When going for a hike, camping, or any other outdoor activity, it is very important to ensure that you have the right tools for the preparation of food especially if you will be out for several days. A good cooking kit not only makes it easier for one to prepare healthy foods but also provides a familiar setup in the wilderness. Now, let’s see what kind of tools you need to include in your survival cooking kit and how to cook delicious meals with them if you are in the woods.
Essential Components of a Survival Cooking Kit
- Portable Stove:An ideal companion to such a cooking kit is a compact and lightweight stove. Some of the common types include the canister stoves or the alcohol stoves and ensure that you go for one that is easy to use.
- Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel to sustain the entire trip as this is one of the most common mistakes that hikers make. Canister stoves usually use isobutane-propane fuel canisters while alcohol stoves need denatured alcohol as fuel.
- Cookware: Select utensils and pots that are lightweight and sturdy and can serve your group size comfortably. A set that consists of a pot, pan, and utensils is the most suitable one because it will be able to serve a variety of functions.
- Eating Utensils: Some of the utensils to bring include: The utensils are light in weight, easy to clean, and can be used repeatedly, for instance, a spork or a mess kit.
- Matches or Lighter: It is also advisable to have a backup fire source, for example, waterproof matches or a butane lighter, in case the ones you are using to light your stove are wet.
- Pot Holder: A pot holder or gripper is used to hold your utensils and other items that are hot so that your hands do not burn.
- Cleaning Supplies: When washing utensils after eating, take biodegradable soap, a sponge, and a small towel.
Preparing Delicious Meals with Your Survival Cooking Kit
- Plan Your Meals: When planning for a trip, you can choose what you want to prepare and write all the necessary products and kitchenware.
- Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Foods: These are particularly suitable for survival cooking because they are not very heavy and can easily be carried around. They do not require much preparation and cooking and thus are ideal for consumption on a short hiking expedition.
- Instant Oatmeal and Instant Rice: These are best taken in the morning with tea or coffee and as a side dish to the main meal, respectively. They do not require so much cooking time and provide a nutritious balanced meal to complement the other meals.
- Canned Meats and Fish: Some of the sources of proteins that do not need to be cooked include canned tuna, chicken, or salmon which can be added to different meals.
- Dried Fruits and Nuts: These are delicious and healthy snacks and can also be used to garnish other foods or added to recipes.
- Spices and Seasonings: Do not leave out your preferred condiments to make your meals more palatable. Plastic containers or resealable bags are ideal for this purpose.
- Boiling Water: Some of the dehydrated and freeze-dried meals can be prepared by adding boiling water only. You can use the portable stove to warm water and then pour it directly into the meal pouch or rehydration bag.
- One-Pot Meals: On this account, it is advisable to select one-pot meals that are also easy to prepare and to wash up. Soups, sauces, and pasta dishes are ideal meals that can be prepared with the least cooking utensils.
- Cleanup: Clean your dishes and utensils with water and biodegradable soap after your meal. To minimize your impact on the surroundings, properly dispose of litter and follow the Leave No Trace principle.
Tips for Using Your Survival Cooking Kit
- Practice at Home: To avoid such a situation, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the process of putting up the stove and the cookware at home before you set off for your trip.
- Windscreen: It is advisable to cover your stove with a windscreen to shield it from wind since this will impact the efficiency of the stove and the amount of fuel needed.
- Fuel Efficiency: Save on fuel by only boiling the quantity of water needed and also ensuring that the utensils are covered while cooking.
- Safety: It is important that you cook using a stove in a well-ventilated area and never cook near flammable items. They are the safety tips that you need to follow while using your stove
With a good survival cooking kit and these tips, you should be able to prepare good and healthy meals on your next camping adventure. Whether you are hiking, camping, or in an emergency, the capability to prepare your food is not only convenient but can also increase morale and energy for the task at hand.
