The ease and daily routine of food shopping for you and your family can be instantly disrupted by a sudden unexpected emergency or natural disaster. You may find yourself unavoidably cut off from sources of food and fresh water. It only takes a day or two without these precious resources to turn your otherwise normal life into chaos as you try to search and scavenge for anything to sustain yourself and your loved ones.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Hunger and thirst can be avoided by stocking up now with many of these life-sustaining products.
Build your stockpile now, piece by piece, and before you know it, you will be well prepared to endure whatever this uncertain world throws at you.
“You may find yourself unavoidably cut off from sources of food and fresh water.”
1. SteriPEN
Model: Adventurer Opti
MSRP: $89.95
Key Features: Very lightweight, easy to use, integrated flashlight
Description: The Adventurer Opti uses ultraviolet light to purify undrinkable water when out hiking, camping or whenever you are “off the grid.” Its UV lamp provides up to 8,000 treatments before needing replacing and is small and lightweight enough to fit into your pocket or supply bag with ease. Using a revolutionary optical eye,
the Adventurer Opti senses the water to ensure safe purification, even in extremely cold water. This eye also doubles as an LED flashlight to assist you when gathering water during the night. The package includes two nonrechargeable CR123 batteries and a neoprene case loop with convenient belt loop.
“Using a revolutionary optical eye, the Adventurer Opti senses the water to ensure safe purification…”
Manufacturer’s Comments: “If you’re going to be hiking, backpacking or camping without access to power for several days, SteriPEN Adventurer Opti is the UV water purifier for you. The Adventurer Opti is built to provide safe drinking water in even the toughest environments.” —Julie Lord, Marketing Director
2. DATREX
Model: Blue Ration, 3,600 KCAL, 1 pack
MSRP: $9.95
Key Features: 18 individually wrapped packages, high-energy source
Description: Produced in the U.S., Datrex high-energy rations supply you with much-needed calories during survival situations. Each extra-strong vacuum package contains 18 200-calorie bars. Eat them solid or mix with water for an instant source of high energy. Made with all natural ingredients, they are designed for maximum palatability for all age groups.
“Datrex rations have been considered the gold standard of USCG/SOLAS food and water rations.”
Manufacturer’s Comments: “For decades, Datrex rations have been considered the gold standard of USCG/SOLAS food and water rations. Highly concentrated food bars that are then vacuum bagged in a foil package … then certified by a world body to last at least five years in a proven tough environment, packaging abuse, continuous extreme variability of heat/moisture and more. Get the best—your life could depend on it. Baked and packaged in the USA in FDA-certified facilities.” —Talbot Pratt, Manager/Business Development
3. NITRO-PAK
Model: Survival Food Tabs
MSRP: $29.99
Key Features: Lightweight life-saving food ration, great taste, 15-day supply
Description: The Nitro-Pak survival food tabs are essentially life-saving food rations formed into convenient and easy-to-eat, chewable tablets. They provide 100 percent of the recommended daily allowances of 15 essential vitamins and minerals. These survival tablets, initially developed for the U.S. Army Special Forces, supply 20 calories per tablet and are 100-percent digestible. Using the recommended 12 tablets per day, a person could survive solely on these tablets for months during any emergency or survival situation that may unexpectedly arise. In addition to your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, these survival tablets supply needed protein for strength and carbohydrates and lactose for fast-acting energy production. Packed in a convenient 180-tablet (15-day supply) tub that doubles as a canteen when empty. A tablet storage bag is included under the canister’s lid.
“These high-calorie tablets provide 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of 15 essential daily vitamins and minerals.”
Manufacturer’s Comments: “Our Survival Food Tabs are a compact and lightweight, life-saving food ration in a tablet form. Our customers love these ultra-compact food rations. These high-calorie tablets provide 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of 15 essential daily vitamins and minerals.” —Aaron Curley, Marketing Manager
4. KLEAN KANTEEN
Model: “The Original” Stainless Steel Water Bottle
MSRP: $21.99
Key Features: 100-percent stainless-steel bottle, durable, toxin-free
Description: “The Original” stainless-steel Klean Kanteen bottle offers durability and prolonged performance due to its simple and streamlined design. It is the ultimate alternative to polycarbonate and lined-aluminum reusable bottles. It is free of BPA, phthalates, lead or other harmful toxins. No paint and no plastic parts on the bottle means the bottle is ideal for boiling water directly in the container during emergency or survival situations. No matter how many times the bottle is filled or what is put into it, it will not retain any flavors or odors and will keep drinks tasting as they should. The Klean Kanteen bottle will maintain its innovative characteristics for years to come.
“… the Klean Kanteen Classic is safe and toxin-free and doesn’t retain or impart flavors.”
Manufacturer’s Comments: “Made from high-quality, 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, the Klean Kanteen Classic is safe and toxin-free and doesn’t retain or impart flavors. No matter how many times it is filled or what is put into it, these Kanteens keep drinks fresh and clean tasting.” —Erik Wardell, Backbone Media
5. HARMONY HOUSE FOODS
Model: Deluxe Sampler
MSRP: $79.95
Key Features: Premium ingredients, 12- to 24-month shelf life, diverse selection
Description: The Deluxe Sampler offers a wide selection of delicious dehydrated vegetables, legumes and “meatless” chicken, beef and ham bits, perfect for your next camping or hiking trip. Thirty items are included for you to try, including broccoli, green beans, diced carrots, red bell peppers, black beans, garbanzo beans, split peas and many more. Packaged in resealable, 1-cup serving pouches, use as little or as much as you need. Mix ingredients to create your own recipes for soups, stews and other campsite favorites. Just add water to rehydrate. Instructions to access a reconstitution chart and nutritional information is included.
“We use these products daily in our own families with confidence.”
Manufacturer’s Comments: “Harmony House Foods only promotes premium-quality dehydrated products. Our vegetables and beans are all non-GMO, preservative free, Kosher and do not contain any pesticides, chemical residues or heavy metals. We use these products daily in our own families with confidence.” —John Seaman, President
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the April 2014 print issue of American Survival Guide.