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I was skeptical, but after I actually got one, in my hands. It is big. Apparently, this even has alcoholic beverage to go with the spaghetti and meatballs. Should I open it, or save for hunting season in the mountains, in November? Date made says 2014, thus? This so big, it will not fit into a US WW1 Army Soldier rucksack(knapsack). WTF? Over[attachment=0]Italian Army Ration 003.jpg[/attachment]

Well it's a 24H ration so of course it's big
Out of curiosity, what does the best before date say? (The second row on that label) 2016?

If this is your only one, I would save it for the mountains as long as it will be within its best by date! If its going to be past that date, eat it sooner. I had a bunch of these rations years ago and sadly I found them to contain subpar, almost tasteless food and also the quantities of food seems not enough for me for 24 hours.... I recommend making sure you have some of your own spices to add to the meals. Don't get me wrong, this is def. a cool ration, but you did the right thing only getting one to try!

Most of the space the ration takes up is from the three cardboard "boxes" containing each respective meal.

Yep, all gone except what you see, the alc. shot, beef and crackers, saving for birthday. [attachment=0]Test Ital.rat 010.jpg[/attachment]

Actually, the so-called 'bran-tablets' and "energy-vitamin' tabs work. Take them in reserve, for extra power.

Overall, the Italian ration is over-rated. Looks cool, like a Ferrari or Lamborgini, whatever. After eating the entire thing, not that impressed. Ya get a can of ravioli, a can of minestrone soup-beans. Big whupp-de-do. The single item that stood out was a sleeper. The Can of tuna with beans. A combo I never thought of, very tasty and different. Thought thawt he thawt, but he S**t. Imagine that. The fruit cocktail was OK, but better, a can of Del Monte fruit cocktail, has cherries. Overall, the philosophy of use is OK, but I give this 24 hr. ration a B-. I'll try again, to justify the 'Ferrari of Ration pack'. [attachment=0]Italian Rat 001.jpg[/attachment]

I remember the mid 80s versions of the italian MREs, alot of cans and a little bottle of grappa, it was a huge pack. Going to try this sometime

DangerousDave wrote:Overall, the Italian ration is over-rated.

Finally! Someone other than me has seen the light!