I packed a full camp stove for a 3 day hike because I didn't know what 'cold soaking' was

I was on the Lost Coast Trail last fall, and my pack felt crazy heavy. I saw another hiker just add cold water to a jar of rice and beans at lunch, and I asked if his stove was broken. He laughed and said, 'Nah man, I just don't cook.' It hit me then that I'd been carrying this whole metal kit for no reason. Has anyone else switched to cold soaking after a moment like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

sandrap401mo agoTop Commenter

Remember lugging a full french press into the backcountry because I couldn't fathom bad coffee. My first cold soaked instant coffee tasted like muddy water, but my back felt amazing. Sometimes you have to be a little dumb to get a little smart.

ivan_cooper1mo ago

Pain is a great teacher.

elizabeth_martin1mo ago

Ever try to pack a full size pillow for a three day trip? I did that once. Woke up with a great neck but had to strap it to the outside of my pack like a weird white marshmallow. Now I just stuff my puffy jacket in a stuff sack. The lesson sticks better when you look stupid doing it.