There are several self-heating self-contained meal systems available and they are very useful for the camper, hiker and, of course, the airsofter.

The smaller airsoft fields have a rather sad reputation for thier universal lack of facilities, and in particular for being bereft of a proper 'mess tent'. So I have tested out a couple of self-heating meals as a moral boosting alternative to the usual cold lunchbox or sandwich pack.

This video is a demonstration of how to use these two meal packs - the HotPack and HotCan self-heating systems.

I tried out the Hotcan pack when I went to 'First & Only' Matlock, and I'm very glad I did. For although summer seems an odd time to be thinking about hot lunches the very unseasonable rain storm we endured on that day meant I was very pleased with my piping hot 'All day breakfast' (there were some envious looks for some of the other players).

One thing I do want to emphasise is that these packs do get very hot! Please be aware of this and show due caution - remember that even after the allotted time that is given for these meals to cook the heating system keeps on going for some time. So also be careful how you dispose of the pack afterwards.

Finally, there are other similar products to the two I demonstrated in my video, including one done by Crosse & Blackwell, but I found these harder to get hold of.

Please let me know if you try any of the other makes of recipes - it would be nice to build up some knowledge of which are the more tasty flavours!

Useful links:

> Hotcan
> HotPack
> HotBox
> Crosse & Blackwell at mlaltd.co.uk store