The possibility of running low on fuel is something a hiker may have to face sooner or later. Here are two fuel-saving methods, which help you to deal with this eventuality.
The Hay-box Method
 This method allows you to prepare your meal (on a stove or fire) up to a certain point, where after you transfer it to the hay-box where it can continue coking in its own heat. To adapt this method to hiking conditions is very simple; All you need is a towel a sleeping-bag, a plastic bag (to keep the sleeping-bag dry) and a thermal blanket.
If, for example, you wish to cook rice, bring the salted water to the boil, then add the rice and bring to the boil once again. Remember, a half-empty billy loses heat rapidly, so be sure to fill it up with water.
Quickly wrap the pot (with its lid on) in the towel, put it in the plastic bag, wrap the thermal blanket around it and put it in the sleeping-bag. Allow the rice to cook in its own heat for approximately 1 hour.
The Thermos Flask Method
This method is a way of precooking part of your meal while you walk, thereby saving fuel and time. For a group of six hikers you need a wide-necked Thermos flask with a capacity of 1 litre.
Two to three hours prior to your arrival at the overnight hut, pour two cups (500 ml) boiling water into the flask, together with 1 cup (250ml) rice or dehydrated vegetables, or half a cup (125 ml) of each. Bear in mind that dehydrated foods increase in volume once coked, so do not exceed the capacity of the flask.
Seal the flask and pack it away in your rucksack. By the time you reach the overnight hut, the contents will be cooked and all you will need to do is to heat it up a little and add seasonings. If you plan to use the Thermos flask method on a trail, first try it at home and experiment with different types of dehydrated foods. |
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