Keep Your Backpacking Pot Hot: Tips And Tricks For Extended Heat Retention

Whether you're camping, hiking, or just enjoying a hot meal outdoors, keeping your food warm can be a challenge. That's where a backpacking pot cozy comes in. A pot cozy is an insulating sleeve that fits around your pot or mug, helping to retain heat and keep your food warm. While you can buy ready-made pot cozies, they are also simple and inexpensive to make yourself using reflective foil insulation and foil tape. Not only do they keep your food warm, but they can also save fuel by reducing the need for simmering. So, if you're looking to improve your outdoor dining experience, a backpacking pot cozy is a great solution.

Use a pot cozy to insulate your pot and retain heat

A pot cozy is an insulating sleeve designed to reduce heat loss from pots, mugs, or anything else you want to keep warm. It is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve your backpacking cooking experience. It is made from insulating materials such as Reflectix, a product consisting of two 96% reflective layers of film bonded to two internal layers of heavy-gauge polyethylene bubbles. The insulating material is then wrapped around the pot, with the ends meeting but not overlapping, to create a snug fit. The pot is then placed inside, and the insulating material traps the heat, allowing the food to continue cooking and keeping it warm for longer.

Using a pot cozy comes with several benefits. Firstly, it helps save fuel by retaining heat, so you don't need to keep the stove on for as long. This is especially useful when cooking meals that require a longer cooking time, such as dehydrated meals that need to be cooked for 10-15 minutes. By using a pot cozy, you can simply bring the food to a boil and then place the pot inside, allowing the retained heat to finish cooking the meal. This not only saves fuel but also reduces cooking time.

Another advantage of a pot cozy is that it makes handling the pot safer. The insulating material helps to keep the pot's handles and sides cool, so you can hold the pot in your hand or set it on your lap without burning yourself. This is particularly useful when eating directly out of the pot.

Pot cozies are also versatile and can be used for just-add-water meal pouches or bowls. They can even double as a sitting pad when not in use. Additionally, they are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient addition to your backpacking gear.

You can purchase ready-made pot cozies, such as the AntiGravityGear Pot Cozy, or make your own using materials like Reflectix and foil tape. By making your own, you can customise the size and fit to your specific pot, ensuring maximum insulation.

Try a silicone hot pad or grippers

If you're looking for a way to handle hot backpacking pots, silicone hot pads or grippers are a great option. These products are designed to protect your hands and surfaces from heat, and they have a variety of features that make them a convenient and safe choice.

Silicone hot pads and grippers are made from food-grade, non-stick silicone that is heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean. They come in various sizes, colours, and designs, allowing you to choose an option that suits your needs and preferences. Some are designed to be hung up when not in use, saving drawer space.

The grippers are designed to provide a secure and comfortable grip, allowing you to handle hot pots and pans with ease. The pads can also be used as trivets, protecting your tables and countertops from heat damage. Some pads even have a special honeycomb texture that helps to retain liquid drips, reducing mess.

Silicone hot pads and grippers are a lightweight, durable, and affordable solution for handling hot pots and pans. Their versatility and ease of use make them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Wrap handles in tape or use silicone tubing

Wrapping the handles of your backpacking pot in tape or using silicone tubing can be an effective way to insulate the handles and make them easier to hold when the pot is hot. When choosing a tape, it is important to select one that can withstand high temperatures without melting. Silicone tape, for example, can handle temperatures up to 248°F (120°C). Electrical tape or duct tape should also work, but be sure to check the temperature rating before use.

To apply the tape, start by wrapping it securely around the handle, making sure there are no gaps. You may need to use multiple layers of tape, depending on the thickness of the tape and the level of insulation you require. Once the handle is completely covered, smooth out any bumps or wrinkles to ensure a comfortable grip.

Alternatively, you can use silicone tubing to cover the handles. Silicone is a heat-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures. To install the silicone tubing, slide it over the handles of your pot. You may need to apply a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40, to the handles first to make it easier to slide the tubing on. Make sure the tubing is a snug fit and covers the entire handle to provide effective insulation.

Both of these methods can help protect your hands from the heat of the pot handles, but it is important to exercise caution when handling any hot surfaces. Always be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate safety measures to avoid burns.

Use a separate bowl to transfer food

Using a separate bowl to transfer food is a great way to keep your backpacking pot hot and avoid the hassle of cleaning it after every meal. Here are some tips to make the most of this method:

Choose the Right Bowl

Select a bowl that is lightweight, durable, and easy to pack. Collapsible bowls made from silicone or other lightweight materials are ideal for backpacking as they can be folded or compressed to save space. Look for bowls with insulated or foldable handles to protect your hands from the heat. If you plan to cook directly over a campfire, ensure that your bowl is made from heat-resistant materials such as metal or ceramic.

Plan Your Meals Accordingly

When preparing meals, consider using recipes that require boiling water or rehydrating dried ingredients. This way, you can cook the food in the pot and then transfer it to the bowl for serving. Examples include instant noodles, oatmeal, dehydrated soups, and meals that use freeze-dried or dehydrated ingredients. This method is also suitable for meals that can be served cold, such as pasta salads or cold-soaked meals.

Efficient Packing

To maximize space in your backpack, choose bowls that nest well with your pot and other cookware. Look for bowls with flat bottoms and straight sides, as they tend to stack more efficiently. If your bowl has a slightly smaller diameter than your pot, you may be able to fit it inside the pot for compact storage. Additionally, consider using stuff sacks or zippered pouches to organize and compress soft items like clothing, further optimizing space in your pack.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

To maintain proper hygiene and avoid attracting wildlife, it is essential to clean your bowl after each use. If possible, scrape any remaining food from the bowl using a spoon or spatula before rinsing it with hot water. Use a minimal amount of biodegradable soap and warm water to scrub your bowl clean. Ensure that you are at least 200 feet away from water sources when cleaning your dishes and dispose of dishwater by digging a cathole or broadcasting it across a wide area.

Use a cold soak jar or water bottle

Cold-soaking is a no-cook method of preparing meals. It involves placing dehydrated food in a sealed jar or water bottle and pouring in filtered water to rehydrate the food. This method is popular among backpackers who want to save weight and space by not carrying a stove or fuel.

Choosing a Cold-Soak Jar or Water Bottle

The container should be leakproof and seal tightly to prevent spills during transportation. It should also be large and wide enough to accommodate the expansion of the food as it rehydrates. Additionally, it should have a smooth inner bottom to facilitate easy cleaning and removal of food. Some recommended containers include:

• Talenti gelato jars (small or large)
• Peanut butter jars
• Litesmith Cold Soaking Jars

Tips for Cold-Soaking

• Add enough water to completely cover the food and leave room for expansion.
• Stir or shake the container periodically to ensure even rehydration.
• Allow sufficient time for rehydration, typically 30-60 minutes or longer for certain foods.
• Drink the excess water or dispose of it in a cathole away from water sources and camp.
• Add sauces, spices, or tuna/chicken packets to enhance the flavour.

Foods Suitable for Cold-Soaking

• Pre-cooked, dehydrated pasta
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dehydrated refried beans
• Breakfast shake powder, instant coffee, and other drink mixes
• Freeze-dried vegetables
• Most dehydrated vegetables (except peas, corn, and mushrooms)
• Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• Dehydrated garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

Foods Not Suitable for Cold-Soaking

• Regular pasta and rice noodles that have not been pre-cooked and dehydrated
• Coconut milk powder, as it tends to clump in cold water
• Dehydrated meats, as they may not rehydrate sufficiently and pose food safety concerns
• Commercial backpacking meals designed for rehydration with boiling water, such as Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry

Frequently asked questions