ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit Review

Let’s Dive into ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit is a pre-packaged emergency food supply designed to provide sustenance during short-term survival situations. Manufactured by ReadyWise, this kit offers a convenient and shelf-stable solution for individuals or families preparing for unexpected events like natural disasters or power outages. It promises a quick and easy way to ensure access to basic nutrition when grocery stores are inaccessible or cooking facilities are unavailable.

My decade-plus in the outdoor and tactical gear world has hammered home the importance of preparedness. My reason for diving into this product stems from a recent experience where a localized power outage lasting nearly three days highlighted a gap in my family’s emergency preparedness. I needed a compact, long-lasting food solution that required minimal preparation.

Unboxing the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit revealed a compact, manageable box. The pouches felt robust, and the overall presentation was clean and organized. The weight of 3.25 lbs seemed reasonable for the purported contents, though a closer inspection would reveal the true value.

Several other options exist in this category, like Mountain House’s freeze-dried meal pouches and SOS Food Labs emergency food rations. I opted for the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit due to its inclusion of both breakfast and lunch/dinner options, plus the promise of a longer 25-year shelf life and perceived greater variety compared to solely calorie-dense bars. The price point of $39.99 also played a role in my decision, as other comparable kits are often significantly more expensive.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of a 25-year shelf life is appealing, but the real test would be in the taste, preparation, and nutritional value of the food itself. Only real-world testing would determine if the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit lived up to its preparedness claims.

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

First Use Experience

My first experience with the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit involved a simulated power outage scenario in my backyard. I wanted to replicate a realistic emergency situation, so I limited myself to the kit’s contents and a portable water filter. This took place during a relatively mild fall day, but I did introduce water with ice to simulate colder conditions.

Preparing the meals was straightforward: add water, stir, and wait. The Cheesy Macaroni took longer to rehydrate than expected, and the texture was somewhat mushy. However, the Teriyaki Rice and Hearty Tortilla Soup rehydrated well and tasted reasonably good, considering they were designed for emergency situations. The Brown Sugar and Maple Multi-Grain Cereal was palatable, but the Whey Milk was underwhelming and had a slightly artificial flavor.

There were a couple of surprises. First, the volume of food seemed small for a full 72-hour supply, especially for an adult male. Second, the required water volume, at approximately 32 cups, is considerable and something one needs to plan for, especially in arid climates where water is scarce.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, I tried the remaining portions of each meal and experimented with different water temperatures and rehydration times. The shelf life claims remain untested, of course, but the pouches appear to be well-sealed and robust. No noticeable degradation occurred during this short period.

In terms of durability, the packaging is adequate for storage and transport. However, the pouches could be vulnerable to puncture in more extreme conditions, so reinforcing the box with duct tape or storing it inside a more durable container would be advisable. Cleaning up after each meal was simple – essentially just rinsing out the bowl and utensil.

Compared to other emergency food options I’ve tried (mostly military MREs), the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit offers superior variety and a slightly better taste profile, although the nutritional value is lower, and portion sizes smaller. Overall, I would say it adequately fulfills its purpose, but supplementing it with additional snacks and water would be beneficial in a real emergency.

Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit

Specifications

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit contains 12 servings of lunch/dinner entrees, 8 servings of breakfast entrees, and 12 servings of milk. It includes: 1 pouch of Cheesy Macaroni, 1 pouch of Teriyaki Rice, 1 pouch of Hearty Tortilla Soup, 2 pouches of Brown Sugar and Maple Multi-Grain Cereal, and 1 pouch of Whey Milk.

• Manufacturer:** **ReadyWise
• Package Type: Box
• Weight: 3.25 lb
• Quantity: 1
• Number of Servings: 24 Servings, 32 Servings
• Age Group: Adults
• Fabric/Material: Metallyte
• Dimensions: 5.25 x 10 x 9.25 in
• Food Type: All Day
• Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes
• Shelf Life: 25 Years
• Minimum Weight: 45 g
• Calories: 5,560 total
• Water Required: About 32 cups

These specifications are crucial because they determine the kit’s portability, nutritional content, and suitability for long-term storage. The 25-year shelf life is particularly noteworthy, providing peace of mind for long-term preparedness. The compact dimensions and low weight make it easy to store in a variety of locations, from vehicles to backpacks.

Performance & Functionality

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit adequately fulfills its primary function: providing a source of calories and hydration during a short-term emergency. The meals are relatively easy to prepare, requiring only hot or cold water. However, the nutritional value is somewhat lacking, and portion sizes are small, potentially leaving individuals feeling hungry.

The kit’s strengths lie in its simplicity, portability, and long shelf life. Weaknesses include the taste and texture of some meals (especially the Cheesy Macaroni and Whey Milk), the small portion sizes, and the high water requirement. While the kit is not gourmet, it is reasonably palatable for emergency rations.

Overall, the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit meets expectations for a basic emergency food supply, but supplementing it with additional snacks and a reliable water source is highly recommended.

Design & Ergonomics

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit comes in a compact, lightweight cardboard box, making it easy to store and transport. The individual food pouches are made of Metallyte, a durable material designed to protect the contents from moisture and contaminants, contributing to the 25-year shelf life. The pouches are also clearly labeled with preparation instructions and nutritional information.

The kit’s design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. There is no learning curve; simply open a pouch, add water, and wait. The lightweight nature of the kit makes it ideal for bug-out bags and emergency preparedness kits where weight is a consideration.

Durability & Maintenance

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit is designed for long-term storage, and the Metallyte pouches are relatively durable. However, the cardboard box itself is susceptible to damage from moisture and impacts. Storing the kit in a waterproof container is highly recommended to maximize its lifespan.

Maintenance is minimal; no special cleaning or care is required. Simply store the kit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The sealed pouches ensure that the food remains fresh and safe to consume for up to 25 years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit doesn’t come with any accessories, such as a cooking pot or utensils. However, the meals can be prepared in any container that can hold water. There are no customization options for the kit itself, as it is a pre-packaged product.

However, users can easily supplement the kit with additional items, such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, and a water filter. Adding electrolyte packets to the water can also help improve hydration. The kit is compatible with any standard water purification device or method.

Pros and Cons of ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit

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Who Should Buy ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit?

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit is perfect for individuals and families seeking a basic and affordable emergency food supply. It’s well-suited for:

• Homeowners preparing for power outages or natural disasters.
• Apartment dwellers with limited storage space.
• Car campers and RVers looking for a convenient and shelf-stable food option.
• Preppers and survivalists seeking a long-term food storage solution.

Who should skip this product? Individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies may need to explore alternative options. Those who require high-calorie diets or prefer gourmet meals may also be disappointed with the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable water filter or purification system, a cooking pot or bowl, utensils, and additional snacks (such as protein bars and nuts) are highly recommended to supplement the kit.

Conclusion on ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit

The ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit offers a convenient and affordable solution for basic emergency preparedness. While the taste and texture of some meals could be improved, and the portion sizes are somewhat small, the 25-year shelf life, ease of preparation, and compact design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking peace of mind in uncertain times.

The price of $39.99 is justified for the convenience and long-term storage capabilities of the kit. It’s a reasonable starting point for building a more comprehensive emergency preparedness plan.

I would personally recommend the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit as a foundational element of any emergency preparedness strategy. Supplement it with additional food, water, and essential supplies to ensure you’re truly ready for whatever life throws your way. Take action today and equip yourself with the ReadyWise 72 Hour Food Kit – your future self will thank you.