Camping food storage combined into cookware?

[MCtree]

I have this idea for pre-making foods like chili and packing them into single serving metal containers for camping trips but I can’t find the ideal container.

My thought is that the container is in the cooler (or fridge) and is safely sealed and won’t leak.
Then when you want to eat it, you remove the lid and can heat them up directly on your camping stove (while stirring).
And then since cleaning up is a pain when camping, you can put the lid back on and because it’s securely on, just pack the dirty dish away and clean it when you get home.

But I can’t find anything designed for this.

I can find stainless steel Tupperware on Amazon, but nothing says if I can or can’t put it on a flame.
It’s stainless so I would guess it’s fine, but worry about a plastic lining or something that they don’t mention.

So… does anybody have any experience with anything like this?

 

[mudgudgeon]

Search stainless steel "bento box" on Amazon

 

[MCtree]

Yes. I saw those bento boxes in my searches.
But unless I missed it, none say anything about putting them on a flame.

But like I said, if they a stainless, I presume they are fine for flames. Just I would feel better if the descriptions directly said it.

Also, and I’m nit-picking here, a round shape is better for heating something up instead of that rectangle the bento boxes come in.

Oh.. wait… sorry. I see that “bento boxes” come in different shapes.

something like this might work.

But again, it doesn’t say anything about heating it on a flame.

 

[x8o8drifter]

Think you're gonna be SOL with the heating part cause it doesn't look like any actually tries to do that for some odd reason.
Only thing I know of that even comes close is a military mess kit and those don't seal.

I usually just toss em in a ziplock. Then if just me single serving toss it in my canteen and heat it up.
Have one of these.

 

[MCtree]

Yeah. I’m thinking I am SOL here.

And yeah, I’ve been doing what you do but I’m looking to streamline a bit.

It just seems that using the zip lock has drawbacks.
1. You gotta double-bag because they always leak.
2. It’s wasteful.
3. You end up with two dirty things you gotta pack up instead of 1 unless you want to wash things while camping.
4. It’s more work in getting the ziplock, emptying it into the pot and then dealing with the dirty bag and dirty pot.


And yes, I know that none of these are big issues (or really “issues” at all). But like with so much on this forum, we like to obsess and tweak until it’s perfect!

 

[kirvesmies]

Question for ya, why not get their cheapest one n test it? Oh, n report back

 

[MCtree]

Hmmm. While this last post is undeniably formed as a question, it sure seems more like a suggestion!

But it’s a good suggestion. I will do so!

 

[MCtree]

I just ordered this one from Amazon.
I’ll report back.

 

[aztoyman]

Thanks for posting this. I like the idea. I never heard of a Bento Box. I would think the pot itself would be fine on a camp stove. It's the lid seal that you would have to protect. Looking forward to your feedback.

 

[kirvesmies]

Hmmm. While this last post is undeniably formed as a question, it sure seems more like a suggestion!

But it’s a good suggestion. I will do so!

Yup, n it was unusually diplomaticly worded

 

[mudgudgeon]

Oh.. wait… sorry. I see that “bento boxes” come in different shapes.


But again, it doesn’t say anything about heating it on a flame.

Provided they aren't insulated / double-wall vacuum flask style I'd have no hesitation putting them over a flame.

I've had very similar light duty stainless steel pots/ dishes as camping cookware in the past and had no issues heating them on a gas burner or alcohol stove.

A little trangia pot grabber makes then super versatile and keeps them compact.
With the grabber, you can or then on/off a flame or hold the pot while you eat out of it

Not a big investment to experiment

 

[MCtree]

Oh! I hadn’t thought about a pot grabber like that. I think I might even own one already (if I can find it).
I was thinking about bringing a pot holder (like the cloth type) but wasn’t liking that solution.
So thanks!

And the bento box that I ordered and should be arriving tomorrow says it is oven safe. So hopefully it can take an open flame too without warping. At least not when full with something I’m heating.

And yeah, @aztoyman, I too assume the lid would be the weak point. I will have to remember not to put the lid on it while heating the contents.

 

[mudgudgeon]

So hopefully it can take an open flame too without warping. At least not when full with something I’m heating.

If its going to warp, it would be a problem when it's empty, not full.
When full, the contents will help disperse the heat evenly

 

[mudgudgeon]

And yeah, @aztoyman, I too assume the lid would be the weak point. I will have to remember not to put the lid on it while heating the contents

Hadn't thought about a seal. Interested to know if the seal is removable