For some of us that have a built in reserve, calories aren't as big an issue as vitamins/minerals. Yeah, multi-vitamins are cheaper, but they don't fill the void at all <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

I"ve seen the Canadian version of the 24 hour ration, which I'm guessing is based on the UK one. About 7"x5"x5", like four cans, a little on with crackers?, some little packets of verious stuff, and an accessory pack? It was mid-80s vintage, in an army/navy store, about 6 years ago *shudders*. That's about the same size as a day's worth of MREs, maybe a little smaller, just shaped differently.

The tablets taste like malted milk balls, as others have said, becuase I think that is what they are, just doped with atiny bit of fiber and nutrients. I've never bought into the whole "developed by special forces" gag. Maybe by a couple of operators, or former operators, but not officially, at least not as a meal replacement. They are "Commando Candy".

Yes - the total calories is just a bit less than British 24hours ration! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4221838.stm
It is equal to about 600 grams of walnuts or chocolate! I think it is better to stick with walnuts and chocolate then.

I have them in my bug out bag. They are far lighter than most food (yes, far less calories too) but they assist with a few key needs. First, not only do they not need cooking, can be eaten frozen, but they also come in a bottle that is a perfect canteen.

They also are pressed tablets which means that even if exposed to the air for a year or so (provided they don't get rained on and you don't have much steam near them) You can scrape off the discolored portion (1 mm tops) and eat the rest. The main reason I have them in my pack is to make other people feel better. They see "survival tabs" and think they are magic -and for that reason they are.

I've lived off of them for a week to test out what 12 tabs a day would do to someone and I learned much. First, I wasn't hungry the entire week (like I thought I would be) and second I didn't have to deficate after the first day. My energy level didn't change either.

If I were really worried about food (and I'm not that worried) I'd grab some mainstay rations too.

Just my thoughts

-NIM

Okay, one more time, I guess we're gonna keep going thru this drill until we finally understand.

Ounce for ounce (and cubic inch for cubic inch), you will not find a more energy packed, nutritious, longlasting, satisfying and versatile food than Pemmican. For the amount of space and weight those wonder wafers will take up in your pack, I can give you at least triple the number of calories, and I'll throw in 4 or 5 one a day multi vitaimins just so you can be absolutely sure your are getting it all.

Now repeat after me, Pemmican good. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

My tounge and I respectfully disagree. :P

Still, pemmican has all the calories you will ever need in a day, in a convenent form factor, and if properly stored, lasts forever. I just can't get it down. I think if I was to, say, use it as a soup base, that might be different, but as is, a 50/50 mix of beef and suet is just too rich.

Yeah, plain Pemmican is tough to take. That's why I mix in dried berries and nuts in mine to get the palatability factor up a little.

Which brings up an important point. There are about a hundred or more ways to customize Pemmican, including customizing it for different meal qualities. For instance, adding some smoky flavor and some real bacon bits to the mix can give it a breakfast flare, or maybe putting some dehydrated zucchini and carrots in it for a good soup base. Really, the possibilities go on and on. You can even add in grains if you want.

Sometimes you just gotta think outside the box, especially when you are on the hilltop and your gut is giving you real hell for being neglected long enough that you're just about ready to start swallowing stones to shut it up. Then you break out that 6 month old ball o' grease and choke it down, all the time thinking there must be some way to make this stuff easier to take than nearly starving first. Survival is strong inspiration.

I've made Pemmican that even my picky neice was willing to chew on without making a face.

Pemmican: You dry out raw meat then grind it up and mix with rendered fat.

Now, correct me if I am wrong...Wouldn't that mean you have to cook it before eating it as there are nasties that can survive the drying process?

You can't use cooked meat as it won't keep as long.

Is it safe to eat raw meat in this form?

-Nim

I use dehydrated meat, either salt cured and smoked, or seasoned and dehydrated in the oven or a food dehydrator. For Pemmican, I take it beyond the jerky stage, which still has some residual moisture.

Meat thus cured is not what you'd call cooked, but is rendered safe. In fact, as long as it is reasonably fresh to begin with, it is safer than cooked meat. Without moisture, the wee beasties find dehydrated food fairly inhospitable. The primary purpose of the suet, or tallow, besides being a binder, is to create a moisture barrier that seals the meat and prevents spoilage. Salting the suet or tallow or adding vitamin c helps keep it from rancidating as well.

I've never heard of anyone using raw meat, and cooked meat isn't what you're looking for either. You gotta think in terms of indian lore.