If you're anything like me, having a nice hot meal at the end of a long day hiking is heaven. But our food cozy's aren't just useful for reheating. With the warmer months approaching, keeping a few things cold is just another bonus.
It doesn't matter if you use commercially dehydrated backpacking meals or dehydrate your own into Ziploc Freezer Bags, keeping them insulated while rehydrating has loads of benefits.
Fuel Savings
Many dehydrated meals need to be cooked for 10-15 minutes. Maintaining a simmer to cook for that length of time can consume a lot of fuel, particularly if it’s windy out.
By placing your food into Ziploc Freezer Bags, the food cozy allows you to skip the simmer step altogether by pouring hot water straight into the bag. It may take a little longer to rehydrate but it is the key to saving fuel when cooking meals and keeping them hot.
Increase Efficiency
The reflective insulation keeps food hotter for longer. Store bought freeze-dried meals usually come in thin mylar bags which have very little insulating qualities. By using a Food Cozy, the cozy help retain the heat and the velcro top flap seals it in for efficient rehydration.
Can I put cold things inside?
Salami, cheese, avocado, spinach - you name it! This bad boy will help your fresh produce stay fresher for longer while out on trail.
We've even had some customers carry a couple of cans inside for a cold drink on the first night...... luxury!
What is Stoveless Cooking In Your Cozy?
Exactly what it sounds like - Add your food you'd normally rehydrate with hot water into Ziploc Bags before you leave for a hike. Add cold water instead of hot and let it soak - Simple!
It takes a little longer to rehydrate with cold water than hot, but if you soak your meal while you hike, it will be ready when you arrive.
Yes you need to be a little more organised but the process of cold soaking saves the hassle of pulling out your stove, cooking, dirtying a pot and then having to clean up.
Cold Soaking Food Ideas
- 2 Minute Noodles
- Couscous
- Porridge
- Overnight Oats
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Dried Hummus
- Powdered Peanut Butter
A Hikers Friend has some great information on his site for cold soaking overnight oats and some great lunch ideas.
Check out:
5 Overnight Oats Recipes for the Hiking Trail
Note: Food packaged in freezer bags or commercially produced meals to be placed inside the pouch cozy in its packaging not tipped directly into the pouch cozy as a reheating vessel.