Backpacking can make you tired and hungry. Here are the basics for being able to cook a warm meal while on the trail.
1. Stove - There are many different types of camp stoves to choose from these days. The lightest often are those that screw onto the top of the power supply or have a small hose that runs from the burner to the power supply. When you go to the camping store to research which stove to buy, let the salesperson know what type of camping you do -- is it usually a multi-day trek or just one night at a time? Do you often camp during the cold weather months or only in the heat of summer? Are you most of your trips to windy locations or to areas where the skies usually are calm? Each of these questions helps your camping expert/salesperson assist you in choosing a stove that meets your needs. The butane fuel in canisters typically is much lighter than the propane tanks, if weight is a serious consideration.
2. Waterproof matches - Waterproof matches are a must for any camping trip. Since you never can tell if the rain will move in while you are out on the trail, it is a good idea to take waterproof matches rather than ordinary kitchen matches. It also is worth it to pack more than one pack of waterproof matches -- perhaps in two different areas of the backpack -- just to make sure you can light a flame on your stove (or a campfire) when you need to do so.
3. A multi-use pot - Most hikers prefer aluminum multi-use pots since they are very lightweight and can be used for boiling water, cooking packaged foods, and even eating out of when no plates are carried. The pot should be large enough to boil at least a few cups of water and should have a lid to assist in boiling and keeping food warm and bugs out.
3. Eating utensils - A fork and a spoon usually are all you need for a few days out in the woods since most foods are dry or do not necessitate cutting.
4. A knife - A multi-purpose knife is a great tool if you plan to be cooking on a camping trip. The knife can be used to open packages, smooth ground to make a flat surface for your stove, or even to carve simple utensils to eat with should you lose the ones you initially packed for use.
5. Trash bag - It is imperative to carry along a trash bag or two so that you can dispose of waste properly. While it is fun to cook in the backwoods, it is not fun for future hikers to come upon your empty packages and waste. Pack out all waste materials including packaging and used matches.
6. Biodegradable soap and a quick dry towel - The best cooking requires some clean up -- even when you are out camping. Be sure to use a small amount of soap in order to minimize your impact on the environment. A quick dry towel is invaluable for cleaning up and ensuring your pot and utensils will be ready for use the following day.
Finally, don't forget to pack more food than really is necessary. While you may not wish to pack on too much additional weight, it always is best to pack enough food for at least one extra day should your hike take longer than planned.
