Few companies in the outdoor industry are as innovative as Sea to Summit, a statement further confirmed with the release of their latest product––a folding cook pot. The ubiquitous cooking pot is invariably one of the largest items any traveler has to contend with, and the new X Pot solves that dilemma with the ingenious use of silicone. If you take a trip to your local kitchen store, silicone has become the material de rigueur and is used in a wide variety of applications. It is all but impervious to high temperatures, cleans easily, doesn’t dent or scratch, and is as non-stick as any surface can be. It can also be molded into complex shapes which is how the X Pot is able to collapse flat in one effortless push.
The large side handles and built-in strainer make pouring off excess liquids safe and easy.
Central to the X Pot’s unique design is the use of the anodized aluminum base for optimal heat transference. That bottom also protects the silicone from direct exposure to the heat source. A stainless steel ring embedded into the upper edge of the X Pot gives it the needed rigidity to allow for safe and controlled handling when pouring or moving the pot around the cooking area. The translucent lid has an additional silicone handle and a built-in strainer for pouring off excess fluids. Available in three sizes, 1.8-liter, 2.8-liter and 4.0-liter, the two smaller X Pots can nest within the larger pot, even when collapsed.
For my test, I’ve been using the 2.8-liter pot as the two other sizes have an arrival date of July of this year. I thought there would be a period of adjustment when using the X Pot, but to my surprise, it works just as any other traditional container. The rigidity of the pot walls surprised me, even when stirring my favorite noodle dish or pouring off a couple liters of boiling water. The two silicone handles are large and offer a secure grip and unlike many collapsable things, the X Pot smashes flat in one motion.
Silicone, being the magic material it is, cleans up easily and over the course of many meals has not, and will not, stain or discolor. At $49.95 for the medium sized pot, they even represent a great value. For motorcycle travel or for those with smaller vehicles, the space savings and low weight at just 285 grams for the 2.8-liter pot, there’s little reason not to add the X Pot to your kit. Even if added as a secondary container, it is worth having. What will they think up next?
www.seatosummit.com
