I am about to receive a Trekmate flameless cooker (impending birthday gift from the DW) and it looks like a pretty hot, and useful, item, at least in the right situation - there are a number of occasions where producing usable cooking heat without flame could be quite significant. While not ultralight, this unit weighs 348 grams (12.2 oz) with a rectangular tray holding food with a capacity of 850 ml, quite adequate for a serving or two. Use is simple - pour water on the heating packet in the lower chamber, load the upper chamber with chow, seal the top, and wait about ten minutes or so. I think it will definitely prove useful.

Just a couple of questions. Instructions on the heating packets are explicit about using it only in well ventilated spaces, but they give no specifics. Are there noxious byproducts? The packets can be disposed of in normal trash, but the company literature or website are silent on just what is being discarded.

I know there are MRE flameless heaters and I believe at least one other civilian version. How do they all compare? Any experiences? I will probably have more to say once I officially receive this gadget net week. Until then, where is Hikin' Jim when you need him????

One other thing - Trekmate is a Brit company - the alert reader can tell right away because their product reviewers drive lorries and spend quid - whatever they are.....