When preparing a 72-hour kit, every item needs careful selection—especially food. In emergencies, meals need to be lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to prepare. One brand consistently stands out: Mountain House. Known for their freeze-dried meals, they’ve earned a reputation for convenience, durability, and flavor. But are they the ultimate meal companion for your 72-hour kit? Let’s dive in.
What to Look for in Emergency Meals
When selecting food for a 72-hour kit, keep these priorities in mind:
1. Shelf Life: Emergency food should last years without spoiling.
2. Portability: Lightweight and compact food saves space and weight.
3. Ease of Preparation: Simplicity is key when resources are limited.
4. Calories and Nutrition: Meals need to provide adequate energy and nutrients.
5. Taste: Palatable meals can boost morale in stressful situations.
Mountain House meals score high in these areas, making them a solid choice.
Why Mountain House Meals?
1. Long Shelf Life
Mountain House meals are built to last, with a shelf life of up to 30 years. This makes them a “set it and forget it” option for your 72-hour kit.
• Try It: Mountain House Classic Bucket (12 meals, 25-year shelf life)
2. Lightweight and Portable
Since they’re freeze-dried, Mountain House meals are extremely lightweight. The compact design also saves precious space in your emergency kit.
3. Easy Preparation
Add hot water directly into the pouch, stir, and wait a few minutes. The pouch doubles as the serving container, saving you from extra cleanup.
• Try It: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles (Pack of 6)
4. Balanced Nutrition
Mountain House offers meals with a variety of proteins, carbs, and calories to keep you fueled. With options like Chicken and Rice or Breakfast Skillet, you’ll be ready for any emergency scenario.
5. Taste and Variety
Unlike many emergency rations, Mountain House meals are known for their flavor. From comfort foods like Chili Mac to hearty Breakfast Hash, you’re unlikely to get bored.
• Try It: Mountain House Variety Pack (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Considerations to Keep in Mind
Mountain House meals are fantastic, but they aren’t without a few caveats:
• Water Dependency: You’ll need water to rehydrate the meals. Plan your water supply accordingly.
• Cost: These meals are pricier than some alternatives. However, their shelf life and quality make them a worthy investment.
• Sodium Content: As with most packaged foods, sodium levels can be high. Balance your kit with lower-sodium snacks.
How to Incorporate Mountain House into Your 72-Hour Kit
To make the most of Mountain House meals in your emergency kit:
• Diversify Your Food Options: Combine Mountain House meals with ready-to-eat snacks like protein bars, nuts, or dehydrated fruit.
• Account for Water Needs: Calculate water requirements for meal prep and drinking.
• Test Beforehand: Taste-test meals before adding them to your kit to ensure you like them.
Final Thoughts
Mountain House meals are among the best options for emergency preparedness. Their long shelf life, lightweight packaging, and simple preparation make them ideal for a 72-hour kit. While their water dependency and cost are worth considering, careful planning can easily overcome these challenges.
• Recommended Starter Kit: Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit
Whether you’re preparing for natural disasters or simply staying ready for the unexpected, Mountain House meals are a reliable, tasty solution.
Have you tried Mountain House meals? Share your experience in the comments below!
