My "C Rations"

[melensdad]

I saw your post at FFF and actually answered it there, but for those not familiar with granola bars, some careful consideration should be taken. Some are the nutritional equivalent of a candy bar.

 

[flagtag]

How about some dryer lint to help start the fires?

 

[Wabatuckian]

Flagtag,

Thanks. I actually have that in another pouch I made this last winter to carry in the truck.

My favorite fire starter though, are two cotton balls stored in 35mm film cannisters. You pack the cotton with petroleum jelly and sponge out the excess. It burns for a bit and is very compact.

Thanks,

Josh <><

 

[flagtag]

Another great idea! Thanks.
Always willing to learn more.

 

[JetGirl]

If those aren't all "pop top" types...
don't forget your can opener tool!

 

[obijohn]

this brings to mind one of the bits of info i recommend when asked about recommendations for preparedness is to make sure the foods you store are items that you and your family will eat. eventually, you'll eat anything, but in the short term...it would do little good for josh to store only mre's. he doesn't like them and likely wouldn't eat them in the short term.

you may consider some of the foods packaged in the retort pouches. long shelf life and much lighter than cans should you need to transport them.

 

[flagtag]

What have you provided for shelter? Foul weather?

 

[Wabatuckian]

Shelter: I carry a dome tent, cot, and fishing poles 24/7/365 in my truck.

Foul weather: Genuine WWII army blanket (was Grandpa's) and serape, combined with how I usually dress - oilskin wide brimmed hat and such. Also carry a spare winter coat in the truck.

My parents have a travel trailer that I'd go to with them and use as a lifeboat if everything broke down.

Josh <><

 

[Wabatuckian]

If those aren't all "pop top" types...
don't forget your can opener tool!

On my Leatherman*!

Josh <><

*I know the Leatherman company's anti-gun rep. This thing is old, at least 10 years, and was a gift. I figure it has a lifetime warranty, so it'll cost them money to fix it, not me, just a bit less money they can give to The Brady Bunch. J.S.

 

[flagtag]

Sounds like you are pretty much set. Good job.

 

[rhino]

Dude! Don't forget the peanut butter!

 

[Wabatuckian]

Rhino,

It's in there. Just have to get a few more boxes of the stuff.

Josh <><

 

[kludge]

1. C-Rations came with a P-38 can opener, a (small) pack of smokes , some water"proof" matches and a small roll of TP. You can find P-38's at gun shows for ~2/$1. I keep one on my key chain at all times, and I have one for each of my 72-hour kits.

2. Don't use pop top cans for food storage, the shelf life is greatly reduced.

 

[jontheturboguy]

Another great fire starter is birthday candles. They don't take up much room and are great.

 

[Wabatuckian]

2. Don't use pop top cans for food storage, the shelf life is greatly reduced.

I suspected this; I'm having trouble finding them any other way though.

Maybe I should go to Dollar General and see what they have.

Josh <><

 

[flagtag]

Another great fire starter is birthday candles. They don't take up much room and are great.

I have b-day candles in old film tubes in each of my emergency packs. Plus three different fire sources in each.

 

[baldmax]

If you have an Aldi around you, go there. They carry all kinds of non-perishable stuff.
The little handi-packs of tissue would be great for TPO

 

[kludge]

I suspected this; I'm having trouble finding them any other way though.

Maybe I should go to Dollar General and see what they have.

Josh <><

If you do use pop-tops rotate yearly.

Cans without pop-tops have a three to five year shelf life.

 

[Wabatuckian]

The ones I have are marked "2010," so I figure they'll be good until 2012. However, these packs are pretty nifty - ate one for breakfast while waiting for the gunshop to open the other day (I keep a few in my truck) as I hadn't eaten yet, and yesterday I just didn't have time to cook so I got into one.

I'm finding I'd do well to put peanut butter in with the granola. They go very well together.

Thanks,

Josh <><

 

[blue2golf]

I like the idea behind your homemade rations. Cheap, you can pack what you want and you can buy the ingredients at Wally world instead of paying primo dollars to an internet survival site for factory MREs. And while you're at wally world you can stock up on camping gear, clothes, outdoor gear, ammo, etc.....

Good concept.