1. I don't do MRE's. Yes, I know, they weigh less. But they weigh less because they take out the water - and you need that water anyway. Cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew - or a store brand or generic alternative - along with a can of fruit cocktail and a multivitamin - is a very cheap and tasty alternative.

6. Water - There are a few water filters on the market now that are acceptable for both emergency and every day use. With the Big Berkey water filter, I figure I get store quality filtered water for about two cents a gallon. You can't beat that.

Onward and upward,
airforce