They look interesting, although as you say not cheap. I would be interesting in trying one but it looks like you can't just buy one. I may email and ask for a sample.
I have picked up off freecycle a smallish barrel with lid. Couldn't fit too much tinned food and stove in there but these would an ideal size to put in the barrel and have a stash at another place in cas of needing to bug out.
Thanks for posting the info.
If they work for you then thats good! Remember, if the meals need water adding to them, carry enough water for the task or invest in a filter to acquire the water needed. Keep an eye out for UK boil in the bag rations..... can be sourced quite cheaply (around £5), for a full 24hr pack.... the meals arent to everyones taste but they are good and a HUGE amount of calories. Yes, you still have to boil them in water but that water is then ready for a hot drink. They can also be eaten cold if needed or if using a stove is either inpractical or not an option. Eating out the packet also dispenses with having to carry a bowl! Monitor the aisles as sometimes meals from these people can be found a t a good price:
I have regularly used these for the last 18 years and they are the best compromise between taste, price, convenience, weight and ease of use. I am lucky in that Canland are not too far from me and I can collect from their offices saving postage, but I do buy a case or two at a time.
They do lack though in terms of satisfaction and after use on a cold winters day in the field I often feel like eating a bit more, but two would be too much. The pack stays hot for a while longer and can be tucked inside a jacket as a heater. The instructions say to wait 12 minutes to heat through but I find 15 - 18 is better, so not fast but they can be set up and heating in your pocket whilst on the move. The heater unit is the same as those used in the US MRE made in Canada and branded to Hotpack.
Freezing is not a problem, if the supplied sachet of water is frozen, drop the lump into the pack and add a slosh of your drinking water which sets off the reaction and easily melts the ice allowing the pack to work fully. Any water will do as it is isolated from the food, pee in if you wish, not too much though only a splash is necessary.
The action packs use less packaging (notably the bulky polystyrene tray) and are cheaper.
It is possible to reproduce the Hotpack by buying MRE heaters and using something like the 'Look What We Found' range of food pouches and an insulated jiffy bag.
