I have the 1L version of this, but I would rather have the 700ml version because of its handle. When full, the 1L is quite heavy to be using just the pot lifter. It dented the "lip" of my bot when I tried to lift it with the pot lifter. I guess when your hands are cold and numb and are wearing gloves, it's hard to control how much force to use to grip the lifter.
weatherawI use an Excalibur dehydrator. It has seen heavy use for about 10 years with no sign of quitting any time soon. As far as what to dehydrate... The sky is the limit. There are so many websites and books with excellent ideas. I like stew, chilies, soups, meat sauce for pasta, rice and beans, yogurt (turns out like taffy), dried fruit. So many choices...
weatheraw9 tray plastic with the timer. I dehydrate for groups though, so you could probably get away with the 4 or 5 tray models. If you have space though, why not go big? You will use it for more than backpacking meals...
VB14I haven't got a Bot yet Fbut I was always spilling the contents of my cooking pot using the lifter. A veteran hiker suggested that I buy a pair of leather riggers gloves from a hardware store and I don't use a lifter anymore. You can pick up the pot straight off the stove and no danger of burning yourself or dropping the heavy pot. I found this a great tip for me.