Bags are pretty sturdy. I don't think I will break them carrying them around. However I opened one and drank it and can only compare the taste to ground up stink bugs. I'm assuming it's the bag that's given it the terrible taste.

I would keep these in a very cushioned situation, or even bubblewrap the tops and enfold in a gallon-size ziploc bag if you are having this in a hiking backpack or emergency duffle kit. They have very sharp corners and one of my medium-quality ziploc bags split open below the zipper area. Regardless, I plan to keep a box in an emergency tub sitution as well...and they arrived in immaculate condition.

Plastic looks good and expiration dates are clearly labeled. I'd mark the box or each package with a Sharpie to show the expiration date so you toss when expired, or try it out before it fully expires.

I would recommend redundancy in your preparation plans, but these are a great basic source! Other than a large Nalgene water bottle and some water purification tablets, you could do well--as long as there is a source of water that isn't obviously repulsive or toxic/full of chemicals etc. If you had these, a Nalgene bottle and a couple of full sealed water bottles per person or pet that might have to be replaced once or twice a year, you'd be that much better off.

Even if your town reservoir has an e. coli contamination, you may not be able to buy gallon jugs or any water. These are not cheap enough or big enough for personal hygeine, but they'll take care of basic liquid needs. The human body usually can't survive past about 48 hours or so without water, especially in high-heat or high activity.

These water packets come in sufficiently sturdy material; obviously care must be taken when merged into your BOB so as not to expose them to being punctured. While you might eventually have access to water treatable by your Life Straw (if you are smart enough to have one), it might be a while to find a source of water and the idea of having some really pure water within your immediate grasp is great for the morale.

Thankfully I have not had to use them, but got them to put in an emergency to go box for myself and my pets in case of fire or something else that would cause us to be out of our home for any period of time. It's more water than I expected, which is a good thing. Because I haven't used any of them I can't comment on the taste of the water, but I'm glad to say none of them have leaked so I think they're sealed tightly and will last as long as they are supposed to.

We ordered waters and food for our emergency to-go bags, we ordered the same ones years ago, never had to use the waters yet thank goodness, there just for emergency in case of fire or evacutaion due to another type of issue. Not sure about the bad reviews all the food and water is dated as issued 2022 and expires in 2027... So we are set for another 5 years!!!