How to choose a food box?

Here, you will find out all about the key criteria that you need to consider when choosing a food box.

Now that you know more about the uses of an insulated food box, one question remains: how do you make your choice?
Because, in order to benefit from the best thermal performance (some boxes will keep your food hot for up to 12 hours!), you need to make the right choice. Here are some important criteria to take into account when deciding:

The volume of your insulated food box

Before opting for a particular product, start by working out the size of the portions that the box will have to contain.
Are you a big eater or do you have more of a small appetite?
If you tend more towards the latter, a small box (0.5 L) will do the trick.
If you are going for a long hike and need a high calorie intake, a large insulated box with a capacity of 0.8 L or more will be preferable.
If you are hiking as part of a group or, the height of luxury, you prefer to prepare several different dishes, go for a large volume box (2L) with two separate compartments.

The weight and size of your insulated food box

The weight of an insulated food box is also an important factor.
If you are going on a relatively short and gentle outing, this is not as important.
On the other hand, if you are setting off on a long outing and the equipment you are taking is too heavy, it can soon become an additional burden to carry on your back.

Bear in mind, however, that in most cases, a high-quality stainless steel food box will necessarily weigh a little more than an aluminium or plastic model (although these materials will never give you the same isothermal properties).
So choose a container whose weight is suited to your needs.

Finally, in order to save space – your backpack is not infinitely expandable – you can opt for a compact insulated box.
This will allow you to take a good quantity of food while taking up as little space as possible.

The isothermal properties of your food box

The thermal insulation of a food box may vary from model to model.
The storage time, during which the food box can keep your food hot (or cold), is a very important factor to consider when making your decision.
That's why it's important to correctly define your needs.

Are you in the habit of taking your lunch break a few hours after starting your hike?
Or do you prefer to push yourself for as long as possible before treating yourself to a proper hot meal?
If this is you, consider choosing a product that will keep your food cold or hot for longer.
The same applies if you use your food box for your lunch break at the office. Maybe your break time is never the same and you never know in advance when you will be able to have lunch.
So make sure you check the isothermal properties of a product before choosing it.

The type of food to be transported

Lastly, the final factor that you need to consider: the type of food.
If you want to eat solid hot food (e.g. a big bowl of pasta or a decent portion of rice), a food box with a wide opening will be the ideal product.
On the other hand, if you prefer a soup or broth to warm you up when hiking in the autumn or winter: don't burden yourself with a food box. A classic insulated bottle will do the trick and will be more practical for transporting AND consuming your meal!

Check out how our food boxes work

HOW DO YOU CARRY YOUR FOOD WHEN HIKING? FOOD BOX

What's better than a hot meal for your hikes? But then you have to carry it... Follow our guide to eating a hot meal without a stove with our stainless steel food box!