Backcountry cooking refers to the preparation of meals in remote or wilderness settings, typically away from established kitchens or facilities. It involves using lightweight and portable cooking gear such as camp stoves, portable grills, or even open fires to prepare meals while hiking, camping, or backpacking in remote areas.
When it comes to backcountry cooking, ingredients are often chosen for their durability, weight, and ease of preparation. Also, the cooking methods are adapted to suit the outdoor environment, making it possible to enjoy nourishing meals even in the midst of nature.
But, what should you cook? What foods are best to bring with you on a trip outdoors? We’re here to bring you some useful tips and easy to prep meals for cooking away from modern kitchen tech.
Essential Gear and Equipment for Backcountry Cooking
Lightweight and Portable Cooking Gear
Backcountry cooking demands gear that’s lightweight, compact, and durable. Opt for gear that won’t weigh you down during hikes yet offers efficiency during meal preparation. This includes portable stoves, collapsible cookware, and multipurpose utensils designed explicitly for outdoor use.
Types of Stoves, Cookware, and Utensils
- Stoves: Consider options like compact canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, or ultralight wood-burning stoves based on fuel availability and convenience.
- Cookware: Look for nesting pots and pans, lightweight aluminum or titanium options, or durable non-stick materials to ensure easy cooking and cleaning.
- Utensils: Choose multipurpose utensils such as foldable sporks, spatulas, or cooking tongs to reduce the number of items without compromising functionality.
Considerations for Gear Selection
The choice of gear should align with the specifics of your trip—duration, the number of people, and the terrain. Longer trips might require more fuel or larger cooking capacities. Larger groups might necessitate bigger cookware sets, while rugged terrains might call for more robust gear to withstand harsh conditions. Prioritize gear that balances functionality with weight and space efficiency.
Meal Planning and Preparation
Meal planning before embarking on a backcountry trip is crucial for a successful outdoor cooking experience.
Pre-trip Meal Planning Tips
Selecting appropriate meals and ingredients involves considering factors such as nutritional value, weight, and ease of preparation. Opt for dehydrated or freeze-dried meals that are lightweight, requiring minimal cooking, or plan DIY meals that include simple, quick-to-cook components.
Considerations for Food Items
Distinguish between perishable and non-perishable food items. Perishables like fresh produce, meats, and dairy are suitable for shorter trips or initial days of longer trips. Non-perishables, including dehydrated meals, canned goods, and dried fruits, remain viable for extended periods and weigh less.
Strategies for Efficiency
Strategize to reduce weight and space while maximizing nutrition. Repackage food into smaller portions to avoid carrying excess weight. Opt for multipurpose ingredients that serve multiple meals and aim for high-nutrient, calorie-dense foods to maintain energy levels.
Cooking Methods and Techniques
Understanding various cooking methods and techniques is essential for efficient backcountry cooking.
Backcountry cooking involves diverse methods like boiling, frying, dehydrating, and more. Boiling is efficient for rehydrating dehydrated meals, while frying requires less water but more fuel. Dehydrating food extends its shelf life, reducing weight and maximizing space.
Safety and Responsibility
Practice fire safety and responsible cooking in natural environments. Always adhere to park regulations regarding fires and stove usage. Choose designated cooking areas and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving. Employ windshields for stoves to prevent accidents and wildfires.
Hacks and Improvisations
Learn practical hacks and improvisations for outdoor meals. Use foil pouches for cooking, turn a can into a stove, or employ natural elements like rocks as cooking surfaces. Experiment with makeshift utensils or cooking vessels to adapt to unexpected situations.
