DIY Pot Cozy & Cook Pouch for the Trail

[@NotforProfit]

Hey, just have a suggestion you might want to try out for the cook pouch. By making the lid flap a little larger and adding some extra Velcro to the outside of the lid and on the back, when you fold it over it creates a sort of pocket that you can then fit your hand into. I find it makes holding the pouch a little easier while eating, heats your hand nicely and keeps the flap out of the way.

[@khalidalonso5172]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me.

[@khalidalonso5172]

@Otis Edward I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@khalidalonso5172]

@Otis Edward it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@otisedward3964]

@Khalid Alonso glad I could help xD

[@SRV3433]

I made one of these before I discovered you channel. My application was that my wife didn't like her water in a hydro bladder getting warm on day hikes. It works great to keep the water cool.

[@ApollymiiaThanata]

For people who aren't sewing savvy, the little fold he puts on the bottom of the pouch so it stands up is called a gusset. To add, gussets are used in more than just sewing, that's just how I originally learned the word.

[@theresedignard4267]

We used to use the water heater blanket (same material product) to make our cozies. If I remember correctly, this product was first developed for use on the Shuttle and then was used for food products. Love how we can use it for the trail. I used a waterproof tablecloth and sewed it onto the wrap and side on mine. Then finished the seams with the tape. I also cut a strip wide enough to pass through the handle area with a Velcro to ensure the area under the handle is covered. The added advantage is the the strip also stops the mug from sliding when I where my glove/mittens. Side note. The word “cozy” is pronounced just like the cozy in cuddly, huggable, comfy. (Otherwise, it would have two “O’s). Not sure which trail person started mispronouncing this word. Think Tea Cozy, like the quilted tea pot cover. ;). Great tips and thanks for sharing. Never thought to do that fold on the bottom. Thanks. Mine needs a redo now.

[@rob1972-b5d]

Just dug out an old window visor I had laying around and made my pouch. Thanks for the simple video!

[@davidterrie7661]

Hi Darwin, been soaking up your wisdom. I made the cozies using your tips, with one small change for the cup. I wrapped a piece all the way around the cup with the handles folded down, taped it together, and then cut slits for the two handles to slide into on the opposite side. This gives me full coverage all the way around instead of leaving a gap between the handles. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@GaerHampton]

Thanks for making this video! I made a cook pouch that will work for freeze dried meals, Knorr sides, MRE entries with the flameless ration heaters, and surely many other things. I also used this as inspiration to making a cozy for my little MSR Pocket Rocket cook-set cup, and the cozy still fits inside the rather snug mesh bag that holds the set together. At first my wife laughed at my projects, but I think that I won her over when she saw how they could be useful.....and how they cost so little.

[@tedsamuels3203]

Darwin , that was awesome 👌 Thanks for sharing your video

[@wscouter3458]

I just made a pouch and am looking foreword to using it. Very good instructions I love your videos PLEASE keep making them.

[@MrAjusog]

YES! Most people dont know what radiant barrier material is, much less know how to hack it for lightweight multiple applications. Way to Macgyver items from great materials! Nice vid!

[@bloomheller22]

Awesome video. I'm about to go buy a windshield cover and make some of these. Time for some Eastern Sierra winter hiking!

[@Liberty4Ever]

I knew there was a cheaper place to buy Reflectix than the local home store. My local Home Depot had none, and Lowe's had a $24 pack that looked like none of the bubbles had any air, and a $43 pack that was enough to make a hundred pop cozies. Great call on the inexpensive Dollar General automotive window shade. Thanks!

[@kimberleyfleming6739]

Thanks Darwin. Hi from Australia. Just made 4 cozys, 2 single and 2 double serve out of a $4 sunshade! New to hiking but have bought almost everything you've suggested in your videos. Making my experiences so enjoyable, you're awesome.

[@whiteflower5603]

Got all the supplies and making the whole set for my husband, son and myself! Love it! Thanks, Darwin 😁👍

[@newseneus]

I didn’t have Velcro, so i made a rubber band out of the elastic strip that came with the car screen!

[@Grungydan]

DARWIN YOU ARE THE GREATEST! I set about looking around the tiny town I'm working in for some Reflectix as suggested by another channel with to make a FBC cozy. There's not a single hardware store or big box with any at all! Then I got back and googled other methods, and that led me to this video! I've been a fan for a while, but I never managed to see this video. I might be having to leave the house for the fifth time today, but off I go to get a sunshade!

[@suemcfarlane4199]

The silver sunshade things go through a sewing machine quite easily

[@jerrybobteasdale]

On the cozy, consider putting the seam on the side opposite the handles, just notch the wrap to fit under the handles. It'll tape neater. Also consider making an insulated lid.

[@rainmakerat92]

Thanks for the great video! The Knorr rice dishes call for 2 cups of water and I found this to be too much when using the pouch. After much trial and error, I've settled on using 8 ounces of water. It is enough to "cook" the rice without turning it into soup, providing I stir the contents thoroughly (10 - 15 seconds) after adding the boiling water. Using more than 8 ounces will cause the dinner to be soupy unless the excess water is poured out before eating, at least that's been my experience.

[@gwdavidson065]

That's been my experience too

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

Brilliant idea. Definitely going to make one of these

[@kokopelau6954]

I use air conditioning aluminized tape for mine. My pot has a lid so I made a lid for mine as well so I can actually steep it quite well completely covered.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Darwin! I made my cook pouch cozy today, thanks to you! :) Woot!!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Very Welcome Jen! Hike On, Darwin

[@roscoegoesoutdoors9205]

Thanks for the video. I easily made both following your instructions.

[@mssixty3426]

Great idea, thanks! I've done very little hiking, but this will be useful for camping as well. The "how to use" video came up next automatically 😀 Trek on, I'm greatly enjoying your trail thru-hike video documentaries.

[@TheAmlindy]

Thanks Darwin! My friend and I are about to hit the Pinhoti Trail on Monday in 2019 and I'm sure the pot coozy and the pouch will be just perfect. See you down the trail!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I actually bought a large cozy for my mountain house meals. I love it. Used it on the trail a couple weeks ago. I’ve been wanting one for the ‘knorr sides and also for my cook pot. I even have the materials because during Covid I’ve had some meals delivered and they came packaged in reflectix so want to recycle it effectively. Thanks for the simple instructions. I’m going to make these today.

[@michaelfabian2401]

Dude... Thanks so much for this video and breaking down how to make our own. I just finished making my own version of the cook pouch and I LOVE IT! You're the man!

[@thomaslcrawford]

I'm going to utilize a term shared by Stewie Griffin (from Family Guy) Called a "Compliment Sandwich". First, I'd like to compliment you on the video and for taking your time to fabricate these things as inspiration for any of us who have found the video and who are presumably looking to make our own versions. I think there is some room for improvement in terms of the design, cuts made and care in taping both items. When I watched the pot cozy, my brain was saying "No....don't cut it there!" and "Why did you add an extra piece below the handles? You could have cut around them and made one seam. I'm also kind of OCD when it comes to DIY projects as I always try to make my projects look as close to a factory made item as possible. So, once again, I thank you for the inspiration for making my own Cozy and Pouch. I will be making both this weekend.

[@dvig3261]

Decent idea, moderately well done.lol (jk)..when I was in the military, (waaaaay back when..) we were issued "C" rations which included pouches of freeze dried foods...I would boil water in my canteen cup, pour the water into the pouch, fold the bag to close it and stuff that into one of my ammo pouches...food on the trail..good stuff, thanks for the excellent ideas!

[@anitavaughn1968]

I was thinking I would make one the size of a gallon ziplock. Love how you folded at the bottom.

[@bethd8916]

Thanks Darwin, just made one for my first overnight hiking trip next week!

[@timdemond1396]

I made the Dixie grease pot cozy similar to this several years ago, I will make these as well. I used furnace foil tape, looks better and conforms better. I am not sure if you can still get the Kmart grease pots but they work great and are very light.

[@d.2110]

If you would velcro the sides with some holes (which won't influence the pouch bcs it's in or outside the velcro), I think this could double as a wind screen for a stove as well, couldn't it?

[@cwindover9978]

I make premixed meals packed in freezer zip lock bags to which I add the boiling water which is in turn tucked into a "cozy pouch". The pot /mug is then empty and ready to heat up a hot beverage which is ready by the time the " cozy" contents are cooked. I found the " bubble foil" insulation at a local building supply store: sold by the foot which may be much cheaper than a premanufactured windshield cover.

[@youllthinkofme2011]

is this silver bubble stuff the same that Amazon use to deliver my frozen food? I have many of those .

[@Oracle_444]

totally made the envelope last night! keep your videos coming because they are right on the money...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

+Jacqueline Karima..... Thanks for all the Support Jacqueline! I'm glad your enjoying the videos! Hike On, Darwin

[@hiramgonzalez1367]

I’ll be the envy of my fellow hikers with this hack, thank you!!!

[@CyberTeeda]

Hey Darwin... Thanks for the cozy idea. My son and I will give it a shot...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

+The Walking Dad Excellent! Have fun making them, they sure are a handy asset to have on the Trail! Thanks for Watching!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@r.edgarbutler3892]

This is a fantastic video. I made a cozy based on this video and it works great. Thanks Darwin.

[@mellh7547]

Thank you kindly will be making 2x pouch 2x bottles and 1x pot tomorrow

[@erict5878]

GREAT STUFF man!! Keep it coming! The voice of experience is always a wise source!

[@russelljackman1413]

Pretty cool! Thank you, Darwin!

[@TennesseeSlim]

I just bought the stuff to make this hopefully it goes well never used freezer bags and pouch thanks for the video.

[@wildernessadventurer6494]

Thanks for sharing the video. I've made some similar, but I like that yours have the seam on the bottom so they can stand up. Also, recently my wife gave me a insulated envelope made out of the same type of material that some cheese came that she ordered from Food Finds. This is going to make a nice cozy too.

[@dianeyannich5305]

Darwin, You are brilliant! Thank you for your ideas!

[@TogetherinParis]

Darwin, you are the man for AT trail life!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks great video. I am getting ready to do a 100 mile section of the AT in PA. April is my target. Did Springer to Albert Mountain last June. I don't like to wash pots.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Excellent! Say hello to the Trail for me! Hike On, Darwin

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Just made 3 cozy's. Thanks Small medium and large. Large weigh 1.7 oz. Just cooked a Knorr's Cheddar & Broccoli in 15 minutes and it was very good.

[@jenky1044]

What do you do with the bags once you use them...do you rinse them out.??

[@harleycoleman5199]

@@jenky1044 pack them out as trash. 1 time use! I guess you could wash them out if you had good running water somewhere. I wouldn't want to put boiling water is the freezer ziplock bags more than once though. Not sure how tough they are.

[@sherryehudson2902]

Awesome video - Will be making the pouches soon. Just getting into backpacking with my kids so any and all advice especially on a budget is great!!!

[@bomphrat]

Awesome. Will use it on my next hike. Doing the AT in 2019. Love your videos. Very helpful.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Exactly what I did except I used wall insulation. As I dehydrate my own meals I rehydrate them in a 750 ml plastic canister with a screw top lid I got from Kmart. I like my meals on the soupy side. My routine is to begin rehydrating my meal then have a coffee while waiting for meal to fully hydrate giving it an occasional shake up.

[@nickson6607]

Thanks for the directions. Just finished making two of these.

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Great vid. Reflectix type material. I work in hvac so we use this type of material to insulate, descent R-rating.

[@mudnut59]

Great Idea, I just made a cook pouch Cozy following your instructions, Thanks!

[@parabellumoutfitters5593]

There's plenty of this material that comes in every box of Blue Apron, etc home delivery meals.

[@fernandorondon8650]

Nice vid. I've used the same windscreen sunshade material to make a water bottle cozy to prevent freezing (tho wool socks also work for that) and a stove windscreen. Note that the material will burn, so use only to screen wind, not to reflect direct heat.

[@LJHowardPhoto]

You're not supposed to use a windscreen with a butane stove like an MSR Pocketrocket. They warn you in the instructions the fuel canister could explode if it gets too hot.

[@boundr2107]

Les Howard Maybe the suggestion was for an alcohol stove wind screen. Tho it is good you warn against use with certain other stove types.

[@asankam]

Hi Darwin, I know this is video was uploaded a while ago, and just curious to see how you Cook Pouch is holding up. Please advice.

[@Speigs21]

Just made a Nalgene bottle koozie. Thanks Darwin! Great idea!

[@pennywilliams841]

Thanks , will hey ready to make a Cozy

[@Woods_Hiker]

This is awesome Darwin!!! Thanks for pasing your trail knowledge along :-)

[@micaelaiphys]

Not the cheapest alternative, but I love my SnowPeak Double Wall Nesting Cups. Don’t really need a Cozy for them. Love your videos!!

[@derekholcroft]

I will be making these. Love how you say cozy as cuzy, in UK we pronounce the o as o, if you get what I mean.

[@charliebeagle3220]

I ordered some candy and nuts from Nuts.com and the order came with a cooler pack inside a thermal envelope just like the ones you're making so if you're buying trail snacks anyway this would be a bonus. Just be sure to order some chocolate or something that needs to be kept cool so you'll get your cooking pouch. I was wondering if there is an AT guide similar to The Alaska Milepost books? If not some enterprising AT hiker should compile one. I had a piece of wood puncture the oil pan on my car on the Top of the World Highway and thanks to having a copy of the Milepost I knew I was only .6 mile from a customs station at the U.S.-Canada border so it was just a short walk to get help on what is a gravel road for 130 miles. Your videos are great Darwin don't ever think about the negative comments you sometimes get from the anonymous internet commandos. I applaud you for having the clarity and vision to live your life the way you want. Hike on brother.

[@MG-ze3lf]

Thanks man! Great ideas. Been looking to make a pouch. I love hiking hacks

[@TheTrailDancer]

Awesome vid!!! watching 5 years later!!! lol

[@cortlandbennett1174]

Thanks. This made my life easy.

[@jhonyermo]

Hot DAMN! Darwin. Just made mine for the 450 Toaks cup you recommend in another video. Thanks so much. This is my first one and not near as Spiffy as yours. Not by a long shot. But I already like it. Great good video.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

i got fancy and used some leftover silnylon from my tarp project and some 1 inch grossgrainand covered it in fabric added the grosgrain along the edges sewing throught it an then added some velcro to keep it closed. duct tape works..i have 2 made that way and 2 made with fabric an the fabric ones are slightly lighter but a ton more work.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

+matanuska high Nice! Mine was made from the trail on a Zero day with what I had. The Fanciest I got was putting some green tape (another hiker had) on it to jazz it up. Super Fancy! Thanks for watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@frankzappa2451]

This was a good idea. Thanks Darwin. ✌️

[@josephttremblay]

Great video! Just made mine and going to use on to Mount Baldy trip! Thanks for the video!

[@bgleadbetter]

I'd love to learn more about your cooking style. I put my meals in zip-top bags, add boiling water and seal; then I stash the meal in a fold in my quilt and attend to other camp chores for about 10-20 minutes. When I come back my food is still too hot to eat. I'm wondering if you'd be able to save a few grams (lol) by not needing the pouch. Just a thought.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

"Few Grams" well worth it! This system def works great for me! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@anthonyromano8565]

I have done it but the problem is getting the smell of food all over your sleeping bag in bear country.

[@xedden2]

Do you cook the rice sides in their pouch just by pouring hot water directly in?

[@contentgoddess7218]

I have problems getting the adhesive on the velcro to stay stuck to what I’m using, so I often use an additional glue to make sure my velcro tabs stay put.

[@MixxerMr]

I think that material would make a great ground sheet for a tent. What you think of that idea? But you'd need more of that than to be found at a windscreen protection.

[@smarthaw7196]

M. Schneider Try Reflectix - same dealio, can find it in various sizes, rolls at (big box) hardware stores.

[@michaeldalrymple9540]

Great content, thanks.

[@jdkarns]

Quick Question: is Darwin your real name? Or Trail name? Great video. Thanks for the info!

[@astronaut2k05]

Darwin, that's a great DIY project. I might also make one for my rectangular ramen bowls. They're meant to be microwaved but hot soaking one in a little "oven" should give it the time it needs to fully rehydrate without cooling off. I dig that it's nearly weightless, is collapsible, and constructed in minutes from inexpensive, widely available materials. Strong work! Question... can that same window shade material be used for a cooking wind screen? If not would you recommend an alternative? Thanks a million!

[@theresedignard4267]

No, direct lick of a flame would ignite it. Ask a roofer for a remnant piece of Flashing. At the end of their work day, their dumpster has sections way perfect for a windscreen. I used a metal step bit to drill a few spaced holes in the bottom and top to ensure that air still fed the fire but wind is controlled. :)

[@theresedignard4267]

It rolls easily. I made myself a strap with Velcro connector and a little bag with drawstring to carry it. It is light enough not to be a burden. Flashing is usually made of aluminum.

[@laureltn]

Thanks for the great video (and your entire channel, of course)! We just made a pair of these using an insulated RV Door Window Cover that was an Amazon Add-on for $6. Bonus was it came with 8 sets of velcro tabs. We already had the tape. Can't wait to use them this weekend on Fiery Gizzard!

[@yellowsnowproductions9495]

I made a bunch of them of radiator folie. With duct tape and velcro. Tried it out and voila meal served. I kept it hot for 35 minutes. normal circumstances. Out side tempo was 14 degrees celcius. Knorr fussili carbonarra with 0.5 litre boiled water.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Pro tip- a thermarest zseat is a great insulation layer for cooking in freezer bags. Zip up the bag after adding hot water, then lay the zseat on the ground. Put freezer bag on zseat. Roll zseat up, place a rock on both ends to keep in as much heat as possible. Does it work? Absolutely. Multi function piece of gear. I will add, my buddy has a cheap Amazon pad and it didn't work as well as the zseat. I believe the zseat has a much higher r-value, so that would make sense.

[@rentoooutdoor]

Hi Darwin, you won a new subscriber 😃. Thanks for your great videos and for sharing this excellent idea. I know for sure what I am ging to do next weekend. Regards from Stuttgart, Germany Thomas

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Excellent work!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank Ya good sir!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@ytubesucksazznow]

can you show us how to make a UL bong ^^

[@juliotstorres4172]

Dude, this is great! Like always, awesome info!

[@johnlinley2461]

Hi, Just a quick one. Im heading out on the AT from UK on my next leave, and am about to make myself the pouch. The problem is, I'm currently in Baghdad and they don't have the Knorr Sides here etc. Whats the exact size of the Knorr Sides etc as you use it for a template which I don't have. Many thanks Jon

[@davidbarclay3651]

How much water for the Knor sides. How long to let it cook. How do you keep the Knor bag closed?

[@TheSUPERHAPPY1]

Could you link the video of you using it in the description box? :)

[@edcatt9196]

I've never used the Knorr packet products. Are these just sauces? Or do ones like the stroganoff, have meat in them? I like the cheaper prices of them in contrast to the backpacking freeze-dried packages. Thanks. Really find your videos helpful!

[@jonpatterson5668]

Those sun shades make great sleep pads too

[@shofarox4037]

Hey question here... : What if instead of using this pouch that you are teaching here to make for conservation the heat (in the cooking) , we use an empty tetra brick ?

[@ghluvs4eva95]

Would it be possible to use a one sided reflective instead of the two? Also, would sewing the pieces together be ideal or would it let the heat out through the pin holes?

[@thomasbroadbent619]

just made 2 cook pouches one for my wife and myself but cant seem to find your video on using it.Could put a link up so i can watch it .Thanks

[@joeykerr5517]

Started watching you a couple of months ago and I finally made on of these. Seems simple enough. I'll let ya know if I did it right lol.

[@chiarajared]

I love these, but isn't it called a cup cozy, with a long o?

[@quinnrichard4964]

NOPE!!! ha! Down here in the deep south (New Orleans) we say it like that.

[@BM4A]

Anyone know the name of the song when he is cutting the bottom out and taping it? Never thought of using a cheap sun shade making one this weekend.

[@blueapple9077]

Just curious..is there a noticeable difference in fuel saved using your pouch? If so how much ?

[@jackthemackification]

can I have the link voor using the cook pouch, because i didn't see any link?

[@elizabethingram9784]

Awesome! Thank you! :)

[@karihemmert862]

Do you find that you prefer the pouch to the pot cozies that a lot of people are making with reflectix?

[@nickheilman7260]

I have a question for you Darwin, have you/ do you ever use just a tarp instead of a backpacking tent? if so what are some of your favorite pitches? Thanks for the videos man! "The best part of doing things others don't do is seeing things most will never see."

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

I've seen somewhere online people using padded envelopes (same sort of metallic padding as shown here) as pouches... both options look good; have you tried the envelope approach?