An alternative method for portable power production is presented based on a flexible tubular alkaline fuel cell. Using materials similar to those in consumer batteries, including manganese oxide based cathodes and Raney Ni based anodes, an inexpensive fuel cell can be fabricated for short-run power production applications. Manganese oxide based cathodes were developed to operate in an air breathing mode with a 30% KOH electrolyte showing competitive performance to those based on platinum catalysts. Raney Ni anode catalysts were formed in situ via reacting nickel-aluminum alloys in a sodium hydroxide base. Tubular cells were fabricated using a modification of textile braiding operations to produce current collector mesh assemblies and fiberglass wound separators. These alkaline fuel cells can be produced in a continuous manufacturing mode to form flexible tubular cells with the anode located inside the tubes and the cathode on the exterior surface. An application for these tubular cells is shown to react the released hydrogen gas from food ration packages. As an example, the magnesium/iron based chemical heaters used in military Meals, Ready-to-Eat rations (MREs) release hydrogen gas upon activation. In larger rations that serve groups of 18 soldiers as opposed to individuals, such as the Unitized Group Ration-Express (UGR-E) ration, the released hydrogen gas is formidable and could pose a safety risk by detonating if the lower explosion level is exceeded. To address this problem, a lightweight and flexible tubular alkaline fuel cell can be integrated throughout the UGR-E ration to consume the released hydrogen gas producing additional heat for the ration or using the generated electricity to conduct useful work such as recharging batteries in the field.