Backpacking Food Bags For Storing and Reconstituting Dried Meals With Hot Water

Our boil-soak pouches are designed for backpackers who need a reliable bag to store dried meals and reconstitute them by adding boiling water. These high-temperature stand-up “cook-in pouches” can withstand temperatures up to 230°F (110°C). With a shorter bowl shape, each pouch can hold up to 4 cups (0.95 liters) of liquid.

How to use: Place food in the bag, pour boiling water over it, stir, seal with the zipper, and let the food reconstitute for several minutes.

Below, we demonstrate reconstituting a dried meal mix using the boil-soak pouch with Outdoor Herbivore’s Lemongrass Thai Curry in the Hungry Single (Serves 1) meal size. Note: The photo below is for illustration purposes and shows how food rehydrates in a waterproof, heat-safe standing pouch.

Soaking Outdoor Herbivore’s Lemongrass Thai Curry (Hungry Single) in the Boil-Soak Pouch. Seal shut and rehydrate in hot water for a few minutes. As you can see, there is plenty of room for two servings, or 3 to 4 cups of wet food.
It’s time to eat!

High-Temperature Pouch Specifications
Temperature rating: 230 deg F (110 deg C)
Dimensions: 8″ wide x 7″ tall x 3.5″ gusset. Short size for easier stirring and eating, with a rounded bottom to prevent food from getting trapped in the corners.
Bag Weight: .81 oz (23 g)
Bag Thickness: 5.0 mil
Wet Volume: holds 4 cups (0.95 L) of water when zip-sealed.
Dry Volume: holds approximately 10 ounces (283 grams) of dried grain-based foods such as rice, soup, and pasta mixes.
One size fits all. Fits all Outdoor Herbivore Hungry Single and Hungry Double prepared meals.
Reusable. These durable bags eliminate the need to clean dishes on the trail, but you can pack them out, wash them at home, and reuse them multiple times. Let the bag air-dry open before storing.
BPA-free and Dioxin-free.
Transparent. No Aluminum, Ink, or Dyes.
FDA-approved for food and high-temperature use.
Not recyclable in most municipalities due to the multilayer plastic films fused together.
Not recommended for microwave use. Trapped steam can exceed the bag’s safety temperature and also cause the zipper to soften and warp.
Other uses: Our boil-soak pouches aren’t just for rehydrating meals—use them for sous-vide cooking, pouring hot soups for storage in the fridge/freezer, and packaging homemade DIY dehydrated backpacking meals. Includes a tear-strip notch to heat-seal the top for secure storage.

Cleaning Instructions

  • Hand-wash: Use non-abrasive cleaners (soft sponge and hot, soapy water) to clean. Air dry by propping the bag open.
  • Dishwasher: Prop the bag open, place it on the top shelf, and dry with the air-dry setting. Keep bags clear of water jets to prevent them from moving or closing.
  • Ensure the bags are completely dry before storing; otherwise, they can harbor mold/bacteria and become unsafe for food reuse.

FAQ’s about Outdoor Herbivore’s “Boil Soak” Backpacking Storage & Rehydration Bags

Can this bag be used for cooking on the stove? I want to use it to scramble liquid eggs without dirtying my pan.

These bags are primarily designed for pouring boiling water to reconstitute dried food, but you can also use them to cook raw foods, like eggs, with a few important limitations. These limitations arise because it’s difficult to determine how hot the bag will get on your stove. If you use this bag in a cooking pot, follow these guidelines:

1. Fully submerge the sealed bag in a water bath to avoid melting the bag.
2. Limit the cooking time to 10 minutes or less while the flame is on.
3. Use the bag only once.

Can this bag be vacuum-sealed?

Yes. Make sure the sealer provides a wide enough seal to cover the hang hole on the bag, or provides enough clearance from the top to seal just below the hole. See the photo of the dimensions from the top of the bag to the bottom of the hole. If your vacuum sealer doesn’t produce a seal this wide, we recommend sealing just below the hang hole using a hand-held impulse sealer.

Is your logo printed on this bag? 

No, this bag has no print.

Is this bag transparent on both sides?

Yes, it is clear plastic. 

Our high-temperature pouches are perfect for storing homemade dehydrated or freeze-dried backpacking meals. They are lightweight, durable, keep your food fresh, and safe to reconstitute dried meals with hot water.

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