French Armed Forces 24-HOUR Cold Climate Ration Pack (RIL) – Freeze Dried French MRE (Brown Waterproof Bag)

One pack includes a full 24 hours of food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks). The French freeze-dried R.I.L. can be considered a French counterpart to the American MCW (Meal, Cold Weather) ration.

The French Army’s Ration Individuelle Lyophilisée (RIL) is a modern, freeze dried 24-hour combat ration designed for mobility, efficiency, and real world field performance. Issued to specialized units when reduced weight is critical, the RIL replaces heavier canned meals with lightweight freeze dried options.

Best By Dates: 2027

Key Features

• 3,400 calories per pack (full day sustainment)
• Freeze dried meals: lightweight, compact, just add hot water
• Designed for mobility and reduced carry weight
• Full 24-hour ration: breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
• Modern French military issue concept
• Durable resealable outer bag (can double as a waste bag)
• Ideal for backpacking, emergency kits, and prepping

What Makes It Different

• Freeze dried meals replace traditional canned components which offer significant weight savings
• Balanced calorie load for sustained energy (not overload)
• Includes 4 energy bars (2 fruit + 2 caffeine-enhanced)
• More modern snacks like fruit purée (fig & date) instead of older style sweets
• Includes isotonic drink powders for hydration
• Designed for flexible use across multiple environments

Typical Contents Example (Each Menu Varies)

Two Freeze Dried Main Meals per pack. Examples are:

• Poultry with pasta
• Pasta with beef & vegetables
• Freeze dried beef
• Shepherd's Pie
• Salmon Pasta

Breakfast & Sides:

• Freeze dried muesli
• Soup (powder)

Snacks & Energy Foods:

• Energy bars (fruit + caffeine)
• Chocolate
• Campaign biscuits
• Chocolate bun
• Fruit purée (fig & date)

Drinks:

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
• Isotonic drink powders (x2)

Accessories:

• Water purification tablets
• Tissues
• Condiments & drink mixes

Preparation

• Add boiling water directly into the pouch
• Mix thoroughly
• Let sit for the recommended time before eating
• (Using hot water is important for best taste and texture)

The RIL is a modern evolution of French military rations, offering similar variety to traditional packs but in a lighter, more efficient format.

Whether you're a collector, prepper, camper, or survival enthusiast, this ration delivers a unique combination of authentic military design, portability, and high quality meals. If you’ve only tried standard MREs, this is a noticeably lighter and more streamlined alternative built for real world use.