MREs, (described by many in the service as 'Meals Rejected by Ethiopians'), are great for long term storage, but even the military would consider anything more than a week or two on them as nutritionally problematic.
Some of the items make great pack food, but I would also suggest opening a few up and packing a la carte. In most cases, this means grabbing the pound cake, m&ms and those cute little bottles of Tabasco sauce first. 8)
One lesser seen, but perhaps better backpacking choice would be to get your hands on the white-bagged winter rations. IIRC these pack a massive calorie load for the weight. Less cooking, with 800-1200 calorie energy logs.
-----------------
On the topic of favorite personal gear concept, I have my ziplocked 'paper bag' - for a few must-keep-dry items
-TP
-Cut some sheets of paper in half, roll around cut pencil for notes, drawing, or kindling
-Small plastic pencil sharpener - for pencil, or even for shaving small sticks to tinder.
-Matches
-$20
-xeroxed copy - map area on front, copy of ID and car registration on back with contact numbers.
-small whistle
-backup meds.
If I ever have to bail and leave my pack, this watertight pouch goes with me.