How to Make a Pot Cozy

After you bring a dehydrated meal to a boil, it still needs another ten to fifteen minutes to fully rehydrate. Transferring the pot to an insulating pot cozy holds in the heat, so the meal stays hot.

The meal will continue to cook because of the retained heat, so a cozy saves fuel.

Above: Video by George Andrews of Anti-Gravity Gear showing how to make a pot cozy.

When you're ready to eat, the insulation around the pot allows you to hold the pot in your hand, or set it in your lap when there is no table.

When you pack up, your backpacking pot nests inside the pot cozy for transport.

Place cooked meal in a pot cozy (right)to keep it warm while it continues to rehydrate.

Photo: My homemade pot cozy on right used during a 30-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.

Pot Cozy Materials

1. Double-Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation

2. Foil Tape

DIY Pot Cozy Materials: Double-bubble Foil Insulation and Foil Tape.

It's easy to make your own pot cozy with double-bubble reflective foil insulation and foil tape.

These items can be found at hardware stores or you can purchase them on Amazon:

Double-Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation, 24” x 10’

Reflective Foil Tape, 2" x 30'

Disclosure: Backpacking Chef participates in the Amazon Associates program and earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy a Pot Cozy or Pot Cozy Kit

Evernew Titanium pot with fry pan lid inside a custom pot cozy.

Photo: My Titanium pot with fry pan lid inside a custom-made pot cozy.

Anti-Gravity Gear makes custom pot cozies to fit many sized backpacking pots, and they also sell a pot cozy kit with enough material for you to make one yourself.

Your pot nests inside the cozy when packed, and the pot cozy only weighs about an ounce. They also sell an inexpensive squirt bottle that will hold eight ounces of alcohol fuel.

Visit Anti-Gravity Gear Pot Cozy

Automobile Windshield Sunshade Material

Backpacking Chef reader, Eric March shared this suggestion:

"A good way to get Reflectix™ type material in small quantities to make cozies is with an automobile windshield sunshade. A regular sized one can make several, and is as close as your local auto parts supplier or discount store."

Explore More...

Homemade Backpacking Stoves – How to make a simple alcohol stove using tealight candles, how to make a candle stove, and how to make light-weight pot stands & wind screens.

Dehydrating Backpacking Food - How to dry fruits, vegetables, meats, starches, and more.

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Recipes for Adventure: Healthy, Hearty & Homemade Backpacking Recipes. The Ultimate Guide to Dehydrating Food for the Trail.
Recipes for Adventure II: The Best of Trail Bytes. Adventures in Dehydrating Backpacking Food.
Action Guide: Dehydrating 31 Meals. Step-by-step instructions.
Backpacking Chef Menu Planning & Food Drying Workbook.
1001 Miles on the Appalachian Trail.

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