Cooking on a trip

Porridge for breakfast, a cup of coffee or cocoa, hot soup for dinner, pancakes for supper. All of this requires some form of heating. For that you need a heat source, and equipment to prepare the food. Which method you should use depends on what kind of trip you are going on and where the trip takes you. To make a good cooking fire you need wood, and that is easier to find in the forest than in the high mountains. A burner/stove is most practical on a multi-day hike (langtur).

Cooking on a trip in brief

There are many different types of burner and stove.
- It is important to get well acquainted with the one you use.
A campfire is practical when we are cooking for many.
- It also gives warmth and cosiness.
A twig burner, a seven-stone oven and a cooking pit are other wood-fired options.
Plan the menu according to which heat source and equipment you are bringing.
Get everything you need out and ready before you start frying and boiling.
Cut the food into small pieces so that it boils and fries faster.
- Then you use less gas and fuel.
- On a multi-day hike it is handy to be able to make the food in one pot or pan.
Practice makes perfect – it is wise to practise on local outings and day trips.

Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide

Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide

Cooking outdoors – some practical tips

Pack smart.
- Bring as little equipment as possible, and bring equipment that can be used for several things.
Soup or a stew is smart trip food because you can make it all in one pot.
- You take in fluids at the same time.
Get everything out and cut up all the ingredients before you start frying and boiling.
Cut vegetables and meat into small pieces so that they boil and fry faster.

Cooking on a burner/stove

It is roughly like cooking on a stove with only 1 hotplate, without anywhere to keep the food warm before you eat. That is why it is especially important to do all the preparations first. Get out everything you need of food, equipment and cutlery, and cut up all the ingredients before you light the burner. The smaller the pieces, the faster the food fries and boils. That way you also use less gas/fuel. That is good for both you and the environment.