It costs the same as the Wise 60 serving bucket, has over twice the calories, much better quality nutrition (more protein & fiber), and is even more "space efficient" (calories per liter volume).
Like the other two buckets, this is 100% Vegetarian.
The only issue is that the best price is at Sam's Club, which requires membership to buy.
Note that the price difference at most vendors is more than the cost of a Sam's membership.
As I mentioned, a friend with a membership ordered it for me, shipped directly to me, and I mailed him a cheque - the whole process was remarkably easy, with no hassles. I suspect most of us have a friend who has a Sam's membership, so this might be a way to network with potential preppers and/or encourage prepping.
Here's a repeat of the bucket side-by-side picture (the middle bucket is the AlpineAire 14-day pantry):
Here's the box it came in (pink virtual spray paint on the shipping labels):
Note the really obvious labelling of the contents. If you're concerned about "OPSEC", this would be an issue. I had it shipped directly to me, but Sam's Club does have a "ship to store" pickup option. If anyone tries that, please share your experience with us.
Here's the side view of just the bucket:
Note in particular the well defined "pull tab". I did use a flat blade screwdriver to "pop" it, but that's just because my hands are weak/near-crippled. This was definitely the easiest bucket to open. I also think (pure subjective) that this was the most esthetically pleasing. The easy opening was more important, to me.
Let's crack open the bucket, then toss in a can of Mountain Dew "Throwback" for size reference:
I was expecting that the packaging would be extremely no frills, and it definitely is.
The pouches are much smaller than the AA camping pouches, and only have cooking instructions and "best by" info. The frugal/minimalist part of my brain was smiling warmly, since this was just the minimum necessary info, instead of marketing noise. There's a total of ten varieties, in 42 individual mylar pouches. Each holds enough for 1-4 servings, depending on appetite and whether you eat each without anything else (I've been averaging about three meals each, usually having bread/etc with each).
Note that these bags should not be used to cook in. Theoretically, they (and the other two buckets) expect you to use a pot/whatever and some sort of stove. I decided to go minimalist, and use a Thermos and electric kettle. Pretty soon, I will try Sterno and/or Esbit. The Thermos worked extremely well, saving effort and complexity.
And now, detailed pictures of five meal types.
Note that in all cases, I prepared only part of each pouch per meal, and guestimated the amount of water to use. In two cases (Tamale Pie, mashed potatoes), I definitely used the wrong amount of water. As soon as I pick up my kilogram scale, I'll calculate the correct volume ratio for each variety, and put up a chart. I'll also retry the two I goofed.
Black Beans & Rice:
pouch beside can of Mountain Dew (for size reference):
closeup of pouch, showing instructions:
inside:
dry, inside a Thermos food jar:
after adding boiling water, sealed, shaken (not stirred), then opened:
sealed, then left for 15 minutes:
on a spoon:
Taste Test:
This was very bland.
Not bad, but beans & rice just aren't particularly exciting. The tomatoes were not noticeable. It was ok, and filling, just not "exciting". This would be fine for the occasional meal, or as a filling lunch.
Mac & Cheese:
pouch closeup:
dry:
spoon:
Taste Test:
Disappointing - very bland.
It wasn't "bad", just very similar to microwave mac&cheese. I had high expectations, which was silly.
I made a second batch with TVP, which definitely improved it.
I plan to try it with SPAM, soonish.
Pasta Roma:
pouch closeup (note that just a few of the pouches had their printing somewhat mangled, and this was (by far) the worst of them):
dry:
cooked, in Thermos:
spoon:
Taste Test:
Very good!
This was the best of all ten, IMO.
It was like a delicate tomato soup, with rotini, and some tomatoes.
Spaghetti Marinara:
pouch closeup:
dry:
cooked, in Thermos:
spoon (yes, that's a real mushroom!):
Taste Test:
Good!
After the mac&cheese, I had low expectations, but this was better than canned spaghetti.
It wasn't "awesome", but given that it's such a simple dish, was enjoyable. It tasted like something that one had cooked normally, rather than from a package.
Tamale Pie:
pouch closeup:
dry:
in Thermos, after rehydration/cooking for about 15 minutes:
I did not use enough water, and it was much denser than ideal (I'll re-try soon, after I recalculate the correct amount)
spoon:
Taste Test:
It was the spiciest of them all, and was decent.
It was not as good as AA's "Western Tamale Pie with Beef", so I was initially disappointed, but it was still enjoyable.
Next:
I'll post up all three breakfast varieties, probably later today. This post is already too big.
