After using, how long does it take to cool down enough to pack up and go?

Pretty soon, I think, like 5-10minutes. If throw out all water out of it it normally cools down soon. We used it in the hotel while traveling, it was for coffee or cooking noodles. After drinking or eating, we pack it up. Hope this is helpful to you.

Hi - is there any chance you may make a battery operated pot? we have power failures all the time in fl. - thank you - judy

In all honesty, if you have frequent power failures, I would get a single burner propane/butane stove like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Gas-ONE-Camp-Stove-Stainless/dp/B01LW87Z9O It will allow you to use either propane or butane bottles, and is much more practical for a power outage. The electric kettles use a lot of electricity. The propane/butane stove will allow you to cook just like normal, and they are very compact.

what does this weigh? I am backpacking and staying in a lodge

Rounding to the nearest ounce, 29 ounces (822 g) with the case, 23 ounces (652 g) without the case.

How to eliminate the strong plastic odor?

Dear customer You can boil the kettle with tea or lemon on first use to eliminate the abnormal smell. please rest assured that this is food grade silicone and BPA free. It is safe for you to boil water.