Recommendations - No or low thirst survival bars

[level0]

Looking for some no- or low-thirst survival bars for my bag. I like the freeze dried meals, but I don't like that they typically require boiling water. Want something completely self contained and ready to roll for times when boiling water is not an option. More than a snack bar, however. I've seen some low thirst bars with 5 year shelf life, anyone have any insight into these or other options?

 

[rhino]

If you're concerned about actual thirst (as in needing more water) as opposed to feeling thirsty, then avoid anything with a lot of protein.

Of the big three emergency ration bars, SOS brand is by the best tasting. By far. Datrex and Mainstay are a distant tie for last. SOS actually tastes good, like a coconuty cookie. Datrex is incredibly dry in taste and texture, so it will actually make you thirstier even though they claim otherwise. Mainstay is pretty much like eating a block of sugar with a slight lemon taste.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

If you don't want to have to boil water for your meals, buy MREs. They come with their own heaters - just add a little water (couple ounces) and stick the MRE entree packet inside for a couple minutes. Yes, the drawback is that they are bulky.

 

[CPT Nervous]

I second the SOS bars wholeheartedly. They also make Millennium bars, which are kind of flavored, but they taste like the regular SOS bar. They're inexpensive, good calories, and they taste good. Perfect for a short tern solution. You can survive on three bars a day.

 

[Leadeye]

I had a completely different image of survival bars, sorry.

 

[level0]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'm going to try all three bars but sounds like SOS will get the nod. Ideally I'll like the taste of them because I already like the shelf life.

 

[spencer rifle]

 

[Zoub]

I personally like power bars. They hold up, do fine past their expiration date and nice and flat so I can tuck them close to my body on cold days. Not so specialized I won't use them during my normal hunting and fishing activities.

 

[rhino]

I personally like power bars. They hold up, do fine past their expiration date and nice and flat so I can tuck them close to my body on cold days. Not so specialized I won't use them during my normal hunting and fishing activities.

How do they hold up in a vehicle in hot weather? Can you get them without a significant amount of protein?

 

[Zoub]

I have had them in the trucks from Indiana summers to Wisconsin winters. They might shape shift a little from heat and at -30 i prefer to warm them up first but none made me sick or broke out of their wrappers. I am not sure about options, I typically buy them in a box of 20 when they go on sale. Usually around this time of year. I am guessing summer is their big season.

I also keep them in a large mil spec box with a bunch of mountain house. I pulled those out and ate them this year. Major expired. No problem for the Zoub.

Their product I didn't like for vehicle storage was their gels. That was like 2005-08 time frame. Fail on taste and packaging.

 

[rhino]

I have had them in the trucks from Indiana summers to Wisconsin winters. They might shape shift a little from heat and at -30 i prefer to warm them up first but none made me sick or broke out of their wrappers. I am not sure about options, I typically buy them in a box of 20 when they go on sale. Usually around this time of year. I am guessing summer is their big season.

They probably taste good too.

I was asking because he was asking for emergency rations that require less water intake, thus low protein. The ration bars also tolerate heat and cold pretty well since there is nothing to melt or freeze that will change them much. Since I'm diabetic, they're not the best choice for me even for emergencies since they're almost all carbs. I'll go with more protein and swipe someone else's water. Heh.

 

[Zoub]

Yeah, I started with all of this 10 years ago when a family member was diagnosed type 1. For me water is always present. I use a small, clear sealine bag as a truck and camp snacks bag. It's waterproof but I can see what is in it. In winter I often toss in some individual drink powders too like hot chocolate and crystal light. Then candy and carb stuff too.

The small 5 liter one
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/sealline/dry-bags/ecosee-bag/product

Which by the way, there are a lot of ways you can use that bag!

 

[rhino]

On a related note, do you have a plan for insulin if the normal supply train is disrupted?

 

[Zoub]

On a related note, do you have a plan for insulin if the normal supply train is disrupted?

I do but you just hit my major nerve. To say my Ex and I are not on the same page is an understatement. It was easier at first when our Daughter lived with me. When that changed my efforts were thwarted at first.

What I found was the Docs understand this and will pad the scripts some. Then do the meds by mail or be like clockwork every month at the pharmacy. Won't take long to get 3-12 months ahead.

Docs will also write one time scripts so you can go buy, out of pocket, a reserve supply for the second parent/home.

Some forms of insulin don't even require a scrip and are cheap at Wal-Mart.

Next, if SHTF localized, money to send Daughter out of country. She is also multilingual.

Can I make it from Sheep guts? No.

 

[CPT Nervous]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'm going to try all three bars but sounds like SOS will get the nod. Ideally I'll like the taste of them because I already like the shelf life.

They taste better than a lot of what's out there. They're pretty good.