I agree that if you've got a friend willing to give/trade you some MRE's its a good way to go. But again, if you have the money, with the commercial version you get a variety of 12 full course meals. Over priced? Probably. But at least you know what you're getting. Having said that, I don't own any, but if I had the cash I'd buy a Sopako 12pack. I'd be awsome to go camping and not have to cook.