I can see they'd be good for storing as an emergency item, or for convenience - but unless the heating bag is really light you'd probably be better off taking a stove. Especialy cos you can then make a brew.
Heating pack is v small actually, the food's not that light though and I reckon you need to carry quite a lot of extra carbs to supplement the meal. The pack'll do two meals mind, so you can always chuck in a dessert as well.
I've used the US military one and it certainly gets the food hot. I seem to remember the pack being single use too so if you're on an extended backpacking trip you'll have to take loads.
I'll stick to my stove, pasta and Dolmio sauce with lots of parmesan.
What about the environemental impact of there self-heating packets? I don't know if the stuff is recycled (I doubt it) but doesn't it create more waste than other foods and what chemically stuff do they use to make it hot? Anyone know anything about that side of things?
I'd GUESS that it would have to, since gas catridges are metal and therefor more likely to be recyclable (wheher they get seperated form general landfill rubbish is a different matter).
Dont know anything for sure though, wonder if Wayfayrers wiold be willing to comment?
There wouldn't be much left to recycle. I saw the packs when they were launched at the show and they are really just a plastic bag with a chemical powder in which you start off heating up by adding a small amount of water.
