When you’re packing for a hike, camping trip, or emergency kit, choosing the right fire starter can make a big difference. While the arc lighter, stormproof matches, and ferro rod are all designed to perform in wet conditions, each one works best for a different type of trip.

The arc lighter is the easiest option for short trips or outings where you can recharge the battery. Stormproof matches are a simple, reliable backup for emergency kits, while a ferro rod is a dependable choice for longer trips when you may not have access to a way to recharge a battery.

Quick Guide: Which Fire Starter Is Right for You?

1. Arc Lighter

Best for: Short trips and easy, reusable fire starting

An arc lighter is a rechargeable ignition tool that uses a plasma arc instead of an open flame. It provides a simple way to start a fire without relying on butane or lighter fluid.

Its compact design makes it easy to carry on hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures. It is also designed for wet and windy conditions, making it a practical option when weather may be a concern.

The arc lighter is the easiest option for most short trips, especially when you can recharge it between uses. Simply charge it before you leave and you have a reusable ignition source ready to go.

For longer trips, however, battery life becomes a consideration. If you won’t have access to a power source, a ferro rod may be a better choice.

2. Stormproof Matches

Best for: Emergency kits and backup ignition

Matches are a simple and reliable way to have fire-starting capability on hand without relying on batteries or charging. They are designed to withstand wet conditions and come stored in a waterproof container for added protection.

Matches are a good choice when you want a straightforward backup fire starter that takes up minimal space in your gear. Keep them in an emergency kit, bug-out bag, hiking pack, hunting gear, or RV so they’re available when you need them.

Stormproof matches are especially useful as a backup to another fire-starting method. They don’t need to be charged or maintained between uses, making them easy to store until they’re needed.

3. Ferro Rod with Striker

Best for: Long-term trips and situations without access to power

A ferro rod is designed for repeated fire starting without batteries, fuel, or recharging. This makes it a reliable option for long-term outdoor trips and emergency preparedness.

Unlike a rechargeable arc lighter, a ferro rod doesn’t depend on having access to a power source. As long as you have a usable ferro rod and striker, you can continue producing sparks when you need them. This makes the ferro rod great for long-term hiking, extended camping trips, bug-out bags, emergency preparedness, and trips without access to power.

A ferro rod is a strong choice for avid hikers, campers, and preparedness-minded users who want a dependable fire-starting tool that can be used again and again.

Which Fire Starter Should You Choose?

The best fire starter depends largely on the length of your trip and whether you’ll have access to a way to recharge a battery.

For a Short Trip

Choose the arc lighter. It’s compact, easy to use, and rechargeable, making it a convenient option for day hikes, weekend camping trips, and other short outdoor adventures.

If You Want a Backup

Choose stormproof matches. They’re easy to store and ready to use when you need them, making them a useful addition to an emergency kit or as a backup to another fire starter.

For a Long Trip

Choose the ferro rod. If you’re going somewhere without reliable access to electricity, a ferro rod gives you a reusable ignition source without depending on a battery.

If You Can Recharge Your Fire Starter

Choose the arc lighter for the easiest and most convenient option. As long as you can recharge it when needed, it provides a reusable way to start fires without carrying fuel.

If You Can’t Recharge

Choose the ferro rod. It doesn’t rely on batteries or an external power source, making it a dependable choice for extended trips, emergency preparedness, and situations where access to electricity isn’t guaranteed.

For Emergency Preparedness

Consider carrying more than one option. Stormproof matches provide a simple backup, while a ferro rod gives you a reusable ignition source that doesn’t depend on batteries. Adding reliable tinder, such as Fire Plugs or Fire Sticks, can help complete your fire-starting setup.

Final Thoughts

The arc lighter, stormproof matches, and ferro rod can all be useful in wet or challenging outdoor conditions, but each has its advantages.

The arc lighter is the easiest and most convenient choice for short trips and situations where you can recharge the battery. Stormproof matches are a simple backup that can be stored in an emergency kit until they’re needed. The ferro rod is a reliable, reusable option for longer trips or situations where you can’t rely on a battery or access to power.

Be sure to carry tinder with you to make ignition even easier. A ferro rod, arc lighter, or match can provide the ignition, while fire sticks or fire plugs can help get the fire started.

Whatever fire starter you choose, make sure you know how to use it before heading outdoors and always follow local fire-safety regulations.

The post Which Fire Starter Do I Need? appeared first on AllGo Outdoors.

When an emergency happens, you may not have time to gather everything you need. A bug out bag keeps essential survival supplies packed, organized, and ready to go when you need to evacuate quickly.

Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, power outage, severe weather, or another emergency, a well-stocked emergency bag is crucial.

At a minimum, pack water and purification supplies, shelf-stable food, shelter and warm layers, reliable fire-starting tools, first aid supplies, navigation and communication tools, and basic personal essentials. 

Choose gear based on your location, climate, family needs, and how long you may need to travel or remain away from home. A good 72-hour kit should be practical, organized, and light enough to carry when you need to move quickly. 

Most importantly, practice using your gear before an emergency happens. A bag is only useful if you know how to carry it, access it, and use what’s inside.

What Is a Bug Out Bag?

A bug out bag, also called an emergency bag, go-bag, or 72-hour kit, is a pre-packed emergency bag designed to provide essential supplies for 72 hours if you need to leave your home quickly.

A good bug out bag should contain practical, lightweight gear that serves a clear purpose.

When building your kit, prioritize:

• Water and water purification
• Food and nutrition
• Shelter and warmth
• Fire starting
• First aid
• Navigation
• Communication
• Tools
• Important documents and cash
• Personal and hygiene essentials

Choose a durable, comfortable backpack that can handle the weight of your gear. Your bag should also be large enough to carry your essentials without becoming unnecessarily heavy.

1. Water and Hydration

Water is one of the most important items in any emergency bag. You need enough drinking water to get started, along with a way to collect and purify additional water if you run out.

What to pack:

• Water bottles or hydration bladder – Carry ready-to-drink water and consider a hydration bladder for convenient access while traveling.
• Water filtration system – A quality filter can help you collect and treat water from appropriate natural sources.
• Purification tablets – A lightweight backup option that takes up very little space.

Plan your water supply based on your climate, activity level, and access to additional water. Hot weather, strenuous activity, and longer travel can increase your water needs.

A combination of stored drinking water, filtration, and purification methods gives you more options than relying on a single water source.

2. Food and Nutrition

Your go-bag should contain food that is calorie-dense, shelf-stable, easy to carry, and simple to prepare.

What to pack:

• MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) – MREs are shelf-stable meals designed to provide substantial calories without requiring refrigeration. Many include an entrée, sides, snacks, accessories, and a flameless heater.
• Energy bars – Lightweight snacks that are easy to grab while traveling.
• Electrolyte packets – Useful for replacing electrolytes when you’re sweating and staying active.

MREs can be especially useful in a 72-hour kit because they are self-contained and require minimal preparation.

3. Shelter and Warmth

Even if you don’t expect to spend the night outdoors, shelter and clothing should be part of your bug out bag. Weather can change quickly, and an evacuation may take longer than expected.

What to pack:

• Lightweight tarp or shelter system – A tarp can provide overhead protection from rain and sun when properly secured.
• Paracord – Useful for securing shelter, organizing gear, and a variety of other outdoor tasks.
• Warm layers – Pack clothing appropriate for your climate and expected conditions.
• Rain gear – A compact poncho or rain shell can help keep you dry in wet conditions.

Choose clothing and shelter based on the environment where you live and where you may need to travel.

4. Fire Starting

Fire can provide warmth, light, a way to prepare food, and a method for heating or treating water. Because fire-starting conditions can change with the weather, you should carry more than one ignition method.

What to pack:

• Ferro rod – A durable, reusable ignition tool that produces sparks without batteries or fuel.
• Weatherproof tinder – Fire plugs, fire ropes, and other prepared tinder can make it easier to start a fire when natural materials are wet.
• Matches or arc lighter – An additional ignition method gives you another option if your primary fire starter isn’t suitable for the conditions.

Pairing an ignition source with reliable tinder creates a more complete fire-starting setup. Make sure you know which fire starter you need for your situation.

5. First Aid and Medical Supplies

A bug out bag should include supplies for both everyday injuries and more serious emergencies.

What to pack:

• IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) – A trauma-focused kit can include supplies such as a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, chest seal, compression bandage, and other emergency medical equipment.
• General first aid supplies – Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, blister care, pain relievers, and other personal necessities.
• Prescription medications – Pack medications you may need during an evacuation when possible.
• Nitrile gloves – Useful when providing first aid and treating injuries.

Be sure your IFAKs and medical kits are designed for emergency and field use.

Training matters, too. Consider taking an ACS Stop the Bleed course and learn how to properly use the medical equipment in your kit before you need it.

6. Navigation

If your phone loses power or cellular service becomes unavailable, traditional navigation tools can still help you find your way.

What to pack:

• Topographic maps – Keep maps of your local area and potential evacuation routes in a waterproof sleeve.
• Compass – Learn how to use a compass with a map before relying on it during an emergency.
• GPS device – A dedicated GPS device, like Garmin, can provide offline navigation without relying on cellular service.

Don’t rely on a smartphone as your only navigation tool. Keep physical maps and a compass in your kit as a backup.

7. Communication

Communication tools can help you receive emergency information, contact others, or signal for help.

What to pack:

• Hand-crank or solar emergency radio – Useful for receiving weather alerts and emergency broadcasts without relying entirely on the power grid.
• Power bank – A charged power bank can extend the life of your phone and other rechargeable devices.
• Whistle – A lightweight signaling tool that requires no batteries.
• Signal mirror – Can provide another way to signal rescuers in appropriate conditions.

Keep rechargeable devices charged and store backup batteries where appropriate.

8. Tools and Personal Protection

Choose tools that can serve multiple purposes without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.

What to pack:

• Multi-tool – Pliers, screwdrivers, a saw, can opener, and other functions can replace carrying several individual tools.
• Fixed-blade knife – A sturdy knife can be useful for appropriate outdoor tasks such as processing materials and preparing food.
• Duct tape – Useful for temporary gear repairs and securing materials.
• Personal protection items – If you choose to carry a self-defense tool, make sure you understand how to use it and follow all applicable laws.

Focus on tools that match your skills and the situations you’re realistically preparing for.

9. Important Documents and Cash

Important documents can be difficult to replace during an emergency, particularly if you need to evacuate quickly.

What to pack:

• Copies of important documents – Consider copies of identification, insurance information, vehicle documents, medical records, and other important paperwork.
• Digital backups – A USB drive with digital copies can provide an additional backup.
• Cash in small bills – Keep some emergency cash available in case electronic payment systems or ATMs are unavailable.

Store paper documents in a waterproof sleeve or bag to protect them from moisture.

10. Miscellaneous Bug Out Bag Essentials

Some items don’t fit neatly into one category but can make a significant difference during an evacuation.

What to pack:

• Headlamp with extra batteries – Provides hands-free lighting for nighttime travel and other tasks.
• Extra socks – Pack moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Hygiene kit – Include items such as a toothbrush, soap, hand sanitizer, and other personal hygiene supplies.
• Dust mask or N95 respirator – Useful for certain environments involving smoke, dust, or airborne particles.
• Notepad and waterproof pen – Useful for writing down information, directions, or messages.
• Personal essentials – Add any items specific to your household, such as baby supplies, pet supplies, or medications.

How to Pack a Bug Out Bag

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, how you organize your bag matters.

Distribute the Weight

Place heavier items close to your back and toward the center of the pack. Keep items you may need quickly, such as first aid supplies, navigation tools, and communication equipment, somewhere they are easy to access.

Keep the Pack Manageable

A bug out bag that is too heavy can make evacuation more difficult. Aim for a pack weight you can comfortably carry for an extended period and adjust your supplies based on your physical ability and expected travel conditions.

Check Your Supplies Regularly

Emergency food, batteries, medications, and other supplies can expire or degrade over time. Check your go-bag at least twice a year and replace anything that is expired, damaged, or no longer appropriate for your needs.

Practice With Your Bag

Don’t wait for an emergency to find out that your pack is uncomfortable or that you don’t know how to use your gear.

Load your bag and take it on a short walk. Practice setting up your shelter, using your fire starter, navigating with a map and compass, and accessing your first aid supplies.

The more familiar you are with your gear, the more useful it will be when you need it.

Build Your Bug Out Bag With AllGo Outdoors

A well-prepared bug out bag starts with the essentials: water, food, shelter, fire-starting tools, first aid, navigation, communication, and the equipment you need to stay prepared on the move.

AllGo Outdoors offers survival kits and survival accessories to help build your emergency kit, as well as military-spec MREs, fire starter kits, IFAK medical kits, GPS devices, survival kits, and outdoor accessories.

Don’t wait until an emergency happens to build your kit. Visit AllGoOutdoors.com to start building your bug out bag today.

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The shelf life of emergency food depends on six key factors: the ingredients you choose, whether advertised shelf-life claims are backed by proper testing, the preservation method, the packaging, the storage conditions, and the overall quality of the food. By understanding each of these factors, you can build an emergency food supply that stays safe, nutritious, and ready when you need it most. 

The last thing you want during a power outage, natural disaster, or other emergency is to open your food storage and wonder whether it’s still safe to eat. A reliable long-term food supply gives you confidence that your investment, and your family’s emergency plan, is ready when you need it.

While many companies advertise 25-year shelf lives, not every product is created equal. The true lifespan of survival food depends on several important factors, including ingredients, packaging, preservation methods, and storage conditions.

Key Takeaways: Common Emergency Food Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing emergency food in garages or attics exposes it to damaging temperature fluctuations. 
• Ignoring expiration dates increases the risk of storing food beyond its optimal quality. 
• Using low-quality packaging shortens emergency food shelf life by allowing oxygen and moisture to enter. 
• Forgetting oxygen absorbers reduces the effectiveness of long-term food storage packaging. 
• Failing to rotate emergency food supplies leads to unnecessary waste and expired food. 

Here are the six most important tips for maximizing the shelf life of your emergency meals storage.

1. Choose Foods That Naturally Last Longer

Choosing foods with naturally long shelf lives creates a stronger foundation for long-term emergency food storage. 

It’s a simple fact of nature: some foods last longer than others. There are wide variations in the shelf life of different ingredients that make up food storage, and it’s important to keep these in mind so that you can judge how long your food storage will truly last.

According to research from Brigham Young University’s Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science, many staple foods can remain usable for decades when stored in airtight, moisture-proof containers with low oxygen levels and kept in cool, dry conditions.

Some of the longest-lasting food storage staples include:

• Wheat – 30+ years
• White rice, salt, sugar  – 30+ years
• Dried onions – 30+ years
• Dried apple slices – 30 years
• Pasta (macaroni, spaghetti, etc.) – 25 years
• Dry beans, lentils, and split peas – 25 years
• Rolled oats – 20 years
• Potato flakes – 20 years
• Nonfat powdered milk – 15 years
• Dried carrots – 10 years
• Yeast (stored in the freezer) – 10+ years
• Dried eggs (primarily for baking) – 3+ years
• Cooking oils, butter, and peanut butter – About 1 year and should be rotated regularly.

2. Look Beyond the “25-Year Shelf Life” Label

A 25-year shelf life sounds impressive, but it only applies under specific conditions.

Some brands use long shelf-life claims as a marketing tool without explaining the storage requirements or packaging methods behind those claims.

Before purchasing survival food, ask questions like:

• Has the shelf life been independently tested?
• What packaging is used?
• Are oxygen absorbers included?
• What storage temperature is recommended?

A reputable manufacturer should clearly explain how they achieve long-term preservation.

3. Understand How Food Preservation Affects Shelf Life

Food preservation methods determine how long shelf-stable food retains its safety, nutrition, and quality during storage. 

Freeze-Dried Food

Freeze-dried meals remove nearly all moisture while preserving flavor, texture, and nutrients. When properly packaged, they can often reach 25 years or more.

Dehydrated Food

Dehydrated foods also remove moisture but generally retain slightly more than freeze-dried foods. They still provide excellent long-term storage when packaged correctly.

Dry-Pack Foods

Rice, beans, oats, and grains stored in oxygen-free packaging often remain viable for decades.

Wet-Pack Canned Foods

Most canned foods have a shelf life of approximately 2–5 years, depending on acidity and ingredients. Highly acidic foods, such as tomatoes, typically have shorter storage lives because they can corrode metal cans over time.

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)

MREs are designed for convenience rather than maximum longevity. Depending on storage temperatures, many MREs last around 7 years, although cooler storage can significantly extend their usable life.

If you’re unsure how old your MREs are, use an MRE Date Code Converter to determine their manufacture date and estimated inspection date.

Whatever the packaging, food should be stored with a residual oxygen level of below 2%. Nitrogen flushes and oxygen absorbers can help to achieve this goal. 

4. Pay Attention to Packaging

Proper packaging extends emergency food shelf life by protecting food from oxygen, moisture, light, and contamination. 

High-quality food storage typically includes:

• Mylar or heavy-duty foil pouches
• Oxygen absorbers
• Nitrogen flushing
• Airtight sealing
• Durable food-grade containers

The goal is to keep oxygen levels extremely low, helping prevent spoilage while preserving taste and nutritional value.

Poor packaging can significantly shorten shelf life, even if the food itself is designed for long-term storage.

5. Store Your Emergency Food Correctly

For maximum longevity, store emergency food in an area that is low temperature, low moisture, low oxygen, and low light. Even the best survival food won’t last if it’s stored improperly.

Avoid storing food in garages, attics, outdoor sheds, or any areas with frequent temperature swings. Heat is one of the biggest enemies of long-term food storage. Every increase in storage temperature can reduce the lifespan of stored food.

6. Invest in Quality Emergency Food Storage

High-quality emergency food can actually cost less over time by reducing food waste, frequent replacement costs, storage maintenance, and rotation efforts.

Buying emergency meals isn’t just about today’s price, it’s about long-term value and the peace of mine it provides knowing your food reserves will be ready if disaster strikes.

Build an Emergency Food Supply You Can Trust

By choosing quality ingredients, selecting proven preservation methods, storing food properly, and investing in reputable products, you can maximize the lifespan of your emergency food storage and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re preparing for natural disasters, power outages, or long-term emergencies, proper food storage ensures your family has safe, nutritious meals when they matter most.

The best survival food isn’t simply the one with the longest advertised shelf life, it’s the one that has been properly made, packaged, and stored so it’s ready when you need it.

The post 6 Tips for Long-Term Emergency Food Storage appeared first on AllGo Outdoors.

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MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) manufacturers use a 4-digit modified Julian date code to indicate when an MRE was produced.

The first digit represents the year of manufacture, while the last three digits represent the day of the year. For example, MRE code 4023 indicates an MRE manufactured on January 23, 2024. The inspection date is typically three years after the manufacture date.

If you’d rather skip the math, you can also use an automatic MRE Date Code Converter. This guide will show you how to calculate MRE dates manually.

What Is an MRE Date Code?

MRE date codes identify the manufacture date of military rations.

MRE manufacturers use a four-digit modified Julian date code to indicate when an MRE was produced. Rather than printing a traditional calendar date on every package, manufacturers use a compact numerical system that allows production dates to be tracked efficiently.

The date code is typically stamped directly onto the MRE pouch, case, or shipping carton. While the location may vary between manufacturers, the format remains largely the same.

An MRE date code consists of:

• One digit representing the year of manufacture
• Three digits representing the day of the year

How Do MRE Date Codes Work?

The first digit represents the year of manufacture.

The first number in an MRE date code identifies the final digit of the production year. For example, a date code beginning with “4” typically indicates a manufacturing year ending in 4, such as 2024.

Because military MREs generally have a recommended shelf life of ten years, it is usually easy to determine which decade the code refers to. If you are examining a recently purchased MRE, a leading digit of “4” would almost certainly represent 2024 rather than 2014.

The last three digits represent the production day of the year.

The remaining three digits identify the numerical day within the calendar year. For example, a day code of 023 represents the twenty-third day of the year, while a day code of 365 represents the final day of a non-leap year.

Together, these numbers provide the exact manufacture date of the ration.

This modified Julian date system is used throughout military food production because it provides a standardized way to identify production dates across large quantities of rations.

MRE Date Code Examples

Looking at real-world examples is one of the easiest ways to understand the system.

A date code of 5120 means the first digit represents 2025, while the day code 120 corresponds to April 30. The manufacture date would therefore be April 30, 2025.

A date code of 9365 indicates the 365th day of 2019, making the manufacture date December 31, 2019.

Some MRE date codes may include additional letters after the numbers. For example, you might see a code such as 4123C. These letters typically identify production lots or manufacturing batches and don’t affect the date calculation.

Understanding Inspection Dates

One of the most common misconceptions about MRE date codes is that they indicate expiration dates. In reality, the code identifies the manufacture date, while the inspection date is calculated separately.

For most military MREs, the inspection date is three years after the manufacture date.

Using the earlier example of MRE code 4023: The manufacture date is January 23, 2024. Adding three years results in an inspection date of January 23, 2027.

An inspection date does not necessarily mean the MRE becomes unsafe after that day. Instead, it serves as a point at which the ration should be evaluated for continued service use.

Many properly stored MREs remain usable well beyond their inspection date.

Where Can You Find an MRE Date Code?

MRE packaging contains manufacture date information.

The location of the MRE date code varies depending on the manufacturer and packaging style.

Most commonly, the code can be found stamped directly onto the exterior of the pouch. In some cases, it may be located along a sealed edge or printed on the back of the package. Bulk cases and shipping cartons often include the same manufacturing information on one of the side panels.

If you are having difficulty locating the code, check the package carefully for a four-digit number that appears separate from nutritional information, product descriptions, or lot numbers.

Once you locate the code, the manufacturing date can be determined using the process described above.

Conclusion: How to Read an MRE Date Code

Understanding an MRE date code makes it easy to determine when a ration was manufactured and estimate its inspection date. By identifying the year digit and converting the three-digit day-of-year code, you can quickly determine the age of an MRE and make more informed decisions about storage and use.

Calculate your MRE date instantly with our free date converter tool.

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