories and basic nutrition. It’s a starting point, not the ultimate solution.

The price is definitely justified, considering the convenience and long shelf life. However, be prepared for the taste and texture to be underwhelming. You are paying for convenience and peace of mind, not a culinary masterpiece.

I would recommend the ReadyWise 72 Hour Emergency Food Supply to those on a tight budget who need a quick and easy emergency food solution. Just be sure to supplement it with other items to improve the overall taste and nutritional value of your emergency rations. Don’t rely on this as your sole source of sustenance; use it as a foundation to build upon.


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