Camp cooking is popular among a wide range of people, from solo campers to families.
While mess tins are currently trending, wait a moment!
Rice cookers (hangos) offer a unique charm and potential that mess tins do not.
As someone who has used a hangō for over 20 years, I will share its appeal and how to best utilize it, with specific anecdotes and comparisons.
After reading this article, you are sure to fall in love with hangōs.
What you will learn from this article
・The appeal of hangōs
・Recommended hangōs
Table of Contents
Why a Hangō now? The Reason it's Loved Across Generations
The "Hyōshiki Hangō" (military-style rice cooker) is commonly used for camping.
Its unique rugged appearance is appealing, but its functionality and history also hold fascinating aspects, so let's delve into the details.
An Atmosphere of History and Romance
The origin of the Hyōshiki Hangō dates back to the rice cookers used by the Japanese army during the Russo-Japanese War.
At that time, soldiers maintained their physical and mental health by cooking rice in hangōs and eating warm meals even under harsh conditions.
For modern campers, using a hangō connects them to the wisdom and efforts of those who came before.
The act of cooking rice in a hangō itself is a precious experience that allows for a special time while respecting history.
Excellent Durability Perfect for the Outdoors
Hangōs have been loved by campers for many years due to their robust construction.
The sturdy stainless steel body is resistant to corrosion and deformation even in harsh camping environments, allowing it to be used for 10 or 20 years.
As it is used, scratches and soot accumulate on its surface, which adds to its character and makes it more endearing.
The hangō will continue to support campers' meals as a reliable companion in any outdoor setting.
Not just for rice! Great for a variety of dishes.
While the hangō is primarily used for cooking rice, its name suggests, it's capable of so much more.
You can use the main body to make stews and soups, or even stir-fries as a substitute for a frying pan. It's truly versatile.
For example, you can use the lid to grill meat or fry eggs.
Most of the dishes you'd want to eat while camping—rice, pasta, hot pots, curry—can all be made with this one cooking utensil.
With a single compact hangō, your culinary possibilities are endless.
Hangō vs. Mess Tin vs. Kocher: A Thorough Comparison
Here's a comparison table of hangō, mess tin, and kocher.
|
Type |
Shape |
Features |
Recommended for |
|
Military-style hangō |
Kidney-bean shape |
Easy to pack Stable |
Solo campers who want to pack light Those who like a retro feel Those who often camp on sloped terrain |
|
Round hangō |
Cylindrical |
Easy to wash Easy to serve food |
Those who want to cook rice for a large group Those who want to reduce dishwashing Those who want to make soups or stews |
|
Mess tin |
Rectangular |
Can be used for various dishes Instagrammable |
Those who want to try stews and steamed dishes Those who want to share photos of their cooking on social media |
|
Kocher |
Cylindrical/Rectangular |
Cylindrical is easy to wash Rectangular is easy to pack |
Those who prioritize lightness Those who want to choose from various materials Those who want to expand their cooking options |
Consider the advantages of each and choose the one that suits your camping style.
For example, if you want to reduce luggage for solo camping, a military-style hangō is recommended. If you want to cook many dishes for family camping, a round hangō or a kocher would be ideal.
Advantages of Captain Stag Hangōs
Captain Stag hangōs are ones I particularly recommend.
Here, let's look at the advantages of Captain Stag.
High quality and affordable
The great appeal of Captain Stag hangōs is their reasonable price while maintaining high quality.
Hangōs from well-known manufacturers like Snow Peak are also popular, but they tend to be a bit pricier. In contrast, Captain Stag hangōs are available at an affordable price.
With an excellent balance of quality and price, they are recommended for a wide range of users, from those new to hangōs to advanced users.
Large capacity and easy-to-cook design for rice
Captain Stag's hangōs have a large capacity of 4 go (about 720 ml) and are designed to make cooking rice easy.
A 4-go capacity can also handle smaller amounts from 1 to 2 go, making it useful for various situations, from solo camping to family camping.
Furthermore, the meticulously designed details ensure durability for long-term use.
This hangō can be used for a long time, even as your family structure changes.
High storage capacity and convenient specifications
Captain Stag hangōs are appealing for their user-friendly specifications.
With a large capacity of 4 go, you can store seasonings inside when not in use, reducing the amount of luggage you carry.
Moreover, the inner lid of the hangō can also be used as a plate, saving you from extra washing.
The main body has measurement lines, allowing you to accurately measure water for perfectly cooked rice, equipped with features for delicious results.
Captain Stag Hangōs: Round or Square, Which to Choose?
Captain Stag offers two types of hangōs: round and kidney-bean shaped (square), each with its own characteristics.
In conclusion, I recommend the kidney-bean shaped hangō.
Although the kidney-bean shaped hangō has the drawback of being harder to serve from compared to the round shape, it excels in other aspects.
Firstly, the kidney-bean shape is the traditional form of the hangō, inheriting its classic design.
Its appealing appearance will undoubtedly enhance your camping experience.
Furthermore, the kidney-bean shape offers better thermal efficiency, and its angular form provides a larger surface area exposed to the flame, making it easier to cook rice.
Another feature is the smooth internal convection, which ensures even heating.
However, if you already own a round hangō, there might be little need to switch to a kidney-bean shape.
If the size and material are the same, there shouldn't be a significant difference in performance.
Nevertheless, if you are buying a new hangō or are used to using angular shapes, I encourage you to try the kidney-bean shaped one.
4 Recommended Camp Meals to Make with Captain Stag Hangōs
Let's make delicious camp meals using Captain Stag's hangō.
Cooking while gathered around a bonfire, listening to the crackling of wood, is a true delight of camping.
Here are four easy and delicious camp meal recipes using a hangō.
Rice
Rice is a classic dish that can be made in a hangō.
When cooking rice in a hangō, you can also get scorched rice (okoge), enjoying the savory deliciousness unique to camp food.
It pairs well with other camp dishes like curry, so start by trying to cook rice.
Takikomi Gohan (Mixed Rice)
Adding ingredients to make takikomi gohan results in a more flavorful dish than plain rice.
Changing the ingredients with the seasons is also one way to enjoy it.
For autumn, use mushrooms; for winter, oysters, and you can make authentic takikomi gohan with seasonal ingredients.
Adding chicken and vegetables will also improve nutritional balance.
Adding butter after cooking will give it an amazingly rich flavor.
Soup
The hangō is also great for making soup.
Combine vegetables, sausages, and consommé for an easy, delicious soup.
It's also fun to add tomatoes for a minestrone-like arrangement.
Since the hangō is deep, you can add plenty of ingredients to make a hearty soup.
On cold days, it will be a dish that warms you to the core.
Dessert
Dessert also feels special when made in a hangō.
Just baking fruits like apples or bananas in a hangō creates a warm dessert.
Adding butter and cinnamon sugar makes it even more luxurious.
If you add marshmallows and chocolate, you can also make s'mores, a camping classic.
And by using the hangō lid, you can even try making simple baked goods using pancake mix.
Recommended Captain Stag Hangōs
Captain Stag offers traditional military-style hangōs and user-friendly round hangōs.
Here, we will introduce recommended products from each type.
M-5545 Rinkan Military-Style Hangō (4-go capacity)
Source: Amazon
The M-5545 Rinkan Military-Style Hangō (4-go capacity) is Captain Stag's standard model of military-style hangō.
The body is made of aluminum, the hook handle is made of iron, and it weighs 340g, making it easy to use.
It faithfully reproduces the beauty and design of traditional hangōs, making it an item that allows you to experience the camping atmosphere.
It is useful not only for cooking rice but also for hot pot dishes and soups.
M-5546 Rinkan Round Hangō (4-go capacity)
Source: Amazon
The M-5546 Rinkan Round Hangō (4-go capacity) is a meticulously finished product among Captain Stag's round hangōs.
Its perfectly cylindrical shape makes it easy to scoop rice and simple to clean.
Additionally, its appeal lies in its ability to heat evenly when making soups or stews.
This hangō is recommended for those who want to try a variety of dishes, not just cooking rice.
Summary
Captain Stag's hangōs are camping gear that offer high functionality at a reasonable price.
Just cooking rice in a hangō allows you to fully enjoy the essence of camping.
Furthermore, using the lid, you can try grilled dishes, expanding your camp meal variations.
It can be used for many years, making it excellent in terms of cost performance.
Captain Stag's hangōs are highly recommended as an essential item for camping scenes.
There are traditional military-style hangōs and easy-to-use round hangōs, each with its own characteristics, so choose the type that suits your preferences.
