How to Cook in the Rain When Backpacking

In rainy conditions, it's important to have a hot meal to warm the body and prevent hypothermia. You can get it done, even when a storm is relentless.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Waterproof Matches
• Waterproof Rain Gears
• Plastic Bags
• Backpack Covers
• Backpacking Stoves
• Backpacking Tent
• Tarps

1. Bring waterproof matches and firestarter, and pack these inside a sealed plastic bag.
2. Pack any dry food items, spices, and cardboard boxes in zipper-lock bags or garbage bags to avoid water damage.
3. Choose your campsite carefully. You want to sleep and cook somewhere slightly higher than the surrounding area so that the rain isn't draining into your camp.
4. Cover any gear that will not fit in your tent with your backpack cover or a tarp.
5. Consider waiting until the storm dies down a bit before attempting to cook. It will probably ease up a bit in intervals, making your task much easier.
6. Select the easiest meal you have with you ' preferably a one-pot meal.
7. Do any necessary prep work inside your tent before starting your stove.
8. Set the stove outside your tent ' as far from the door as your arms will reach. You can squat at the entrance of your tent to remain dry, while cooking outside of the tent.
9. Prime the stove as far away from the tent as possible.
10. Bring the stove into the vestibule of your tent only after it is fully lit and not sputtering. Do not bring it all the way into your tent.
11. Leave the door of your vestibule unzipped for ventilation.
12. Hang a tarp to create a covered kitchen. This will make cooking much easier than crowding into your tent.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not cook inside your tent. This poses a serious risk of fire, burns and asphyxiation.