FinallyME thanks for your service in Iraq; the Big Ashtray is one of the worst theaters our military has ever served in.

Second, I have found that in environments that are lacking in water sources, the MRE's are great food sources because they contain the water needed to prepare them. Yes, they weigh more, but that's water weight you do not have to pack separately to prepare them. For shorter based trips of up to 4 days i find them ideal in water scarce environments. They're conveinent to eat if the weather deteriorates, you arrive late to camp, or you find yourself injured; because they can be consumed cold, but taste best hot.

Like yourself, I open them and disassemble them to the components I enjoy, and trade off the rest or leave it in a ziplock in a hiker box <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> You can reduce their weight in half by ditching most of the excess packaging and things you don't want. I have 10 cases sitting here ready to deploy when I need them for upcoming Winter trips.