Homemade MREs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

Some my experiences putting together items to make your own MREs for camping, hiking or other outdoor activities.
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• Outdoor Skills

[@mr.zardoz3344]

Pilfering fast food and sit down restaurants of flavorful condiments packets since 1990. I prep second hand,most of the time. Thank MR.

[@ModernRefugee]

Also continental breakfast at hotels lol.

[@hallard069]

FINALLY!!! Someone showing the truth about many of these “homemade MREs” that people gush over. Really enjoyed this.

[@ModernRefugee]

I’m glad I could shed some light on the subject!

[@craigsmith4436]

Every 2 years I swap out contents of an airtight ammo box, containing MRE type, and IMP cook type meals (pasta/rice) for emergencies and in the vehicle. I was amazed to find a SKIPPY squeeze peanut butter like yours, was still good without a hint of being stale, and it was almost a year past the BEST IF USED BY date. Buying it again!

[@sherihicks1427]

Ohhh...hot apple cider packets. I love those! These are all great ideas! Thank you for doing this video!

[@ModernRefugee]

You are welcome! I love the cider packs and I have been using them for years.

[@TUKByV]

6:38 I didn't find any eating utensils to my liking. The ones that best fit my criteria, I couldn't justify the prices. I used regular stainless utensils. I drilled a hole at the handle end and put them on a snap link. Cost $6 for 2 sets. Less, really, since I already had snap links.

[@CynthiaRockroth]

I get mine at good will. Ten cents a item.

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

Ozark Trail has a set for just over $10 so I picked up 3 for the 3 bags we have. And they are not plastic

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Great stuff Modern. Definitely those little tabasco bottles and don't forget the mini booze testers too (multi-purpose). Freeze-dryer on the wish list to be able to make my own packs. I ate a pile of our beef jerky and smoked fish last month during the fishing. Vac sealing meds today and getting seed packs ready for the swap.

[@justusupnorth8262]

I ate a lot of “pop tart crumbles” on hiking trips in my younger days.😂

[@ModernRefugee]

Yes, we all did lol!

[@coloradopackratprepper]

Me too!!!!

[@craigsmith4436]

I LOVE POP TART CRUMBLE!

[@outdoordauber]

Interestingly enough, I just had a commercial MRE that had pop tarts in it. The thin mylar package was vac sealed in a heavier mylar bag. They were squished together, but in one piece... literally.

[@tomh7708]

You hit this subject out of the park! Very informative.

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you!

[@TUKByV]

Thanks for the tips. I have to make my own, for a few reasons.

[@adamthompson4979]

Very good take on homemade MRE, I like your ideas better than most. Yes, the MRE main meal pouch can handle "rough" handling, like, oh maybe, being put under the intake manifold of a Hummer while on a test drive to warm it up for lunch, ask me how I know. 😁

[@bgtheboss]

"Alot of people won't eat alot of things" Such a true statement modern refugee. Thanks for the video brother

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

Being in the field in the Army I ate things I would not touch when not in the field. When you are hungry you will eat whatever is available even C-rats. I put together a MRE just minutes ago with a total daily calorie count of 1865 calories. I was rather surprised that I hit even the veggies. What is missing but soon to be included are tea bags and condiment packs. That plus some chewable vitamins. It covers a full days requirement.

[@lisahi7388]

Exceptional information, best one that I have seen on MRE's. Thanks to whoever suggested this for you!!

[@OutdoorLiving88]

This is great advice. Your MRE choices make a lot of sense. I'm glad you decided to make this video. Thank you.

[@singhjobim9719]

Hotels, restaurants, airlines, I keep it all and use it in my diy mre.

[@christopherleubner6633]

Nice video regarding your DIY MRE kits. One super light and fast suggestion are Raman noodle loaf kits. In short you use Raman noodles as the base and have stuff to mix into it. Add hot water and you have instant meal, cold water is ok too. Made these when i was broke and homeless for a while. Another option is making no prep meals sealed in vaccuum bag material. You need the high temp kind that people use for use with mushroom growth substrate. Cook the meal to taste then bag it with minimal air space. Next process in a pressure canner. Tastes way better than MRE meals and keeps anout 2 years if you do it right.❤

[@MattTransit]

Just found your channel. Thanks for your analysis and presentation!

[@prepperfortheages878]

Made my brother steak jerky and sent it to him while he was doing his summer hiking - he's still talking how delicious it was! 🙂 Thanks MR and thank you Mrs MR for the excellent camera work! -Jill

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank You! I will tell her!

[@mikehoward8201]

Very good and common sense advice! I appreciate your efforts to explain the why on everything you talked about. Now, before I head to bed, time for a pop tart! Ha ha.

[@willames363]

Good video, thank you

[@jimcalifwin3760]

Good information. Wow. Taco seasoning mixed with tuna and tacos. MRE spoons are good. You might be eating quietly in the dark for safety.

[@nancywest1926]

Great ideas. Even if it's not hiking or camping, it's good to bring some along if you're out for the day. Sometimes you need something to take an edge.off the hunger if you hadn't eaten in 10 hours or so.

[@ModernRefugee]

Yes, definitely.

[@ottopartz1]

If you are going to carry some potatoes or other things to cook in a pan, bacon grease doesn't spoil quickly and can be put in a ziplock bag.

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Home run !👍🏼

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you!

[@monkeyfoodgarden]

Thank you sir y'all made some great recommendations and had to go back and take some notes. Appreciate the video great info. Wishing y'all a blessed evening.

[@ranakacir3893]

Thanks for these great ideas. I'm updating our Go Bags and wanted a few different meals this time. Love the tortilla idea. Thanks again from a fellow Michigander!

[@ModernRefugee]

Your welcome!

[@happygardener28]

For drinks, you might also consider sachets of hydration drinks (often found in the juice, soft drink aisles). Kroger also has a caffeinated version. At home I keep them in a random mason jar in my cupboard, they are the size of those coffee sachets.

[@garypointing5825]

I don't know what it's like anywhere else, but in the UK, we can buy rehydration powder over the counter in supermarkets, pharmacies and other shops. They are cheap I think I paid £2.50 for 5 portions. They are great if your working hard and sweating...also health food shops do isotonic sports drinks in powdered form, but they come in bulk.

[@lemonator8813]

I love touching on the old timer stuff. My dad tells me about his gsrndpa carrying 2 peanutbutter and whitebread sandwhiches a couple handfulls of raisins and a tin of tobacco in his coat pocket. The other pocket was for his shells. They hike and hunt oregon like that for days and be fine.

[@tammybrennan2040]

Great video, I love Lara bars. Coconut cream pie is delicious 😋

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

The traveling taco idea is great!!

[@coloradopackratprepper]

Try isadora myacoba refried beans pouch - walmart excellent . I will use as mayo on sandwich.

[@ModernRefugee]

I will look for it. Thank you.

[@markfoster-w1g]

You can get vacuum seal mylar bags to repack in. They work great even if you don't vacuum them.

[@bobc9744]

Good stuff brother.

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you!

[@WanderingLion72]

Good job. The value of fresh vegetables/fruits cannot be over stated. Starting a hike while eating an orange or an apple does wonders physiologically. Caloric intake value is king. Flavor is second tier priority.

[@mattm2507]

Thanks just what I was looking for

[@Indigogingerkat11]

Brought me back to my basic training days! Anyway, really liked this video! Great stuff…those fruit/veggie/yogurt pouches in the baby isle are great also! They even make oatmeal cereal pouches (squeezable) and are good quality heavy duty with sturdy screw on top:) hundreds of flavor options, fruits, veggies, grains, all in one:) Thanks , you always have really basic, easy peasy, affordable, tips, tricks, and appreciated advice!

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you!

[@iwillitryican]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video, thanks for sharing YAH bless brother !

[@capthappy345]

Good 👍

[@chrismcguire3917]

I’ve eaten many IMP’s and often tried my hand at creating my own. We don’t have the same store bought options as you here in Canada. But, your video changed a lot of my perspective and breathed new life into the quest! The video was excellent, and I thank you for the work you put in.

[@ModernRefugee]

Your welcome!

[@ludwigbooth4882]

Man...listen to me, people... There's a ton of great info here if you're just getting started in DIY MRE's. Great vid.

[@cigardaddy9745]

👍👍💯 good video.

[@pats9055]

Loved this video of good ideas. Can't wait to try some. Always appreciate you MR!

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

I just discovered your MRE vid. To keep it short and to the point, I've watched ALOT of DIY, MRE vids. Yours is the 1st one I've really enjoyed,and use the same components I use, it's almost scary how similar they are. As they say, Great minds think alike. 😎👍👍

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you.

[@mikekreischerreviews3420]

Great info. I definitely learned a bit from this!

[@vickenator]

Catching up on some older vids, but wanted to chime in with a thanks for the great tips as always!

[@CynthiaRockroth]

Spam and taters. It does require a T of lard or a couple oz of cooking oil, from dollar tree of course.

[@mikeodonovan7325]

great job well done sir classsssssssssssssss

[@ModernRefugee]

Thank you!

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Thank you for your suggestions! 👏

[@harleymccuin8316]

We used to say about the MRE's when I was in the service "with enough Tabasco sauce everything tastes good".

[@sunnybelisle4007]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@HarshmanHills]

MRE’s also have several layers of packaging. Came here via uncle Al

[@mrhalfstep]

I'd like to add sardines and kippered herring as other foods that are canned (typically light weight aluminum) that are also well worth their weight in calories, taste and nutrition, as well as having durable packaging.

[@robertmurray4789]

melon sounds good remember the critters will all eat the rinds

[@tomm2812]

MR, "Mush Mellon" ...definitely you are from the Mitt Regionally pronounced. It is Musk Mellon good Sir. Brought a huge smile to my face 😊. From the👍. Best

[@phillip3726]

Thank you so much for the basics

[@ToungeLaxier]

Buy canned stuff because we are frugal. When going camping move the canned stuff into pouches

[@keithf7976]

Bacon bits and instant mash potatoes is all you need. Ton of carbs and calories

[@JT-2012]

Great ideas. Never thought about taking a baked potato to cut & fry up.👍. Sure would be delicious with Kielbasa or sausage.😋 This all sounds a lot more appetizing than an MRE. 😄

[@ModernRefugee]

Most definitely.

[@bmcneil9952]

Good video. It wouldn’t hurt to have that kind of stuff on hand at home. Never know when you’d need it or maybe to help someone out.

[@marygallagher3428]

Great ideas MR, thanks!

[@jamieeakin1383]

I have found "toaster pastry" in MRE's. Opened it up and found a Pop Tart, still in the OEM wrapper. And a bit smushed.

[@KathysTube]

Good information... thanks MR 😎👍

[@davebrooks2942]

👍

[@sillylilysallykaye4917]

The big Tootsie rolls store great. I found some in ny stash, original packaging only, 5yrs out of date...just a little tougher than a brand new one. Not special storage used.

[@glen1arthur]

Great video with good ideals. When we get Asian take-out, I often keep the sauce pack and just use my own at home then use their packets when I'm not at home. Maybe you recall these too - I haven't seen them in years (90s), but at one time you could get these packages that the noodles were in a bag that you could boil and drain them as it had holes (the bag made like a net) and the meat sauce was in a foil bag you boiled with the noodles. They were great for hiking and canoeing - did you ever see them down there? or maybe they were a Canadian thing?

[@ModernRefugee]

I did see them years ago, but haven’t see them in years.

[@patriotpreacher43]

Many years ago, as a law student, I lived on Pop Tarts and Mountain Dew. And Rolaids. Don't recommend that, except for the calcium in the Rolaids! And the Dinty Moore stuff is just a salt lick if you check the sodium in that stuff. Us "silver wolfs" need to watch our intakes to continue our outgoes! Interesting, I just bought a couple of those exact UCO spoon, fork, knife units for the lunch bags. Thanks, MR!

[@ModernRefugee]

Those spoon/fork combos work well. I do recommend them.

[@CynthiaRockroth]

Metal ice tea spoons can be found at goodwill really cheap.

[@ModernRefugee]

Great idea.

[@dickfleissner8257]

Thank you for posting.

[@stephencarroll3377]

Great video Been carrying Pop tarts and yes a day Wade fishing open the package pore in your mouth

[@jtk4189]

MREs are great, but I miss K rations. ;-)

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Beef taco filling hum. Ok

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Kinda look like 👀. Lol

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Gad idea! I've been tying to think of ways to come up with giveaway packs for starving neighbors, should the need arise. I'd do it anonymously of course...op sec in mind. BTW I us the real bacon bits for "cheat" BLT's when don't have time or energy to cook the bacon.

[@ModernRefugee]

A great tip! Thank you!

[@richardprather2900]

Have you tried knorr seasoning packets or Sun Bird Fried Rice (Seasoning Mix), rice, powdered eggs, and meat??

[@ModernRefugee]

Knorr I have used, but not the rest.

[@richardprather2900]

Knorr has a noodle with a butter flavor... I add chicken

[@garypointing5825]

Wow I've just started watching the mre videos....the one I watched before yours came up was soooo repetitive, full and less than 1500 calories for a day! If you are eating an mre your doing something that means you are away from home doing something outdoors which always needs energy...

[@ModernRefugee]

You can handle more abuse if you are well fed. In cold weather even more so.

[@kydd666]

One of my biggest issues with homemade and military MRE's is the high amount of sodium in them, i know soldiers might need all that salt but my fat ass most definitely does not! Water is heavy and the more salt you pack, the more water you'll need which isn't ideal especially if you need to sit still in a tree stand for hours but you have to piss every 20 minutes 😂

[@resoluteoutdoors]

The fact that anyone thinks pop tarts are a good food to pack blows my mind.

[@stevenlengyel3806]

They see that Pop Tarts come in military MREs and just use that as the go ahead. What they don’t realize is that the way we would eat those was to open the pop tart bag and dump all the crumbs into our mouths.

[@averagejoesmiling456]

Great suggestions and advice, Modern Refugee! And it's something that everyone can do without having to invest in actual MRE's. God bless!

[@Diebulfrog79]

Good job 👍. True, lot of people can’t cook. Modern Refugee and weights too much. Agree on Homel and Dinty Moore food tray. They were designed for the military in use transport vehicles

[@mrhalfstep]

Great video highlighting some REAL options for MREs. While I agree with you on the fact that plastic "tray" meals, whether Dinty Moore or Hormel Compleats, don't make sense in DIY MREs, it's for a different reason. A 9 oz Hormel Beef Pot Roast has a plastic package that adds 1 3/8 oz, whereas a 15 oz can of Chef Boyardee Ravioli has 2 3/8 oz of steel packaging as an easy open can. The can won't leak in your pack and isn't really any heavier than the plastic bowl, has more calories, costs less and can meals are available in more variety. They can't compare to the retort pouched rice and soups that you mentioned, but I don't think the weight of the metal can is necessarily prohibitive. For a group hike or hunt, canned meats like those offered by Herford and Keystone are worth the slight added weight to have pure meat in just its juices with no added water weight. At least for me and my group it is. Another meat that travels well is shelf stable bacon strips and they can really add to a freeze dried breakfast pouch or some powdered eggs and the store brands can be pretty cheap. I have some cans of bacon (by Yoder?) that contain over 60 strips of bacon, so surely one of the ten guys it will feed would be willing to carry it, don't ya think ? LOL Enjoyed the content!!

[@CynthiaRockroth]

Dirty hands problem is solved by having a flat pak of BABY WIPES. and carrying a dozen food safe gloves in a ziplock bag. ( either use them for food prep, or lable them bathroom and put with toliet paper for the outhouse. Its great to keep hands clean when the water goes out or a power outage. )NEVER USE BATHROOM FOOD GLOVES IN THE KITCHEN. once exposed to air in bathroom its not safe for food prep.

[@melissanelson3548]

Great ideas! Peanut butter pad thai with chicken could create with what you have there 😁

[@ModernRefugee]

Yup, I forgot to mention that in the video, but we have made that on the trail before. It’s good.

[@Justmegd]

Good job! ❤

[@danpost4755]

Good video. Yeah, I agree with you. Of the few other videos I've watched, you can tell they have never spent time in the woods with a pack. I saw many with foil pouch tuna, also. It has its place, but not the only protein option.

[@ronmckickass5714]

I really like your perspective on the whole situation. Survival doesnt have to be uncomfortable. You made actual meals.