Sublimates for tourists - in thermal bags or without?

When people talk about sublimate meals for tourists, they most often mean dishes packaged in thermal bags. This is a really convenient option (you brew the porridge directly in the bag, no need to wash the dishes), but it’s not the only one. After all, you can pack sublimates in regular polyethylene. The photo above shows what the same dish looks like in two different packages. Let's look at the pros and cons of both options...

Advantages of thermal packages

No additional utensils needed. And you can brew sublimates and eat them straight from the package
No need to wash dishes after eating, just wipe the spoon
A bag of brewed porridge can be sealed almost hermetically and carefully transported somewhere to be eaten later.
The used bag is convenient for collecting garbage throughout the day
If desired, the bag can be rinsed and reused

Disadvantages of thermal bags

They take up a lot of space. Thermal bags are approximately 2 times larger than regular ones
They are heavier. True, only 8 grams. But if you are going on a long journey and take a lot of food, then these 8 grams multiplied by 60 (20 days of 3 meals) turn into a noticeable half a kilo.
In cold climates, thermal packages, contrary to their name, cool down quite quickly and sublimates do not always have time to brew properly.
Some bulky foods (mashed potatoes!) simply don’t have enough space inside the bags. You have to add boiling water as you eat the puree and knead the far corners especially carefully.
Thermal bags when exposed to boiling water can release harmful substances into food
Thermal bags cause more damage to the environment. Simply because they are larger and contain more plastic.

Advantages of conventional packaging

It is lighter and more compact than thermal packages
Sublimates in this packaging are cheaper
If you have good thermal utensils, sublimates are brewed normally even at subzero temperatures. In addition, they are convenient to knead and there are no volume restrictions.

Disadvantages of conventional packaging

Not all sublimate manufacturers offer this packaging option
You need special thermoware - a large thermal mug, food thermos or “kozi”
After eating, dishes must be washed

Personal experience

I have been using sublimates on my travels for quite some time now and have had time to thoroughly test both packaging methods and decide on my preferences. If I have a choice (which is not always the case), I try to take sublimates in regular plastic bags on hikes. Why?

I have a whole arsenal of thermal cookware
I like hot food more than warm food
I don’t want to generate (and then carry around in my backpack) extra garbage

The only case when thermal packages win on points is a short-term civilized voyage. When you’re going to another city for a couple of days and you’re not sure that you’ll have time to go to a cafe and have lunch, it’s much easier to throw two thermal bags and a spoon into your backpack, rather than dragging dishes with you as well.

Kirill Yasko, December 18, 2019