In the latest installment of my obsession to find the perfect backcountry dishware, I ran in to the Sea to Summit X-Plate and bowl at REI. If you’re looking for a plate that actually has a tough bottom unlike a squishy bowl or orikaso dishware, this may be for you. The sides of the x-plate fold down to fit in your pack, but offer a stiff surface to eat you dinner off of. Additionally, the plates can double as cutting boards for your dinner preperation. The main downside to these plates are the steep price. At $17.95 for the plate and $14.95 for the bowl, these don’t come cheap. If you’re looking to buy your own X-plate, REI and Backcountry carry them.
I bought the bowl and cup and recently had a chance to try both out. I put hot chili in the bowl and hot chocolate in the cup. Although warm, neither burned my bare hands. Both were surprisingly sturdy. I never felt like the sides were going to collapse on me. And both cleaned up easy. I like the fact that the different products nest one inside the other. I’ll probably go back and get the plate to replace the frisbee I’ve been using for the last 15 years or so.
I also hear that there is a bag that all three fit into. By the way, I also used their lightweight anodized utensil set on the same campout. They, too, worked great and very lightweight – although not quite as compact as my stainless steel spork. But I do like having a separate fork and knife to cut my meat.