[pct-l] Question - Cookless on the Trail

[jolson at olc.edu (Jeffrey Olson)]

On a section hike in the southern sierra this september I didn't take a 
stove.  I didn't miss it.  I am a coffee addict and I had a headache for 
a couple days, but that was it.  In June I got wet going over Packwood 
Glacier - wind and rain - and was glad to set up dinner in the middle of 
the trail under one of the first trees on the south side at 11AM  and 
chow down a hot pot of mashed potatos.  I was cold, cold, cold.  That 
said, when I hike alone, I'll leave the stove at home. 

Jeff Olson
Martin, SD

Hiker97@aol.com wrote:

>I am wondering how valuable it is to cook when out hiking.  It seems  to me 
>the nutritional value gained is hardly any greater than going without  heating 
>up water, etc.  There are so many items to take hiking these days  that 
>provide just as much energy and go power without all the hassle of a  stove.
> 
>I know a hot meal or drink is a treat at the end of the day,  especially if 
>it is cold.  But I am thinking more of three season  backpacking and not winter 
>hiking.
> 
>May be I am just a lazy backpacker, but I am thinking of dumping the  trouble 
>of cooking meals.  I only do it for dinner anyway.  What's the  big deal?  To 
>me it is a pain.  Plus, if I eat dinner and then do more  hiking, which is a 
>good technique, going cookless seems more time  efficient.  Then all I do is 
>have a dessert in my camp at the end of the  day.
> 
>Any opinions on this?  How many PCT hikers are cookless today?
> 
>Your hiking buddy, Switchback
>Eat & Run Backpacker & Will Be Glad to Finish Your Hot Meal Left  Overs
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