Originally Posted By: Leigh_Ratcliffe
I really think that one should actually read the infomation on a Mars Bar.

I've spent the last year or so comparing Mars Bar's, Snickers et al to power bars etc. With a view of putting together an emergency ration from off the shelf, easily obtained components, that is light and takes little to zero preparation.

The one of the more interesting thing's that came out of my research is that as an emergency ration a Mars Bar is an excellent choice. Its 240 Kcal and very high in carbohydrate and protein.

Interestingly most so called "power bars" that I have examined fall short of that. In fact, thus far I have not found one that one would consider acceptable. I am, as they say, distinctly less than impressed.

An Adult Male Human (AMH) needs around 2500- 3200 Kcalories per day. AHM can survive and continue to function well for several days on less provided you have a source of carbohydrate and, preferably, protein.

I personally think that dropping $2-3 of Mars Bars, GORP trail mix, Jelly beans and the like in your pockets before you set out is pure common sense.

And a life saver.


Maybe the Snickers Bars on your side of the ocean are produced differently then the NA Snickers Bars.

I don't mind Cliff Bars which is what I used for comparison purposes. Many of the people I venture out with prefer Cliff's. At MEC, it is one of their best selling bars. I also cannot recall the last time I bought a chocolate bar.

Snickers Bar , (57.0 gr)

Calories 271
Calories from Fat 122

% Daily Value
Total Fat 13.6g 21%
Saturated Fat 5.2g 26%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 140mg 6%
Total Carbohydrates 34.5g 12%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g 5%
Sugars 28.8g
Protein 4.3g

Vitamin A 2% • Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 5% • Iron 2%


Typical Cliff Bar , (68 gr)

Calories 240
Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value
Total Fat 4.0g 6%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%
Sodium 150mg 6%
Total Carbohydrates 46.0g 15%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g 20%
Sugars 21.0g
Protein 10.0g

Vitamin A 30% • Vitamin C 100%
Calcium 25% • Iron 25%

Even with the slight package weight difference and the calculations of calories etc, I'll take a Cliff in my kit over a chocolate bar...just personal preference.
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Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

John Lubbock