Hey everyone. It's been quite awhile since I've done a review, so I thought I should get my rear in gear and get to it. Those who know me on here know that I prefer doing written reviews, so that's what this will be. I'll do it in two parts, the unboxing first, then the more fun part where I get to dig in and try everything.
Let's get on with it. Here it is. . .
- Ration
This is a commercial, 24-hr ration made in the Russian Federation by SPECPIT. The main entrees are dehydrated, making this a very compact, fairly light ration for 24 hours worth of food. It is contained in a waterproof, green plastic pouch that is capable of resealing after opening. It weighs in at just over 1.25 pounds and is said to contain just over 1,800 calories. Shelf life is a little surprising at just under one year, but I know these are based on the "weakest link" within the ration, and that some of the packaging on side items such as sunflower seeds and crackers/biscuits is pretty lightweight. The crackers in Russian rations are known for going rancid before the expiration date, likely due to the fragile packaging being easily pin-holed. These ration packs are pretty easy to get your hands on. They are widely available on eBay as well as in the online stores of several forum members here. Prices run from $20 to $35 typically. I tried to find out more about this company, but kind of hit a brick wall. The supplier of the main army-issue ration for the Russian Military, Voentorg, has a website and is a well-known supplier to the Russian Government, but I couldn't find any information for SPECPIT.
One of the dead giveaways that this a commercially sold ration is the UPC bar code on the back, as well as the hole at the top for hanging on display shelves.
- Expiration Date
Here are the contents laid out for inspection. . .
- Contents
For a small, lightweight package they seem to have done a good job getting a decent amount of main meals, beverages, and snacks included in this ration pack. This ration contains the following. .
Breakfast item: Sweet rice porridge with raisins
Lunch/dinner item: Siberian borscht with meat (vitaminized)
Lunch/dinner item: Mashed potatoes with fried onions
1 pack of fried peanuts
1 pack of raisins
1 prune and nut bar
1 pack of crackers/biscuits
3 wet napkins
1 pack instant coffee
2 bags of black tea
1 pack Adapton beverage mix
1 pouch apple jam/butter
1 bitter chocolate bar (55% cocoa)
3 Mentos candies
1 pack of sunflower seeds
3 packs of sugar
1 pack of salt
1 pack of pepper
1 pouch of tomato sauce
1 pack of what appears to be caffeinated gum (2 pieces)
1 pack of matches w/striking paper
4 water purification tablets
Some items are easily recognizable from Russian military-issue ration packs. I've seen the tea, beverage powder, fruit bar, and several of the entrees in official-issue rations. The dehydrated entrees appear to the same ones that are included in the mountain ration as well as the IRP-BS, which I would call the Russian Army's equivalent of the Long Range Patrol Ration.
I'm looking forward to digging into this. Part 2 will be coming soon! Thanks for reading!
