BackCountry Cuisine 2018 · 2019. 11. 14. · Backcountry Cuisine By Dustin Dawson 2018 Edition. 1 When I was 16 I lead my ﬁrst backpacking trip. I was an eager and excited boy

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Backcountry Cuisine

By

Dustin Dawson

2018 Edition

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WhenIwas16Ileadmyfirstbackpackingtrip.Iwasaneagerandexcitedboyscoutpatrolleaderandwantedtoimpresseveryone.Thecampsitesweregreat,thehikingwaseasy,thelakewasrefreshingaAeralongdayofhiking.Onlyoneproblem…Ididn’tbringenoughfood.MyporFonsweretoosmallandthefoodwasbland.ItdoesnotreallymaGerhowgreateverythingelseisonatrip,ifeveryoneishungry.ThattripinsFlledadrivetoalwayshavetoomuchfoodandtomakeitastastyaspossible.OvertheyearsIfoundmealsIlikedandgotknownasa“greatcook”onthetrail.Fastforward3yearsandIamtakingmyfirstweeklongtrip.Mymealsweregood,butIonlyhadtwodinnersIlikedandone

“amazing”breakfast.Theamazingbreakfastofoatmealanddriedappleswithlotsofsugarsoonbecame“notthisstuffagain”.Eventhebestmealsgetoldonthetrail.

WhileincollegeIdiscoveredthatyoucouldbakeinthebackcountry!Whilethegearwasheavyandtooklongertomakethanonepotmeals,IwouldoAenbringmy“oven”outonthetrailandimpresspeoplewithmypizzaandcakes.FreshbakedapplepieontherimoftheGrandCanyonatsunset,unforgeGable.AstheyearswentonIgatheredmorecookbooksandimprovedmyskills.Ifoundevenmorerecipesthattastedgreatonthetrail.ThemoreinteresFngIgot

thelongerittooktoprepforthosemeals.

WhenIwasaskedbybybestfriendMichaelStrongifIwouldbeinterestedinteachingabackcountrycookingclassforhisprogramIjumpedatthechance.Now,fiveyearslater,IamwriFngthisbook,makingvideosandeaFngthebestfoodIhaveeverhadwhilebackpacking.EachyearIlearnaboutnewrecipeideaslightweightfoodsfrommystudents.IthasbeenafunrideandIlookforwardtomanymoreadventures.

Introduction

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TableofContentsSec$on1:Everythingexcepttherecipes 3...........................................

CampSafety 4................................................................................................................Howtocookandstorefoodinawaythatdoesnotdamagetheecosystem.

Cookinggear 9...............................................................................................................Stoves,PotsandPans,CoziesandUltralightcooksystems.

MealPlanningandPreparaFon 17...................................................................................HowdoIplanmyfoodforatrip?

ThePantryMethod 20.....................................................................................................Thefastestwaytopreparemealsforthebackcountry.

DehydraFngFood 25........................................................................................................TheverybasicsofdehydraFngfood.

Sec$on2:Recipes 27.............................................................................

BreakfastRecipes 28........................................................................................................

Lunch/Snack/NoCookRecipes 29....................................................................................

DinnerRecipes 32............................................................................................................

PowderedSauceRecipes 39.............................................................................................

Sec$on3:BakingintheBackcountry 45..................................................

BakingTechniques 46........................................................................................................

BakingEquipment 48.......................................................................................................

BakingRecipes 50.............................................................................................................

SavoryQuickBreads 52....................................................................................................

SweetQuickBreads 57.....................................................................................................

YeastBreads 61................................................................................................................

Sec$on4:Resources 63..........................................................................

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Section 1

Everything Except the RecipesWhatelsedoyoucallthesecFonthathasleavenotraceethics,geartalk,andmyfamouspantrymethodoffoodpreparaFon?Okay,famousisabitstrong.Howabout“ThefastestandeasiestwaytoprepfoodforanouFng”?IthastotallychangedmypreparaFonforouFngs.Itusedtotakehours,nowittakesminutes.Soundlikeasalespitch?Well,itkindofis.Iintendtogetfilthyrichoffofthisidea.

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CampSafetyandLowImpactCookingWhenIgooutintothewildernessthelastthingIwanttoseewhenIrollintocampisfoodandgarbagescaGeredaround.Myfavoritesiteshavenoevidenceatallofhumans,itjustsohappensthatthereisaflat,rockfreespotformetoputupmytent.Howconvenient!Sohowdoweensurethatwhenweleavecamp,thenextgrouptofollowusfeelsthatsenseofwildernessasmuchaspossible?

ShouldIleavefoodfortheanimals?

Letusbeginwithmybiggestpetpeeveaboutfoodwasteinthebackcountry.OrangeandBananapeels.Yes,orangeandbananapeelsarebiodegradable,buthowlongdoesittakeforthemto“biodegrade”?OrangeshaveahighcitricacidcontentinthepeelandthatkeepsitfromturningbrownforaverylongFme.Trythisexperiment.Peelanorangeandthrowhalfofthepeelintoyourlawnduringthesummer.Ifyouwateryourlawnthrowtheotherhalfofthepeelontosomepartofyouryardthatdoesnotgetwateredandseehowlongittakesforthat“biodegradable”peeltobreakdown.IttakesalongFme.Indrierareas,thatneonorangecolorcanstayvibrantandeyecatchingforwelloveramonthoAenFmesevenlonger.Howmanyvisitorsdidyouimpactbythatoneorangepeel?Howlongdidittakeforyourpartnerorroommatetotellyoutogetthatpeeloffthelawnbecauseitstandsoutlikeasorethumb?Itdoesthesamethinginthewild!BananapeelsarebeGerastheyturnbrowninjustafewdays,buttheysFllareveryobviousforthosefirstfewdays.Pleasepackoutyourpeels!Leaving“Biodegradable”foodinthebackcountryalsoencouragesanimalstobecomeaccustomedtoourfood.Wildlifedoesnotneedourbadfoodhabits.AsmuchastheymayenjoyafewM&M’s,theyarejustasbadforsquirrelsandbirdsastheyareforus.Itisaverybadhabittogetintowhenyoudropfoodonthegroundtosay“Ohwell,somecriGerwillenjoythat.”Taketheminuteortwotopickupthefoodandpackitout.Themoreanimalsareabletofindhumanfood,themoretheywillcometodependonit.AsFmegoeson,criGersaregekngmoreaggressive.HereinthePacificNorthwestwehavethebelovedcamprobbersthataresoaggressivetheywillflydowntoyourfingersandtakeyourfoodfromyourhand!InaddiFonmiceandsquirrelswillchewthroughthesideofyourpacktogetatyourfood.InYosemiteNPthebearsaresousedtohumanfood,theywilltearcardoorsofftogettoacooler.Themorewefeedtheanimals,themoretheywillgoandlookforit.

HowshouldIstoremyfood?

AfewyearsagoIwentonatripintotheOlympicNaFonalpark.Whenwepickedupourpermit,therangertoldusthatjusttwoweeksprioragroupdidnot“animalproof”theirfood.Abearfoundthefoodandnowispatrollinginthatarea.Itcomesbymosteveningstocheckformorefood.IfthebearfindsevenaliGlefood,thatwillencouragethebeartokeepcomingback.Asthebearsgetmorefoodrewards,theygetmorecomfortablewiththehumansandmore

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aggressive.Therangerstoldusthatifthebearkeepscomingbackandfindingfood,theyneedtorelocatethebear,orkillit.Bykeepingacleancampsiteandkeepingourfoodoutofreachofbears,weactuallyhelppreservethem.

SohowdoyoustoreyourfoodsocriGersandlargeranimalscan’tgettoit?TherearetwomainopFons,bearbagsandbearcanisters,eachwithadvantagesanddisadvantages.

Thebasicideawithabearbagistoputallyourfoodintoastuffsackortwoandhangthebagsupinatreeoutofreachofabear.Ifthefoodisoutofreachforabear,itisalsooutofreachofothersmallcriGers.CheckoutthislinktheulFmatehangwebsitethatillustrateshowtohangabagusingthe“PCTmethod”.ThisisoAeneasiersaidthandone.Abearcanstandonit’shindlegsandswipeatastuffsackwithit’ssharpclawsupto10to15feethigh!ItithitstheboGomofaheavynylonbag,itwillsplitopenandpouroutthecontents.Bearsarealsoexcellenttreeclimbers,soyoumusthavethesackatleast4feetfromthetrunkofthetreesotheydon’tclimbandswipe.Inordertousethebearbagmethodyouwillneedastuffsacforyourfood,a50footpieceofropeandideallyasmallerstuffsacktohelpwithgekngtheropeoverthebranch.TheproblemIhavealwayshad,isthatthereisneverthat“perfecttree”.Thisisamorereasonableapproachwhenyouarearoundalotofbroadleaftrees,butinadenseforestofconifers,thelimbsareeithertoohigh,ordon’textendawayfromtrunkofthetreefarenough.Ifyouareinanareawithfeworsmalltrees(neartreeline),youmanynothaveanythingtoworkwith.ThishashappenedtomemanyFmes.Ofthe100’sofnightsoutonthetrail,IthinkIhavefoundanidealtree10-15Fmes.Ialwaysgetthefoodupofftheground,usuallyafootortwoawayfromthetree,butrarely10-15feetupand4feetawayfromthetrunk.Itisalwaysa30-45minutehuntandwithwet/coldfingersitmakestheprocessthatmuchharder.Thereareeasierways,buttheyrequireheaviergear.

BearCanisters

BearcanistersareusuallyhardplasFcstoragebinsthatyoutakewithyouonthetrail.Youstuffallyourfoodinthecanister,putonthelidandthenfindaplacethatevenifabearwastobatthecontaineraround,itwontfalloffaclifforrolldownahill.ItisthesystemthatInowusewheninbearcountrywherethebearsaremoreaccustomedtohumans,asitissomucheasierandsomuchmoresecure.Youcanevenusethecanisterasacampchair!AsIage,IalsogetmoreandmoreknotsinmylegsaAerlonghikes,soIhavestartedtousemybearcanisterasamassageroller.Thereareacouplebigdisadvantagestothebearcanister.FirsttheyareMUCHheavierthanastuffsac.TheyoAenweightaround2-3lbswithoutfood!Second,mostcanistersarerigid,sotheyhavetofitintoyourpackastheyare,andtheydonotcompressasyourtripconFnues.Itcanalsobeachallengetouseallthespaceinthecanister.AllthecanistersIhavelistedinthetablehaveadvantagesanddisadvantages.TheLighter1canistersuseametallidthatcanbeusedasanextrapotorasyouronlypotforcooking,reducinggearweight.Thebearvaultisthelightestforthevolume,butmanypeoplefindtheliddifficulttogetoff,especiallywhenfingersandhandsarecold.TheGarciawasoneofthefirstcanistersusedandsFllworksgreat.ItisaliGleheavierthanmost,butaliGlecheaper.AnotheropFonisaproductcalledtheUrsack.TheUrsackisreallycool,andIloveusingit,whenIamnotinanareathatrequires

TheUrsackinAlpineLakesWilderness.

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canisters,IalwaysusetheUrsack.TheUrsackhaspassedtheInteragencyGrizzlyBearCommiGee(IGBC)tesFng,butmostNaFonalParksaresFllnotaccepFngthemas“approvedcanisters”.AccordingtotheUrsackwebsite,Canyonlands,GlacierandMountRainierNaFonalParkshaveapprovedtheuseofUrsacks.TheUrsackisbasicallyakevlarstuffsacthatbearscan’ttearopen.YouFethemtoatree,soabearcannotcarrythemoff,butyoudon’thavetohangituphigh.Veryeasytouse,muchlighterthanacanisterandtheydon’tformahugelumpinyourpack.

*PricesarefromFmeofwriFng.**TheUrsackhasnotbeenapprovedinmostNaFonalParksthatrequirebearcanisters.

ShouldIrepackageallmyfoodforthetrail?

Atleastmostofit.Repackageallyourfoodintoresealable(zip-lock)bags.Virtuallyallfoodispackagedforus,sowhyshouldwerepackagebeforegoingintothebackcountry?Firstoffthereisweight.BoxesandCansmaybeconvenient,butitisveryheavytocarryin,andcarryout.Second,mostpackagingisnotdesignedtobeopenedandthensecurelyclosedagain.Thisisveryimportantwithbackpackingasyoudon'twantyourdriedhummusopeninginyourpackasyouhike!Lastly,IliketoporFonoutmyfood.Iusedtobringabigbagofgorp,andtheneattoomuchondayone,andnothaveenoughforthenextfourdays,oreattooliGle,andthenhavetoomuchattheend.IfIhaveonesnackbagforeachday,IknowexactlyhowmuchIamsupposedtoeat.Resealablebagsarealsogreatforanywetorsmellygarbageyoumighthave.Itkeepsodorsdownwhichalsoreducesthechancesanimalswillfindyourfood.Irepackageallmyfoodinto

Name Weight Capacity Price*

Lighter 1 Lil’ Sami 1lb 11oz 5 Liter $95

Lighter1 Big Daddy 2lb 11oz 10.5 Liter $100

BearVault BV500 2lbs 9oz 11.5 Liters $80BearVault BV450 2lbs 1oz 7.2 Liters $70

Garcia 2lb 12 oz 10 Liters $75Ursack S29.3 AllWhite** 7.8 oz 10.7 Liters $80

Ursack Major S29.3 AllWhite** 8.7 oz 15 Liters $95

Hanging Bear Bags Bear Canisters

Advantages • Light weight • Very inexpensive • If you have more food, just add

another bag!

• Easy to use • Accepted everywhere • Can be placed anywhere • Most can be used as a camp chair

Disadvantages • Time consuming to get into the right position.

• Rarely able to get an ideal set-up.

• Heavy • Expensive • Most are rigid containers that don’t

fit well in packs. • You may need more than one canister

if you can’t fit your food into one.

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resealablebags.Snackbagsaregreatfortrailmixandjerky,quartsizedfreezerbagsaregreatforfullmeals.

ResealablebagsarealsohelpfultoreduceliGerinthebackcountry.Whenyouhavepackagingthatyouneedtotearopen,likeacandybar,youwilloAendropasmallpieceincamporonthetrail.EspeciallyifyouputthoseliGlepiecesinyourpocket.ThenextFmeyoutakeanitemoutofyourpocket,itwillfalloutwithoutyouevenknowingaboutit.

WheredoIcook?

TherearemanyconsideraFonstotakeintoaccountwhensekngupyourbackcountrykitchen.Firstandprobablymostimportantlyiswhethertouseafireornottocookyourfood.Ifyouareconcernedwithleavingthesmallestfootprintinthebackcountry,thentheanswerissimple,nofires.Forsome,afireincampisasimportanttoatripasatentandsleepingbag.Theyprovidewarmthandambianceonthetrail,buttheyalsoleavealargeandpermanentmark.InlowerelevaFonsites,wherefireringsarewellestablishedtheimpactisminimal.Inhigheralpineareas,afirescarcanlastmany,manyyears.InaddiFon,fuelathigherelevaFonsandhighuseareascanbeverylimited,leadingsometotakebranchesfromlivingtrees.Ihavealsobeentoldthatfiresstartedovertoplargeroots,canlightthoseroots,andsmolderformonthsunderground,unFltheyfinallycomeabovegroundandstartaforestfire.Ifyoudochoosetouseafire,besurethatyoueducateyourselfonhowtominimizeyourimpactandalwaysuseplentyofwatertoputthefire“deadout”.

WhatdoIdoifmypotspills?

Thisistheworst!Noonelikestheideaofamissedmeal!Thereisnotmuchyoucandoforamealthathasspilledontheground.Iwouldsalvageasmuchofthefoodaspossible,andthenstartonthecleanup.Firstoff,youwillneedtopackoutthefoodthatyouarenotabletoeat.Animalswillgettoit,evenifyouburyit.Thefoodweeatisnot“good”forthewildlife.Itmakesanimalsdependentonhumansforfoodandanimalslearnthathumans=food.Thiscanleadtoproblemsforbothanimalsandhumans.Rememberyouarenottheonlyonedroppingfoodonthetrial!Second,youwillneedtogetridofthefoodsmellasmuchasyoucan.Onceyouhaveremovedallthesolidfoodandputitinaresealablebagtopackout,youcanpourwaterontheareatodilutethesmellabit.Someoftheliquidwillseepintothegroundanddecreasethesmell.Hopefullyyoucookedagood100-200feetfromyourtent!

WhatdoIdowithmypastawater?

Manypeoplewillpouroutpastawaterintothebushes.Iamnotafanfortworeasons.One,thepastawaterdoeshaveasmellandcanaGractanimals,andtwo,thewaterhasstarchesinitthatyoucarriedandcoulduseforenergy!IcookmypastadisheswithasliGlewateraspossible,thenaddmyflavoringstothewaterandpastawhenitisdone.Itmightcomeoutabitsoupy,butIusuallypreferthat.Ifyoudon’tlikeyourmealssoupy,youcanaddmashedpotatoestothickenupthemeal.Youcouldalsouseapotcozytofinishyourcooking.Thiswayyoucanuseasmall

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amountofwater,bringittoaboil,addthepastaandputitinacozyandletitrehydratethatway.Itwilltakelonger,butitwontburnandyouwonthavetodumpthepastawater.

HowdoIcleanmypotinawaythatminimizesimpact?

Bringingalongaspongeorscrubpadandsomesoapwillcertainlycleanyourdishes,butsoapisnotgoodforstreamsandlakes.Tokeepsoapoutoftheriverorlake,Icleanmypotwiththreeeasysteps.1) Scrapeoutasmuchfoodwithmyspoonaspossible.2) OnceyouareFredofscraping,puta1/2cuporsoofwaterintothepotanduseafinger(clean

finger!)toscrubouttheinsideofthepot.ThenIdrinkthewaterthatisleA.No,itdoesnottastegreat,butitdoessFllprovidemorenutrientsanditisjustawatereddownversionofwhatIjustate.Nobigdeal.

3) RepeatifthereissFllsomefoodleAinthepot.Ifyouhavesomestubbornorburntfoodtherearemanynaturalscrubbrushes.YoucanuseaconefromatreeorasFcktoscrapepiecesoff.Andifyouarecleaningupnearariverorstreamyoucanevenusesand.Sandisamazingforcleaning!Packoutanychunksoffood.Ifyoudon’twanttodrinkthewater,goFARawayfromcampandscaGerthefoodwaterinawideareatodispersetheodors.

Cancampstovesstartforestfires?

Youbet!Fireisfire,youneedtobecarefulwhenusingastoveoracampfire.AsIamwriFngthissentenceinlateAugust,theairisfilledwithsmokefromforestfiresbothnearandfar.Soweneedtobecarefulwithourstovesinthebackcountry.Themostcommonwaythatastovestartsafireisfrombeingknockedorblownover.Itcanalsohappenfromrefillingcanisterswithliquidfuel,spillingsomeofthefuelandthenlighFngyourstoveinthesamespot.Don’tfillastovecanisternearanopenflame,ornearwhereyouintendtocook!WhenpickingalocaFontocookmakesurethatyouhaveyourstoveonanon-combustablesurface.Youcancookonrocks,sand,snowormineralsoil.Ifthegroundiswet,youareusuallyfine,butisFllremovethetoplayeroforganicmaGerandgetdowntomineralsoilorveryroGenhummusjustincase.Usesomekindofheatreflectorunderyourstovetoreflectheatbackup.Thishelpstoconservefuel,cooksyourfoodfasterandkeepsthegroundcooler.Ifyourstovedidnotcomewithone,apieceofheavydutyaluminumfoilfoldedoveracoupleFmesworksgreat.Setyourstoveupinaplacesoyoudon’thavetowalkoverornearthestove.Avoidreachingoverthestovetogetthingslikeafoodbagthatmightknockoverthestovewhenyoubringitback.Alwayshavewaterathandwhencooking.Youwilllikelyneedittocookwith,butitcanalsobeusedtoputoutafirequickly.Andthenumberoneruleofcooking,don’tleaveastoveunaGended!Youcan’tdoanythingifyoudon’tknowyourstovehasstartedafire.Whataboutliquids?CanIbringthem?

Liquidsotherthenwateraretoughinthebackcountry.Itishardtofindcontainersthatwillnotleak.Ihavebroughtoilsonthetrail,butyouneedarobustcontainerlikeaNalgene,andeventhenIpackagetheminaziplock“justincase”.REIsellsresealablefoodtubesthatworkpreGywellforspreadslikepeanutbuGer,butmyfavoriteistouseJusFn’snutbuGerpackets.Ifyouneedanyotherliquidlikeoliveoilorsoysauce,thenIlikecondimentpackets.

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CookingGear

WhenthinkingaboutcookinginthebackcountrytherearealotofgearconsideraFonstobemade.Alotofyourchoiceswillbedeterminedbythetypeofmealsyouwouldliketoprepare.Forexampleifyouwanttomakepancakesinthebackcountry,youwillneedathickenoughpanthattheheatdoesnotscorchtheboGomofthepancake,beforetheinsideisdone.Thereareafewtricksthatcanmakeadifference,butagoodpanandastovethatcansimmerlowareessenFals.Ifsimplemealsandalowpackweightareyourgoals,thenanalcoholstoveandapotcozymightbeimportantforyou.Ifyouwantmoreelaboratemeals,thenyoumightwantmorethanonepot.Ifyoudecidetobakeapizzaoracake,youwillneedabakingkit.AllofthesechoicescanbeconfusingandinFmidaFngifyouarejuststarFngout.IwillsharewithyouthelessonsIhavelearnedovertheyears,mycurrentfavorites,andtryandgiveyouthequesFonsthatyoumustaskyourselfinordertoarriveatthebestanswer.Ofcourse,ifyoulikespendingalotofmoney,andhavingalotofgearthatyourarelyuse,youcouldalwaysusethe“quiver”approachthatafriendofminetoldmeaboutyearsago.Theideawiththe“quiver”approachisthatyoubuyoneofeverythingsoyoucanchoosethebestpieceofequipmentforthatparFculartrip.Bewarned,thisisacreditcardandpartnershiptrainwreckwaiFngtohappen!Italsotakesupatonofspaceinyourclosetandcanleadtolengthydecisionmakingpriortoeachtrip.MypartnerisconstantlylaughingatmeasItryandchoosewhatthebestpot/stovecombinaFonwouldbeforTHIStrip.

WhatkindofstoveshouldIbuy?

Let’sstartwiththebasics:

Therearethreemaincategoriesofstovesthatpeopleuseforbackcountryadventures:Whitegas,canisterandalcohol.Aswithallgear,thereareadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeachtype.

Whitegasstovesexcelduringthewintermonths.If

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youhavealotofsnowtomelt,whitegasisthewaytogo.Itisgenerallyheavier,andhardertoprime(getstarted),buttheyburnveryhot,andperformwellatanyalFtudeandtemperature.Whitegasstoveshavebeentheprimarystovetypesincebackpackingstartedtogetpopularinthe1960’s.

CanisterstovescamealongnexttoprovideconvenienceandalighteropFon.TheyareeasytolightandhaveliGletonomaintenance.Canisterstovesarebyfarthemostpopularstovenow,especiallyforpeoplewhoonlygobackpackinglatespringthroughfall.Therearesomecanistersthatcanbeusedinwinter,andtheydopreGywell,butyouneedtohavearemotecanisterthatcanbeflippedupsidedown.Thebiggestdisadvantagetoacanisterstoveisthatyoucannotrefillacanister.Ifyouhaveacanisterthatishalfusedup,youhavetobringanewcanister,oryouhavetobringasecondcanisterasabackup.Canistersareheavy,andmoreexpensivethanbulkfuel.

AlcoholstoveshavebeenaroundforalongFme,buttheyarenotaspopular,astheyhavealowheatoutput,andliGletonoabilitytoadjusttheflame.Youhavetoputinjusttherightamountoffuelforwhatyouarecooking.However,theyaregainingpopularitybecausetheyaregenerallytheleastexpensiveandlightestwaytocookyourfoodinthebackcountry.

BelowaresomequesFonsyoushouldaskyourselfwhentryingtodecideonthebeststoveforyou.IhavelistedsomesuggestedstovesthateitherIhavepersonallyhadandliked,orfriendsofminehave.NewstovescomeoutalltheFme,sothelistwillbeincomplete.

Areyougoingtodoanywintercampingwiththisstove?Ifyouare,thenyouwillneedawhitegas,orremotecanisterstove.- MSRWisperlight(Whitegas)- MSRDragonfly(Whitegas)- KoveaSpiderStove-heavier,buthasaremotecanisterforwinteruseandislowertothe

ground.$46.80atamazon.(canister)- PrimusExpressSpider(canister)- MSRWindproII(canister)

Doyouwanttobake,makepancakes,cookriceorotherfoodsonlowheatforalong$me?Ifyouare,thenyouwillneedastovethatsimmerswell.Youcangetwhitegas,canisterandalcoholstovesthatsimmerwell,butyouneedtoknowthisbeforebuying.- MSRDragonfly(Whitegas)- Almostanycanisterstove.Lookforstoveswithawideburnerheadtoavoidaconcentrated

hotspotinthemiddle.- FlatCatGear:Bobcatstovewithsimmerring(alcohol)

Isitimportantforyouthatthestoveiseasytouseandquicktolight?Canisterstovesaretheeasiestofall.- SnowPeakLiteMaxFtanium$59.95atamazon.(canister)- KoveaSpiderStove-heavier,buthasaremotecanisterforwinteruseandislowertothe

ground.$46.80atamazon.(canister)- PrimusExpressSpiderremotecanisterstove.$54atamazon(canister)- MSRWindproII(canister)

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Doyouwanta“green”stove?Stayawayfromcanisters.Theyarenotonlypetroleumbasedfuels,buttheyalsohavenon-reusablecanisters.Theycanberecycled,buttheysFllusealotofmetalforeachcanister.Alcoholarethebest.Thefuelismadefromagriculturalby-products(usuallycorn),andthestovesthemselvescanbemadefromusedbeer,sodaorcatfoodcans.- Homemadealcoholstoves.SeeResourcesecFonforlinkstowebsites.- Whilenotasgreenasahomemadestove,youcanbuyalcoholstovesfromsmall“coGage”

companiesthatmakethem.IhavehadverygoodluckfromthepeopleIhavepurchasedfrom.(FlatCatgear,TrailDesignsandBatchstoves)

- WoodburningstovelikeBiolite,Solostovelite,LiGlebugstove.Considereda“campfire”whenfirebansareinplace.

Doyouneedasupercheapstovethatwillgetyoucookingonthetrailforlessthan$1?Alcoholstovescanbemadeathomewithasodaorbeercanforfree.Youwillneedapotsupportandwindscreen,butyoucancraAsomebasicversionsofthosefornexttonothing.- Homemadealcoholstoves.

Isreducingpackweightforsummerbackpackingyourbiggestconcern?AlcoholandCanisterstovesarebyfarthelightest.Alcoholstovesalmostalwayswininthelongrun,especiallyforshorttrips.- FlatCatGear:Bobcat(alcohol)- CalderaCone:SidewinderFtanium(alcohol)- SnowPeakLiteMaxFtanium$59.95atamazon.(canister)

Doyouwantitall?Lightweight,easytouse,snowmelFng,cheap,thatsimmerslikeyourstoveathome?Well…SuckitupbuGercup.Youcan’thaveitall.YoucangetmostofthoseopFons,butitwillcostyou.- MSRWhisperliteUniversal.Canusewhitegasorcanisterfuel.Notlightandnotcheap!$104

atamazon.- PrimusOmnilightTiStove.Canusewhitegasorcanisterfuel.Lighterbutevenmore

expensive.$150atamazon.

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StoveTypeComparisonChart

White Gas Canister Alcohol

Best Used For Gives you the most heat output for a given amount of fuel. Excellent at high altitudes and very cold weather.

Great all around stove for spring, summer and fall trips. Some models do well in the snow as well.

Best for anyone looking to reduce weight. Best for Spring, summer and fall. Do not count on it melting snow.

Cold weather usage

Best option out there. Remote canister stoves are needed.

Can be used to heat up a meal, impractical to melt snow. Wind is a big problem.

Weight Heaviest Not too bad. Some are very light, but canisters are always heavy.

Lightest

General ease of use

Hardest of all types to set up and get working. Requires maintenance.

Easiest of all stove types. Medium – You pour in the alcohol and light it. But you need to know how much to put in or you waste fuel.

Startup Must prime and it can be quite a fire show!

Easy as it gets Some models need to prime, others don’t. Pretty easy.

Simmering On most models, it is very hard to do.

Super easy to simmer. Some models can, others can not. They tend to burn less hot then other stoves.

Boil Times Boils water fast. Boils water fast. Slow to boil, but that can be good for rehydrating meals.

Maintenance Highest Maintenance, but most models are field maintainable.

Lowest maintenance, but usually cannot be repaired in the field.

Lowest maintenance, there is nothing to repair.

Fuel Cheap, easy to find Expensive, requires specific canister for your stove.

Cheap, easiest to find.

Environment Medium – Refillable canisters. Uses petroleum fuels

Worst – Non-reusable canisters(they say that you can recycle them, but my city does not take them) Uses petroleum fuel.

Best – Uses a renewable fuel and has a refillable bottle. The stove and fuel bottle can all be made from materials in your recycle bin.

Durability Very Durable Medium – Very simple designs, but not repairable usually.

Variable – Some models are the most durable, others the least. A cat food can will crush if you step on it.

Initial Cost $90-160 $40 – 130 You will spend a lot more in fuel canisters over time.

Free - $60

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HowmuchfueldoIbringformytrip?

Everystovetype,makeandmodelanduserwillrequiredifferentamountsoffuelforthesametrip.Onethingiscertain.Ifyouareplanningoncookingyourmeals,ormelFngsnowtogetwater,thenYOUDONOTWANTTORUNOUTOFFUEL!Especiallyifyouarewintercamping.Sorrytoyelllikethat,butIcan’tstressenoughtheimportanceofbringingmorefuelthenyouthinkyouneed.InordertoaccuratelyassesshowmuchfuelyouneedtobringonyourtripyouneedtobeabletoansweroneveryimportantquesFon.HowmuchfueldoIusetocookonemealwiththestoveIamgoingtotake?OnceyouhavetheanswertothatquesFonthenthecalculaFonissimple.MulFplytheanswertothatquesFonbyhowmanymealsareyougoingtomakeduringyourtrip.Doyoumakehotdrinksonyourtrips?Yourcoffeeinthemorningorhotcocoaintheevening?Figureouthowmuchfuelittakesforyoutomakeonehotdrink.AgainmulFplythisbythenumberofdrinks.Doyouneedfuelforsomethingelse?MelFngsnowforexample?Orbakingafancydesert?Followthesameprocedureforeachfuelneed.Addthoseamountstogether,thenmulFplythatanswerby1.25.Whatistheextrafuelfor?Theunexpected.Windcanreduceyourefficiency,aswellassupercoldcreekwater.Youmightspillsomeofyourfuelbyaccident(hopefullynot!).ItisunlikelythatyouwillhaveallthesecondiFonsforeverymeal,so25%extrafuelleavesmewithplentyattheendofeverytrip.Ijustgotbackfroma5daytrip,whereIcalculatedtheamountoffuel,andbroughtjustthatamountoffuel,noextra.IwasconstantlystressedaboutfuelusageandIsFllendeduprunningoutforthelastmealbecauseofsomewindydaysandcoldcreekwater.Iwasfineasitwasthelastday,butitisnothowIliketofeelonatrip.Backpackingisnotforworrying!

PotsandPans

Thereismuchlesstothinkaboutwhenbuyingpotsandpans,buttherearesFllsomeimportantconsideraFonstothinkabout.Howmanypeopledoyouwanttocookfor?Ifitisjustyou,a500-750mlpotwillworkfine.Ifyouwanttocookfortwopeople,thenyouwanttogoforapotthatis1000-1600ml.MypartnerandIuseeithera1300mlora1600mlpot.A1000mlpotfortwopeoplewouldnotallowyoutocookthefoodinthepot,youwouldneedtodo“freezerbagcooking”forthattowork.Ihavecookedforthreeina1600mlpot,butitisREALLYfull.Irecommendgoingupto2000ml.- MSRAlpineStainlessSteelCookset- TOAKSTitanium- EvernewTitanium- BatchstovesAluminumpots- PrimusPrimeTechPot(heatexchanger)Iscostimportant?Aluminumisthecheapest,Titaniumisthemostexpensive.Stainlesssteeltendstobesomewhereinbetween.Youcanalsogetcoatedaluminumpansandtheyareusuallyclosetothestainlesssteelprice.

How much fuel for one?

How many?

Total fuel needed

Times 1.25

Meals 0.75 oz 4 3 oz 3.75Drinks 0.25 oz 2 0.5 oz 0.6Total 4.35

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Isweightthebiggestfactorforyou?Titaniumwillbethelightestpotsforthegivenvolume,butaluminumisveryclose.AluminumhoweverisverysoAandtendstogetdentedwithroughhandling.Stainlesssteelistheheaviest,butwilllastforever.Doyouplanonsnowcamping?Apotwithaheatexchangercouldreduceyourfuelneedsandspeeduptheprocess.HeatexchangersarefoldedmetalontheboGomofthepotthatabsorbsmoreheatfromyourstoveandtransferitbackuptotheboGomofyourpot.Theydoweighmorethough.ItisalsonicetohavealargerpotwhenmelFngsnow.Doyouwanttocookpancakesortryyourhandatfrybaking?YouwillneedtogetafryingpanwithaheavierboGom.Mostmanufacturesstatethatyoucanusethelidofyourpotasafrypan,butIhavehadveryliGleluckwiththat.Theheattransferssoquicklythatyouburnyourfoodquickly.TheheaviertheboGomthebeGer,butthenyouarecarryingaheavypan.Theresultscanbeamazing,soitmightbefuntotryitout.- GSIbugaboofrypan8”and10”- EvernewTitaniumPans

Cozies-Whatisacozyandwhywouldyouwanttouseone?

Acozyisanythingthatallowsyoutoinsulateyourfoodsothatyoucanretaintheheatyouputintoyourfoodwithyourstove.Becauseitretainsmostoftheheat,itconFnuescookingwithoutaddiFonalheat.TheconceptispreGysimple.Bringyourwaterand/orfooduptoaboil.Turnoffthestoveandputitinaninsulatedenvironmentandletthefoodrehydrate.TherearereallyonlytwodownsidesthatIcanthinkof.YouneedtocarryonemorethingandthataddsweightandittakesabitmoreFmeforyourfoodtocook.However,Ihaveacountertobothofthose!Intermsofweight,youcanuseafleecefromyourpackandbecauseyouarenotcookingthefoodaslongyousaveweightonfuel.Ifoundthatthebreak-evenpointisabout4meals.Soitisaboutthesameweightfora3day,two-nighttrip.Anythinglongeranditisaweightsavings.AsforthelongercookFme,itisactuallyahugecampFmesaver.Becauseyouarenotcookingyourfoodonthestove,youdon’tneedtositthereandconstantlysFrandkeepaneyeonit.Youcangetyourfoodintothecozyandgosetupthetent,orfiltermorewater.ItallowsyoutomulFtaskandgetMOREdone.InaddiFon,thecleanupismucheasier.NoburntfoodontheboGomofthepot!Itisvirtuallyimpossibletoburnyourfood.Probablymyfavoritebonusofthepotcozyisthatyoucanholdyourpotwithoutburningyourself,andyourfoodstayswarmforaverylongFme.Normally,foodbeginstocooldownveryfast,butifyoueatdinneroutofyourpot,thecozywillkeepitwarmallthewaytotheboGomofthepot!Thetwomaintypesofcoziesarethefreezerbagcozyandthepotcozy.Ifyouarefreezerbagcooking(boilwaterandaddittoyourfreezerresealablebagwithyourfoodinit),thenyoucanusejustaboutanythingtoinsulateit.Afleecejacketorathickfleecehatworksgreat.Youcan

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getspecialcustommadecoziesoryoucanmakeyourown.Theyarenotverydifficulttomake,butyoudoneedsomebasicsewingskillstomakeoneoutoffleece,oreveneasier,justusetapeandReflecFx(afoilcoveredbubblewrap).HereisalinktoavideoIhaveshowinghowtomakeone.Thesecondtypeofcozyisforyourcookpot.Thisisacustommadeinsulatorforyourspecificpot.YoupreGymuchhavetomakeyourownhereastherearesomanydifferentpotdesignsandsizes,itwouldbehardtofindacozythatfityourpotperfectly.HereisalinktoavideoIhaveshowinghowtomakeone.Therearehundredsofvideosoutthere,soyoucandoageneralsearchaswell.Ihavecometolovemypotcozyandwouldnevergoonatripwithoutit.Tryitout!Iamsureyouwilllikeittoo.

Homemadeheatreflectors,potsupportsandwindscreensSomegearcanbemadeverycheaplyathomeusingsomeverysimplematerials,hardwarecloth(wiremeshwith1/2”by1/2”holes)andheavydutyaluminumfoil.Heatreflectorsthatgounderyourstoveareassimpleastakinga10”by10”pieceofaluminumfoilandfoldingitinhalftwicetomakeasquareabout5”across.Windscreensworkbythesameconcept.Figureouthowlongyouneedyourwindscreenanddoubleit.Thatisthelengthofaluminumfoilyouneed.Fora6”tallwindscreenuse12”foil.Ifyouneeda9”inchforsomereason,youcanalsoget18”foil.Whenyouhaveyourpieceoffoil,folditinhalflongwaysfirst,theninhalfagaintogetittherightheight.Foldovertheopenendsa1/4”tokeepthemtogether.

UltralightCookSystemsLookingforalightweightsystemfor3-seasonbackpacking.Hereisalistofmyfavoritekits.

MyFavoriteUltraLightSystem

Forsolo(About$100withstoveandpot)Totalweight:Lessthen6ozEvernew700mlFtaniummug($54)3.4ozFlatcatgearSnowleopardoriginalstovesystem($42.50)2.5ozIdorecommendthe$10upgradeonthewindscreentothestainlesssteel.Itislighterandeasiertoworkwith.ButIhaveusedthealuminumanditissFllgreat.Ialsorecommendthesimmerring.Itallowsyoutocookawidervarietyoffoods.

Fortwopeople:($111.50)8.5ozEvernewTitanium1.3Literpot($69)4.6ozFlatcatgearBobcatsystem($42.50)3.9ozortheTrailDesignsTi-TriSidewinder($80)2.5ozIdorecommendthe$10upgradeonthewindscreentothestainlesssteel.Itislighterandeasiertoworkwith.ButIhaveusedthealuminumanditissFllgreat.Ialsorecommendthesimmerring.Itallowsyoutocookawidervarietyoffoodsincludingbaking!

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TheCheapestUltraLightSystem

Forsolo:(About$37)ToaksTitanium750mLmug($35atAmazon)3.9ozTealightstove(1to2dollars)takethewaxoutofanewtealightandyouhaveyourstove!Youwillneedtomakeawindscreen,potsupportandreflector(InstrucFonsabove).Fortwopeople:(About$50)ToaksTitanium1600mlpotandpan($49.95atAmazon)8.2ozHomemadesimmercatstove(Freeifyouknowsomeonewithacat,otherwise$1).Youwillneedtomakeawindscreen,potsupportandreflector(InstrucFonsabove).

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MealPlanningandPreparaFonHowmuchfoodshouldIbring?

WhataloadedquesFon!TherearesomanyfactorsthathavetobetakenintoaccountwhendecidingthisquesFon.Thedistancetraveled,theamountofelevaFongain,thenumberofdaysoutonthetrail,theageofthetraveler,thepackweight,theweightofthetravelerandtheamountof“extra”weightthetravelercarriesaroundalltheFme.HereisalinktoawebsitethataGemptstocalculatethecaloriesthatyouwouldneedeachdayonthetrail.YoualsoneedtokeepinmindthecomfortlevelyouhavewithbeingaliGlehungryeachday.Ifyoufearhunger,thenyouwillwanttopackanextrabuffersnackeachday.Especiallyasyoulearnwhatyouneedtobehappyandfull.Iaimtohaveaboutamealsworthofextrafoodattheendofathreedaytrip,andneverfeelhungry.Thisway,incaseofemergency,Icouldstretchoutthefoodanotherdayorso.IfcounFngcaloriesisnotyourthing,theonlywaytofigureoutwhatyouneedistodosometrialanderror.Istronglysuggestthatyouerroronthehighsidetostart,thenyoucanbackoffasyoulearnexactlyhowmuchyouneed.Thewayyouplanforfoodisverydifferentdependingonthelengthofyourtrip.Tripsthatare1-10nightslong,itisusuallyeasiertopre-packageupallthemealsforeachday.Fortripsthatarelongerthan10nightsitisfarmoreFmeefficientonthehomepreparaFonsidetobringstaplefoodsandcreatedifferentmealsonthetrail.NOLSusestheraFonsystem,whereyougetacertainamountofflour,pasta,meat,cheese,driedvegetables,etc.andthenyoucreatethemealsinthebackcountryasyougo.ItisafunwaytobecreaFveandspontaneous,butitcanalsoleadtoafewdaysofblandandboringmeals,ifyoudon’traFonwell.Ifyouthinkyoumightbeinterestedinthissystem,IstronglysuggestyougettheNOLSCookerybook.Itdetailsouthowthissystemworksandwillgiveyoualotofgreatmealideas.Infact,thiswasthefirstcookbookIboughtfortheoutdoors,andIsFllusesomeoftherecipesinthebooktoday.ItisgoodwhetherornotyouusetheraFonsystem.WhenIpreparemealsformytrips,IuseasystemIcreatedcalledthe“PantryMethod”.ItinvolveshavingsomebulkitemsonhandatallFmesatyourhouse,andcreaFngmealsquicklyusingwhatyouhave.Icanprepare10mealsinlessthan1/2hourifIhaveallthe

Calories/Oz

Olive Oil 237Mayonaise 200

Walnuts 185Pumpkin Seeds 180

Sunflower Seeds 173Crushed Nut Meal 160-185

Peanuts 165Peanut Butter 165

Almonds 160Cashews 160

Fritos 160Whole Milk powder 150

Nutella 150Peanut M&M’s 140

Snickers Bar 134Probar 125

Beef Jerky 116Cheddar Cheese 113

Dried Chicken 108Quick Oats 107

Instant rice 103Pasta 100

TVP 41

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materialsready.ItdoestakeFmetokeepyourpantrystocked,butiteliminatesthelastminuteruntothestoreforspecificingredientsforyourmeals.TheNOLSsystemusesweighttocalculatewhatapersonneeds,butthecaloriedensityofeachfoodwilldrasFcallyaffecthowmuchweightyouneedtocarry,forthesamenumberofcalories.Fatiskingincaloriedensity.Thatiswhyyourdoctortellsyoutoreduceyourfatintakeifyouaretryingtoloseweight.1gramoffatisabout9calories,whereas1gramofproteinandcarbohydratesare4calories.Yougettwicethecaloriesforthesameweight!Ahalfpoundofnutswillgiveyouabouttwicethecaloriesofa1/2poundofdriedrice.Onthepreviouspage,IhaveashortlistofcommonbackpackingfoodsandtheircaloriedensiFes.Keeptheseinmindasyouarepreparingyourmeals.Agoodruleofthumbistokeepyourmealsatleast100g/oz.Vegetableswillbemuchlowerthan100g/oz,buttheysFllhavevitalnutrientsyouneedandprovideabeGertasFngandmoreinteresFngmeal.

HowmuchcookingdoIwanttodoeachdayandwhen?

Theclassicthreemealdayworksforsomeonthetrail,butmanyfindthattheyneedtoadjustbasedonwhentheyliketohike(forexample:inthecoolhoursofthemorning).

TheTradiFonalWay:Yougetup,lightthestoveandmakecoffee,oatmealorwhateverelseyouwanttoeat.Youcleanyourpot,waitforthestovetocooldownandthenhitthetrailwithafullstomach.Somewhereinthemiddleofyourdayyoustopandeatacoldlunch,someFmesbreakingitupintomulFplesmallstops.Onceincamp,yousetupyourtentandmakeasecondlargemeal.

NoStoveMethod:Someprefertonotcookatall.Thisreducestheweightofyourpackbecauseyoudonotneedastoveorfuel.InaddiFonitreducestheFmerequiredtopreparemeals.Thiscanbeagreatwaytogoforthruhikersandpeopletryingtogoaslightweightaspossible.YoudoreducethepotenFalvarietyoffoodsyoucantake,andoAenyourfoodweightisaliGlehigherthanotherfreezedriedordehydratedfood.Formethelossofthehotmealattheendofthedayishardtoletgoof.Ihavedoneit,butIpreferacookedmealeachday.Thedealbreakerformanyisthattheyarenotwillingtodrinkcoldcoffeeeachday.

Lunch,Dinnerandsnacks:MypartnerandIliketohikeearlyinthemorningwhenitissFllcool.Wegetupatsunrise,packupandhaveagranolabar,orahandfuloftrailmix,thenstarthiking.WeareoAenoutofcampin45minutesorlessifwerush.Wewillsnackasneededwhilewehike,thenstopabout3-4hourslater.Wetakeoutourstoveandcookupameal.Thisgivesusanicelongbreakinthemiddleofourhike.Thenwekeephiking,eaFngoursnacksaswegounFlwereachcamp.Wecookupourlargestmealforthedayincamp.

Thegourmet,slowtoleavecampandgettocampearlyway:IfFmeisnotaconcern,youcanhavealotoffuncookinginthebackcountry.Pancakes,pies,cakes,cinnamonrolls,pizzasandsomuchmore!ItdoestakeFmetodothefancystuffthough,soitisnotidealfortripswherelongmilesandquickstartsareapriority.IoAengettocampearlyandspendtheextraFmemakingsomethingspecial.

Doyouhaveanyspecialdietaryrestric$ons?Weallhavedifferentrequirementswhenitcomestofood.Iwilldealwiththreespecialdiettypesinthisbook.Vegetarian,Veganandglutenintolerance.Celiacdiseasehasbroughtalotof

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awarenesstowheatandthedramaFceffectsitcanhaveonsomepeople.Increasinglypeoplearefindingthattheymaynothaveceliacdisease,buttheydohaveallergiesorsensiFviFestowheat.MypartnerstumbledontotheirownsensiFvitywhentryingouttheBloodtypediet.Wewereamazedtofindthatwithoutwheat,shefeelsmuchbeGeranddoesnotgetdailycrampingandbloaFng.Thisissomethingthatshehashadmostofherlife!MysensiFviFestowheatresultinunpleasantnessforothers.IthoughtthatIhadamildlifelongcaseofgiardiaasIhadconstantandpungentgas.Turnsoutitwasjustwheat!Nowweavoidwheat,especiallyonthetrail.NoonewantstoshareatentwithmeaAerapastadinner!SothisstartedaquesttofindwheatfreealternaFvestothemealsIhavealwaysloved.Ricehasbecomeabigpartofourlifeasitisinexpensiveandwheatfree.Quinoahasalsoplayedalargerroll.Butwhataboutbaking?Ilovebakedgoodsoutonthetrail.TherearenewproductscomingoutalltheFmethatpromisegoodresults.Frommyowntrials,IhavefoundthatsomedobeGerthenothers.InthebakingsecFonIwilltalkaboutglutenfreebakingmixesthathaveworkedforme.Vegetariansavoidanymeat,butwilleatanimalproductslikemilk,eggsandcheese.IhavemanyrecipesthatwillworkforthisdietmostlybecausemymainproteinisdriedTVP(texturedvegetableprotein).IgetthisfromHarmonyHouseandwhileitisnotastastyasdriedgroundbeef,tunaorchicken,itprovidesaveryeasyproteinthathasnofearofspoilingonatwoweektrip.HarmonyHousealsoprovidestheTVPinmanyflavoredopFons.Vegansdonoteatanyanimalsproductsatall.UsuallythemodificaFonswillbeeasy,omitcheeseorusesoycheese,andusepowderedsoyorcoconutmilkinplaceofNidofullfatmilk.ForalltherecipesinthisbookIhaveprovidedvegan,vegetarianandglutenfreeopFons.JustlookattheboGomofeachrecipe!

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ThePantryMethodofFoodPreparaFonYouknowthedrill.Youaregekngreadyforyourbackpackingtripthisweekendandyouareallreadyexceptforthefood.YouhaveafewopFons.Firstyoucouldgotheeasyrouteandgetoatmealforbreakfast,2poundsofGORPforlunchandafewfreeze-driedmealsfordinner.Yes,youwouldsurvive,butitwouldbeexpensiveandthetastewouldbeso-so.IhavefoundthatsomeofthosefreezedriedmealstastepreGygood,butothersIhate.Howdoyouknowbeforeyouleaveforyourtrip?Theyareveryexpensive,soitishardtobuyanextraoneofeachkindtoeatinthefrontcountryasatrialrun.OpFon2youcouldcreateamealplanandbuyalltheindividualpiecesforeachmealandputitalltogetheryourself.Thisisagreatwaytogoandwasmymainmethodforabout20yearsofbackpacking,butitwasFmeconsuming.Iwasalwaysshockedatjusthowlongittooktoputtogether(Iknow,Iamaslowlearner).IlovedtheideaoftheNOLSsystem,whereyoubroughtwithyouabunchofdifferentingredientsandyoubuiltyourmealsonthetrialwithwhatyouhave,butitjustwasnotpracFcaltodothatforaweekendtrip.Evenaone-weektripwashardtomakethatsystemwork.ThenafewyearsagoIrealizedthatIcoulduseabasicformulatobuildmymeals.AsIlookedthroughdozensofrecipebookstheyallhadsomecommonfoodtypes.EverymealImadehadsomestarch(pasta,rice,couscousetc.),somevegetables,somekindofproteinandsomekindofflavoringthatmadeitmoreinteresFng.SoIdidsomeexperimenFngandfoundaformulathatworksforalmosteverymealImake.Itisreallyquietsimple.

½cupdriedstarch,¼cupdriedvegetable,¼cupdriedprotein,¼cupdriedflavoringperserving.(Thiscanvaryalotdependingontheflavoring).1½cupwater

Thisistheperfectamountforme(abigeater)withoutfeelingstuffed,butcertainlyfullonfall,summerandspringtrips.Mostmealsmadeusingthisformulaweighinataround4-5oz.Ifyouhavetwopeopleinyourgroup,justdoubleit.Threepeople,tripleit.Yougetthepoint.Mostpeoplewhotravelwithmetellmethatthisisenoughfood,especiallyforarelaFvelyrelaxedthreedayouFng.Ihaveneverbeenhungrywiththisamount,butifyouknowyouhaveabigappeFte,thenaddsomecaloriedenseingredientstothemealjusttomakesure.Addabitofoliveoil,orfinelychoppednutsorsomecheese!IhavealsostartedtomoveawayfromthesimplecarbsandsoInowreducethestarchto1/4cupandadda1/4cupmoreprotein,orsomeofthecaloriedenseingredients.Itmakesthemealmoreexpensive,butitalsotastesbeGer.Ifyouaregoingtotodo15+miledays,wintertripsorcarryingheavyloads,youwillwanttoincreasethesequanFFes.Ikeepstockedonhandseveralitemsthatmakeitquickandeasytoprepmeals.Ihavecometocallitmy“BackcountryPantry”.Ihaveacontainerofinstantrice,driedquinoa,Fritosandpasta(ramen)allreadytogo.Ialsokeepcontainersofdifferentvegetablesandafewcontainersofdifferenttypesofprotein.AndlastbutcertainlynotleastIhaveacollecFonofsaucepowdersthatIcanusetoaddflavor.EverymonthorsoIspendFmebuildingupmystores.ImightdrysomechickenorcookanddrysomequinoaorplaceanorderwithHarmonyHouseorAmazon,butIdoitinlargequanFFessoIcanhaveitformulFpletrips.IfImakeacreamofmushroomsoupsauce,Idon’tjustmakeenoughforonemeal,Imakeenoughfor10-20mealsandstoreitin

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acontainertobeusedlater.WiththatbasicformulaIcanmake10differentmealsin20minutes!Nojoke.Yes,thisrequiresthatIhaveallmyingredientsreadytogoandyouhavetoputsomeFmeupfront,butwhenitcomesdowntothewireandyouneedfoodforthetrail,youwon’tbeupunFlmidnightpukngtogetheryoumeals.IfleAoversarenotavailableformylunchatwork,Iwillgotomypantryandmakeaquickmealformyselfinlessthentwominutes.WhenIputamealtogetheritsoundssomethinglikethis:“Let’sseeIthinkIwantacurrymealtoday.Iwillmakeitwithriceandchicken,andforvegetablesIwantmushrooms,pineappleandgreenpeas.2-minutes,done.Sonotonlydothesemealshelpmeprepquicklyforthebackcountry,buttheyalsoallowmetotrydifferentcombinaFonsatwork.IfIdon’tlikeitatwork,Idon’tmakeitforthebackcountry.ItkeepsmymealsnewalltheFmeandVERYtasty.WeallknowthatfoodalwaystastesbeGerinthebackcountry,soifIlikeitinthefrontcountry,itisgoingtobeREALLYgoodinthebackcountry.ThesearealsoexcellentmealsforaquickdinnerifFmeisFght.Boilwater,putthefoodanwaterinapotandcozyandin20minutesyouhavedinner.

Youmightsay“Thisisagreatidea,buthowdoIgetstarted?“Hereareacouplewaystosetupyourpantry.Thefirstsetupisthecheapestandsimplest.The“Novice”pantryisperfectforanyonewhogoeson10orfewernightsofbackpackingeachyearanddoesNOTwanttousethedriedfoodforaquickmealathomeoratwork.Notthatyoucan’tuseitformealsathomeorwork,butyouwillrunoutofyourstorespreGyquick,andthenyouarenotreadyforyournextbackpackingtrip.

TheNovicePantry

Starch:72ozboxminuterice(Amazonoryourlocalgrocerystore)$18*Vegetables:12ozvegetablesoupmix(HarmonyHouseorbulksecFonofyourlocalgrocer)$12.95*Protein:16ozTVPflavoredmeat.Yourchoiceofbeef,chickenorham(HarmonyHouse)$12.95*Sauces:Avarietyofdriedsouppacketsandbouillon(use1tsp/cupofwater-11/2tspforthemealabove)fromyourlocalgrocerystoreforflavoring.Yourvarietywillnotbegreat,butthiswillmakeyouabout16singleservingmealsallforabout$50-$60*withabunchofriceleAover.YoucanbuyanyoftheLiptonsouppacketsandusethoseasflavorings.Chicken,beefandmushroombouillonispreGygoodtoo.

TheAppren$cePantry

InaddiFontotheingredientsfromthe“Novice”listinclude: Nidobrandfullfatdriedmilk.Ifyoucanbuythelargecan,itisWAYcheaperperoz.Starch:5packagesoframen(Iusehalfthepackageforeachmeal)$51lbofcouscous$71BagofFritosInstantMashedpotatoesVegetables:

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Mushrooms12ozbagfromyourlocalasianmarket$8Protein:HarmonyHouseTVPsamplerpack(6-4ozpackages)$17Sauces:GoldenCurryCubes(8cubesperpackage,1cubeperserving)$6Creamofanythingsaucepowder(clicklinkforrecipe)SimplePesto(clicklinkforrecipe)

TheMasterPantry

Buyafooddehydrator-ThisisanexpensiveaddiFon($35ormore),butifyouuseyourpantryalot(eitherathomeoronthetrail)itwillbeworthitinthelongrun.CheckoutmydehydratorsecFonheretolearnaboutthedifferenttypes.Youwillalsogetalotmorevarietyinyourprotein,anditwilltastewaybeGer.InaddiFontotheingredientsfromthe“Novice”and“ApprenFce”listinclude:Starch:1packageofeggnoodles(thistypeofpastaismuchbulkier,soyouneedtodoublethequanFFes)InstantStuffingmix(Likestovetop)Vegetables:VegetableSamplerfromHarmonyHouseFoods.(15-4ozpackages)$50Protein:Buycannedchickenandtunaanddryitinyourdehydrator.(IliketheTraderJoesbrand)Buyveryleangroundbeef,mixinsomegroundupoatsanddryitinyourdehydrator.DriedlegumesamplerpackfromHarmonyHouseFoods.(8-4ozpackages)$20Sauces:ThaiPeanutSauce(clicklinkforrecipe)MarinaraSauce(clicklinkforrecipe)CreamyPestoSauce(clicklinkforrecipe)ThedriedchickenandbeefismuchbeGertasFngthentheTVPchicken,butyouhavetoputinthework,andyouhavetostorethedriedchickeninthefreezer(unlessyouaregoingtouseitwithinamonthortwo).

TheGrandMasterPantry

InaddiFontotheingredientsfromthe“ApprenFce”,“Novice”and“Master”listinclude: PowderedCoconutMilk PowderedSourCream PowderedCreamCheeseStarch:DriedquinoaVegetables:Quartsizesofyourfavoriteones!Protein:ImitaFonCrabmeat(dryinthedehydrator)Sauces:StroganoffSauce(clicklinkforrecipe)CreamyMarinaraSauce(clicklinkforrecipe)

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StorageWheredoyoustoreallthisstuffforyourpantry?Youcanbeassimpleoraselaborateasyouwant.HerearesomeopFonsforyoutoconsider.

Novice

Thesimplestsystemwouldusegallonresealablebagsforalltheindividualingredientslabeledwiththenameofthefoodinsideandthedateyouputitintothebag.IlikeresealablebagsasIcantakeoutmostoftheaireachFmeIsealitup,keepingmyfoodfreshforlonger.ThenputallyourResealablebagsintoaplasFctotebintokeepmicefromgekngtoitandkeepitinacooldarkplace.Wheneveryouwanttomakeafewmeals,justpulloutyourbinandlayitoutallyouringredientsoutonthecounterandgoforit.Adddesiccantpackstoeachbaginordertokeepthemoisturelevellow.

Appren$ce

Asanextstep,IsuggestthatyoustartgekngsomesmallplasFcbins.Useoneofthebinsforyourproteins,oneforstarches,oneforvegetables,sauces,etc.Takeallofthesetothekitchenandmakeupyourmeals.

Master

Insteadofresealablebags,youcancollectquartsizedjarstokeepallyourfood.IliketheplasFcharmonyhousejars,butyoucanalsousewidemouthcanningjars.TheymakeplasFclidsthatyoucanusethataremucheasiertodealwiththenthemetalcanningrings.

GrandMaster

Thisisextremeandrequiresspacetosetup,nottomenFonsomeupfrontinvestment.However,withthissystem,IamextremelyefficientwithmymealpreparaFon.ThesystemIhavemaybecalled“insane”bysome,whichisfine.IloveitanduseitalltheFme.Ibuiltashelvingsysteminmybasementstorageareathatgoesaboveatable.IpulldowntheingredientsthatIwilluseformymealandputthemealtogetherinseconds.IcaneasilyseeeverythingIhaveandwhatneedstobereorderedordried.Ikeepasetofmeasuringcups,apermanentpenandresealablebags(quartandsnacksize)rightundertheshelf.Ialsokeepmyrecipeshangingonthewallnexttotheshelf.

Whatisinmypantry?

Starches

instantrice,ramen,couscous,ricenoodles,macaroni,angelhairpasta,instantmashedpotatoesProtein

DriedBeef,DriedChicken,DriedimitaFoncrabmeat,Drieddeliham,Chickenishbits,Hamishbits,Beefishbits,BeefishchunksVegetables

Peas,mushrooms,greenbeans,carrots,sweetpotatoes,potatoes,dicedtomatoes,broccoli,garlic,onions,jalapeños,celery,spinach

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Sauces

GoldenCurryCubes,Enchilada,Creamofanything,marinara,pesto,Thaipeanut,parmesan,stroganoff,whitechiliPowders

Milk,peanutbuGer,cheesesauce,sourcream,buGer,creamcheese,egg,chickenandbeefbroth,garlic,onion,chiliFruits

Apples,peaches,pears,strawberries,blueberriesOther

Boxedmacandcheese,stovetopstuffing,nuts,JusFn’snutbuGerpackets

�25

DehydraFngFoodIfyouareinterestedinbuyingadehydratorIonlyhaveexperiencewithtwomodels.NescoandExcaliburarethetwothatIhaveusedandarethemostpopularoutthere.Bothhaveagoodtrackrecord,buttheExcaliburlineisdefinitelyastepupfromNesco.Youwillpayforthatstepup,atleasttwicetheprice.Readbelowforspecificmodelsandmytakeonthem.Let’sbeclear,IdidallmydehydraFngwiththeNescomodelforyears.Itworksgreat.Theexclaimerhasmorevolume,soIlikeitnowthatIdoahighervolume.Dehydrators

NescoFD-37A$35atamazon.com

ThisisanewdehydratorInoFcedonamazon.Itisveryinexpensiveandseemstohavealotoffavorablereviews.Ithasafan,whichisessenFal,butitdoesnothaveathermostat,soitonlyrunsatonetemperaturesekng.YouwillhavemuchlongerdryFmesforsomeitems.IhavenotdoneenoughtesFngtoseeifthereisadifferenceinqualityofthedrieditem,butIdoknowthateverybookondehydraFngIread,theytalkaboutusingdifferenttemperaturesfordifferentfoods.Ithinkfor$15more,itisworthhavingthethermostat.

NescoFD-60SnackmasterExpress4-TrayFoodDehydrator$50atamazon.

ThisisthenewversionofthefirstdehydratorIgotover10yearsago.Itisagreatdehydratorthatworkswellforalltypesoffood.Ithasbothafanandthermostat.Italsocomeswithonefruitleathertrayforanysaucesyoumightwhattodry.IusethesefordehydraFngsalsas,tomatosauce,pestoandformakingbark.Iwouldrecommendgekngafewextrafruitleathertrays,youwillusethem.Youcanalsouseparchmentpaper,butyouhavetocuttheholeinthecenterandtrimoffthesides.InaddiFon,youcan’tfillthepapertoomuchoritwillspillover.Thetrayshavealiptothem.Nescohasaslightlylargerandmorepowerfulversionofthisunitfor$70.

Excalibur24004-TrayEconomyDehydrator,Black$120atamazon.

NowifyouareseriousaboutdehydraFng,andyouhaveextracashlayingaround,thisistheonetoget.Excaliburistheindustryleader.Thesquaretrayswillholdalotmorefood,forjustaliGlemorecounterspace.Foodsdryfasterandmoreevenlyinthelargebox.IfyouwanttocheckatraythatisattheboGomyoudon’thavetotakeoffallthetraysaboveitandputthemonthecounter,youjustpulloutthetrayyouwanttolookat.InaddiFon,thesquaretraysmakeiteasiertouseparchmentpaperforsaucyitems.Thenon-sFcksheetsthatyouusetomakesaucesandleatherareamazing.WiththeplasFconesfromNesco,youhavetocoatthemwithoileachFme,andthatoilleavesaliGleresidueonthefood.Ithasneverbotheredme,butoilsgorancidfaster,notabigissueformostfoodsastheamountissmall,butforfruitleathers,itisnotideal.ThenonsFcksheetsareamazing.IhaveneverusedoilandIneverhavesFckingissues.Iboughttheoffbrandtype.9sheetsfor$12.IfyoubuytheofficialonesfromExcaliburtheyare1sheetfor$17.Thepricedifferenceisamazing.IamsuretheExcalibursheetsarebeGerinsomeway,butIhaveusedmyoff-brandstyleforoverayearandtheyalwaysworkamazinglywell.IspenttheextrabitofmoneyfortheFmer,andIhavefounditisnotworthittome.Idon’tcutmyfoodtooevenly,soIhavetotakeoffsomeitemssoonerthenothers.

�26

Dehydrating 101

IfyouownorreallywanttogetintodehydraFngfoodforthebackcountrycheckouttheRecipesforAdventurebook(Thetheendofthebookforresources).HehasatonofdifferentrecipesandIamsFlltryingthemalloutandfeelasthoughIhavebarelyscratchedthesurface.

Apples/Pears/PeachesForapples,thereisanamazingtoolouttherethatwillcore,skinandsliceallinoneshot.Ifyoulikedriedapplesandhavealottodo,itisahugeFmesaver.Cutfruitin1/4”slicesandplaceonthedehydraFngtrays.Youcanpeelorleavethepeelson,yourchoice.Ijustleavethemonastheydon’tbotherme.Dryat130orsodegreesunFltheyarenotwetbutwhiletheysFllhavesomebend.IfyoudrythemlongertheyareverybriGle.

Groundbeef-1lbveryleangroundbeef(leanerthebeGer)1/4cupbreadcrumbsoroatsthathavebeenrunthroughafoodprocessor.1smallonionfinelychopped1tspWorcestershiresauce1/2tspsalt

Mixallingredientstogetherwell.SautémeatunFlfullycooked.Drainmeatandlayonpapertowelstotryandabsorbasmuchofthefataspossible.ThefatiswhatwillgorancidoverFmeandmakethemeattastebad.Dryatahightemperature(150+degrees)unFlthemeatisverydry.

ChickenBuyTraderJoescannedchickenDrainchickenandspreadoutondehydratortray.Dryatahightemperature(150+degrees)unFlthemeatisverydry.

Imita$onCrabBuythe“legmeat”variety.TheselooklikecheesesFcksinthepackageUnrollthemeatandlayflatonthedehydratortrays.Dryatahightemperature(150+degrees)unFlthemeatisverydry.Warning:Thiswillsmell“fishy”asyoudehydrate.

�27

Section 2

RecipesIhavebrokenuptherecipesecFonintomulFplepartstomakeiteasiertofindwhatyouarelookingfor.InthefirstsecFonyouwillfindquickreferenceideasformakingmealsinthe“PantryMethod”style.InthelunchsecFon,Ihavesimpleandquickfoodideas.Next,IhavelistedrecipesthatIuseonmytrips.YouwillnoFcethattheyareproporFonedusingthepantrymethod,buttheyaretriedandtruecombinaFonsthatmyfamilyloves.IwilloAeneatthesemealsforlunchatwork.Yes,Idohaveapotcozyatwork,thankyouverymuch!IhavebrokenthesemealsupintosecFonstomatchfoodyoushouldhaveinthedifferentpantrysetupsIhavedescribedabove.Alltherecipescanbedouble,oreventripledifneeded.

�28

Basicrecipeforanybreakfast½cupstarch¼cupfruit¼cupprotein1Tbls-¼cupflavoring*Don’tforgetyoucanalsomakeanydinnerforbreakfasttoo!*

Breakfast sauces:– Cinnamon toast (cinnamon and brown sugar with clarified butter)Butter cream (clarified butter and milk powder)Peanut butter sauce (peanut butter powder and milk powder)

Other ideas for breakfastEat snacks insteadGranola barAny dinner that sounds good to you in the morning

Breakfast

Starch Fruit Protien Flavoring

Instant Instant Oatmeal

Instant Cream of Wheat

Cream of Rice

Instant Grits

Granola

Instant Rice

Dried Apples

Raisins

Dried Cranberries

Dried Peaches

Dried Pears

Dried Milk

Nut Butter

Cinnamon

Brown Sugar

Butter cream

Peanut butter sauce

5 Minute cook time

Oatmeal

Cream of Wheat

�29

Lunch/Snacks/Stove-lessmealsForalongerbreak,youcanalwaysstopandtakeoutthestovetomakeafulldinner.Thisismypreferredmethod.SeethedinnersecFonforrecipes.Ialsobringalongsnackstoforanaddedboostalongthetrail.IfyourgroupplansonjusthavingquickstopsforlunchhereisalistofopFons.

StarchesandSugars:PitabreadTorFllasBagelsCrackersPre-cookedanddriedpastas(youcanaddwatertothebaginthemorning,anditwillberehydratedandreadytoeatforlunchFme)M&M’s(alltypes,myfavoritearethepeanutbuGer)SnickersBars ProteinsandFats:DriedsalamiSummersausagesVegansausagesCheese(cheddarsworkwellforuptoaweek)Tunafoilpouches(Notunajuicetodisposeof,nocantopackout,savesweightandismoreconvenient)PeanutbuGerinpacketsortubes(YoucangetrefillabletubesfromREI,orusetheJusFn’snutbuGerpackets)Nutsandseeds(Ilikecashews,walnuts,almondsandpumpkinseeds)PowderedHummus(youcanrehydratealiGleeachdayinthemorning)JerkyOliveoilincondimentpackets(Greatonpastasandgrains)Mayonaiseincondimentpackets FruitsandVegetables:Apples(heavybutdelicious,eatthecorefornowaste)Greengrapes(lastwelliftrulyfresh,becarefulnottocrushthem)FreshVegetables(CarrotsFcks,cucumbers)DriedFruitslicesFreezedriedveggieslikecornandpeasarereallynicetosnackon.Chickpeas(Youcanfindmanyfreezedried,andseasonedlegumesinthesupermarketthesedays.Theyarelight,tastyandhaveagoodcombinaFonofproteinandcarbs) 

PossibleCombina$ons:Trailmix(UnlimitedpossibiliFes,M&M’s,peanutbuGerM&M’s,chocolate/yogurtcoveredraisins,cashews,pumpkinseeds,peanuts,almonds,freezedriedberries,driedfruit(apples,pears,cherries,peaches),coconutflakes,wasabipeas)

�30

WheattorFllawithhummusandcheese(Hummusandcheesekeepforseveraldays,ifkeptreasonablycool)Bagelswithcreamcheeseandsalami.Pre-madesandwiches.Moosegoo(peanutbuGerandhoneymixedtogether)ontorFllas.Homemadebars(seebelow!)

Makeyourown“Energybars”!

ThebasicsforenergybarsarepreGysimple.Youneedyourgrains(oats,puffedrice,etc.)andsomethingsFckytoholditalltogether(honey,peanutbuGeretc).Thenyouaddwhateverothertreatsyouwantlikenuts,fruitorchocolate.IamjustbeginningdowntheroadofhomemadeenergybarsandIlookforwardtoyearsofyummygoodnessonthetrail!

Thingstothinkabout:Themore“binder”youputinthesoAerthebarwillbe.BindertostarchraFo1:3Lessbinderwillgetyouacrunchybar.BindertostarchraFo1:8

“Grains”:OatmealpuffedricekamutquinoaflakesgroundupOreos

Binders:HoneyPeanut/almondbuGerdriedfruitspuninablenderorfoodprocessorNutellaJellyorjamclarifiedbuGer

Addi$ons:driedfruitnutschiaseedsflaxseedsshreddedorpowderedcoconutcocoapowderchocolatechipsM&M’sCutuppiecesofsnickersbars?Whoknows,itcouldbegood.vanillasaltsugar

�31

Therearetwobasicwaystomakeyourbars.Firstyoucanjustheatupyourbindersinthemicrowaveorinasaucepan,mixinthegrainsandextras,pressintoapan.Allowtocoolandyouaredone.Ifyouwantadrier,crunchierbar,trybakingitat350ºfor20-25minutes.ParchmentpaperintheboGomofyourpanwillmakethingsaloteasierwhentryingtogetthebarsoutaAertheyaredone.Parchmentpaperontopwillhelpyoutopressthebarstogetherwithoutmakingahugemess.Iusealargemetalspatulatopressmybars.Youcanuseyourfingersoranythingflat.Apotatomasherworkswelltoo.

Basicrecipe:3cupsgrains1cupbinder1cupaddiFons

HeatthebindersinthemicrowaveorasaucepanunFltheyareveryhotandjuststarFngtobubblebutnotboiling.Ifyoudoletitboil,thebinderwillsetupveryquickly,somovefast!AddthegrainsandaddiFonsandmixtocoatthoroughly.Pressintoan8x8panandallowtocool.ItiseasiertocutthebarswhentheyaresFllwarm.

2cupsoats1cupcrispricecereal1/2cuppeanutbuGer1/2cuphoney1/4cupdriedcranberries1/4cupReesespieces

AtHomeDirec$ons:HeatthepeanutbuGerandhoneyinthemicrowaveorasaucepanunFltheyareveryhotandjuststarFngtobubblebutnotboiling.Ifyoudoletitboil,thebinderwillsetupveryquickly,somovefast!AddthegrainsandaddiFonsandmixtocoatthoroughly.Pressintoan8x8panandallowtocool.ItiseasiertocutthebarswhentheyaresFllwarm.

OntheTrailDirec$ons:Enjoy!

Dus$n’sFavoriteEnergyBar

VegetarianOp$onsAlreadyVegetarian!

VeganOp$ons:AlreadyVegan!

WheatFreeOp$ons:AlreadyWheatFree!

�32

DinnerRecipes

Youcanusethepantrymethodtomakemealswiththematerialsyouhaveonhand,butifyouwanttoknowtherecipesthatIlovethemostkeepreading.Allofthefollowingrecipesaretriedandtrue.IhavehadallofthemmanyFmesinthebackcountryandatwork.ItryoutallmyrecipesinthefrontcountrybeforeIevertakethemoutinthebackcountry.Iftheydon’ttastegreatathome,thenIdon’tbringthembackpacking.MostoftheserecipesfollowthebasicpantrymethodraFo,sofeelfreetoadaptthemtosuityourneeds.

Starch Vegetables/Fruit Protien Flavoring

Instant Cous cous

Dried quinoa

Instant rice

Ramen

Masa harina

Rice noodles

Angel hair pasta

Egg Noodles

Instant grits

Mashed potatoes

Falafel

Instant stuffing

Dried Vegetable mixes

Dried corn

Dried peas

Dried carrots

Dried onions

Dried bell peppers

Dried celery

Dried tomatoes

Dried mushrooms

Dried green beans

Dried pineapple

Cheese

Dried/foil pouch tuna

Dried/foil pouch chicken

Dried ground beef

Salami

Smoked salmon

Nuts/nut butters

TVP

Dried beans

Bullion

Curry cubes

Pho cubes

Enchilada sauce mix

Cheese sauce mix

Alfredo sauce mix

Marinara sauce mix

Cream of whatever sauce mix

Thai peanut sauce

Stroganoff sauce

5 Minute cook time

Soba noodles

Orzo pasta

Turkey jerky

Beef jerky

10 minute cook time

Pasta

Quinoa

Polenta

�33

1/2cupriceor1cupeggnoodles1/4cupdriedchicken1/4cuppeas1/4cupcreamofmushroomsoupmix(seerecipeinsaucesecFon)

11/2cupswater

AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsinaziplockbag.

OntheTrailDirec$ons:Addwaterandallingredientstoyourcookpotandbringtoaboil.Removefromheatandplaceinacozy.Letsitfor10minutes.Enjoy!

TunaCasserole

VegetarianOp$onsUseChickenishbitsinsteadofchicken.

VeganOp$ons:UseChickenishbitsinsteadofchickenandusesoymilkpowderinyourcreamofmushroomsoupmix.

WheatFreeOp$ons:Aslongasyouuserice,themealisalreadywheatfree!

1/4cuprice1/4cupchicken1/4cupdriedmixedvegetables1/4cupEnchiladasaucemix(seerecipeinsaucesecFon)

1/2cupcrushedfritos

11/2cupswater

ChickenEnchiladaswithRice

VegetarianOp$onsUseTVPbeefishorchickenishbits.

VeganOp$ons:Sameasvegetarian WheatFreeOp$ons:

AlreadyWheatFree!

AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsintoaziplockbag.


�34

1/2cuprice1/4cupvegetablesofyourchoice(Ilikebroccoli,sweetpotatoes,mushrooms)1/4cupdriedchicken1currycube(GoldenCurrybrand)

OpFonalbutamazing1Tablespooncoconutmilkpowder

11/2cupswater


OntheTrailDirec$ons:Addwaterandallingredientstoyourcookpotandbringtoaboil.SFrfrequentlytokeepthecubefrommelFngandburningtotheboGomofyourpot.Removefromheatandplaceinacozy.Letsitfor10minutes.Enjoy!

ChickenCurry

VegetarianOp$onsUsechickenishbitsinsteadofchicken!

VeganOp$ons:Usechickenishbitsinsteadofchicken!


1/2cupinstantriceorbrokenupramennoodles.1/4cupdriedchicken1/4cupvegetables(tomatoes,mushrooms)1/4cupeasydriedpesto(seerecipeinsaucesecFon)

11/2cupswater

RiceandChickenwithpesto



WheatFreeOp$ons:AlreadyWheatFreeaslong



�35

1/2cupinstantrice1/4cupvegetables(pineapple,broccoli,mushrooms)1/4cupdriedmarinarasauce(seerecipeinsaucesecFon)2ozpackagedpepperonislices

11/4cupswater

AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsintoaziplockbag.Leavethestringcheeseinthepackage

OntheTrailDirec$ons:Addwaterandallingredientstoyourcookpotandbringtoaboil.Removefromheat,addthestringcheeseandsFr.Putthepotintoacozy.Letsitfor10minutes.Enjoy!

PizzaRice

VegetarianOp$onsUseveggiepepperoni.

VeganOp$ons:Useveggiepepperoniandvegancheese.


1/2cupriceorricenoodles1/4cupvegetables(dicedpotatoes,broccoli,tomatoes,greenbeans)1/4cupchicken1/4cupThaipeanutsaucepowder(seerecipeinsaucesecFon).

11/2cupswater

ThaiPeanutChicken






�36

1/3cupimitaFoncrabmeat1/3cupdicedpotatoes1/3cupmushrooms1/4cupcreamofanythingsaucemix(seerecipeinsaucesecFon)2Tblsinstantmashedpotatoes1Tblsdriedmilk

Foraddedrichnessadd1Tblscreamcheesepowder.11/2-2cupswater(dependingonhowthickyouwantyoursoup.



CrabChowder

VegetarianOp$onsNone

VeganOp$ons:None


1/2cupinstantriceoreggnoodles1/4cupmushroomsandpeas1/4cupdriedgroundbeef1/4cupstroganoffsaucemix

11/2cupswater

BeefStroganoff

VegetarianOp$onsUseabeefishbitsinsteadofmeat.

VeganOp$ons:Useabeefishbitsinsteadofmeat.




�37

1/2cupQuinoa1/4cupdriedchicken1/4cupdriedsweetpotatoes1tspchickenbrothpowder

11/2cupswater



IncaStew

VegetarianOp$onsUsechickenishbitsinsteadofdriedchicken

VeganOp$ons:Usechickenishbitsinsteadofdriedchicken


1/2cupdriedgroundbeef1/4cupmixedvegetables(peas,carrots,mushroomsandaliGlebitofonion.11/2tspbouillon2Tblsinstantmashedpotatoes1Tblspowderedcreamcheese

11/2cupswater

1/2cupinstantmashedpotatoes1/2cupwater

ShepherdsPie

VegetarianOp$onsUsebeefishbitsinsteadofdriedbeef

VeganOp$ons:Usebeefishbitsinsteadofdriedbeef


AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsexceptforthemashedpotatoesintoaziplockbag.Putthemashedpotatoesintoasnacksizedziplockbag.Putthesnackbagintothelargerbag.

OntheTrailDirec$ons:Addwaterandallingredientsexceptforthemashedpotatoestoyourcookpotandbringtoaboil.Whilethemeatandvegetablesheatupaddthe1/2cupwatertothepotatoesandmixwell.Onceboiledremovefromheatandplaceinacozy.Putthemashedpotatoes(sFllintheziplock)onthelidofyourpot,butunderthetopofthecozysotheyheatup.Letsitfor10minutes.Putthemashed

�38

1/4cuprice1/4cupdriedwhitebeans1/2cupdriedchicken1/4cupwhitechilisaucepowder1tsppowderedsourcream(opFonal)

1/4cupcheese1/4cupfritos

11/2cupwater

AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsintoaziplockbagexceptforcheeseandfritos.PlacethecheeseandFritosinasnackbagandplacethesnackbagsintothelargerbag.

OntheTrailDirec$ons:AddwaterandallingredientsexceptforcheeseandFritostoyourcookpotandbringtoaboil.Removefromheatandplaceinacozy.Letsitfor6minutes.AddtheFritosandsFrin.Addthecheesetothetopandputbackinthecozyforanother4minutes.Enjoy!

WhiteChili

VegetarianOp$onsUsechickenishbitsinsteadofdriedchicken.

VeganOp$ons:Usechickenishbitsinsteadofdriedchicken.


�39

PowderedSauces

Theoldsayingof“It’sallinthesauce”,couldnotbemoretruewhenitcomestofoodinthebackcountry.ThepantrymethodoffoodpreparaFonlivesanddieswiththesauces.Ramen,driedchickenandbroccolicanbeanItalianpastadishwiththemarinarasauce,andthenextFghtmagicallytransformedintoaThaipeanutdishjustbychangingthesauce.Themoresaucesyouhaveinyourpantry,themorediverseandinteresFngyourmealswillbecome.

Therecipesthatfollowaretriedandtrue.Ihavetakenallofthemoncountlessbackpackingtrips.Ihavemodifiedrecipestoincreaserichnessorflavor,butthatisnottosayyoucan’tmodifythemtosuityourtastesordietaryneeds.Don’thaveaningredient?Tryitwithoutandseewhathappens.Playaroundandseewhatyoucancomeupwith!HowdoyouthinkthatIcameupwiththeserecipes?

Makingpowderedsauces

ForallthefollowingrecipesaddtheingredientstoalargebowlandmixwithawhiskorspoonunFlallingredientsarethoroughlymixedtogether.StoretheingredientsinanairFghtcontainer.AllofthesaucesherecanbestoredforayearormoreifstoredinacoolplaceandinanairFghtcontainer.Ifyouwanttostorethemevenlongerwithoutriskofspoilage,storeinthefreezer.AnysaucewithtomatopowderwillhardenquicklyifnotstoredinanairFghtcontainer.Tomatopowderseemstopullanyandallmoistureoutoftheairandmakesthesaucepowderturnintoasolid.

�40

GoldenCurrybrandcurrycubes AtHomeDirec$ons:Easy,justgobuythecubes!Youcangetthesecubesatanyasianfoodstore.Ihavealsoseentheminsmaller,moreexpensiveperouncepackagesatmylocalgrocerystoreintheasianfoodaisle.

Howtouseinmeals:Use1cubeforevery1cupofdriedingredients.

CurryCubes



WheatFreeOp$ons:Notwheatfree.

1cuptomatopowder1/4cup-1/2cuptacoseasoning(dependingonspicinessofyourtacoseasoning)1/4cupsugarDriedjalapeño(forthoseheatlovers!)

AtHomeDirec$ons:Addallingredientsintoabowlandmixwell.Startwith1/4cuptacoseasoningandadjustfortaste.StoreinanairFghtcontainer.

Howtouseinmeals:GreatinanyMexicanmealwhereyouwantaredsauce.Usea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.

EnchiladaSauceMix




1cupwholepowderedmilk(Nido)1/4cupinstantmashedpotatoes2tspchickenbroth1Tblsdriedparsley1tsponionpowder1/2tspdriedthyme1/2tspdriedbasil1/2tspsalt1/4cup“Anything”(mushroomsorbroccoli)

AtHomeDirec$ons:Addallingredientsintoabowlandmixwell.StoreinanairFghtcontainer.

Howtouseinmeals:Usethisforanycreamsauceormakesagreatsouponitsown.Foracreamysauceusea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.Forsoupuse1/4cupmixforevery1/2cupwater.

CreamofAnythingSauceMix

VegetarianOp$onsUsemushroombrothpowder

VeganOp$ons:Usemushroombrothpowder


�41

1cuptomatopowder1/4cupdriedtomatoes2TblsmixedItalianspices2tspgarlicpowder2tspbrothpowder


Howtouseinmeals:Thisisaverygoodpastasauce.Forapizzasauce,addsmallamountsofwaterunFlitisathickpaste.Usea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.

Marinara/PizzaSauceMix




1/4cupcreamofanythingsaucemix1/4cupMarinara/Pizzasaucemix


Howtouseinmeals:ThisisamoredecadentversionofatradiFonalpastasauce.Sure,useitforpizza!

Usea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.

CreamyMarinaraSauceMix




1cupdriedbasil1/4cupshelfstableparmesan1/4cupcrushedwalnuts1Tblsgarlicpowder1/4tspsalt1packetofoliveoilper1/4cupofmix(addonthetrail)


Howtouseinmeals:Usea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.Addacondimentpacketofoliveoilformorecaloriesandrichness.

PestoSauceMix




�42

1/4cuppestosaucemix1/4cupcreamofanythingsaucemix


Howtouseinmeals:Greatin


CreamyPestoSauceMix




1/2cuppeanutbuGerpowder1/2cupcoconutmilkpowder2tspgarlicpowder2tspgingerpowder1Tblssugar1/2tspgroundcumin1/2tspcurrypowder1/2tspgroundredpepper(moretotaste)1/4tspsalt


Howtouseinmeals:Usea1/4cupofsaucemixforevery1cupofdriedingredients.

ThaiPeanutSauceMix




1cupdrymilk(Nido)11/2tspdriedgarlicpowder1/2tsponionpowder1/4cupshelfstableparmesan



ParmesanCheeseSauceMix




�43

1/4cupcreamcheesepowder1Tblswholemilkpowder(Nido)1/4tspWorcestershirepowder(findatthewebsiteSpiceJungle)1tspbeefbrothpowder1/8thtspgarlicpowder1/2tspbuGerpowder(opFonal)

AtHomeDirec$ons:Addallingredientsintoabowlandmixwell.StoreinanairFghtcontainer.TheWorcestershirepowdercanbemadeathomebydehydraFngandthenusingacoffeegrindertopowder.


StroganoffSauceMix




1/2cupMilkpowder1/4cupFritospowder(crushedupsmall)2Tblschickenboullion1tspjalapeño11/2tspcumin11/2tsporegano


Howtouseinmeals:


WhiteChiliSauceMix

VegetarianOp$onsUsevegetablebrothinsteadofchickenbroth

VeganOp$ons:Usevegetablebrothandsoymilkpowder


�44

DessertsandDrinksDesserts!Ifyouliketohaveadesserteachday,ormaybejustforaspecialtreatherearesomeopFons:

InstantpuddingsInstantcheesecakesJusFn'shazelnutandchocolatenutbuGerpacketsChocolatebarsHomemadecookiesPeach,apple,strawberry,raspberrycobbler:Rehydratedriedpeachesorappleswithsomebrownsugaroverlowheat.Addgranolatothetopandyouareinthegoodlife.Ifyouhaveastovethatwillsimmerverylow,youcan“scramble”browniebaGer.Ittastesamazing,butyouneedtoeatitwithaspoon.AddsomepeanutbuGerandwatchpeoplefightoverit!Don’tstopsFrringwhileitiscooking!Ifyoureallywanttododesertright,youwillneedtoreadthebakingsecFon.Onceyoustartbakinginthebackcountry,youcanhavepie,cake,cinnamonrolls,monkeybread,browniesorpreGymuchanythingelseyoucanbakeathome.

What’stheretodrink?

Instantcoffee-Starbucksorotherinstantpacksinyourgrocerystore.Mocha-Instantcoffeeandhotchocolate.Instantteaorteabags-Idon’tliketeabagsbecauseIdon’tlikepackingthemout.Cusabrandinstantteasareverygood.YoucangetthematAmazonandREICrystalLightPowderedgatoradeTangJello-Surprisinglygood,ifyoulikeVERYsweetdrinks!HotChocolatePowderedCider

�45

Section 3

Baking in the Backcountry

Youmaythinkthatbakinginthebackcountryisexcessivelydifficultormayrequireveryheavyandspecializedequipment.Youwouldhavebeenrightafewyearsago,butnowyoucanmakecakesandcinnamonrollsinthebackcountrywithyourultra-lightalcoholstove.Yes,itwilladdaliGleweight,butthetradeoffisamazing.Mybakingkitadds6extraounces.MostofthatisinthepanthatIuse,soyoucouldleaveyourbowlbehindandusethispanandbringthatnumberdownevenmore.TherearemanymethodstobakingandIwillbrieflyintroducethemhere.Byfar,myfavoritemethodisnowisdrybakingwiththeBakingkityoucangetfromFlatCatGear.

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BakingTechniquesTheTwiggyFireMethod

Advantages:Noextragearrequired(lightweightifyouhavetherightpotsandpans),BakedgoodscomesoutlookingandtasFnggreat(ifyoudon'tburnit).YougetaliGlecampfiretowarmyourhandsby.

Disadvantages:Cannotusethemethodifyouareinano/highfirearea.Highmaintenance.Youhavetokeepbyyourtwiggyfireandkeepitattherightlevel.Easytoburnyourfood.Youwillhavesootonyourpans.Highlylikelythatsomeashwillgetinyourfood.Withthetwiggyfiremethod,youcookthefoodusingyourstoveonlowandthenbuildasmalltwigfireontopofthelidtoprovideheatfromthetop.Alidwithadepressionmakesthisprocessmucheasierandkeepsmostoftheashoutofyourfoodwhenyoutakethelidoff.Thisisagreatblogpostthatdetailsouthowtousethetwiggyfiremethodforbaking.

Steam/BoilBakingAdvantages:VeryliGleextragearrequired.CheaperthentheDrybakingsetups.Canbethelightestmethodbecauseyoucanuseyourultralightcookgearandanystove.Easytodowithanystove/pot.Hardtoburnthefood.Nomaintenance,putitinandcomebackwhenitisdone.Easycleanup.Disadvantages:Foodcomesoutlookingpaleanddamp.ThetexturetendstobeabitmorerubberyifnotinaplasFcbag.IfinaplasFcbag,thebakedfoodtakesontheshapeofthebag.Thisisaveryeasymethodofbaking.Itdoesnotproducethebestqualityproduct,butitallsFlltastesgreatandnocrumbisleAuneateninthebackcountry!TheonlycommercialsystemIhaveusediscalledtheBakepacker.Therereallyisnotmuchtoit.Youhaveaninchorsoofwaterthatyoubringtoaboil.Youhavearingwithagridinitthatkeepsthefoodabovetheboilingwaterinyourpot.YouputthefoodinaplasFcbagandputitontopofthegrid,andyouhaveyouroven.Ihavemadevarioushomemadeversionsofthisdesignfromsomeextrapiepanmaterialcurvedintoastandandsomehardwareclothcuttofitmypot.Itworksgreat.Checkoutmyvideoonboilbakinghere.

FryBakingAdvantages:Youonlyneedafryingpantobakefood!Agreattechniquefordrierdoughslikerollsandbreads,butcansFllbeusedforbiscuitsandevencakesifyouarereallycareful.“Scrambled”browniesareamazingaswell!YoujustkeepsFrringthebrowniemixandtheytasteamazing.AddaliGlepeanutbuGerandyouareinheaven!Youcanevencookthefastestcheapestintheworldpizzathisway!Disadvantages:YouneedtobringapanthathasathickenoughboGomtodistributetheheatevenly.Thesecanbeabitheavy,thoughtherearesomelightweightopFonsthatarepreGygood.Youhavetoconstantlymonitorthefood.FlippingthebakingitemisharderifitisawetbaGertypebakedgood.Youcanalso“scramble”awetbaGeranditturnsoutpreGygood.Ihavedonethiswithbrowniesandcoffeecakes.

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ThebasicideabehindFrybakingistocookthefoodinafryingpanwithalidoververylowheat.WhentheboGomhascooked,youflipthefoodandcooktheotherside.BytheFmeyouhavecookedbothsides,theinsideisusuallydone.Youneedtohaveastovethatwillsimmerataverylowlevel,soyoudon’tburntheoutsidebeforetheinsideisdone.Itworksgreatforpizza’s,breads,rollsandbiscuits.FlippingacakethatissFllwetonthetopistrickybusiness.Iusuallycutthecakeintofourpartsandflipeachoneindividually.Messy!AspatulaisVERYhandywiththismethod,butrollscanbedonewithastandardspoonorfork.

DryBakingHereisavideoofmedrybakingapizzausingacanisterstove.Advantages:FoodcomesoutlookingandtasFngjustlikeyouwouldexpectfromanoven.Fairlylowmaintenancedependingonhowwellyourstovesimmers.Easytogetagreatresult.Someset-upsarelightandveryeasytorun.Disadvantages:Somesetupsareexpensiveandheavy.Youhavetobecarefultogetyourstoveattherightheatoutput.Toohighandyouburnyourfood,toolowandyourfoodnevercooks.However,JonatFlatCatGearhasputtogetheraverylightweightdrybakesystemthatisnotthatexpensiveandregulatestheheatverywell.Systems:ThefirstsystemIusedforbackpackingistheOutbackOven.Iuseditforyearsandmadesomanyamazingmealsitishardtocount.AsofthiswriFngtheyarenolongersellingthisgreatproduct.Youmanybeabletofindoneused,solookaround!Itisoneoftheheaviestsystemsoutthere,butcomeswithagreatfrypanaswell.FromwhatIhear,theBemcoBackpackerOvenisamazing.ThebigissueIhaveisthatthesmallversionofthestoveweighs24oz.Iwillneverbringanythingthatheavyonabackpackingtrip,butifyoudon'tmindtheextraweight,itlooksamazing.Onthelightweightsideofthings,JonoveratFlatCatGear,hascomeupwithaverylightweightdrybakingsystem.ThisisthesystemIamcurrentlyusinganditworkssowell,Ican'timaginedoinganythingelse.Thecostislow($25forthestoveand$10forthepan),theperformanceisexcellentandtheoutcomeisspectacular.Checkoutthisyoutubevideoonhowtousehissystemtomakecinnamonrolls.Youcanalsousetealightstodrybake.Usethreetofourtealightsunderyourpot.TealightsdoapreGygoodjobatbaking.Thewaxisalsoveryefficientfortheweight,soyoucanbakemanyFmeswithonesetoftealights.Aswithallbakingtechniques,tryitoutathomefirsttomakesureyouhaveitworkingcorrectly.

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BakingEquipmentStoves:FlatCatGearBobcat($32.50)andSnowLeopardsystems:Thisisanalcoholsystem.Youhavetouseacoupleoftentstakestoraisethepotyouarecookingwithandasimmerring.Canisterstoves-Youcanusealmostanycanisterstove,astheycansimmerataverylowlevel.Remotecanistersarebestastheydon’theatupoverFmeandchangethestoveoutput.IfyourstovehasawideburnerheaditwillhelptodistributetheheatbeGer.MystovehasoneofthenarrowestburnersIhaveeverseenanditsFllworks,youjustgetaliGleburninthecenter.TheMSRDragonFirestoveisoneofthefewwhitegasstovesthatsimmerwell.IfyoureallywantawhitegasstoveforwintercampingANDwanttouseittobakewith,thisisagreatopFon.

Myfavorite:EsbitEpicureanStainlessSteelStovefor$25fromFlatCatGear(0.5oz)-youwillneedapotsupportandwindscreen.IoAenbringthisinaddiFontomyalcoholstovebecauseitislighterthanthesimmerringandtheesbittabletburnsoutasthemealisfinished.

Potsandpans:BatchstovesDrybakingkit.Potandbakingpanfor$30.Bakingpanvolumeabout35cubicinches.Verylightweight.Bakedgoodscomeoutgreat!Notasdurable.Verythinwalled,boGomofbakedgoodhasatougherfeeltoit.FatDaddiopans.Thickeraluminumpans.Youwillneedtohaveyourownpot.TherearesomanysizesitispreGyeasytofindapanthatfitsyourpot.Commonsizes:4x2-$7-Volume:25.1cubicinches5x2-$8-Volume:39.2cubicinches4x3-$8-Volume:37.7cubicinches

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1. PuttheheatreflectordownwiththeburnplateandplacetheEsbittabletontop.

2. Placetheringontheburnplate.Makesurethattherearenolargegapsbetweentheringandtheburnplate.Thehandlefortheringwillneedtobeinthecorner.

3. PutapieceofparchmentpaperintheboGomofyourbakingpan.ThiswillkeepyourfoodfromsFckingtotheboGom.

4. Addwhateveryouwanttobaketothebakingpan.Donotfillmorethan3/4ofthepan,otherwiseitwilloverflow.

5. Placethebakingpaninsidethelargercookingpot.Nospacerisneeded.

6. AddadropofalcoholtotheEsbit.LighttheEsbittabletandplacethepotsupportaroundthestove.

7. Putthecookingpotonthestove.Makesurethepotiscenteredonthestove.

8. AddtheinsulaFngtopandputthewindscreenaroundyourstove.

9. LetbakeunFltheEsbittabletburnsout.(About40-50minutes)

BakingwiththeFlatCatGearEsbitstove

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BakingRecipesTherearetwomaintypesofbreadsthatyoucanmake.Quickbreadsandyeastbreads.QuickbreadsuseachemicalreacFoninthebakingpowdertoproducecarbondioxidepocketstomakethebreadrise.Yeastbreadsusealivingorganism,yeast,toproducethecarbondioxide.Quickbreadsaremucheasierandfastertomake,yeastbreadshavemorerisingpower,butareslower.Cakesandmuffinsarealmostalwaysquickbreadsandrollsandloafsofbreadarealmostalwaysyeastbreads.Ifyouarenewtobakinginthebackcountry,startwithquickbreads.QuickbreadsarewhatIuse90%oftheFmebecauseitissomuchfasterandeasier.However,ifyouplanonhavingalotofFmeincamp,orlikeachallenge,orjustreallywantthebestbakedgoodpossible,thengofortheyeast!

QuickBreads

Quickbreadscanvaryfromsavoryjalapeñocheesebreadtosweetcakes.Youcangetreadytogo,justaddwater,muffinmixesandcornbreadsthattakeoutalltheguesswork.Ifyoulikemorecontrol,youcanuseBisquick,aglutenfreealternaFvelikePamela’sBakingandPancakemixorBob’sRedMillglutenfreebakingmixandaddyourowningredientstosuityourdesires.SeemysuggesFonsbelow.Ifyouwanttomakeyourownquickbreadbakingmix,hereisasimplerecipeIhaveused:

Basicquickbreadrecipe

1½cupsflour1tspbakingpowder½tspsalt¼cuppowderedegg3tblsmilkpowder2tblsbuGerpowder

HowmuchdoImakeatone$me?Thatdependsonyourpansize.Mylargerdrybakingpan

Gluten Free? By far my favorite product for baking gluten free is Pamela’s Baking and Pancake mix. This is ready mixed with baking powder, so you can use it 1:1 in anywhere bisquick is called for. In fact, I usually bake with gluten free! Pamela also has a bread mix that can be used if you want a yeast bread.

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holdsabout21/2cupswater.InthatpanIcaneasilyuseacupofdrybakingmixwithanaddiFonal1/2cupofaddedingredients.Inmysmallerdrybakecupitonlyholdsabout11/2cupsofwater,soIusuallyuse1/2cupofdrybakingmixwith1/4cupofaddedgoodies.Ifyouusetheboilbakemethod,youcangetthelargeramountaboveinaquartsizeresealablebag.Measurethevolumeofyourbakingpantogetanideaofhowmuchitcanhold,thenusemynumbersabovetofindtherightamount.ItistempFngtopushitandputmoreintoyourpan.Rememberthatbakedgoodsriseandcanmakeahugemessifyouoverfill.Tryitoutathomefirsttomakesureyouhavetheamountscorrect.

Howdoyoumixtheflourandwaterinthebackcountry?

Firstoff,useVERYliGlewater.Especiallyifyouaremakingadoughforacrust,likepizza.For1/2cupbakingmix,youneedonly1-2Tblswatertomakepizzadough.3TablespoonsandyouhaveaverysFckybiscuitdough.4TablespoonsanditisacakebaGer!Asformixing,Idoitallinmyziplockbag.AddaliGlewaterataFmeandmixwell.AddaddiFonalwaterincapfuls.KeepmixingunFlyouhavetherightconsistency.LineyourpotwithparchmentpaperthensqueezeoutthedoughintoyourpanandusetheplasFcbagtopatdownintotheboGomofthepan(forathickpizzadough).

Bakeandenjoy:Youshouldnowhaveanicelyrisendough.Trytohandleitascarefullyaspossible.Bakeupyourbreadusingyourpreferredmethodandenjoy!Itwilltakeabout30-45minutestobake.

WanttoseeitinacFon?GocheckoutmyYouTubeplaylistofbakingvideos.Whilebakinginthebackcountryisanadvancedtechnique,itcanreallytakeyourmealstonewlevels.Ihavesomeveryfondmemoriesofsharingamazingbakedgoodsonthetrailwithfriends.Andifyouaretryingtoimpressthatspecialsomeone,thereisnothinglikebakingthemsomecinnamonrollsinthemorning.Mybestfriendsealedthedealwiththeirpartnerthisway!SFllmarried20yearslater!

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SavoryQuickBreadRecipes

Recipes in this section: PizzaBasic BreadJalapeño Bacon Cheese Bread (or just cheese bread, or just jalapeño cheese bread)Pesto RollsFrittataMeat Pie

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QuickCrustop$ons:FlourTorFllaPita/NaanBoboliEnglishmuffin

Notsoquickcrustop$ons:1/2cupBisquickorquickbreadmix1/2cupflour,1/4tspsalt,1/2tspsugar,1/2tspquickrisingyeast.

Sauceop$ons:1/4cupMarinarasaucepowder1/4cupPestosaucepowder

Toppingop$ons:1/4cupCheese1/4cupShelfstablepepperoni1singlepouchofSpamcupup1/4ofvegetables(mushrooms,broccoli,pineapple)

PizzahassomanyopFonsitishardtoputthemalldown.Quickcrustvs.quickbreadcrustvs.yeastdoughcrust.Standardcrustvsdeepdish?Ifyoumakeadeepdishpizza,youwillneedtodoubleallamounts.

AtHomeDirec$ons:Youwillneedoneziplockforyourcrust,oneforyoursauce,oneforyourmeatandcheeseandoneforyourvegetables.ToaddaliGlemorecharactertoyourdoughaddsomedriedherbstothedough!

OntheTrailDirec$ons:1. Ifyouaremakingayeastdoughyouwillneedtostart

thedoughseveralhoursearly.Ideally,youwouldstartitinthemorningfordinnerthatnight.Ifyouaremakingaquickbreadcrust,youdon’tneedtostartearly.Addjustenoughwatertoyourdoughtomakeathickdough.YouwillbesurprisedhowliGlewateryouneed!

2. Addwatertoyourdehydratedvegetablesfirst.Itdoesnothavetobehotwater,butitspeedsuptherehydraFon.

3. Addjustenoughwatertoyoursauceziplocktogetathickpaste.

4. ForahomemadecrustplaceapieceofparchmentpaperontheboGomofyourpanandpressthedoughintoyourpan.Fordeepdish,pressthedoughupthesidesaswell.

5. Addyoursaucefirstmakingathinlayer,thenaddyourmeatandvegetablesandtopwithcheese.

6. Putyourpaninyour“oven”andbakeforabout30-45minutes.

7. KeeptheheatlowonyourstoveorusetheesbitstovefromFlatCatGear.PayaGenFontoanyburningsmells!Adjusttheflameasneeded.

Pizza

VegetarianOp$onsUseveganpepperoni,orjustvegetablesandcheese!

VeganOp$ons:Useveganpepperoni,orjustvegetablesandvegancheese!

WheatFreeOp$ons:UsePamelasglutenfreebreadmix.

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1cupbakingmix1TblsItalianherbs(opFonal)1/4cupshelfstableparmesan(opFonal)

BasicBread

VegetarianOp$onsAlreadyVegetarian! VeganOp$ons:

AlreadyVegan! WheatFreeOp$ons:UsePamela’sGlutenfree


OntheTrailDirec$ons:AddenoughwatertomakeaverythickbaGer.PlaceapieceofparchmentpaperontheboGomofyourpanandaddthebreadmix.Bakefor30-45minutes.KeeptheheatlowonyourstoveorusetheesbitstovefromFlatCatGear.PayaGenFontoanyburningsmells!Adjusttheflameasneeded.

1/2cupbakingmix1/4cupcoursecutorshreddedcheese.(use1/2cupifnotusingbacon)1/4cupbacon1/2tspjalapeño(opFonal)

AtHomeDirec$ons:Putallingredientsintoaziplockbag.Ilikemycheesecutinlargepieces(1/2inchby1/2inchsquares).Shreddedcheesewillmeltandinfusewiththebread.Largepieceswillallowyoutoseethecheese.

OntheTrailDirec$ons:AddenoughwatertomakeaverythickbaGer.PlaceapieceofparchmentpaperontheboGomofyourpanandaddthebreadmix.Bakefor30-45minutes.KeeptheheatlowonyourstoveorusetheesbitstovefromFlatCatGear.PayaGen

Documents

BackCountry Cuisine 2018 · 2019. 11. 14. · Backcountry Cuisine By Dustin Dawson 2018 Edition. 1 When I was 16 I lead my ﬁrst backpacking trip. I was an eager and excited boy