Backpacking Food (Cook, No-Cook, Cold Soaking, Storage, Stoves, Cookware)

[@pmp521]

Oh no, I'm stuck in the wanderlust rabbit hole and can't get out. Help!

[@chandradexter6444]

Same....

[@jonathanarriaga696]

So has my wallet.

[@ILoveAnimation2]

Yup, at 23:35 pm at night😊

[@Bea_Strong]

Me too! In December 2020!

[@jarhead1221]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@susanrivard3959]

I think its funny that I do Housecleaning for an extra job and use my knowledge of light/ultralight backpacking skills to create an ultralight Cleaning Caddy that fits in my backpack. I dont own a car so I bus and walk and bike to work so I need everything to be lightweight, compact and paired down. I actually put cleaning solutions in miniature spray bottles and since i only do one house per day I have more than enough stuff to actually do a good job!! I even found a mop that comes apart in short pieces and takes up very little room in my pack LOL. Our Canadian winter has been fairly brutal this year so I've been adding trekking poles to the kit. Really enjoying your latest videos.

[@DR-bp1yu]

Do you think you could share a link where the mop can be purchased? Not for a job, but i did something similar in my house and car. I found that if I have a mini cleaning kit in each room/car, it tends to stay clean longer because my guys will clean up little messes as they happen, if the cleaning supplies are available and they don't have to go find them. It all fits in a small quart (yogurt) size bucket/box with a lid. I have a small dusting brush/pan, a wetex rag ( compact, absorbent and dries fast) a couple small spray bottles with my cleaning solutions, a tiny scrub brush ( usually for dishes) a stain treatment little travel bottle, a roll of dog collecting baggies with the dispenser and some baking soda in a small mayo jar. But I I would love to find a tiny mop too. This is just for essential, on the spot cleaning, really. I have a similar one for my pic nic/bush flying/camping kit. That one just has an additional cut off sponge/scrubby pad. Other than the wetex rag and bucket, it was all dollar store or homemade cleaning solution ( vinegar/soap) The Wetex rag is from www.wetexusa.com and the bucket was a reused quart yogurt container, the sturdy type.

[@susanrivard3959]

@@DR-bp1yu The mop is not great quality, but is useful in a pinch.....it was found in a doller store and never seen there again unfortunately. but they must exist elsewhere.

[@clxk3376]

I can’t wait to go on my first overnight backpacking trip this summer. Been watching Homemade Wanderlust for a year now, doing a lot of research, and I’m SO ready!!!!!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

CL XK Yayyy! I hope you have a wonderful time. Good on you for getting out there :)

[@davidwelsh1487]

yes.. go 4 it.. but keep it short and simple.

[@GavTatu]

so....did you ? !

[@davidwelsh1487]

@@GavTatu yip. with frz dry instant,,, foldyours.

[@davidwelsh1487]

yes !

[@jmannii]

This did not seem like a 20-minute video. It was so informative that it went by amazingly fast! Good info.

[@neemancallender9092]

I use cold soak as a prep for cooking I soak lentils and grain in the morning This cuts down the cook times to minimal in the evening This means i am eating real food

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

🤤

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

I do that too lol. I soak noodles in powdered seasoning in a ziplock bag (add water), at morning then by the time I'm cooking it's got a lot of flavour in already which means less cooking time :)

[@konagolden3397]

Yep, I do it with my dehydrated foods. Most often, I won't add water to dehydrated foods until mid afternoon so I'm not carrying that little bit extra water weight. Those couple hours finishing the days hike really helps the food rehydrate faster and I use less fuel.

[@joethegeographer]

Old fashioned oatmeal also works well.

[@viceb7]

Less cook time and still a warm meal, win win!

[@b2h316]

I use an MSR pocket rocket and it's an absolutely fantastic stove. I've never had a problem with it, and it boils water in a matter of minutes. The fuel canisters last so much longer than I ever thought they would, and hot coffee in the morning is an absolute game-changer.

[@PhilokaliaPhotography]

That's good to know! That's the stove that's on my wishlist!

[@B3D5X]

There’s an REI video about how many boils you can get out of those canisters. They estimate about 10 which is plenty for a weekend trip I reckon.

[@bikestang88]

@@B3D5X Oh, that's good to know! I use the MSR stove and love it. I was told once that I could check the fuel level by floating it in water, but that seems like a waste of water LOL

[@ianwatts7402]

Snow Peak also make an excellent trail stove.

[@reidsanford6276]

I'm a cold soaker. I'm 62 and not as fast as I used to be. So in order to get my 20 miles for the day, I can't take the time to cook. Knorr rice sides and Idahoan sides work well; pasta is a bit yucky. My soaking container is a peanut butter jar and my lexan spoon fits inside. Cold coffee in the morning is better than no coffee!

[@vitazissel3671]

Have you tried couscous? It's also easy to add spice to and dried fruits like raisins and apricots are traditionally added as well. Doesn't take much water, just enough to cover it and it keeps it's texture

[@evandickinson6393]

@@vitazissel3671 a little bit goes a surprisingly long way!! I got 3 lunches out of what was intended to be a single lunch. I've added tuna to the couscous as well, and it's very good, and very filling!

[@kimkremer8915]

Backcountry Foodie has a "cookbook" with recipes that can be cold soaked. It's been really helpful.

[@four-x-trading5606]

Here is a tip if you want pasta cook a big batch of noodles to last a few days just strain well and put in zip lock bag usually will last a few days this way I make different variety of pastas you can get creative also you can heat if you want hot but so much easier to just throw in some veggies sauces or meats However you like it :)

[@Mithreniel]

@@kimkremer8915 Thanks for the tip!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

19:00 "Some people like to do a bit better than that." It's those humble easygoing quips that make your vids extra fun, haha.

[@laurencouch1187]

I discovered your videos after my first section hike of the AT last June. I’ve spent almost a whole year binge watching all of your videos preparing for my next section hike this summer! I feel so much more prepared and ready because of you. I’m loving this new series so much!

[@jakobtob7350]

A good trick to hold your food cozy is to put it in your sleeping bag. So your food gets ready, you'll save fuel and your sleeping place is already preheated. I can guarantee you'll sleep like a German baby-engineer who is completely satisfied by so much efficiency.

[@nomisaax]

For the woodstove option, you can carry a little bag of dry pieces of wood that you can use if everything is wet. I have the Vargo titanium wood stove and I love it. I can get my hands and feat warm around it too (because I live in Quebec, aka snow dump). Awesome videos Dixie!!!

[@trexmobile1]

I use an Esbit Stove works well, I also like the Vargo products.

[@juliannaaka-babayega8941]

@@trexmobile1 Agreed; Been using an Esbit for the past 4 years on all my trips, so versatile!

[@davidmcmahan7534]

nomisaax I like the idea of wood but I think the whole state of California is fire free or am I wrong?

[@nomisaax]

@@davidmcmahan7534 I think you're right about Cali!

[@chriseidam7319]

I geel the same way about my Trail Designs Ti-Tri Caldera set. Incredible versitily for a little more weight and bulk, mostly bulk. But on a cold day of heavy rain, under a tarp, when you just want yo tske a zero and play cards, it is a soul-saver.

[@MountainFisher]

Back in my day there wasn't any 'no campfire' areas in the Sierra, so cooking was always an option. I carried a slab of bacon for frying everything plus bacon on my rice. I actually had a gasoline stove that ran off any kind of gas included leaded gas. Worked great and even worked as a candle in a summertime blizzard so we could read. It could burn for 8 hours on a tankful, but it did weigh 3 lbs. A pint of gas and a full tank lasted over a month.

[@lenkerr7485]

Hey Dixie.... Love your video series! I noticed that one thing you did not address with the stoves is that during fire season most alcohol and wood stoves are banned. Up here in the PNW we have had a few years of bad fires so paranoia is running rampant when it comes to fires and open flames. In fact year before last you were not even allowed to smoke outside of enclosed structures or vehicles in the National Forest or National Parks. So those that use non-self contained stoves need to be aware of that. Happy trails!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Len Kerr Yes! I should have mentioned this. Thank you for saying it.

[@jeffgreene1372]

Planning to go to High Peaks ADK and w high elevation camping in that area, they don't allow fires or alcohol stoves either. Not sure about certain "designated" areas, but we are planning to play it safe w a pocket stove. Still wish I didn't have that 8oz of gas weight

[@1LeggedAdventures]

@@jeffgreene1372 just remember that depending on the elevation and temps you may need an inverted gas stove with a heating element for it to work correctly. Not sure when you are doing this but something to consider.

[@Q2bFF]

That southern sneaks out every now and again

[@bdickinson6751]

LOL! Don't know why you'd want to use your moonshine for fuel? Spoken like a true Southerner!🤣

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

B Dickinson Guilty 😂

[@Um_im_ryan]

You mean spoken like a true sane person

[@bdickinson6751]

@@Um_im_ryan Yes, that as well!

[@TheInsomniaddict]

You bring the alcohol stove along to justify the moonshine, then you decide you don't feel like cooking that night.

[@bdickinson6751]

@@TheInsomniaddict 🤔Then you just cook yourself!😉

[@otxoawolf9054]

Those folding esbit stoves are worth mentioning. At least the fuel tabs which could be used as a back up in a wood or alcohol stove.

[@Vares65]

Really enjoying this series Dixie, some really useful info in these. We appreciate all the hard work you do making them!

[@michaelpenney3775]

Agree Totally I

[@andrewsmith2880]

No stove. I use MREs a lot and they have fireless heaters. If I want to boil water, I hang my stainless bottle over the fire or just put my mug on the coals.

[@lspthrattan]

Love watching these older videos; some rules don't change much over time, it's good to review. As for me, as someone who's old, out of shape and haven't been out there much (especially overnight) in literally decades, I plan to take way more food than necessary. If I have any left over at the end, fine. I'd rather have too much food than not enough--what if my silly old a$$ got lost? If I do, I'll still be fat when they find me! ;)

[@seakayaker1470]

Cold soaking for 3 season hiking is a no brainier if you’re ex military like me and not a ‘foodie’. But I have just switched to a Toaks alcohol cook system which weighs less than 200grams and gives me the option of hot drinks and the odd hot meal when it rains endlessly and/or the trail is hard on me; in addition to my cold soak. Thanks for the great videos.

[@redoutlander]

I find that gorp Is one of the best hiking snacks. It is usually a mix of nuts and dried fruit. Some people like to put in chocolate pieces like m&ms. Also added dry cereal and granola can be good. Just add what you like. It's a healthier and less expensive snack than candy bars and granola bars. When your over 35 and still hiking your body will thank you.

[@janetstarr9554]

Girl! You are really cranking those videos out!!!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

And they're so good!

[@whoodiestyle]

@@CarolynsRVLife never knew you were a subscriber here. Enjoy both Dixie and Carolyn

[@jimbosepicadventuresinc.8384]

Yea! Dixie everyday 😂!

[@WolverinStudio]

I was introduced to Hexamine stoves in my military days. Hexamine is a solid fuel tablet which provides good heat and is easy to light. The stove is often a small, folding, box stove in which a box of fuel is usually stored. As a civilian when I go camping, I often use the hexamine to simply start a small wood fire in the folding stove. Warning. Hexamine can burn with a pale flame and be difficult to see. I have also done a similar thing using an old Sterno stove; using the fuel gel to get a small wood fire going. Either way is pretty light weight, you use less of the actual fuel so you need not carry much, and you have a semi-contained fire and sturdy cooking platform.

[@Sarcasticbarber]

I think hot coffee is a mike drop argument for having a stove.

[@blonderoast3032]

And marshmallows.

[@kyleprotheroe4432]

Fire

[@serenityrahn5656]

or hot chocolate ... or hot ramen ... or hot oatmeal ... I'll eat almost anything as long as it's hot.

[@kimkremer8915]

It was for me, but then I realized it was taking me forever to get out of camp in the morning. I've gone stoveless since. But I have my morning "mocha" to start my day.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Humans learned to make fire for a reason!

[@thehikingrealtor6812]

Going without a stove is for Navy Seals and Army Rangers....the rest of us (almost all of us) are likely to bring a stove as it just makes the experience better and easier. Great video! Thanks for all the tips.

[@stevenbelow2502]

When cooking with aluminum just avoid cooking acidic foods like tomato sauce for extended periods.

[@karlkrzok4280]

I like the yoga studio look of this video! 😊 But seriously, love your videos, even someone like me that has been camping and hiking for 30 years can learn something, or at the very least be reminded of something I have forgotten. Keep it up!

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

A stove can be a hell of a fire starter in an emergency.

[@flatheadfletch]

I use the Solo stove Lite and 900 ml pot. Stove fits in pot with the provided bag and it doesn’t rattle. I use this stove because you can use so many different fuel types in it. You also never run out of fuel. Sticks are everywhere. However if you don’t want to sit their and feed sticks because it burns hot and fast, you can use match light charcoal. You light it and go strait to boiling water. No feeding 3 or for bricketts and you can boil and cook. Great stuff in the solo stove and bricketts are light. They will also fit in the stove while hiking. See my short little video on this stove !

[@JeremyTSims]

Stick stove here... 4oz total: stove and fuel for any length trip. Love it and will never go back! Emberlit Fireant titanium

[@christyhammer4000]

Hi! I’m not sure if you’ll see this but are you still using the stick stove? Also, have you had rainy weather and had to use wet sticks? Did it work well? Thanks!

[@escapetherace1943]

@@christyhammer4000 if bad weather's coming just carry the sticks you need if you know it will be hard to find them when you set up.... remember ur not carrying a fire's worth just a few oz to boil a can usually not a problem

[@JeremyTSims]

@@christyhammer4000 I am still using the stick stove, i have used it in rainy weather and it still works great, just need to be more careful collecting dryish fuel. I've also done most of my backpacking in the Smokey mountains (rainforest) so I'm used to collecting things in the rain. The insides of sticks are pretty dry unless they are sitting in a creek. I do carry an Esibt tablet as a backup just in case but have never used it (same one for the last 6 years).

[@knordberg]

I have an old coffee pot that I've had for over 40 years. Have new, lighter ones but it's so hard to let it go. Lots of good memories.

[@lisaray6493]

The Firebox ti rocks. Carry a few Esbit cubes just in case it’s pouring. There is something comforting about a fire and some hot coffee🥰

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Now there is a good idea carry Pellets for the rainy days .. I remember trying to cook pancakes on a canoe trip in the rain .. with wet wood

[@Dharma_Bum]

My grandparents cooked in the same old aluminium cookware for about 60 odd years. They both lived to be in their late 90’s. and they were both healthy until about a year before their respective deaths.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Your videos are so good! Thank you.

[@faviolaandaya1079]

Carolyn hi, I love your videos! From Anaheim California 😊💕💞💟👍

[@kylesmiley2227]

I was just looking this up yesterday for a bikepacking trip I am taking soon.

[@Heslip01]

The candle in the background looks crazy close to the wall lol

[@juliapatten572]

i thought this too. watched this right to the end, great segment, thank you

[@kerryforrest2182]

I have just replaced my old 3 kilo family-sized Trangia, with a 90 gram Optimus Crux and titanium pot with its own cozy. Really looking forward to my next overnight hike. While I love the idea of your wood fire, they would not be allowed on most walks here in Tasmania. You would also not be able to gather twigs to use in it. Also something to note: the longer you spend cooking, the more chance of falling victim to a drop bear!!!

[@mon0railbredpig]

10:18 You can measure the amount of fuel left in the canister by putting the canister in a bucket of water and seeing how much it floats.

[@libettrick]

You are awesome, very thoughtful and well laid out presentation!

[@Puckelf4923]

In australia we just carry a peice of thin seasond sheet metal .. few hours and the sun and its bbq time.

[@chriseidam7319]

You can make a sun oven out of Reflectix, too.

[@naturegirl92584]

That is good if you like hanging out in a hot sunny place midday. ...but cooking for hours while trying to get somewhere?

[@CommissionerManu]

Bethie Bee that’s why we pre heat the metal by strapping it to the top of our pack, to catch the sun while on the move

[@DeeMoback]

@@naturegirl92584 exactly

[@Puckelf4923]

I didnt think id have to repost here, but its a joke people "dry aussie sence of hummer about how damn hot it gets here" (i see 2 people did get the joke n carry it forward thou, cheers)

[@lvtiguy226]

Hey Dixie! My wife and I encountered a really interesting food hanging set up in the Belly River area of GNP. The campground was notorious for flying squirrels, so the NPS had set up a horizontal pipe, about 12 ft off the ground, with 5 gallon buckets that had heavy rubber band through the lid to keep the incredibly smart squirrels from opening them. This is too much to carry for backpacking, but if you hike in NPS or NFS areas long enough, you are likely to find one of these set ups at your campsite area. Users note: our food was safe in the bucket set up. - Thank you GNP rangers.

[@viveviveka2651]

Thank you for your excellent videos. Since you asked about the charms of cooking-free, and I've gone cooking-free quite a bit, and like it, here goes: If you calculate the extra time you spend cooking, or the time saved by not cooking, it is impressive, especially over months, years, or decades. One key is to expand the possibilities, and to find enough no-cook foods that you actually enjoy. Also, you can adapt your taste. I now genuinely enjoy many simple foods. Before, they had to be much less subtle, or much more strongly flavored. You naturally adapt. Less salt, for example: at first it seemed too bland, but now that has changed for me. Now "normal" levels of salt seem too salty. Similar is sugar or sweeteners. Check the bins at a large natural foods stores for new things to try. And check ideas on the internet, including gorp recipes. Sesame seeds mixed with honey, or even just plain - I really enjoy eating them. Good, well designed portion-pack zipper lock bags are great. I really like the ones from Winco Foods. They are vertical rather than horizontal, and have measurement markings. Asian food markets can be worth exploring. I really like roasted edamame (I get them at Winco, though, in the bulk section. They also have excellent bulk sunflower seeds, raw, roasted and unsalted (I love those), and roasted and salted. Also various types of bulk oats, good for muesli, among other things in bulk - like dried cherries, figs, dates, various types of honey, all kinds of granolas (the peanut butter one is great), cereals, flax seeds, dried okra (better than it might sound), and much more - all at excellent prices. I have no affiliation, by the way, I just like them, and like that they are employee owned. Good natural foods co-ops are similar, and good, but usually lack the wider range). You can also learn to cook occasionally with just a fire, no pots to carry or clean or get sooty. Bread dough rolled and wrapped on a stick, for example. You can buy flour and baking powder for this, or a ready-to-go mix (at Winco or elsewhere). And there are other things you can do with a fire and no pots. Kabobs, roasted corn... More online. The 'need' for hot food is largely autosuggestion, I have found, and one can take other courses. Or mix a little in if one likes. Cooking-free can be excellent. I enjoy it, and don't feel deprived if I don't think along those lines.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Vive Viveka Thank you so much for the input and suggestions! I agree Asian food markets have great treasures 😃

[@arlenekufchock1394]

@@HomemadeWanderlust Yes, Asian food markets have bean noodles which are gluten free, in so many varied forms. I'm experimenting no-cook at home to time the soak so its texture is just right. No need to soak all day.

[@bradlarge1]

If you are thru hiking, by all means (I haven't done it so no idea and no judgement!) you might need hot coffee and warm meals. touchè. However, I get out in the woods to rejuvenate, think, clear my head and surround myself with natural beauty. So, not taking a stove and fuel means it's one less thing I care about, and I eat nut butters, beef jerky, trail mixes and greenbelly meals mostly (super filling and DELICIOUS). It makes getting back home or to the lodge that much nicer. We don't backpack to recreate an experience, we backpack to create or force a new experience...plus it is another expense avoided. I can use my weight to carry way comfier sleeping gear!

[@jenniferk3286]

I always carry a stove because I really like my hot coffee in the mornings. It's a big morale booster for me, even in the summer. I would carry my stove just so I can make coffee. But since I do carry it, might as well have a nice warm dinner at the end of the day. Cold soaking, in my opinion, tastes terrible. Think cold mushy food. You will still be able to get your calories but it won't be enjoyable. The only exception. I have found to this is oatmeal. In the summertime, cold soaked oatmeal can be pretty good.

[@shootermcmillan]

Agree completely.....gotta have a stove, but then Dixie thinks backpack meals are tasty so, maybe that won't matter. I'm a foodie, I've spent a fortune trying dozens of backpack meals. Different brands, different types of foods. I've found NONE that are palatable, all have the consistency of canned dog food that has been microwaved and most don't smell any better either. I prefer to get creative with rice mixes, noodles mixes etc. Food is one of the simple pleasures in life. Mind you I do short trips , I'm no through hiker but I'll take the weight to have decent food. It's supposed to be fun....not practice for an apocalypse!

[@andresl8201]

Hi, here i use the svea 123 r stove, its heavy and use white gasolin but its the best, you can use in altitude and works every time,, its not cheap but its for live if you like the old school montain hiking, i simply love it, cheers from Sweden.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Stoveless, I don't think I could ever do. Even on the hottest days in a Tennessee summer i'm eating a hot meal at night. One method of cooking you didn't touch on was freezer bag cooking. A method I use in the AM because i'm usually eating oatmeal and I hate cleaning up oatmeal. Methods, stove types, pot size & material are for the most part personal preference. I've been thru 8 different pots and 3 different pot materials. I settled on a 10cm Imusa aluminum mug with a Batchstove lid. At $16 shipped to my door it's also one of my cheapest kits and the weight is reasonable. I can cook a bag of Knors Sides, a 4.5 oz can of chicken & a quarter cup of shredded cheese in that size pot, which fills my belly at the end of the day.

[@pilotlang1]

Wood stoves rock! And YES you can control the flame but you must practice and be patient

[@darlacederberg5163]

Dixie, this is my first time to comment. I've been listening to you for about 1 year or 1.5 now. I've gone on my first big hike and loved it, but I want to express to you my gratitude for the MANY tips and wisdom you have shared. It's made a huge difference! Keep on hiking!!! Darla

[@briggsgroves5961]

Awesome job on LNT Dixie. “Wash your cook pot at least 100 yards from a water source.”

[@michelangelodoyle8176]

Hey Dixie Just a note... alcohol and wood burning stoves should be avoided on the PCT because of fire potential. In some areas they are banned completely. Not a problem on the AT.

[@cliffdiver8386]

I don't carry a stove, just a cup and fire starter device, usually a bic lighter but ferro as a backup. It costs me time to find wood and dig a little hole, but I'm not a mile junky so I don't mind. In wet days I sometimes regret the weight cut.

[@nicadube]

I am so happy I found you. You have so many interesting tips that have quelled many of my personal debates with myself. Thank you for all of this! Love watching your videos, I too am in a deep deep rabbit hole!

[@Mike-oz4cv]

Sand is great for cleaning non-stick pots and pans. I’m surprised how little Dixie actually cooks. But maybe that’s because she has few opportunities to buy fresh stuff? Some meals my girlfriend and I cook when (bicycle) camping: • Porridge with eggs (carry oatmeal and dried fruit separately so you can snack on them) • Scrambled eggs (also great with bananas or apples) • Pasta with vegetables and lots of cheese • Sausages (wieners) • Quinoa with vegetables • Beans with chickpeas and corn (usually only sold in heavy cans filled with water, put into plastic bags immediately after buying) And remember, everything is better with parmesan, garlic, onions, herbs and salt.

[@Boodieman72]

Fresh food is always better despite the weight. First, you will eat it and second its way better for you and calories alone doesn't mean as much as proper nutrition.

[@whoodiestyle]

100% agree I carry fruit and veggies out with me cause I'm sick literally from these bars and all this processed food is so unhealthy for you.

[@petekeener8943]

I do go stoveless in the summer time but as I too have to have my coffee, I use Starbucks Via coffee and just mix it in some cold water. LOL, still get my caffeine and really don't need hot when out in summer in this Southern area. Packet Gourmet has some great no cook dinners too.

[@thewaitingape]

Would love to see a video about food spoilage. I've seen on your videos you eating what appear to be cold cut sandwiches. How long does that last without refridgeration? What about cured meats once opened along with hard cheeses.

[@btv2139]

I love to snack on dehydrated cheese (homemade), sultanas and jerky. Nice little kick of protein and sugar. If I can’t be bothered boiling water it also works for dinner too. I love my morning coffee so the BioLite comes with when on Adventure riders as I can use sticks, bark and anything else I can burn without needing to bring canisters of fuel. Don’t think I’d like the weight or bulk though on a through hike so will definitely considering other options.

[@gcabinet]

Absolutely LOVE your southern accent, I'm from the South and it reminds me of home! My wife sounds the same; Riiiiiice!

[@eramosat]

The very very basic dry light-weight stuff for people who're happy to actually cook at breakfast and dinner. Pancakes. Dry cereal. Milk powder. Peanut butter and honey and pita is lunch. GORP is snack. Pasta. Pesto. Dried soup mix. And lots of tea, coffee and powdered fruit juice,.

[@bdickinson6751]

You are becoming a veritable walking, talking, "hiking encyclopedia" ! As always, thanks for the information. Oh.............and one more thing. What the heck are you doing inside?🤔

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

B Dickinson Sometimes videos have to be made even when there’s only moonshine and no sunshine 😕

[@billb5732]

Peanut butter and summer sausage. Nice!

[@RiverWulfOntheRoad]

You'll get no such argument from me! Give me my stove, or give me death lol I do cold soak and no cook from time to time, especially when it's hot out. But if I don't have hot coffee in the morning, anybody around me would probably rather encounter a grizz and her cub. And if it's cold out, nothing beats a hot meal before bed.

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

I know that my first hiking food will be instant noodles, I just want to learn how to use a fuel can stove... And I'm glad we don't have to worry about bears in Australia... just everything else...

[@awksedgreep]

It’s worth noting that those sacks your pots often come in(orange for toaks) are great cozies. This could save you the step of making a reflectix cozie.

[@stephenovregaard3516]

I use a biolite campstove 2 and its kettle pot while camping when there is no fire ban. On the plus side is, it will produce up to 3 watts of power to charge your devices. Con side is the weight and noise from the fan.

[@marcjohnson4385]

DIXIE are there still stops on trail or do you have to bring your own shine

[@kdavis4910]

I saw some amazing footage earlier today where a momma bear was going after a bear bag and she shimmied her 3 cubs up the tree behind her and proceeded to teach all 3 cubs how to get down the bag. They actually did it and it was hung via 2 trees. These were black bears. I couldn't believe my eyes. Fed bears are dead bears eventually.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I rarely carry a stove in typical 3 season backpacking. In short, I'm lazy. After a long day of hiking the peaks I do not want to cook. Heck, I don't like cooking in the regular world. For coffee I mix 2 Starbucks Via with 2 Carnation instant breakfast, vanilla or chocolate and I get my coffee and breakfast quickly to go. I have fibromyalgia and it can be tough for me to motivate myself on the morning. I am a huge hot coffee girl at home, but I don't miss it on the trail. For lunches or dinners I do wraps, pb and beef jerky, trail mix, meal bars, tuna with mayo packs or whatever else that sounds good. I don’t even cold soak. It’s just easy and works for me. I don’t think I save any weight by not cooking. It’s just a convenience issue for me.

[@JuicyFruityify]

Thank you for your detail. Very useful info.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@JuicyFruityify my pleasure

[@petersherman2552]

You work so hard at your channel. Way to go! Spork Spork Spork Spork, sporkity Spork, sporkity Spork!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

Although I cook breakfast and dinner when backpacking, I don't have any dirty pots to clean. That's because I just boil water and add the boiled water to a zip lock freezer bag of my food. Such freezer bags were not mentioned in this video and they are a mainstay of my cooked meals. No simmering needed. That's because I package oatmeal and even repackage freeze-dried meals in them. I get 2 separate meals out of standard freeze-dried meals, but only if I split the contents ahead of time (Duh!). I spike freeze-dried meals with 3 ounces of foil-bagged chicken, beef, or tuna, too. It is a small weight cost, but a big taste improvement. Holding the hot/warm freezer bag of a cooked meal really warms up the hands on cold mornings and evenings, too! :) Plus placing one's spoon in the boiled water to help pour/transfer the water to the freezer bag and keeping the spoon in the hot freezer bag helps sterilize one's spoon. Use the freezer bag after eating to pack out your used toilet paper and spit out your toothpaste into the freezer bag instead of spitting on the ground, rocks, and plants around your camp.

[@esthershankula6760]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try that. Didn't know freezer ziplock bags could tolerate boiling water.

[@michelangelodoyle8176]

Wonderful idea on the toothpaste. I use baking soda when in bear country but like your idea better.

[@MrLightPanda]

I just started experimenting with freezer bags. Vacuum seal bags like Foodsaver bags work too. I make a bag-cozy out of Reflectix (or car shade roll up thingy). I love the freezer bag cooking method. Food rehydrates great and stays hot for a long time. I know there’s pros and cons to everything but I’m very happy with the results.

[@hisandherscoaching]

Esther Shankula i use them all the time (I pour boiling water into them) the quart size are strong and the right size. practically no cost and like someone else mentioned, can be used to store trash. our favorite thing is angel hair pasta. also practically no cost, and because it’s thin, it rehydrates in 10-20 minutes like the expensive backpack meals.

[@markturner4639]

Regarding alcohol stoves, during burn bans they are not allowed here in CO (Esbit would not be either) because your stove needs an off switch. I have one and like it a lot, but butane is about the only choice when the bans are active in the summer, and I've seen enough fires here that I've become sympathetic to the rules.

[@jonfisher9214]

Would the simmer ring of a Trangia not be regarded as an "off switch" in areas that require one? I normally drop the closed simmer ring on to the alcohol burner when I finish cooking.

[@markturner4639]

@@jonfisher9214 No dice during fire bans in CO, you pretty much have to have butane or white gas. It was some years ago, but search "Hewlett fire alcohol stove" for example.

[@stevecook413]

Coffee ....Hot...Stove Good

[@davidmcmahan7534]

Steve Cook fire GOOD!

[@seakayaker1470]

Steve Cook cold water......bottle.......coffee.....good!

[@robertname9618]

simplicity ,is a good thing ,look how simple animals are. summer sausage ,crackers, sometimes that beef & gravy from Brazil . [ bicycle half way cross U.S.].

[@vo1pwf]

I find at the end of the day your tired sore etc and nothing makes me perk up like a warm meal....reminds me of eating at home

[@TimothyShaw]

Being a Tupperware husband, there is a huge difference between the Glad tossable storage containers and real Tupperware. I wouldn't suggest legit Tupperware for trail hiking because it is usually heavier for durability and costlier which may not be worth the risk of ruining. I heard that Chinese take out containers work great for short trips as a bowl.

[@RobFomenko]

If I were 20 again, and thru hiking with my goal being to put on a lot of miles per day, then yeah, no stove. But I am older, therefore wiser, and know that a hot drink, hot meal is important in not only my mental health, but in physical health as well. I have used alcohol, tablets, wood, gas, gasoline, etc. I have made my own beer can alcohol stoves, and have several gas and gasoline stoves, including multi fuel ones. And in both summer, and winter backpacking. I prefer the gas stove for convenience but would not want that on a thru hike, or one more than 5-7 days. Multifuel is great for winter. Summer, the alcohol stove is hard to beat, and I have a titanium one that fits in a titanium cage that can also server as a wood stove. Best of both worlds. So it depends on what your trying to accomplish on the trail. Me I want to spend time outdoors, put some miles on my shoes, and have a enjoyable experience outdoors, and for that a good meal at the end of the day is important. As usual your videos are very good, thanks.

[@markprice1614]

Once a friend and I were caught in a horrible early March rain/cold/ miserable trip and a tiny camp stove kept us from severe hypothermia. I won't leave home without my stove and (too much) fuel. Not always about cooking.

[@b2h316]

Mine is always in my car with a couple of Backpacker meals when it's not being used. Definitely a good piece of survival gear

[@chriseidam7319]

I strongly suggest you check out a gassifying wood stove that optionally uses Isbit and alcohol. Much lighter than carrying a bunchnof cannistets. I use a Trail Design in titanium, some love Bushmasters, and really, they all have their pros and cons. Being able to burn wood is huge in cold, lousy weather. Goes well with a DIY silnylon tarp and cord, and a bear cannister, Heliox chair or Thermatest Zseat for sitting and a deck of miniture playing cards.

[@ladyscarfaceangel4616]

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this series. I’m planning my first backpacking trip very soon. It’ll be a small 2-3 day hike, but I’m still nervous about it. I’m so happy you decided to upload this series the way you did. There’s a lot of gear I have to purchase. I know you mentioned a Facebook page to buy used gear, but is there anywhere else to look for used gear if someone doesn’t have Facebook or a social media account? My KZbin account is all I have, & it’s all I want to be honest. I never was into FB or Twitter.

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

REI is a neat store. Not inexpensive but they explain the finest details for you, and measure you. (Like a personal Dixie :) ) REI Garage sales are once in a while where they sell used gear. this week their having a big sale.

[@jefferysullivan8923]

Well covered topic! Thanks so much! I carry different cook sets depending on where I'm hiking/camping and you hit them all.

[@kitt080863]

I like using moonshine as fuel so I have a choice warm my belly with hot food or warm my belly with a little shine! If you have a friend that makes it, shine is cheap!!

[@joevogle]

Thank you Dixie for this series! Always great info 😃

[@Quentin217]

My favourite kind of back pack cooking pot is a re-purposed fruit can with dual opposing holes punched into the rim with a hammer and a nail. A length of coat hanger wire I loop over the top from one hole to another serves as a bail. The beauty of it is that it is very cheap to make and can be trashed after use rather than scrubbed of soot. I like to keep mine in a plastic bread back to keep soot from blackening other freight in my pack. I would start out with a couple of cans of Sterno in the can. The Sterno stove folds flat. It is a very safe fuel and can also be used to light a fire with wet wood. Sterno was used a lot during the Great Depression. For much of my food I would use instant mashed potatoes, Rice A Roni, and instant stuffing mix. Carry tubbed margarine and keep the tub sealed for to prevent leakage. I would also carry a 12-foot roll of one-foot wide aluminium foil for cooking meat and for steaming fish. Smear shortening or margarine over the shiny side touching the foil and wrap the food up in three or four layers. I put a 12-inch taper candle inside the core of the roll of foil. Such is a good employment of what would otherwise be empty space, and the foil roll protects the candle against breakage.

[@LJHowardPhoto]

I prefer to carry a 500ml/16 oz widemouth Nalgene bottle to put my coffee in - it's like a small version of their water bottle. It's a little heavier than a Titanium mug or Dixie's collapsible mug but it has several advantages. First, the screwtop lid makes it spill proof. I never have to worry about spilling my drink or kicking it over when I set it on the ground. I can even carry it with me on the trail. Second, the bottle is a better insulator so my coffee stays hotter longer and I don't burn myself trying to drink from a metal cup. Third, it has markings on the side for measuring water. And, fourth, when empty I can use it to carry water. I guess this is one of my luxury items since I don't really need it and there are lighter options available but the convenience makes it worthwhile to me.

[@lampshaderoof]

Haha, I take a light double-walled travel mug that lives in a pouch on my hip belt. My coffee stays hot a long time and then I put water in it. At night - hot tea.

[@LJHowardPhoto]

@@lampshaderoof I have a collection of Cantigo mugs that I love and use them in the car every day. They keep coffee drinkably hot for hours and I love 'em. But they are considerably heavier than the Nalgene water bottle. The Cantigo would be another good 'luxury item' for many of us.

[@lampshaderoof]

@@LJHowardPhoto Agreed. Just having a Nalgene is luxury according to some. The mug I take is plastic double-walled, so not too bad. It's a compromise as I normally avoid drinking hot liquids out of plastic.

[@richardross7219]

Another great video. I carry my old army canteen setup which includes a stove that fits onto the canteen cup. A trioxane tablet heats a pint of water in about 7 minutes. When the temps are below 60*, I add twigs to the burning tablet to get more heat out of it. Three tea light candles will also work. To save weight, I have been looking at the cup and stove that nest onto a Nalgene bottle. Thanks for the lesson. Good Luck, Rick

[@otxoawolf9054]

To answer your question I mist often just cook on an open fire bushcraft style. Of course when no fire bans are in place.

[@booderbean]

I use my jet boil. I love it! It boils water so fast. Also it is lightweight and i know i will have a hot meal if its been raining and all the wood for a campfire is soaked.

[@fourdogstoveco]

Thanks great info.

[@bobbyharper8710]

For a stove I bring a Fancy Feast can with a shortened tomato paste can sitting inside with a wrap of carbon felt for a wick. The wick can absorb all the alcohol soon as you pour it in making it somewhat spill proof.

[@tittiger]

Have gotten into multi days fasts this year. At home not while hiking... Wondering how different fasting modalities would work for hiking? Say eating a high fat moderate protein meal once a day. It might help if put your body in nutritional ketosis before you leave home. BTW I do like the no-cooking concept a lot. Will Have to play around with that idea. Thanks for suggesting it.:-)

[@NotenoughtTea]

Sand works really well for cleaning utensils. Just make sure your pots don't have some kind of protective layer or you'll scratch it off

[@vincentvega5686]

yup, I use sand if available at the campsite to clean pots and utensils. i started doing that after seeing it in an old cowboy movie. lol

[@jamesmartin7282]

We used to do that, but not on aluminum, stainless steel only.

[@Simple_But_Expensive]

The latest rules in California: 1) wood or charcoal fires are almost always illegal outside of fire rings in drive in type campgrounds. 2) propane and butane fuel canisters can no longer be purchased in California. Existing stocks may be used, but once they are gone, that is it. 3) for some reason, solid fuel tabs (hexamine) are banned. 4) alcohol stoves are banned. (They spill). 5) gel stoves (sterno) are not banned yet, but are pretty much useless (about 1 lb to boil 1 cup of water at sea level, 2lb at altitude). Stoveless and cold soak seems to be all that is left. I used to go up on the PCT every year. Not worth it now.

[@horizontaal]

It didn’t really realize that you can hike without a stove. I feel liberated now 🤠

[@ColdCaseGear]

Overnight oats are a staple camp food for us here at Cold Case Gear.

[@pbanthonyv]

Finally answering the ever so popular question of "What did you eat?!"

[@JlkKlj321]

Animals with backpacks on, interesting?.? Awesome broadcast DIXIE 👍🏽❕❕❕

[@xenocide1307]

Anytime you talk about cooking fires you need to immediately add the caveat where applicable. Not every place you can hike and camp permits cooking fires, so it's important to inform people that they need to be fully aware of restrictions and plan accordingly. (Also: "Good Moonshine" lol)

[@chriseidam7319]

I carry a wood stoves that slso burns alcohol and Isbit for that reason.

[@EspenFrafalne]

I like alcohol stoves as they are much more lightweight and takes much less room than a gas canister. They also use less fuel, so half a liter will last a substantial amount of time. Dont feel like i need adjustable heat unless i am cooking "big" pieces of meat, like pork chops or hamburgers. But you could just cut out the bottom of an aluminum pot, and use this as a layer between the heatsource and the frying pan. Should at least help a little to spread out the heat more evenly, and make it more ideal for frying meat, or boiling things on a lower temperature...

[@gfd7469]

Wow, the lighting and background one this video is next level👍

[@stanruud7253]

Thanks for all the great info.

[@squishyfaceguy]

Can you make a video about how your family and friends took it when you started thru hiking? Were they all super worried? My family is freaking out because I'm going to do a thru hike and it's not great.

[@norman9274]

Just give them a link to Dixie's page.

[@overweighthikerwannabe901]

My mom insists she's going to co with me when I'm ready to go. Nice, but I'll probably need to carry most of her gear. Plus she doesn't want us to do the whole trail.

[@blulegos]

My 1st recommendation would be a Garmin Inreach. It’s a SOS beacon and 2 way text messaging device (cell service is a shot in the dark). This helps my family because I can check in when I arrive at camp & before I leave.You’d be amazed where you can find fellow hikers. Check out meet up and Facebook groups. Put the word out to friends, you never know where you may a thru hiking buddy. Also maybe a dog would make them feel better. Good luck and don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams!

[@anitavaughn1968]

If i ever actually do a thru hike, I'm not telling my family.

[@znovosad555]

You just gotta start living your life. I've let my life be anchored to home and when I dont get the time I need to myself I get stressed and my mind gets all unorganized. I've been doing more and more myself and just doing what I love doing. If I want to go fishing, I go fishing. If i want to go for a hike i go for a hike. If i want to go kayaking, i go kayaking. Just do you man. Worrying is natural but just update them. That's all and tell them its soemthing you need to do.

[@anonyymikana206]

Alcohol stoves, at least quality Trangia ones, have a lid that can be put over the fire to control the flame size, so you can control the flame in alcohol stoves.