Stackpole Books NOLS Backcountry Cooking

Preparing meals in the wilderness requires a completely different skillset than cooking at home, and this comprehensive guide teaches you everything needed to create delicious, nutritious food while backpacking, camping, or on extended wilderness expeditions. Written by the National Outdoor Leadership School—an organization with decades of experience training outdoor professionals and enthusiasts—this book combines practical technique with real-world knowledge that can only come from years spent cooking in remote backcountry environments. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or a month-long expedition, this resource provides the foundational knowledge and confidence to handle any cooking situation nature throws at you.

• Comprehensive meal planning strategies for various trip lengths and group sizes with nutritional considerations
• Detailed techniques for cooking with camp stoves, open fires, and minimal equipment in remote settings
• Over 100 tested recipes specifically designed for backcountry cooking with lightweight, non-perishable ingredients
• Food safety protocols and water treatment methods essential for wilderness food preparation
• Equipment recommendations and gear selection guidance for minimalist and ultralight cooking setups
• Altitude adaptation and nutritional guidance for high-elevation backcountry expeditions
• Bear bag hanging, food storage, and wildlife safety practices for bear country camping
• Troubleshooting tips for common backcountry cooking challenges and emergency food preparation
• Illustrated step-by-step instructions for building camp kitchens and organizing cooking systems

In actual backcountry use, this book's practical approach shines through immediately. The recipes aren't complicated or ingredient-heavy—they're engineered for real conditions where weight matters, fuel is limited, and your stove might be sputtering in thin air. You'll learn how to create satisfying breakfasts, efficient lunches, and hearty dinners that actually taste good after a long day of hiking. The food safety section alone prevents costly mistakes that could derail an expedition, covering everything from preventing foodborne illness at altitude to managing water quality in questionable conditions. Veterans of extended backcountry trips consistently praise how this guide transforms cooking from a chore into an enjoyable part of the outdoor experience.

This is essential reading for backpackers planning multi-day wilderness trips, expedition leaders responsible for feeding groups in remote locations, outdoor education instructors, and anyone serious about mastering self-sufficiency in the backcountry. The NOLS methodology emphasizes Leave No Trace principles throughout, ensuring your cooking practices respect the wilderness environment. If you're tired of eating the same freeze-dried meals or surviving on energy bars, this book unlocks a new level of backcountry dining satisfaction.

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