How to Make a Pot Cozy

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

Pot Cozy on right

After you bring a dehydrated meal to a boil in a pot, it still needs another ten minutes or so 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.

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.

Reflective Foil Insulation Material

It's easy to make your own pot cozy with Reflectix™ (brand name) and some foil tape.

Reflectix™ is two layers of plastic bubbles sealed with reflective foil. It is very light and holds heat well.



Buy Reflective Foil Insulation Material from Amazon.

24" by 10' Roll

Light-weight, Inexpensive



Disclosure: Backpacking Chef participates in the affiliate program offered by Amazon. If you make a purchase after following the above link, I may receive a commission. Thank you.


How to Make a Pot Cozy Videos

Here are two great videos by Steve Green and George Andrews that show how to make pot cozies.



Automobile Windshield Sunshade Material

Here is a suggestion from Backpacking Chef reader, Eric March: "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. I've had good luck with clear 2" mailing tape, trimmed to fit, to join pieces and seal cut edges as needed."

Where to Buy a Pot Cozy

Anti-Gravity Gear makes custom cozies for many sized backpacking pots for about $13. Your pot will nest 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.

Visit Anti-Gravity Gear Pot Cozy

Continue Reading...

Backpacking Stoves – How to make a simple alcohol stove using tea light candles, how to make a candle stove, and how to make a light-weight pot stand.

Backpacking Cookware - When choosing a backpacking pot, make sure it has sturdy handles. See these comparisons.

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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Home & Trail: An Introduction to Drying Food. Free with subscription to Trail Bytes.

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