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Update: My cold, rainy campout showed me why a stove matters
I always figured a camp stove was just extra weight for short trips. Last weekend, I went to the woods with friends and left mine behind to pack light. A huge storm rolled in at dusk, and we were stuck in our tents for hours. Everyone got chilled and grumpy as the temperature dropped. My friend then used his little stove to heat water for soup and tea. The warmth and comfort from that hot meal completely changed the vibe of the night. I finally understood that a stove is about more than cooking, it's a safety net for bad weather. I'm now a believer in always bringing one, no matter the forecast.
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riley_taylor1mo agoTop Commenter
I get the comfort thing, but calling it a safety net feels like a stretch. If you're that cold, your real problem is poor insulation or a bad sleeping bag. A hot drink is a nice boost, but it won't fix hypothermia. I've been fine just packing an extra layer and some high-calorie snacks.
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andrew_gonzalez881mo ago
You make a good point about insulation being the real fix. I've been in situations where a hot drink did nothing but waste time when I should've added another layer. Packing high-calorie snacks like nuts or chocolate bars has always been more reliable for keeping warm. Extra clothing stops the cold before it gets bad.
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