Wow, that's cold. I believe that -43* F. is our state record and we could approach that in the mountains at times but that would be extreme. But I like to plan for the worst.

You wrote: "I see canned goods as no better than MRE/IMPs, actually they would be less usefull in the winter except as weapons to ward off Yeti."

Is this because canned foods freeze and burst in extreme cold, or is it just that they require thawing? I am interested in whether or not a can of Sterno will thaw out a can of chili in a reasonable time at -40* F., or if I'm better off packing my single burner white gas stove.

I agree that MREs would make a better choice, but due to the heat (at times above 120* F. in the back of my truck) I'd still end up rotating them every year and they are so much more expensive than canned that I doubt it would be worth it, to me at least.

Regards, Vince