Ready Hour Review: The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Food Storage

In an era defined by natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and growing geopolitical uncertainties, maintaining a robust emergency food supply is no longer a niche hobby—it’s a critical component of resilient living. Among the myriad options on the market, Ready Hour has emerged as a standout brand, offering a comprehensive range of long–term meal kits designed to deliver reliable nutrition when fresh groceries are inaccessible. In this 2,500-plus-word Ready Hour review, we’ll dive into every aspect of the brand’s offerings—from kit breakdowns and nutritional profiles to shelf-life technology, user feedback, and practical tips for integrating these meals into your preparedness plan.

What Is Ready Hour?

Ready Hour, launched in October 2019 by My Patriot Supply, represents the evolution of the company’s long-term food storage line, formerly known as Patriot Pantry. Though the iconic entrées—Homestyle Potato Soup, Traveler’s Stew, Black Bean Burger—remain unchanged in their freeze-dried formulations, they’ve adopted a rugged black packaging that’s both moisture- and light-resistant, blending tactical appeal with functionality. Each meal pouch has a guaranteed shelf life of up to 25 years without compromising taste or nutritional integrity, thanks to vacuum-sealing in multi-layer MylarTM and oxygen absorbers, which lock in freshness. Available in sizes ranging from compact 72-hour “bug-out” kits to stackable one-year buckets, Ready Hour ensures 2,000+ calories per person per day and balanced macronutrients—so whether you’re hunkering down at home, packing a backpack, or preparing a bug-out vehicle, you’ll have reliable, easy-to-prepare meals on hand whenever they’re needed most

Why Emergency Food Storage Matters

Disasters and crises seldom provide a warning—they strike without mercy, leaving families scrambling for basics. For this reason, agencies like FEMA stress the importance of keeping a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day and a minimum of three days’ Supply of non-perishable food, with a two-week reserve being the ideal household goal. According to the Red Cross, “Although it’s unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, consider keeping a supply that lasts that long.” Proactively assembling an emergency stockpile—whether in Mylar pouches, sealed buckets, or sturdy #10 cans—, you sidestep the panic when store shelves suddenly run empty.

The importance of self-sufficiency was highlighted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when hoarding behavior left grocery aisles depleted of staples such as rice, pasta, and canned goods. NPR reported images of bare shelves across major U.S. retailers in March 2020, a testament to how rapidly everyday routines can collapse amid fear and uncertainty. More recently, industry analysts warn of “Covid-like” shortages resurfacing as global supply chains remain fragile—an ominous reminder that the next disruption could come with little notice. In such volatile environments, a personal cache of shelf-stable meals becomes more than convenience—a buffer against chaos.

Beyond mere calories, well-planned food reserves sustain both body and mind. Under stress, our metabolic demands surge; energy needs can climb well above the typical 2,000-calorie baseline to preserve muscle mass and bolster immune function. Nutrient-dense emergency rations—enriched with essential vitamins and balanced macronutrients—ensure you avoid the fatigue, cognitive fog, and weakened defenses that accompany undernutrition. Psychologically, knowing you have reliable meals on hand reduces anxiety, allowing clearer decision-making when every second counts.

Finally, individual preparedness helps communities recover faster. When households arrive equipped with food and water, relief agencies and first responders can focus scarce resources on the most vulnerable populations—elderly, medically dependent, and displaced individuals. Ready.gov underscores that a comprehensive disaster supplies kit, stocked with non-perishables and hydration solutions, lightens the burden on emergency distribution networks and accelerates overall recovery. Your food stockpile becomes a multiplier—transforming solitary readiness into collective resilience.

Ready Hour’s Product Lineup at a Glance

Ready Hour caters to every level of preparedness. Here’s an overview of their core meal kits:

72-Hour Kit Sample Pack: 20 servings, 6,040 total calories for three days, 2,000+ calories per day, four meal varieties.
1-Week Ammo Can: 14 servings per week (2,000+ calories/day), tactical metal ammo can for portability, priced at $87.
2-Week Emergency Food Supply: 56 servings (2,000+ calories/day), 112,280 total calories, compact bucket for $127–$97.
4-Week Emergency Food Supply: 250 servings, 56,140 total calories, a wide variety of 16 foods, shelf life up to 25 years, bucket measures 9.75″×11.75″×15.75″, priced at $247.
3-Month Food Supply: Six buckets, 108.54 pounds of food, 3×30-day reserves (312 servings), $697.
6-Month Food Supply: 12 buckets, 615,360 total calories, $1,374.
1-Year Emergency Food Supply: 3,384 servings across 22 food varieties, 723,360 total calories, 2,000+ calories/day for 360 days, shelf life up to 25 years, $2,688.

Each kit is designed to be stackable, portable, and shelf-stable for decades. Free shipping applies to orders over $49 within the contiguous U.S.

Detailed Kit Breakdowns

72-Hour Kit Sample Pack

Contents: Homestyle Potato Soup (4 servings), Maple Grove Oatmeal (8), Creamy Chicken Flavored Rice (4), Mac & Cheese (4).
Weight: ~2.75 lbs.
Water Needed: 1.4 gallons total.
Shelf Life: Up to 25 years.
Cost: $27.95.
Ideal For: Bug-out bags, car kits, testing meal quality before scaling up.

1-Week Ammo Can

Calories: 2,000+ per day for 7 days.
Packaging: Steel “ammo can” with rubber gasket.
Varieties: Oatmeals, soups, pastas.
Cost: $87.
Ideal For: Tactical prep kits, discreet storage.

2-Week & 4-Week Supplies

2-Week: 14 days at 2,000 cal/day; ~127 servings, $97.
4-Week: The detailed contents include buttermilk pancakes (30 servings), mac & cheese (8), honey wheat bread (24), banana chips (16), orange energy drink mix (8), and more—the total water requirement is 9.8 gallons.

3-Month Supply

Calories: 2,000+ per day for 90 days; 270,000+ calories.
Packaging: Six buckets.
Varieties: 22 food options, including scrambled eggs with bacon, chicken fried rice, and fruit drinks.

6-Month & 1-Year Supplies

6-Month: 12 buckets, 615,360 calories, $1,374.
1-Year: 3,384 servings over 22 varieties, bucket dimensions ~12″×12″×15.25″, provides 2,000 cal/day for 360 days, $2,688.

Nutritional Profile & Daily Requirements

Ready Hour meal kits are meticulously formulated to deliver:

2,000+ calories per person per day (critical baseline for survival).
Vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex, calcium, and iron are among the twelve essential vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient balance: Each meal contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Real-food ingredients: Whole grains, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, non-GMO proteins.

For context, the average adult requires 1,800–2,400 calories daily; under duress, higher caloric intake preserves muscle mass and immune function. Ready Hour’s consistency ensures you hit survival macros without guesswork.

Taste, Texture & Variety

Taste can make or break emergency rations. Ready Hour enlisted chefs and food scientists to freeze-dry and nitrogen-flush meals, locking in authentic flavors and textures. Common praise from users includes:

Fluffy, crisp pancakes that rehydrate fully.
Creamy stroganoff and Alfredo pasta are comparable to fresh-made versions.
Hearty chili mac with robust seasoning.
Decadent desserts: chocolate pudding and rice pudding.

Yet, no brand is flawless. A handful of reviewers note:

Some entrées lean on powdered textures if under-mixed.
Limited vegan/vegetarian entrées beyond the fruit & veggie mix.
Bulk buckets (6- and 12-month kits) require two people to lift safely.

Packaging & Shelf-Life Technology

Ready Hour’s longevity claims rest on the following:

4-layer Mylar™ pouches with multiple oxygen absorbers to block light, moisture, and air.
Freeze-drying processes for fruit, veggies, and delicate entrées—preserves color, flavor, and nutrients for up to 30 years.
Food-grade buckets and #10 cans: UV-resistant and moisture-sealed to maintain shelf stability.
Nitrogen flushing to replace residual oxygen in pouches, further staving off oxidation.

Storage guidelines: Keep kits in a cool, dark area between 55°F 70°F; cooler is better. Avoid direct sunlight, temperature extremes, and high humidity.

Preparation & Cooking Methods

Ready Hour meals excel in their straightforward, no-frills preparation. They are designed so that anyone, from a seasoned prepper to a first-time user, can enjoy hot, hearty meals with minimal gear. Each pouch clearly states the exact water volume needed (typically 1 to 1.5 cups per serving) and the recommended rehydration time, so there’s no guesswork. Before cooking, remove and discard the oxygen absorber packet in each Mylar™ pouch; this small step unlocks the full 25-year shelf-life promise.

Boiling-water rehydration: Bring water to a rolling boil, add the pouch contents, stir thoroughly, cover, and let stand for 10–15 minutes. This method unlocks the best flavor and texture, especially for pasta—and rice-based entrées.
Cold-Water Option: Without heat or fuel, meals can be rehydrated with cold water—stir and wait 25–30 minutes. While the texture may be slightly chewier, it ensures you stay nourished when fire isn’t an option.
Microwave Preparation: Place the pouch contents and the water in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and cook for two to three minutes on medium power, stirring halfway through. This is ideal for indoor use or when quick heating is desired.
Direct-Pouch Heating: Thanks to heavy-duty foil pouches, you can heat meals by suspending the sealed bag over a camp stove burner or nestling it in hot coals for 5–7 minutes—no pots required. Handle with tongs or heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns.
Retained-Heat Cooking: After bringing your meal to a boil, wrap the container (or pouch) in insulating material—think a towel or insulated sleeve—and let residual heat finish rehydration over 20–30 minutes. This conserves fuel and is perfect for multi-day outings where every match counts.

Pro Tips for Optimal Results:

Always use potable water and measure by volume rather than “eyeballing” to avoid overly soupy or dry meals.
Stir periodically during rehydration, especially with creamy soups and sauces, to prevent clumping.
Pack lightweight seasoning sachets (salt, pepper, bouillon) or dried herbs to enhance flavor—nothing beats a pinch of fresh oregano or a dash of paprika in an emergency.
If stovetop fuel is limited, preheat water at home and carry it in an insulated thermos; combine with pouch contents for a rapid “just add warm water” solution.

Water Requirements & Purification

Water is as critical as the meals when planning your Ready Hour stockpile. Ready Hour provides clear guidelines on the water needed to prepare each kit, but you should also account for drinking and hygiene needs beyond cooking.

72-Hour Kit: This compact sampler requires 1.4 gallons of water to rehydrate all four meal pouches—enough for three days of 2,000+ calories per day Ready Hour.
4-Week Emergency Food Supply: To prepare the entire month-long rotation of 16 food varieties, you’ll need about 9.8 gallons of water.
1-Year Emergency Food Supply: Although this kit delivers 723,360 total calories, it demands roughly 155.5 gallons of water over its 360-day span—around 0.43 gallons per day exclusively for meal prep Ready Hour.
Extended Kits (3- and 6-month): While Ready Hour’s site doesn’t list exact figures for these, you can estimate cooking needs by interpolating between the 4-week and 1-year data, then adding your household’s drinking requirement (see below).

In addition to cooking water, federal guidelines recommend storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. FEMA advises a minimum three-day supply (3 gallons per person), with two weeks (14 gallons per person) as the optimal household target FEMA. The CDC similarly underscores the “1 gallon per day” rule to ensure safe hydration during emergencies CDC.

Purification Methods

Even if you pre-store water, situations may arise where you must treat natural sources. Rely on proven, layered approaches:

Filtration: Use a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove visible debris, then pass water through a portable filter (e.g., Sawyer MINI, LifeStraw) to eliminate bacteria and protozoa.
Boiling: To consistently inactivate germs, bring water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute. Before using it, let it cool.
Chemical Disinfection: After filtering and cooling, add 16 drops of ordinary liquid bleach per gallon (8 drops per 2-liter bottle), stir, and leave for 30 minutes. Do it again if the water is still murky.
Distillation: In extreme contamination scenarios (heavy metals, salts), distill by capturing and condensing steam—this is the only method that removes most chemicals, but it requires specialized equipment or DIY setups.

Storage Best Practices

Use Food-Grade Containers: Store water in sealed, BPA-free plastic jugs or #10 cans; never repurpose containers containing chemicals or detergents.
Rotate Regularly: To prevent stagnation, replace stored drinking water every six months; label containers with “fill” and “use by” dates.
Climate Control: Keep water and food buckets in a cool (55–70 °F), dark location to minimize microbial growth and preserve package integrity.
Supplemental Kits: Consider Ready Hour’s Emergency Water Pouches (64-pack), which have a 25-year shelf life, for quick grab-and-go hydration when mobility is essential.

Comparing Ready Hour to Competitors

Brand	Shelf Life	Calories/Day	Variety	Price/Day
Ready Hour	25–30 years	2,000+	16–22 varieties	≈$7.47 (1-yr)
Mountain House	30 years	1,200–1,400	10–12 varieties	≈$9–$10
Wise Company	25 years	1,800–2,000	8–10 varieties	≈$8.50
Augason Farms	10–15 years	1,500–1,800	6–8 varieties	≈$6.50
ReadyWise (Costco)	25 years	1,900–2,000	8–10 varieties	$0.53/serving

Ready Hour shines through its broad menu, consistent caloric provision, and specialty lines (gluten-free, high-protein, snack mixes, survival coffee). While some competitors undercut the price per serving, they often skimp on calories or flavor variety.

Pricing & Value Analysis

Entry-level kits: $27.95 (72-hr) and $87 (1-wk) allow low-risk testing.
Mid-tier: $247 (4-wk) averages $8.83/day for balanced nutrition.
Long-term: $2,688 (1-yr) is $7.47/day, which is competitive for guaranteed shelf-life and taste.

Considering inflation, food shortages, and the emotional cost of hunger, many preppers view Ready Hour as an insurance policy rather than a grocery purchase.

Ideal Use Cases & Buyer Profiles

Home Preppers: Secure multi-month kits to weather disasters.
Beginners: Sample the 72-hour pack before scaling.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Lightweight 72-hr and 1-wk kits for camping and hunting.
Families on a Budget: Bulk buys (3-, 6-month) for cost-efficiency.
Dietary-Sensitive Users: Gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.

Storage & Stock Rotation Tips

First In, First Out (FIFO): Label buckets with purchase and “use by” dates.
Climate Control: Basements or insulated closets are ideal.
Elevate & Seal: Keep buckets off concrete floors; ensure lids lock firmly.
Regular Audits: Check seals, humidity, and minor pest ingress every 6–12 months.

Essential Gear Add-Ons

Survival Coffee: Franklin’s Finest offers 720 servings, 30-year shelf life, $124.40.
Ration Bars: 2,400 calories (7-pack) for snack boosts, $83.65.
Water Pouches: 64 pouches, 25-year shelf life, $39.95.
First Aid Kits: Comprehensive trauma kits, bandages, antiseptics.
Emergency Radios: NOAA weather channels, solar/hand crank power.

Bundling food with these essentials creates a holistic survival kit.

Discounts, Shipping & Support

Free shipping on orders over $49 (lower 48 states).
Military & First Responders: My Patriot Supply often offers 10% off verified personnel.
Customer Service: 24/7 phone support at 888-579-7559, plus live chat.
Return Policy: Standard returns on unopened items within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Ready Hour food last once opened?

After opening, pouches stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or six months refrigerated. Always reseal mylar bags tightly.

Can I use cold water instead of boiling?

Yes—some meals rehydrate in cold water, though hot water yields better texture and flavor.

Are there gluten-free or vegan kits?

The Fruit, Veggie & Snack Mix (122 servings) is gluten-free and vegan; most entrées contain dairy or meat.

What if I need more than 2,000 calories per day?

Simply supplement with additional pouches or ration bars; for extra calories and protein, consider the Mega Protein Kit (72 servings).

How should I dispose of empty buckets?

Buckets are food-grade and reusable; clean with mild soap and water for future storage or repurpose for tools.

Conclusion

Ready Hour transcends the typical emergency ration stereotype by marrying durability with genuine mealtime satisfaction. Its cutting-edge packaging and freeze-dry technology promise a 25–30-year shelf life, ensuring that every scoop of creamy stroganoff or fluffy pancake mix retains the flavor and texture you’d expect from freshly prepared food. That long-term stability isn’t just a marketing bullet point—it’s an insurance policy against the unknown, whether that’s a sudden power outage, a pandemic-induced supply shortage, or the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Beyond the science of preservation, Ready Hour shines in the art of menu diversity. With 22 distinct food varieties in the one-year kit alone, monotony is banished. You won’t be resigned to six months of identical oatmeal; instead, you’ll rotate through chili mac, maple-glazed cereal, rice pudding, and more, keeping spirits—and energy—high when stress is at its peak. Specialty lines like the Gluten-Free Kit and Mega Protein Pack ensure that dietary restrictions or athletic needs don’t compromise your preparedness.

The cost may initially give pause—$7.47 per day for a year’s Supply—but framed as a hedge against rising grocery prices, inflation, or emergency inflation, it becomes a modest investment in resilience. Compare that to the emotional toll of hunger, the logistical nightmare of last-minute supermarket runs, the health risks of malnutrition under duress, and the math favors being proactive.

From a practical standpoint, Ready Hour’s simple “add water, stir, and wait” preparation means anyone—kids included—can manage meal prep without special equipment. And because each bucket is stackable and portable, you can seamlessly integrate your stockpile into a basement corner, a garage shelf, or the trunk of your car.

Key takeaways:

Unmatched Shelf Life: 25–30 years of sealed freshness.
Guaranteed Nutrition: 2,000+ calories plus 12 essential vitamins/minerals daily.
Culinary Variety: Over 20 meal options stave off menu fatigue.
Ease of Use: No refrigeration or complex cooking—just water and wait.
Flexible Scaling: Kits can be used for 72 hours to one year to fit every budget and need.

In an unpredictable world, Ready Hour isn’t just about filling bellies and fortifying confidence. Whether you’re testing your first 72-hour kit or completing your family’s one-year reserve, you’re not merely purchasing food but investing in security, independence, and peace of mind. That, ultimately, is the most significant payoff of all.