How to build a cozy in a few easy steps.

[jimtanker]

After a little outing with me, Keith (AKA blackbishop351), wanted to try some freezer bag cooking and wanted to make a cozy like I have for heating and eating out of.

Here is his story:

Step 1: Gather materials; CCF pad from wallyworld, multi-purpose tape, knife.(not rocket science even though he is a rocket scientist)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture001.jpg



Step 2: Mark pattern on the CCF.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture002.jpg



Step 3: Start your fold. Small flaps keep the bottom wide and provide more insulation.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture006.jpg



Step 4: Apply tape liberally.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture011.jpg



Step 5: Insert bag, food, hot water. (note: sides of cozy are overlapped for more insulation for the seam.)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture013.jpg



Step 6: Put on lid and let sit.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture016.jpg



Step 7: Enjoy your delicious meal out of a nice insulated holder!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i282/jimtanker/Picture001-1.jpg



Now for Keith to chime in and give his flashlight story. LOL.


For more on how to cook your meals using this setup go to: Freezer bag cooking (http://www.freewebs.com/freezerbagcooking/)

[blackbishop351]

No big deal.....I was trying to figure out a way to make a lid that fit well...without too much excess foam.

What I came up with was:

Turn on my flashlight, put it inside the cozy.
Go into a dark room with a marker and a piece of notebook paper.
Put the paper on top of the cozy.
Trace out the inside of the top opening.
Cut out the paper template.
Use the template to cut the lid - about 1/8" bigger than the paper all the way around.

And, DONE.

[jimtanker]

What did I tell you guys and gals, Rocket scientist!

[dropkick]

Mine probably isn't as good, as your material is a better insulator (and my pictures stink - $14 walmart digital camera) (1st photo good because stolen from REI's site)

I started with a widemouth lexan container from REI
(I would rather clean the mug instead of carrying the plastic bags, plus I wanted something to rehydrate in while hiking)
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1165284/mug.JPG

Then I made a cover out of an old car window shade.
I doubled the material for better insulating qualities and made a top and bottom.
I used packing tape to hold it together.
Measuring was fairly easy. I used the mug to get a rough estimate, cut larger, then trimmed.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1165284/apart2.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1165284/apart.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1165284/002.jpg

At a later date I'll probably make one out of a pad like yours.

[toddhiker]

Nice designs, BOTH of you!

Dropkick, I like your "washable" idea. Will your container hold a whole Lipton-style meal? If not, how do you estimate your portions/water amount?

Thanks!

[Take-a-knee]

Dropkick, that looks like a really good system, what does the mug and lid weigh?

[blackbishop351]

I just found a new use for the cozy - Turns out, the size is just right to snugly fit a 20 oz. soda bottle. I haven't tried it yet, but I bet this thing could keep a bottle of water pretty cool for a while on the trail....

[dropkick]

Nice designs, BOTH of you!

Dropkick, I like your "washable" idea. Will your container hold a whole Lipton-style meal? If not, how do you estimate your portions/water amount?

Thanks!
The mug is 2 times bigger than what I was originally looking for. It has graduated markings up to 28 fl. oz. (800 ml), and holds around 1 quart.
- I wasn't able to find a 1 1/2 cup or pint size lexan container with a wide mouth and straight sides, so I settled for this.
However on the plus side, it is easy to eat from and clean, I don't have to worry about spills from overfilling, has a good handle and screw on lid, and I can make one large or two regular meals in it at the same time with no problems.
- Even if I found my pint lexan now I don't know if I'd trade, as I am very happy with this mug.

Dropkick, that looks like a really good system, what does the mug and lid weigh?
It's not heavy but it still weighs around 6 oz. or 170 grams