ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack Review

The ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack in Action: First Look

When the unexpected happens, preparedness is more than just a good idea; it’s a necessity, especially when you’re away from immediate help. That’s precisely what led me to consider the ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack. As someone who’s spent years in unpredictable outdoor environments and demanding fieldwork, I’ve learned the hard way that having reliable supplies can make all the difference. This particular pack promises a comprehensive solution for five days, aiming to cover basic survival needs for one person.

My immediate need arose from a desire to have a readily accessible, self-contained kit for my vehicle, something more substantial than a first-aid kit but less cumbersome than assembling individual components for a potential roadside emergency or a sudden evacuation scenario. The initial impression of the pack itself is one of utilitarian design; it’s a fairly standard backpack that doesn’t scream “survival kit” to casual observers, which I appreciate. It feels robust enough to handle being stowed and retrieved without issue, and the materials seem capable of resisting some wear and tear.

I briefly considered other brands that offer similar multi-day kits, but the specific combination of food servings, first-aid, and essential tools in this ReadyWise offering seemed to strike a better balance for a short-term, single-person scenario. My first reaction upon opening it was a sense of cautious satisfaction – it looks like it has the essentials covered.

Real-World Testing: Putting ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this survival pack weren’t a desolate wilderness but rather a series of simulated emergency scenarios and day-to-day integration. I started by keeping the ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack in my vehicle for a week, simulating readiness for a potential roadside breakdown in a remote area. This involved noting its accessibility and how it felt to grab and move when needed.

The pack itself is straightforward to access; there’s no complicated locking mechanism or obscure zipper pull. Unzipping the main compartment revealed the neatly organized contents, which is a testament to the packing effort. I paid particular attention to how the food pouches felt – they are sealed securely in Metallyte, offering a reassuring barrier.

During this initial phase, there were no immediate issues or surprises, though I did note the weight – approximately 9 lb – which is substantial enough to be noticeable when carried, but not so heavy as to be unmanageable for short distances. The pack’s construction appears solid, with stitched seams that seem adequate for the intended purpose.

Extended Use & Reliability

To truly assess its long-term viability, I decided to replicate a scenario where I’d actually need to use some of the components. This involved a three-day camping trip where I intentionally relied on the ReadyWise pack for two of my meals per day, along with its water purification capabilities. The goal was to see how the food reconstituted, how easy the portable stove was to use, and how the overall system held up under actual outdoor conditions.

The food pouches, once opened, required the addition of boiling water. Reconstitution was generally straightforward, though the texture and taste are, as expected for survival food, functional rather than gourmet. The Creamy Pasta and Hearty Tortoise Soup were surprisingly palatable, while the Apple Cinnamon Cereal was a bit bland but filling. The portable stove, while basic, performed adequately, heating the water efficiently enough for meal preparation.

Durability of the pack itself has been satisfactory. It has been tossed into the back of my vehicle a few times, jostled during car rides, and opened and closed repeatedly. There are no signs of major wear and tear on the backpack material or its zippers. The Mylar blanket, while fragile, is designed for single-use emergencies, so its condition after a few deployments is less critical than its function. The stainless steel cup is a nice touch for durability and ease of cleaning.

Maintenance is minimal. The food items are factory sealed and don’t require special care beyond standard storage recommendations (around 55 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal shelf life). The first-aid kit is designed to be used and then replenished, not maintained. The real maintenance comes down to ensuring the pack is resealed properly and stored in a place where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Compared to other emergency kits I’ve assembled piece by piece, the convenience of having everything in one bag is a significant advantage, even if some individual components might be slightly more basic than premium alternatives.

Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack

Specifications

The ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack is designed to offer a compact, all-in-one solution for short-term emergencies. It weighs in at a manageable 9 lb, making it portable for one person. The pack contains 32 Servings of food, distributed across several entrees and breakfast options, providing a total of 5,160 calories. This is intended to sustain an adult for five days.

The food is sealed in Metallyte pouches, a material chosen for its durability and ability to protect the contents. Each pouch conveniently contains 4 servings, simplifying portion control and minimizing waste. Water is provided in 5 X 4.227 fl. oz. Water Pouches, offering a basic hydration supply.

In terms of first aid and hygiene, the kit includes a 37 Piece First Aid Kit, essential for addressing minor injuries. Complementing this are a N95 Dust Mask, Pocket Tissues, 3 Wet Naps, and a Waste Bag, addressing sanitation needs in difficult circumstances.

The additional supplies are where this pack differentiates itself from more basic kits. It features a Portable Stove with fuel tablets, a Stainless Steel Cup, a Squeeze Flashlight, a 5-in-1 Survival Whistle, Waterproof Matches, a Mylar Blanket, an Emergency Poncho, and a deck of Playing Cards. The fabric/material for the food sealing is specified as Metallyte, and the application for the food is listed as cooking, which is accurate given the need for reconstitution.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack is to provide sustenance and basic survival tools for a short duration. In this regard, it largely succeeds. The 32 servings of food, while not gourmet, are sufficient to provide calories and energy. The inclusion of a portable stove and fuel tablets is a critical functional component, enabling the preparation of hot meals.

The performance of the food varies slightly by type, but all pouches seal well and reconstitute as expected. The stainless steel cup is a practical, durable vessel for this. The squeeze flashlight is a bit rudimentary but provides light, and the 5-in-1 survival whistle is a standard piece of emergency gear that functions as advertised. The N95 dust mask is a useful addition for environments with poor air quality.

One area where performance is necessarily basic is the flashlight; it’s a squeeze-activated model that provides limited illumination. While functional, it’s not something you’d rely on for extended use. The waterproof matches are a definite plus for reliable fire starting, crucial for warmth and cooking. The emergency poncho is a standard, lightweight item that offers basic rain protection.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack is fundamentally utilitarian, focusing on content rather than aesthetics. The backpack itself is a standard design, allowing for easy access to all components. The internal organization is reasonably good, with items packed logically, though some shuffling may be necessary to access specific items quickly.

Ergonomically, the pack is comfortable enough to carry for short distances, owing to its 9 lb weight. The shoulder straps are padded, which helps, but the overall structure is a soft-sided backpack, meaning it relies on its contents for rigidity. The Metallyte food pouches are robust and easy to handle.

The squeeze flashlight is the least ergonomic component; sustained use would be tiring. However, its simplicity means it requires no batteries, a significant advantage in a survival scenario. The stainless steel cup is a solid, comfortable item to hold. The inclusion of playing cards is a thoughtful, if non-essential, ergonomic touch for morale.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack is a mixed bag, as is typical for many pre-packaged survival kits. The backpack itself appears reasonably durable for its intended use, likely lasting through multiple emergency deployments if handled with moderate care. The Metallyte food pouches are excellent, offering superior protection and shelf life compared to standard plastic packaging.

The stainless steel cup is exceptionally durable and will likely outlast the contents of the pack. However, items like the emergency poncho and Mylar blanket are inherently single-use or limited-use items, designed for a specific emergency and not built for repeated rigorous activity. The squeeze flashlight is also a potential weak point; while simple, repeated forceful squeezing could lead to failure over time.

Maintenance is primarily about storage. The manufacturer recommends storing the pack at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal shelf life of the food. Beyond that, the kit is designed to be used and replenished. There are no user-serviceable parts on most of the included items, with the exception of perhaps the flashlight if one were to attempt repairs, which is generally not practical for such items.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack comes with a comprehensive set of included accessories that cover a wide range of basic needs. The portable stove and fuel tablets are critical for meal preparation, and the stainless steel cup serves as a cooking and drinking vessel. A squeeze flashlight and 5-in-1 survival whistle are included for signaling and illumination, while waterproof matches offer a reliable ignition source.

The Mylar blanket and emergency poncho provide essential thermal regulation and weather protection. A 37 Piece First Aid Kit is also a key accessory, addressing immediate medical needs. For morale and distraction, a deck of playing cards is included.

Customization is where this pack shines as a base. While the included items are fixed, the backpack itself is a standard size, allowing for the addition of personal items or upgrades. For instance, one could add a more robust flashlight, a higher-quality water filter, or additional personal medications to the pack. The Metallyte pouches are also a standard size, making it easy to replace used food items with similar commercially available survival meals.

Pros and Cons of ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack

Who Should Buy ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack?

The ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack is ideally suited for individuals who need a compact, self-contained kit for short-term emergencies. This includes:

• Vehicle Owners: Those who want a reliable emergency kit stashed in their car for roadside breakdowns, unexpected detours, or evacuations.
• Apartment Dwellers: Individuals with limited space who need a ready-to-go solution without the need for extensive storage.
• Beginner Preppers: People new to emergency preparedness who want a solid starting point without the overwhelming task of sourcing individual items.
• Short-Term Evacuees: Anyone who might need to leave their home quickly for 3-5 days due to natural disasters or other emergencies.

This pack is not ideal for:

• Long-Term Survival: The food supply is only for five days, and the water supply is minimal. It is not designed for extended periods without resupply or access to natural water sources.
• Technical or Specialized Needs: Those requiring specialized medical equipment, advanced water purification, or specific tools for prolonged outdoor survival would need to supplement this kit heavily.
• Extreme Environments: While functional, the components are geared towards general emergency scenarios, not extreme cold-weather survival or extended wilderness expeditions.

To enhance its utility, I strongly recommend complementing this pack with:

• A high-quality water filter or purification tablets to ensure a sustainable water source.
• A more robust and reliable LED flashlight with extra batteries.
• Additional personal medications and a more comprehensive first-aid manual.
• Extra high-calorie snacks or energy bars for added sustenance.

Conclusion on ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack

The ReadyWise 64 Piece Survival Back Pack delivers on its promise of providing essential survival supplies for a single person for five days. It strikes a good balance between comprehensiveness and portability, making it an accessible option for those looking to establish a baseline of emergency preparedness. The inclusion of a functional cooking system and adequate food rations, sealed in durable Metallyte pouches, is a significant strength.

While the $79.99 price point is reasonable for the volume and variety of included items, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. The water supply is scant, and some components, like the flashlight, are basic. However, as a foundational kit, it’s a very strong contender. I would personally recommend this pack to anyone starting their emergency preparedness journey or needing a convenient, pre-assembled kit for their vehicle or home. It provides peace of mind without requiring a massive upfront investment or extensive knowledge of individual survival gear selection. It’s a smart, practical choice for that initial layer of readiness.