Why I Love Military Ration Packs. Polish Army MRE - Menu 4 (Goulash). A Tasting Review.

[@michamajka4169]

we call these biscuits panzerwafels. because they can pierce the armor of enemy tanks 😉 It was 1/3 of the daily ration. Large daily rations are also available. greetings from a Polish subscriber.

[@donpindol778]

They can also double up as vest armour inserts, making any polish soldier bulletproof. They best use is to dunk them in tea or as soup thickener.

[@m0riss]

@@donpindol778 That's true dunk them in tee or throw at your enemy :) i love them! When i was a boy scout we got a lot of those from the military :)

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

Combine those with Tushonka, in the cold winter... and.... wish you had real food.

[@stephenrice4554]

Nice , great scenery and interesting subject . 👍🇬🇧

[@supreme3376]

NERA

[@Mastah2006]

Hi, ex-polish military here :) The landscape and the music reminds me of my summer camps with my parents on Poland. Absolutely lovely! So, - you got a fairly good menu, - you got one vit. C and one coffee candy - large zipper bag was usually used for water purification, but the tablets were in a larger 24h patrol ration, - panzerwaffles are kinda legendary around here, You can replace teeth broken by them - with them, - the lime instant drink is supposed to be drank with the straw while the bag is zipped, - salt works great added to the flameless heater water, - spam cans are the best ashtrays, - the shortest recorded unit of time is the duration of xylithol chewing gums taste, - the only purpose of the honey is to make everything sticky, also, for some reason it helped with the insect bites, perhaps someone knows why, I always added the honey to the heater pack, liquify it and used it to make the raspberry tea sweeter, sugar can give quite an energy punch during long marches - the green plastic bag is made from a very thick plastic, which works great as a tinder (SORRY GRETA, DEAL WITH IT), - I know it will sound a bit disgusting, but the wet wipes used as a toilet paper is the best thing that happened to the army since the beginning of time. No more japanese “itchybutty” syndrom

[@FrikInCasualMode]

Honey is a natural antiseptic. It might have anti-inflammatory properties too. Extremely useful substance 😃

[@Uploaderization]

Thank you for the interesting information! :)

[@jamiesanderson9074]

K

[@kellyohara806]

I'm fascinated to see what each country does with their meals. I really enjoyed this.

[@wolson9]

This, by far, my favorite MRE! I have eaten the famous French, the German, the British, the Canadian, the Russian and, of course, US MREs. I spent a whole on a mission surviving o US LRRPs. They were both good and bad at times. Regarding the Polish MRE, most people complain about the biscuits being too hard, I absolutely love them! The pork pate is fabulous! And the goulash is perfect with real meat. The other stuff, while it is like the other stuff in all MREs.

[@johnberryhill8106]

Simon, as a retired U.S. Tanker, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the old C Rations in the cans. My favorite was Ham and eggs Chopped. Was fantastic cold but, turned nasty evil when heated !.......I even remembered the older U.K. rations with a tin of Brandy in them ! Love your show !

[@lancerevell5979]

In my high school days, early 1970s, I was in the Civil Air Patrol. At an encampment once we had the old canned C-rats. Later my military service was first hitch USAF in CONUS, then a hitch in the Navy mostly on shipboard. Never had rations. MREs were just coming out in my Navy days. Didn't eat my first MRE til years later, ordering online. They were good for my out-of-state motorcycle roadtrips!

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

A tin of brandy , amazin not heard that before 😅 cheers

[@gillie-monger3394]

Testing MRE's would make a great series imo. The videos are nice and short but informative and would make a good supplement to your adventure videos. Or even incorporated into them? I often take a packed meal on a camp out, (Expedition Foods or Wayfayrer etc). But they're bloomin' expensive for a one-off main diish. An MRE on the other hand is a complete meal. So, yes - more please!

[@robertfreeman6082]

The Polish MRE is £18 though and is also mostly a main dish but with just some small extras), so if a Wayfayer is about say £5 or so thats a lot of extra you could spend adding to it a starter and snack. The advantage of the MRE is that it all comes in the one pack of course.

[@gillie-monger3394]

@@tcschenks 👍Thanks Timothy. I'll check that out.

[@gillie-monger3394]

@@robertfreeman6082 I understand that MRE's vary greatly. I suppose I'm a bit lazy, but I like the idea off just throwing a single MRE pack into my bag for convenience. Especially if it's a 2 or 3 day hike. I don't mind occasionally paying a premium for that convenience. Sometimes I do splash out with a small steak and trimmings etc - but the hassle is often not worth it, especially if you're a rubbish cook like me!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

The 24hr packs are definitely more cost effective - 3 meals at around £5 per meal plus all the drinks and snacks 👍👍

[@tcschenks]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Yeah this one seemed very light. The Eastern European 24 hour ration packs will also usually have more food per meal.

[@kirs762]

07:39 The biscuits we call "panzer wafle" - kind a german name, means something like "armored wafer", but in fact - they are immortal (after 2 years still good) Greetings from PL ! :)

[@Tinytraveler]

MRESteve had great success years ago reviewing MREs, building it into camping content might really be neat! Your travels plus a MRE review is a awesome combination you might want to continue! Loved this, here's wishing you all the best in your future videos!

[@jezg]

Let’s get this out onto a tray. Nice

[@Tinytraveler]

@@jezg I was hoping it would summon Steve lol Someone had to say it lol

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

fact of the matter is, mres taste amazing. they have to be both palatable and nutritious to meet the military's requirements. if mres were pure nutrition but no taste, no one would eat them, soldiers would outsource their food needs to real food companies instead

[@lancerevell5979]

"Nice hiss!"

[@eventsmorewithchrisg]

​@@Tinytraveler Steve as in Camping With Steve - Steve Wallis on KZbin??

[@joeldickherber3545]

I thoroughly enjoy ration packs myself. I'm an American soldier, so I've had plenty of our MRE's. I've often wondered about other countries ration packs. I hope you do a series on these. Great video.

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

Seven thousand views after only four hours posted. Simon, you have made yourself an institution. Show Ideas: 1. There are various types of canoe and kayak paddles. How to select one over the other? How and why do you size a paddle length? What is the difference between an otter tail and a beaver tail? When would you use either one? What other types of paddles are there and when would you use them? Deep water, shallow water? Still or moving water? Wood or plastic resin? 2. More group canoe camping trips with several friends. My favorite was your trip to Scotland for the Alzheimer's Society. 3. More trips to the continent. Or come to America or Canada 4. How about a camping tour about local history? The canoe trip you took to the estuary to explore the U-boats and old gun emplacements was interesting. The British Isles are chock full of historical sites.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Got a canoe trip coming up 😉 Thank you - I’m glad you enjoyed that trip - it was one of my favourites too 😁

[@vanq86]

Growing up in Eastern Canada, my father ran the local scout troop, and we had some kids whose parents were in the military. One of them happened to work in the supply company of the local Infantry battalion, and during some rearranging of the store room came across a pallet of the Canadian equivalent of MREs, which had been wrapped in shipping plastic and mislabeled and forgotten about. Since it wasn't needed and only had a few months left on its best before date, he donated the pallet load to the scout group to feed the kids going to camps and jamborees. As my father was the one storing them for the group, at the end of the summer all the left over packs turned into a twice weekly dinner option for us. I can say with authority that some of the FreddyChefs are a absolutely delicious, and all of them are good quality and tasty, but their reputation for 'backing you up' after eating them for several days straight is well earned.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That was a good score!! 😃

[@damogranheart5521]

Sounds like an unpleasant way to end the week!

[@duygukayhanisaskank4915]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Hey Simon...AWESOME video...THANKS!! I'd like to see ya' try a ration pack//MRE for the Polish Navy. 🙂 But seriously...I hope you'll do more of these interesting, ration pack vids. Best regards from Yucatan Mexico, Ben

[@robertwilliams450]

My dad was in viet nam and the rats they had was made in 1948. He said the toilet paper they pack in it is more than plenty to use after eating them. I got a case and used them for hunting and camping and yes they do plug you up but man we're they good.

[@Herbster71]

My family was poor when I was young, my dad was a rating in the RN and mum was a cleaner. Best meals of the week were when dad had pilfered some rat packs. I remember they always had chocolate, spangles and exotic stuff like dried curry. The chicken had the texture of foam though. Loved it then, but can't abide the dried stuff now. When I camp I like to eat well, and that means it doesn't come out of a packet.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Spangles! Showing your age now Jim!

[@byteme9718]

@@derekmcmanus8615 They used to have Aztec bars too.

[@byteme9718]

@@aalexjohna A standard ingredient in all Indian curries.

[@alexf4378]

We used to enjoy chucking non-dairy whitener on an open fire, when I was in the cadets at school. It made a big boom! :)

[@harrikaijansinkko8387]

😂

[@brightantwerp]

Nice! I would like to see more of these ration pack tests.

[@joanhuggett5164]

Loved this, Simon, and yes, would love to see what other countries provide for their military men. My son spent 5 years in the RAAF as an ADG and all of the Adgies hated the stale, years old ration packs they took on exercise. Beautiful opening sequence, stunning actually. Thank you Simon.

[@vipergtsmre]

Nice mix of countries in your stockpile👍 The Polish SR is a great meal. Awesome vid! Careful with those SU teeth breakers.

[@janneaaltonen]

Thanks Simon, this was an interesting video. Please do continue with the theme!!

[@robertredwood9944]

Great video Simon. Really interesting how the water chemical cooker cooks. 👍🏻

[@BeeKay4444]

Great to see you out Simon. Again my heart goes out to you and your family. We will all miss Maggie terribly. Now you have my interest peaked on this packs! Although in Canada I don’t think they are that easy to find.

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

Hi there you can buy MRE online in Canada, surplus rations RE for sure hard to get. Check out anyone you know who is in the military or at the armoury if you have one where you live. 💂‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@BeeKay4444]

@@Wardog-rf1tx thank you for the reply.

[@kennb.3389]

Enjoy seeing you test the MRE meals. Beautiful beginning with water views and appropriate music. Thank you very much.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

The Eastern European & Baltic countries all seem to have excellent MRE's 👍 Always check the Honey before you activate the FRH ! The granulated Ice Tea is a commercial product that Aldi used to sell, it's awesome ! That Goulash looked perfect !

[@conradsz]

These countries simply have solid cuisines

[@wojter40]

Ah, yes, Polish panzerwaffles. I have a feeling they changed the recipe recently and they are a bit more crunchy than hard. Despite this, they can still be used as a shuriken, a shovel or a ballistic insert for a vest. When you break them on the edge of the table, you never know for sure whether a cracker, a table or a hand will break

[@aribavel2757]

Absolutely would be into seeing more of this type of episode!

[@adrianh332]

I've seen a lot of ration videos on KZbin and yours is definitely one of the best no messing about, no clickbait and no faffing around and unnecessarily drawn out.

[@gingermink]

Love the ration packs! Can’t wait for more.

[@eljeffe_8180]

We enjoyed this video so much! I trust your review on food purely based on how you cook for yourself the rest of the time! Plus, you’re so kind and optimistic with your reviews…even when you clearly don’t enjoy something you always say something positive! Keep it coming!

[@ahj6529]

Love the idea of around the world MRE videos. Sorry to hear of Maggie's passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@MHarenArt]

Always so happy to see a post from you! The opening videography was so beautiful! I love that about your videos as much as the rest of the content. The meat looked like Spam and was probably similar. Yes, I think it's interesting to see what comes in those kits. My observation has been that they are often tasty. Thanks for sharing Simon!

[@cathybehle-ernst5796]

Yes, love hearing your review of the ration pack!

[@PANCERNY87]

Our biscuits in Poland We call Su-1 Special Biscuits "Panzerwafels". We are used to them and love them. I know that for other people they are mercilessly hard, but they are supposed to survive everything and support digestion, mainly due to the cumin contained in them. You just need to have good teeth, eating technique or soak them :)

[@MartinHughes-cc6lc]

Great video! I would definitely like to see more reviews. What would be good, is, after a number of reviews, take all the best components from the different packs and make a custom ration pack and then use that on an adventure.

[@watersloth288]

love these types of videos man would love watching more of them especially if you are going on a camp

[@jonathanwood9256]

Simon, you hit the nail on the head 😂 love the surprise of a rat pack, even after being in the military I still love em… video made me smile buddy 👍

[@fm7319]

I’m from Virginia & the Va AT is my 2nd home. My German wife and I now live in the hills of eastern Germany and are very thankful for your thoughtful videos. Thank you)

[@alexcarter4530]

I love this series would be amazing to see all the different pack from around the world

[@jefflewis2111]

You know it's going to be a good day, when Simon posts a new video.

[@Quibble1.1]

Great vid Simon as per! Missed seeing them! Glad to see you are keeping well, my exams start in 2 weeks, feeling nervous would be an understatement, but again your videos make me realise the important things and life and makes me appreciate nature and the people around me that mean the most. Again thank you and keep on making these amazing, heart warming videos, Ben 😊💛

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ben and good luck in those exams! 🤞

[@damogranheart5521]

All the best on your tests. Remember to stay hydrated and try to get a decent amount of sleep.

[@Quibble1.1]

@@damogranheart5521 thank you 😀

[@markcummings6856]

Wish you the best from across the pond. Cheers

[@brianlykins6663]

Brave man, trying these in front of the camera for us. Anyone stocking up MRE's for emergencies needs to try them before you need them. Some are doable others, not so much. They're for emergencies, don't wait until it's too late to decide you've been stocking the wrong things. Good job, Simon. Look forward to your videos. God bless you and your family, my friend, and hope you have a blessed day.

[@moorshound3243]

They are all fine, some people are starving to death so you should be lucky to have any food at all.

[@lisap3657]

This was lovely to see Simon! I love your regular videos but this was nice too. Very interesting. I’ve never seen a ration pack before besides on ads.

[@soaruk3697]

My old man was in the RAF and when he flew gliders in the Inter Services Gliding competitions they where always supplied with rations, as it was regarded as a detachment. Everybody used to hate the hard tack biscuits -I used to love 'em and usually came home with a few months supply.

[@thenanlife1141]

Thank you Simon for listening to my comment about more ration pack videos xx love them ❤

[@JohnCollins-u8v]

Hi Simon, can't beat the British 24 hour ration pack, used to love bacon and beans which was a breakfast, and oatmeal blocks, lovely stuff, great video, please keep it up mate

[@henryschmied4244]

Great video, Simon! Really nice to see some ration reviews. Keep it up. Take care

[@mbrider56]

Great stuff Simon, interesting to see a ration pack up close and I’ve never seen one of those chemical heaters before. Thanks for showing all of that.

[@david6920-r6z]

I first discovered ration packs as a boy with the New Zealand Air Training Corps. We got given old nzdf issue expired. I loved them. Then I joined the New Zealand Army. Always loved ration packs. Yummy and brings out the boy in me. Like opening a Christmas present full of yummy food and lollies. And you can make some great meals out of them. The meat in that one with the crackers looked great! 🇵🇱 🇬🇧 🇳🇿

[@chrismcelvar5654]

Anyone else just hit like first, then settle in to watch these? Keep them coming Simon.

[@hhggtheword9259]

Love the way you did this review, looking forward to seeing you try others!

[@clarencespady9009]

Yes Simon Please do continue the ration pack series. I have used many of the U.S. MRE's and found many to be very good, however I have not even seen the others of the world.

[@paulcarter8215]

Any of your videos that show the lovely Suffolk/Norfolk countryside is a winner. Even better with a view of water and a good lunch included. Count me in on the ‘yes’ side for more RP videos.

[@janispope4295]

I enjoyed this and would like to see more, I know there are plenty others but I like your natural calm presentation style.

[@arievangaal5918]

Hello Simon I've been in te Dutch army and we had them too when we eent on manoeuvres in Germany. We haten them but we had nothing else so we ate them. Your conclusions were recognizsble and my memories went back for 40 years en brought a smile on my face !!😂 Greetings from Holland !!

[@Andrewoutdooradventures1550]

Cheers Simon for sharing this amazing wendnesday video on this ration pack, I've been sent a Canadian ration pack from my brother who lives in Canada, I've never tasted a Canadian ration pack, thanks Simon this amazing video 👍 👏

[@micheldumont4619]

Curious to find out how they taste. I remember when I was young and in the cadets, we went on a 2 week exercise at the Farnham, QC military base, living under our poncho. We were given a ration box/pack for meals. All the stuff was outdated by a few years 😝 and tasted awful. That’s Canada for you “cheap”.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice! I’d like to get a Canadian one, hard to find here though 👍

[@mommymariern]

I love MRE reviews. It’s fun to see what the different countries have. Thank you Simon. You have such a great channel.

[@perplane]

Thanks Simon! Enjoyed that video and would love to see you try more MRE's to share with us.

[@TantersD3]

I really enjoy your camping trips so keep them coming please. Ration pack reviews are very cool too👍 combination of both would be most excellent 🤙

[@radio-su6lh]

Enjoyed it mate, I for one would love to see more of these ration pack reviews 👍

[@kevinmcauley5218]

Great to see you review a MRE. I know you have these on some of your video but great to see you reviewing and looking forward to more review. Great job

[@kaytaylor5123]

Love a ration pack, great idea for a series and looking forward to the next one 😋

[@mrspudly1]

Hi Simon I love the titles you come up with for your videos, make me laugh. I'd love to see more of you doing reviews on military ration packs, I always find them interesting, great video.

[@corrinasaunders3877]

Yes I really enjoy your ration pack segments.

[@herberar]

I enjoyed your video very much, the videography, music and your spontaneous laughter is really pleasing. Cheers!

[@pjreads5014]

I love the ration pack review, it was fun! Would love to see more.

[@jennyleef1775]

Enjoyed watching, as usual. Funny thing is when I was able to go out hiking etc. I could never afford the MRE meals and so have only ever had one or two over the years. Now I can't hike but still love my camping and do it when I can but haven't thought about buying MRE meals even though I often camp in the bush it's usually where I can get my car in as I'm not able to walk too far, especially with a heavy pack. Thanks for taking us along on your little adventure testing out the meal.

[@Adventures101.]

Absolutely I would love to see more of the ration packs from around the world great vid like all your videos

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Great video. Here in the USA 🇺🇸 we have Army & Navy consignment stores that sell old military gear and stuff. Every now and again they will have ration packs for sale and we’d buy them for beqch days, picnics and small hikes. Always fun to get surprised what meal we were going to eat. 🙏🏼❤️⛺️

[@williamhixson4190]

I’ve been watching you for about a year and this is a nice change

[@nancytipton2640]

We used to lived in a very isolated part of Alaska, on the North Slope. We often had hard tack type crackers on which we put butter, peanut butter and sometimes honey. This was great with any type of soup. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I really enjoy watching them all.😊

[@thomascraig7230]

Great stuff sir. MRE's have come along way since I retired from the US Navy in 2000. We were still eating "C" rations while I was in the Republic of Panama in the mid 80's.

[@ArtGardenFoodExpressions]

loved this so much. YES, more of this. I enjoy anything you post. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

I joined Scottish Army cadets in 1968, if we got rations for weekend camps it was the old style canned “Compo”. Had Compo while serving in the British Army 1974-1982. Joined the Canadian forces in 1989 and they were using the IMP style (MRE’S). My last 12 years of 20 were at CFB Suffield (BATUS) where I got access to the 24 hr packs and I love ration packs.💂‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Great video Simon, very interesting to see what other countries give there troops to eat. The lime tea face expression was priceless 😂🤙🏻

[@stephenryde78]

I am really loving your videos Simon Thank you so much for all that you share with us and I wonder where you find the time So inspiring and I love your ethics Thanks again Stephen

[@mattharte7334]

Really enjoyed the video Simon and please continue with the ration pack reviews! Thanks.

[@deanhughes6850]

Hi Simon , I came across your videos just by chance I think a week ago now ...and I'm hooked ! I have subscribed! I find them just so relaxing and I can't thank you enough . I love watching all the cooking ...I loved the look of your beef madras . I will crack on now as I've loads to watch and catch up with . Again my massive thanks , Dean

[@mikepauly4855]

Simon anything you do is well worth watching keep up the awesome work thankyou

[@petersteel4525]

LOVE A RATION REVIEW, MORE IF YOU HAVE THEM PLEASE SIMON!

[@vegancam]

Awesome, loved it! Really enjoy ration pack reviews. More please!

[@garethfergusson9538]

I'm so excited!! I found you and Andy's channels from his MRE eating so this is great!

[@jimrogers1853]

I love a ration pack too. Because of pur love of your vids my girls love them too. We ordered one the other day and just shared it for lunch. They were so excited. Keep the vids coming.

Interesting and I hope see others in the future:) I always liked our 'military biscuits' in our all in one belgian's MRE (eighties and nineties) Can be interesting to compare some old versus modern ones ^^

[@StuNotStew]

Yes please. More ration pack reviews Simon 👍🏻

[@fishingwithfrighty1615]

Great vid Simon. Definitely do more ration pack vids, i find it very interesting.

[@colincolwill1941]

Greetings from Poland Simon, I hope you have enjoyed the meal. Good video.

[@clairewyndham1971]

I loved it! Seriously. Yes, yes, yes! Would enjoy seeing your opinion on other ration packs.

[@jeremyharris246]

Thanks for the vid Simon, I enjoyed it! Was out for a walk but now I'm salivating and heading home for some food ASAP

[@aziazi857]

In Poland, we call these biscuit "Panzer Waffel" .🤪

[@StraightMountainSurvival]

I would love to eat some authentic goulash from Poland.

[@dianejacklin4338]

Interesting video. Amazing how the food is heated up. Look forward to the next countries ration pack

[@roymcclure5873]

Hey Simon, enjoyed the video. Yes do more ration pack videos. Great job.

[@leeH-89]

Mate, it's your channel, do what makes you happy... You always have an excellent channel, you have never been a boring channel to my knowledge, it's always a very good /informative, excellent channel ... Loved the episode ( overnight camp on an abandoned World War Two Airfield, Air Raid ) , it was excellently done, and you Honored the Soldiers , Exceptionally.... My Mother was from WALES, Dad was from SICILY, he came to the US , when he was still a kid ... Long story short, I had Grandparents and Great Uncle's, from the UK and the US ,that were in that War ... And I think, no , I know, they would have Loved that , episode... I Know you did all Soldiers, Especially from that war , Proud!!! I'll stop waffling / Rambling, Take care and GOD BLESS!!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@kathleenmcmanus8509]

Good video appreciate that you went outside to do your review looking forward to seeing more in the same line

[@blomkillen]

I am very excited about this series!

[@michaelbevan3285]

Back when I served, we would pool the rations and make a Range Stew in one pot and would break up the Biscuits with a bayonet and throw them into the pot. Everybody going into the field brought extra chocolate, tins of stew, tins of beans, tea bags, coffee and so on. The most prized possession in our rations was a tin of peaches or fruit cocktail.

[@1990westfalia]

Having lunch with you, Simon is always a joy. Whatever you’re cooking out classes my lunch. Cheers. Skillet

[@philschanely]

Love it. Please show us more of your collection!

[@roykent3432]

Very interesting. Looking forward to seeing some more of these reviews.

[@leelucas2532]

Rat packs love or hate them they have kept the military personnel going for years and have gotten better over those years, YES please do more videos on them nice and easy to watch I love ration packs so looking forward to some more films, do have any American ones like the pizza option. Love the flawless heating packs work really well. Many thanks for the video will share with a buddy who is in the Polish forces.

[@jessicabaxter4868]

Great video Simon, can tell you really enjoyed making it! Would love to see more. 😊

[@ItsMrRoppa]

Yeah, like the concept of Rat Pack descriptions and briefly reviewing without going into too much depth. Would love to see more 👍🏻

[@powerdroidgirl]

The setting was lovely and the region pack was interesting. If he happy to watch more videos like this from you.

[@campingwithjosh]

Simon the packs look great! I'll have to get onto this for a hike sometime. Good to see you again.✌🏻️I look forward to sharing our adventure soon. 🏕🔥🥃

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers matey!