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.