MREs - Hot Pack UK

willk · 11 June 2016, 20:55

MREs for Sale Online | Self Heating Meals from Hot Pack | Instant Hot Rations for Camping, Military, Outdoor, Army, mountaineers, anglers

I tried these recently during my adventures in the Western Isles. We carried them as an insurance policy and had to deploy a few on our St. Kilda trip (breakfast and lunch).

Heating times were a bit optimistic - heat them for 20 minutes wrapped in a fleece or similar and they are toasty.

The "All Day Breakfast" was Ok if you like overcooked baked beans

The "Chicken Casserole" was actually very good (IMHO)

Donegaldan swears the "Pasta Meatballs" was excellent - but he says that about all food....

TOP TIP - pack a few tortilla wraps to "go with" - very handy, long lasting and pack small...

mick · 11 June 2016, 21:14

Not tried those ! Usually have a couple of the boil in a bag type

psycho · 11 June 2016, 21:32

The trick with these, is to carry a small bottle of water aswell...!

The water satchet that is supplied, is sometimes not enough, and when we have to use them at work, we normally use 2 satchets per meal, or top up with a little water from said bottle....!

The chicken dopiaza is recommended.

John Kennett · 11 June 2016, 23:37

Group buy anyone?

willk · 12 June 2016, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by psycho

The trick with these, is to carry a small bottle of water aswell...!

Ah yes - you DID warn me! We did chuck in a little extra water - but certainly not double. I think our heating issue may have had more to do with leaving the warming boxes exposed on Leverburgh pier at 0700 and being hungry clockwatchers...

Curious how the water sachets are not included in the meal kits, but provided separately. I guess there's an issue with chlorinated water packaged with a meal/foodstuffs?

willk · 12 June 2016, 09:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Group buy anyone?

I could do you an excellent deal if you want two All Day Breakfasts?

Chris · 12 June 2016, 09:14

Surely you could use the huge larder you are floating on to fill your belly ;-)

lakelandterrier · 12 June 2016, 10:03

I've had enough MREs in my time thank you - actually 3 misnomers, but a slight improvement on UK compo rations. Only thing making MREs edible is the tabasco sauce liberally applied to all the contents!

willk · 12 June 2016, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

I've had enough MREs in my time thank you - actually 3 misnomers, but a slight improvement on UK compo rations. Only thing making MREs edible is the tabasco sauce liberally applied to all the contents!

Not arguing with your own experiences but the Hotpack chicken casserole was actually very good. Not just "I was able to worry it down" good, but really tasty and visually appealing. So surprisingly good that it prompted me to post here!

psycho · 12 June 2016, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Ah yes - you DID warn me! We did chuck in a little extra water - but certainly not double. I think our heating issue may have had more to do with leaving the warming boxes exposed on Leverburgh pier at 0700 and being hungry clockwatchers...

Curious how the water sachets are not included in the meal kits, but provided separately. I guess there's an issue with chlorinated water packaged with a meal/foodstuffs?

I presume so, willk. The sachets used to be inside the box, but ours are now provided separately. When we use these, put them back in the box, then wrap something round them, like a jumper or jacket. Like you said, they need longer than 10 minutes.

Uncle Nobby · 12 June 2016, 13:03

Know in the Services as Meals Refusing to Exit for good reason.

Pikey Dave · 12 June 2016, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Nobby

Know in the Services as Meals Refusing to Exit for good reason.

Don't they do a high fibre version?😄

Sh1t happens

Uncle Nobby · 12 June 2016, 13:15

High input, low output can be advantageous at times!

Andy_ · 14 June 2016, 00:10

I bought an assorted six pack of these a while back. Thought they would come in handy for 'emergency' food on the go - on the rib/road trips etc. Keep one in the rib, one in the car, one in my backpack etc.

After seeing this thread, thought I'd try one out at work since I wouldn't be getting a hot dinner today! Tried the All Day Breakfast. Used double the water pouch (emptied pouch then filled it again to measure) after reading the comments. Wrapped it in a cloth then left it 15 minutes and it was roasty toasty.

It was piping hot, but well evenly cooked, beans weren't burnt at all. Actually quite surprised at how well it cooked and how hot it was. Taste wise, It's slightly better than the canned variety. Certainly did the trick and looking forward to trying the chicken casserole!

I'd definitely recommend them. Got mine from Amazon

treerat · 14 June 2016, 14:57

I use the boxes at work and like the hot pot and the meatball one, gone are the horrid MREs of the army surplus store.

I also have an account with Hot cans and to be honest prefer these from both the heating and eating point of view - just not the storage.

willk · 28 February 2018, 21:10

Now that Hot Pack are no more, or rather, incorporated into Luxfer, has anyone had experience with the new products?

I need to restock

rubberfish · 01 March 2018, 15:34

MRE's. A great piece of kit for in the car, boat or a backpack.
Those of us here in Canada or the US can purchase them from https://www.mealkitsupply.com/MRE/CAN/.
I keep several cases on hand for just in case.