When going on expeditions, you want to pack light without leaving out the utilities. That's where the BOT 700 comes in as an essential!
The BOT 700 is a new type of lightweight camping gear that redefines versatility for outdoor enthusiasts. Merging the functionality of a mug, pot, and water bottle, it stands as a testament to innovative design, aimed at elevating your hiking and camping experiences.
Discover how this singular lightweight camping mug can transform your adventures, making hydration and meal prep seamless and efficient!
BOT – 700: $99.95
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Features
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Specifications
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The Versatility of the BOT 700
The BOT 700 stands out as a multipurpose titanium mug with a watertight lid, ideal for various outdoor tasks beyond just serving as a drink container. Its versatility extends to:
- Soaking foods before cooking to reduce cooking times and fuel usage while improving taste
- Scooping water or foods
- Cooking single-entree meals or boiling water for beverages
- Measuring liquids or ingredients
- Storing an entire cook kit or other gear while on the move
- Holding just about anything to keep them clean and off the ground
Where we think it shines the most is in pre-hydrating or pre-soaking foods for an hour or more before you are ready to cook. Imagine taking a few short minutes during a break (about an hour before you end hiking for the day) to start preparing your dinner.
Simply pull out your empty BOT–700, pour in a freeze-dried meal along with the amount of water it calls for (usually around 1-2 cups), and give it a good stir. Then, just screw the lid on tightly, put it back in your pack or in the side water bottle pocket, and keep on hiking!
When you get to camp, your meal should be fully hydrated and only need enough heat to warm it up. Or it can be enjoyed as-is if going stoveless. Easy!
Why Should You Pre-Hydrate Your Meals?
- Less cooking time (warming food up vs. boiling water first, then waiting for a meal to hydrate and cool down).
- Less fuel to cook and carry since you’re taking less time to warm up your meal.
- It’s tastier since your meal has the time to fully rehydrate. No nasty hard, crunchy bits to break your teeth on!
- Opens up your menu options with foods that might otherwise take longer to cook (e.g. beans, legumes, some grains, seeds, etc.)
How to Use the BOT 700
Here's how to use the BOT 700:
- Add in your meal
- Add the necessary amount of water
- Allow it to rehydrate for 1-2 hours.
You can watch our video below to learn more.
WORD OF CAUTION: It's crucial to be mindful of food safety, avoiding the "Danger Zone," which is the temperature range between 40°F – 140°F (4°C – 60°C) where bacteria thrive.
The USDA recommends not leaving foods in this zone for more than 2 hours (or no more than 1 hour if temps are above 90°F/32°C) by either refrigerating foods below or cooking them above the “Danger Zone” temperatures.
On the trail, this means one can soak their meal for approximately 2 hours before needing to heat it to above 140°F/60°C or more depending upon what you are cooking.
What to Do if the Lid Gets Stuck
The BOT–700 can become vacuumed sealed due to the difference in pressure between the outside and inside of it (elevation changes, hot food inside that cools over time, etc.). If the lid becomes vacuum-sealed due to pressure changes, here's an easy fix!
Caring for Your BOT 700
Cleaning is much easier than normal pots and pans and only takes 8oz to do so (1 cup)!
Here’s how to clean your BOT-700:
- For initial rinse, after your meal add 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of hot or cold water to the BOT–700, screw on the lid, and shake for a few seconds. Remove the lid and drain.
- Add another 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of hot or cold water and a few drops of biodegradable soap, screw on the lid, and shake again. Drain water.
- Add another 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of hot or cold water, screw on the lid, and shake. Drain.
- Repeat step #3 for the final rinse.
Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles by washing your BOT–700 200 feet or more away from water sources and never directly in one. Fling dishwater out over a wide area to decrease the chance of attracting wildlife.
The BOT–700 is available now through specialty retailers and www.vargooutdoors.com.