I am curious if anyone has tried any of these cozies for their freeze dried meal pouches? I have also seen a simple homemade Reflectix/Thermal Bubble envelope as well. It's kind of a luxury item, but I like my breakfast to stay warm on cold May mornings!

Big Sky Cozy

Big Horn

Horizon Outdoor

Making a cozy is one of the easier entry points into DIY camping gear. Materials are incredibly cheap and the engineering problem is relatively simple. Start with the pouch meals then move on to your pot cozies.

Reflectix is available at any of the big box home improvement stores.

I'll confess I have never used any of the items you linked above, but I cannot conceive how they might provide any advantage over my home-built cozies

Good Luck.

Don't waste your money on them. Grab some reflectix and aluminum foil tape and make your own for a fraction of the cost. Super easy to do, and there are a bunch of YouTube videos out there in case you need help.

NEIowapaddler: "Don't waste your money on them. Grab some reflectix and aluminum foil tape and make your own for a fraction of the cost. Super easy to do, and there are a bunch of YouTube videos out there in case you need help. "

Mine have held up just fine with reflectix and duct tape, and I agree I don’t see how a purchased product would add any functional improvement.

NEIowapaddler: "Don't waste your money on them. Grab some reflectix and aluminum foil tape and make your own for a fraction of the cost. Super easy to do, and there are a bunch of YouTube videos out there in case you need help. "

I have used the foil tape. While it seems the appropriate material for the task, I always managed to mess up the project slightly using the foil tape (hence the OCD in the moniker). I find Tyvek tape is as effective and easier to manage. I am happier with my Tyvek taped project.

I'm sure other tapes would work fine too, the aluminum foil tape is what was recommended in a couple of the videos I watched so that's what I got. It worked well for me, although I admit the stuff is tricky to work with. If you have duct tape on hand (who doesn't?), then might as well go with that.

I made one for the freeze dried bags and one for my pot. Won’t leave without one. Saves on fuel big time.

I made pouch cozies and pot cozies from heat reflective fabric (similar to ironing board fabric). So reflective on one side and a nylon fabric on the other. I like being able to sew it vs using duct tape, tho it does dull the needle. I designed one so it doubles as a carry case for the pots. I made the pouch cozy sized to be a case for my sauté pan (folding handle).

I have used the homemade ones but prefer the Big Sky. They work really well and roll up to a very small size.

I've used the big sky one, but the larger size. It's been great for 2 meals at a time or keeping a pot of grits warm while it finishes cooking. I recommend it.

For a family of four I will use an insulated reusable grocery bag with a zip top.

But of course DIY is always fun, too.

I know you can save money by DIY, but that large Big Sky is $25…it has a roll top closure, can hang, looks durable…just my opinion but sometimes my opportunity cost of the time spent on DIY isn’t worth it. This would be for me personally one of those times. YMMV and I totally respect that.

T

I have made many of these for myself and paddling partners. They work incredibly well. When your food is fully rehydrated it's still too hot to eat. Would never consider paddling without them.