One of the most enjoyable things when hiking is cooking. You burn a lot of calories walking up and down mountains and so you need to eat a lot of calories. If you watch your weight, as most of us are these days, not having to count calories is a great feeling. As we mentioned in bringing food, weight is a big factor. And, food has a lot of water weight in it. So dried goods like packages of soup are great.
This brings up the challenge of boiling water. Wood fires are fun and romantic but if you have ever been hungry and waiting for water to boil over a wood fire so that you can eat you know they are not the best way. They sell little metal boxes that fold up like a mini wood stove that improve the efficiency of wood fires. I have not used one, but the principle is sound. Containing the wood fire will increase the efficiency.
If you do use a wood fire, please been very careful. A wood fire, if not in an established fireplace, will heat up the ground. The ground will hold that heat for days. I have seen a strong wind re-ignite a fire that was put out with water three days ago and start a forest fire. So, don’t underestimate the danger of wood fires.
Other types of camp stoves are also available. I have used the propane and white gas types. The propane is very convenient but I have found it is not as hot as the white gas nor is the fuel as dense. I ended up using the white gas stoves. They are a little tricky to start sometimes but once you get it going it works well. You also need to be very careful with the gas. These are for cooking and should be used in well-ventilated areas. I do not suggest using it in a tent or thinking it will help you keep warm.
Be aware that, as it gets colder, camp stoves are less effective. Also, you need to find a place sheltered from the wind. But a nice hot cooked meal on the trail can be a real treat. Remember to clean yourself and pans very well when done or you can attract animals. I suggest storing your cooking pots outside your pack and away from you overnight even if you think it is clean.
Next issue we will discuss rain gear, the value of Gortex, and why you need it.
