Outdoor Blog

How Long Do MREs Last?

Published

5 years ago

January 8, 2020

A woman standing in the fog at a campsite.

Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) are the nutritional go-to for the military and survivalists alike. These pre-cooked meals are designed to withstand all extremes and still be delicious. You can drop them, hit them, carry them for miles in a pack and they are still fine. The apple sauce still tastes like apple sauce and the corned beef hash still tastes like corned beef hash.

There are some minor differences between the military and civilian versions like the inclusion of toilet paper and chewing gum for soldiers. Other than that they are the same. The military toughness of MREs, even the civilian brands, is what has made them so popular among hunters, campers, and emergency preppers. You can buy MREs, store them for years, then take them with you on a hike and they are still good to eat. That begs the question though, just how long can you store them? How long do MREs really last?

Man walking through the woods during the day.

Most survivalists are MRE enthusiasts and make them a key part of their diet.

Officially, how long do MREs last?

An entire MRE, when stored in a dry place at 80°F, can last for three years. That is the official word on MRE shelf life but it isn’t that simple. The reality is that the cooler the storage temperature, the longer the MRE will last and, even once some elements of the MRE have gone bad, others will still be ok to eat. Whereas an MRE stored at 120°F can still last for a month, storing it at 50°F could make it last up to five years.

Some people have even frozen their MREs in an attempt to stretch out their lifespan. This isn’t the best idea though. If a frozen MRE pouch is thawed and then frozen again it can tear and this can compromise the whole meal. If you do freeze an MRE you should plan to eat it immediately after thawing it. Also, just because it is frozen does not mean it is ok to eat it after the 5-year mark.

How can I tell how old the MRE is?

The U.S. government used to publish a shelf life chart for MREs that was so wrong people actually got sick following its advice. It basically suggested that everything in an MRE would still be good after almost ten years if only it was kept at or below 60°F. The problem was in the cheeses, cheese spreads, apple sauce, and other non-dehydrated fruit products mainly. People were trusting the chart over the appearance, smell, and taste of the food.

The point in mentioning this is that no matter what method you use to assess the shelf life of an MRE, and there are some reliable ones, you should still pay attention to the food itself before you eat it. Check if the packaging is defective, if the seals have come apart, and if there are tears in the bags. You should also check for bad odors and see if the food looks palatable.

A bit of food poisoning from a defective manufacturer can be gotten over if you’re eating an MRE at home. A survival situation or the middle of a backcountry hike makes for a different story. It is important to check for the shelf life of your MRE’s but you must still inspect the food itself before you eat it.

Still, you might be asking, since there is no expiration date to be found on an MRE how exactly can you check the shelf life? There are two main ways to check if the MREs might still be good. The first is by checking the time and temperature indicator on a case of MREs. The second and more specific method involves reading the manufacture date on the MRE.

A row of camels walking through the desert.

In especially hot places an MRE will only last for a month or so at best.

MRE time and temperature indicators

Around 1997 cases of MREs were equipped with something called time and temperature indicator (TTI). This little addition came in the form of a small sticker on the outside of a full MRE case and it looks like a small bullseye with two little red/orange circles one over the other. The smaller brighter colored circle is superimposed over the larger darker colored one so that you can see a difference between them.

As long as they are that color, the smaller inner circle brighter than the larger outside circle, everything in the box should be fresh and ready to eat. If the inner circle and the outer circle are the same color or the inner circle is darker than the outer circle than means the case of MREs has sat too long at too high a temperature.

The time and temperature indicator is fairly accurate because it can reflect the effects of temperature changes the MRE case was exposed to. If a case was stored in a cooler at 60°F for a couple of years, but at some point during that time the cooler malfunctioned and temperatures spiked, the TTI would be able to show if the MREs in the case were good or not.

MRE manufacture date

Although MREs are not individually printed with an expiration date they do have other information printed on them. Both the box and each individual pouch have a four-digit code stamped on them which can be decoded to tell you the exact date and year the MRE was made. These four digits are a modified version of what is called the Julian date code.

Basically, the way it works is that the first digit of the code is the year of manufacture while the last three digits encode the month and day of that year. As an example, a four-digit code such as 5121 would mean the MRE was made on the 121st day of 2015, or May 1, 2015. These codes will sometimes have letters at the end of them which simply indicate a particular batch. You might see 7350B which just means that MRE is from batch B made on the 350th day of 2017, or December 15, 2017.

You might have noticed that the code only allows for one digit for the year, the last digit specifically, so you might rightfully wonder how manufacturers differentiate, say, 2005 from 2015. The short answer is that they don’t. It is assumed that people won’t be keeping their MREs for more than 10 years because this would be dangerous by any standard. The average shelf life of an MRE is calculated at 5 years as an ideal maximum and that clock starts ticking from the date of manufacture.

Interpreting the Julian date codes might be a little confusing at first but with a little practice, it becomes much easier.

Does long term storage affect the nutritional value of an MRE?

One MRE is designed to meet one-third of the military’s recommended daily allowance for nutrients and Calories. This typically comes out to about 1,250 Calories (13 percent protein, 36 percent fat, 51 percent carbohydrates) all spread out over the main entree, a side dish, dessert, bread, peanut butter, and a drink mix. This distribution is optimized for a soldier experiencing the duress of battle and hours of rucking and three of these MREs would be considered a full day’s worth of battlefield meals.

When MREs are stored appropriately, packaged appropriately and consumed within the right amount of time their nutritional value does not change and they are perfectly safe to eat. However, when the MREs are stored at higher temperatures and/or for longer than recommended things change. It’s all about the storage conditions.

Dairy-based and fruit-based products can go bad and they will make you sick if you eat them. Peanut butter also doesn’t do well standing the test of time. Other elements of the MRE, even if they look alright and are palatable, won’t have the same nutritional value that they would have within the recommended date ranges. Flavor also seriously suffers in old MREs. In a tight spot, they will be palatable enough but some components of the MRE won’t go down so easily.

The internet is full of anecdotal accounts of people happily eating MREs ten and even twenty-plus years after their manufacture dates. They report how they carefully avoid the foods that have gone bad and heartily enjoy the ones that haven’t. The truth is you can’t always tell if a food is dangerous to eat just from looking at it or smelling it. Also, just because one person could eat fifteen-year-old MRE ham doesn’t mean you can.

Manufacturing processes change over time too. There might be the occasional MRE entree that really does stand the test of time but that all depends on how it was made and preserved. Ingredients, storage temperatures, and package integrity can easily change from MRE to MRE. A food item that wasn’t previously made with perishable items could be now. Things change so risking your health and safety on a few internet anecdotes is not a good idea.

How to effectively store MREs

To get the most life and use out of the MREs that you have it is important that you store them properly. As previously mentioned, the temperature is the major determinant for how long your MRE remains edible. Almost everything else about MREs makes them resistant to most conditions so temperature becomes the most important thing wherever you store your MREs.

It is critical to be aware of exactly how the space you keep your MREs is temperature-controlled. If a space is kept cool by something that depends on electricity then your MREs are just one power outage or one power fluctuation away from being exposed to warmer temperatures that will shorten their shelf life. This makes the ideal storage space for your MREs a basement or interior closet. These are spaces where the temperature can stay fairly consistent and cool depending on the construction of your house.

It is also important to keep your MREs high and dry when possible. Even though the MRE packaging is tough and waterproof it is still better to keep them out of the reach of pests and stagnant water. It is best to store them on secure racks in a space that will stay around 60°F as often and as long as possible. This will guarantee you the best shelf life.

You shouldn’t freeze your MREs or store them in a freezer if you can help it. You also shouldn’t store them outside or in any place exposed to the elements. The name of the game is temperature control and maintaining the integrity of the packaging.

Remember, you can freeze your MRE but once it is thawed you have to eat it.

When to replace MREs

You can use the time-temperature indicator and the manufacture dates to determine when your MREs are past their prime. Five years should be your upper limit of time for holding on to MREs although some sources suggest you can get away with ten if needed. That isn’t universally recommended though, so five years is best.

If you are holding on to MREs for survival purposes then you should keep rotating them in accordance with their estimated shelf life. For example, if you are storing MREs at a consistent 80°F then they should last about three years.

However, let’s say you have already had them in storage for a little over two years. If something should happen where you need to rely on your MREs you might only get a little under a year’s worth of storage out of them at that point. For emergency survival purposes it is best to cycle through your MREs every year or so. That way they will stay freshest longest.

If an MRE is exposed to extreme temperatures then it might also be time to get rid of it. As mentioned before, you can freeze an MRE but you should eat it as soon as it is thawed. If you re-freeze it the packaging can become compromised and the whole meal can go bad. High temperatures drastically shorten the shelf life of an MRE too.

At 80°F, you get a few years out of an MRE but as you approach and/or pass 120°F the MREs shelf life drops to about one month. This is why it is important to store MREs in places that stay cool naturally and don’t rely on the power to do so. A power outage can quickly shorten the life of an MRE.

Another indicator that you need to get rid of an MRE is if the bag is bloated, punctured or generally damaged. A swollen or bloated MRE or MRE component can be an indicator of the Botulinum toxin which causes botulism. Even if only one part of the MRE is enlarged you should dispose of the entire thing. The risk isn’t worth it. If the bag or components are damaged this means the food could be spoiled or infected among other things. MREs are built tough but sometimes this happens.

Under any of these conditions, it is always better to get rid of an MRE than to risk eating what is inside. If the situation isn’t a matter of life and death in which food supplies are limited, there is no reason to risk your health. If you are in an emergency situation then you will need to weigh the risks, go hungry for sure or possibly become deathly ill. The swollen botulism MREs should always be a definite no go though.

Final Verdict:

A meal, ready to eat (MRE) is an essential part of any soldier or survivalist kit. Hunters, campers, hikers, and backpackers among others have also all enjoyed the rugged utility of a delicious MRE. These meals can seemingly endure anything from high temperatures to high falls. They do have their limits though and there are other options out there. When stored in a cool dry place you can expect a five-year shelf life. Anything beyond that becomes questionable.

When MREs go bad they can go very bad and eating one of these can easily make you sick. This is why it is very important to understand just how long an MRE will last. Using the time-temperature indicator and manufacture dates it is possible to do. Also, maintaining a certain degree of common sense and attention to detail helps as well. Keeping all of this in mind makes the use of MREs easy, enjoyable, and safe.

Bonus tip: Check out a taste test of an MRE chicken burrito bowl! If you haven’t used one before you can see how they work, learn what is often included, and hear about the taste!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter