Thanks for the useful review. I had the same concern over the dubious packaging, so I wrapped mine in a layer of aluminum foil and bubble wrap (for a little extra physical and thermal protection) and then into an outer wrap of vacuum-sealed pouch. I've done about the same for additional, less long-term emergency rations of pilot biscuits, peanut butter, raisins, dried soup, instant coffee & tea. Those went into an old, thick-walled styrofoam container. My lifeboat rations and some Gatorade powder in a Nalgene bottle are in my BOB, which is in my car trunk. I also made sure to write the expiration dates on the outside of all the vacuum pouches and on a piece of tape on the Nalgene bottle.