Litesmith’s cross bands are an ultralight alternative to the stock stuff sacks that cook pots come in. Essentially just an X-shaped (non-)rubber band, the stretchiness of the heat-resistant silicone exerts pressure on the pot’s lid, keeping it snugly in place and preventing rattling. They can weigh half as much as a typical stuff sack: compare the 7g of the 6″ cross band to the 15g of the Evernew Ti Mug Pot 500′s mesh sack or the 10g of the Evernew Ti Ultra Light Pot #2′s Tyvek-ish stuff sack.
Stats
- Make: Litesmith
- Model: Cross Bands
- Model Year: 2019
- Measured Weight: 7g in size 6″
- Date Purchased: 2019-06-20
- Price Paid: $1.60
- Usage: June 2019 – Present
Pot Compatibility
The 6″ version is compatible with the following pots:
Sadly I only own one set of cross bands and two cook pots so I can’t be more helpful here.
Alternatives
Well, there’s the stock stuff sacks that come with the pots but they’re often not snug enough to prevent rattling or have obnoxious cords flapping about. There’s also actual rubber bands which, aside from being less durable, are probably a lot harder to size correctly especially in light of the handy size chart on Litesmith’s website (which I’ve found to be accurate on two separate occasions).
Verdict
Litesmith’s cross bands are a hassle-free way to prevent rattling pot lids and they eliminate the possibility of your cook pot coming apart in your bag as a result of being knocked around. They’re light, cheap, and durable to boot.