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Self-Heating Systems - Heat Without Fire, Now Possible!
Self-heating systems are innovative devices that allow you to warm meals without the need for fire or traditional cooking equipment. Primarily used for outdoor activities like hiking or during emergencies such as a car breakdown or lockdown, these systems enable you to enjoy a hot, comforting meal in no time.
How do they work? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is It Possible to Heat a Meal or Drink Without Fire?
Yes, it is! Thanks to self-heating meals equipped with an internal heating system. These are primarily used by the military, emergency services, journalists on assignments, offshore racers, airsoft players, kayakers, and even individuals in emergency situations. In just 10 minutes, they allow you to enjoy the comfort of a hot and flavorful meal in any circumstance, without the need to carry bulky camping equipment!
The heating process works through a chemical reaction between water and specific heating elements, usually magnesium-based. Within minutes, the meals are heated directly in their packaging, providing a practical and safe solution to enjoy a warm meal even in the wilderness, without any equipment hassle.
How Does a Flameless Heater Work?

By adding water or any other liquid, a chemical reaction is triggered. The system contains stabilized aluminum and sodium hydroxide, allowing it to generate heat. However, it is designed exclusively for heating sterilized meals, as the heater is too small for freeze-dried dishes. The product is single-use only.
Preparation Instructions:
- Tear open the heater pouch along the dotted line at the top.
- Place your meal pouch (without opening it) inside the flameless heater pouch.
- Add water up to the marked line on the heater pouch (50 ml, not included with the flameless heater).
- Fold the top of the heater pouch and seal it using the adhesive strip. Place the reactive side down on a flat surface.
- After 10–12 minutes, the meal will be hot and ready to eat—be careful, the contents will be very hot!
For a demonstration on how to use the flameless heater, check out this video :
How to Use the Tactical Foodpack Zip Bag?
This bag is reusable and designed for use with 50 g heaters, which are single-use. The heater's burn time is sufficient to warm one or two meals of approximately 400 g. The zip bag itself is reusable and can withstand temperatures up to 100°C. It can heat any type of sterilized or freeze-dried meals. For freeze-dried food, simply rehydrate the meals with cold water. To activate the heating system, add 150 ml of any liquid along with the 50 g heater.
Preparation Instructions:
- Remove the heater from its plastic wrapper and place it at the bottom of the heating bag.
- Place your meal in the bag, ensuring that the bottom of the meal pouch touches the heater.
- Pour about 150 ml of water (up to the line) into the Tactical plastic bag.
- Ensure the heater is fully covered with water.
- Quickly seal the heating bag.
- The reaction with the heater will begin in about 30 seconds to 3 minutes (the colder the water, the longer the reaction time).
- Allow the meal to heat for 15–20 minutes. We recommend stirring the contents of your meal pouch after 10 minutes.
- Remove the meal from the Tactical bag and enjoy!
What You Need to Know About These "Water-Boiling" Bags
The heater is not a widely recognized accessory among the general public, who often look for solutions to heat meals without electricity or gas. Those familiar with it often refer to it as a "water-boiling bag." Here's what you need to know about it:
Caution
- After activation, the heater's temperature can reach up to 100°C. Do not touch the capsule during or after the reaction.
- Avoid placing your hands near the steam release vent.
- Use the product solely to heat food. Do not consume the contents of the capsule.
- Operate the heater in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling fumes.
- Dispose of the heater in a trash bin after use. The contents react with water and can be corrosive.
- The water used to heat the meal is not consumable.
Safety Instructions
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store the heater in a sealed and dry package.
- If it comes into contact with your eyes, rinse immediately and consult a doctor.
- If it comes into contact with your skin, wash the affected area with soap and water.
- This material must be safely neutralized.
- If an accident occurs or you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contains: Calcium Oxide
Alternatives to Self-Heating Systems
- Hiking stoves (compatible with other activities):
- Gas-powered
- Wood-burning
- Alcohol-based
- Multi-fuel
Accessories to Complement Self-Heating Systems
A Word About Lyophilise & Co 🌶
Based in Lorient, Lyophilise & Co is the go-to reference for freeze-dried meals and high-quality outdoor gear. Whether you're a hiker, skipper, trail runner, bushcraft enthusiast, or bivouac lover, we offer a wide range of technical products tailored to all your adventures. With over 2,000 items available, we support your expeditions in France and abroad.
If you have any questions, our experts are here to help and will gladly assist you:
☎ +33 (0)2 97 87 23 73
✉ team[at]lyophilise.com
We also have a showroom open Monday to Friday:
📍 6 bis rue du Sous-Marin Vénus, 56100 Lorient, France
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