The cross bands (also know as X bands) apparently have been around for some time. But what do I know? I don’t keep up with trends. On a recent trip I ran into a guy that had one of these cross bands securing the lid to his cooking pot. What a clever idea!
Ah, so why would I be so impressed?
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Pots & Lids
(left) MSR Titan 2.0L pot, MSR WindPro II stove, fuel canister, fuel stand, windscreen, lighter; (right) MSR Titan .85L pot, Snow Peak GigaPower stove, fuel canister, lighter.
Storing items in a pot is a great way to save space. But what makes these cross bands so special?
They keep the lid securely attached to the pot when you’re packing it. If you’re bothered by a lid rattling when you’re hiking, these bands will fix that.
They’ll also prevent your contents from spilling out of the pot, especially if you want to put your pot sideways in your pack to make loading easier.
Lastly, they work better for me than stuff sacks, assuming you can even find a stuff sack to perfectly fit a pot.
What is a Cross Band?
They are elastic bands made out of silicone. The design allows the bands to secure items in four directions. Silicone is UV and heat resistant. It is probably best for me to just post a bunch of pictures to explain them.
I purchased an assortment of 20 cross bands. Five each of 4 inch, 6 inch, 9 inch and 12 inch cross bans.
Cross Band Assortment (image below)
I’ve used the cross bands on backpacking trips with the pots below
Here’s a key for the pots above:
- Blue cross band (upper left) is a Snow Peak 1.5L pot using a 9 inch cross band.
- Orange cross band (upper right) is a MSR Titan 2.0L pot using a 9 inch cross band.
- Red cross band (lower left) is a MSR Titan .85L pot using a 6 inch cross band.
- Green cross band (lower right is a REI 1.3L pot using a 9 inch cross band.
Weights
- 4 inch cross band = 6 grams (.21 ounces)
- 6 inch cross band = 9 grams (.32 ounces)
- 9 inch cross band = 15 grams (.53 ounces)
- 12 inch cross band = 27 grams (.95 ounces)
Dimensions
4 inch Cross Band
6 inch Cross Band
9 inch Cross Band
12 inch Cross Band
Usage Ideas
GRIFITI H Band Joes Colorful Cross Style 4, 6, 9, 12 Inch Assorted 20 Pack X Shape Wrist, Folders, Cameras, Art, Cooking, Wrapping, Exercise, Bag, Dungies, Big Strong & Heavy Duty Silicone Long Rubber
$18.98 (as of March 25, 2025 20:47 GMT -07:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)