View Full Version : Baking on the trail...
LaurieAnn
08-18-2009, 10:23
Just a note: I am talking about section hikes here and not thru-hikes.
I was just curious... how many of you like to bake on your hikes? What sort of baking setup do you use (Outback Oven, fry-baking, Bakepacker, over a fire, etc.)? And, what is your favorite baked thing to have?
I'll start even though many of you know my answer from other posts. I like to bake at least once on a hike. My method depends on the hike itself but generally involves either the Outback Oven or fry-baking. One of my favorite baked things is simple bannock which is fry-baked. I also adore cinnamon buns but only on days where we decide to layover or we don't have a long day ahead. Because I am diabetic it seems the trail is the only place I can actually have this kind of treat because my blood sugar gets pretty low.
http://www.outdooradventurecanada.com/laurie/ooeygooey.jpg
Feral Bill
08-18-2009, 12:23
I used to use the Bakepacker pretty often. Gives decent results. I'm too lazy lately.
My typical method is the old school wood coals and a twiggy fire on top of the pot ala dutch oven style. Last few things I "baked" were: cornbread, pineapple upside down cake, and peach cobbler.
Hikes in Rain
08-18-2009, 20:39
If hiking, I use the skillet from my ancient Boy Scout cook kit, and do things bannock style over a fire. The last several trips, I've been more interested in making miles than camping, so I've been leaving it behind. If someone else is carrying it, dutch oven like russb.
Wise Old Owl
08-18-2009, 22:40
Hikes in Rain, wow those kits keep getting thinner and thinner, the last version was so thin all it did was burn stuff. Hang on to it.
I long since moved on to nonstick thick walled stuff just to be able to simmer.
by the way folks nested pots with three stones in between and a single lid hasn't let me down yet, for baking.
saimyoji
08-19-2009, 00:55
last winter hike i went on a friend baked up some biscuits and gravy, turned them into some crazy tasty burritos. :sun
I have baked everything under the sun in my bake-packer. Pizza`s, biscuits, muffins, yummy cornbread, cinnamon rolls, cheesy bread, not to mention re-heating lotsa leftover dinners of things in zip lock bagiies (no messing up my cookpot) . Damn good invention I say although I haven't carried it in several years as I just can't handle any extra weight in my old age.
Just to clarify, I do not use a dutch oven (anymore). I use an aluminum cooking pot, I just adapted the cooking style of the DO to work with the lighter pot.
Hikes in Rain
08-19-2009, 08:48
Beg your pardon, russ. I do use cast iron, as long as I can con someone else into carrying it. And gathering the fuel. :)
LaurieAnn
08-19-2009, 10:59
I love hearing about the other methods you've all used.
I'm curious about how biscuits and gravy became burittos.... there has to be a story there. :)
wystiria
08-19-2009, 11:38
I bake regularly on section hikes and did so also on my thru hike. I use the outback oven primarily. I do own a bakepacker but I can't get the same results as it mostly steams things.
and I have baked everything including a from scratch cheesecake. my favorites are muffins and brownies, becasue you can bake them and what you don't eat you can carry a while. I also love making calzones or pizza. I have even made lassagna on the trail :)
this is helpful I always used the freeze dried stuff just add water, what''s the wt on that bake-packer? Never mind I google it. Not heavy at all..beats bread on a stick anyday
It is quite easy to make a UL FauxBaker. REALLY easy ;-)
To which if anyone wants to make up a FauxBaker, start here for photos and how to:
http://www.trailcooking.com/thefauxbaker
There are 5 sections on versions of FauxBaking, along with some great photos/how to's from readers as well. I got the idea of the original years ago from either WhiteBlaze or The Backpacker. Don't remember though, but the site with the concept I used is no longer around - one reason I made sure I did a DIY section on it.
Hikes in Rain
08-19-2009, 14:04
Hey! I like bread on a stick! Unfortunately, it all too frequently turns into ash cakes by falling off the stick......
Hey! I like bread on a stick! Unfortunately, it all too frequently turns into ash cakes by falling off the stick......
so true so true
Hikes in Rain, wow those kits keep getting thinner and thinner, the last version was so thin all it did was burn stuff. Hang on to it.
I long since moved on to nonstick thick walled stuff just to be able to simmer.
by the way folks nested pots with three stones in between and a single lid hasn't let me down yet, for baking.
I need to try this one also
Hikes in Rain
08-19-2009, 17:10
As do I. I keep reading about it, and sadly it seems to be a startling revelation until I remember, but so far, I've yet to try it.
I've had great success using jello molds for baking over an alcohol stove. Others also have had the same success.
Take a look at this DIY way to bake.
There are 180 posts to a thread devoted to baking with the mold style pans over on bplite.com (http://www.bplite.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=523)
Tomorrow I'll post some photos here of the set-up.
gardenville
08-19-2009, 20:54
I have a few pictures in my Gallery here:
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=6212&c=member&imageuser=1259
This is easy if you have a stove that can simmer with a low flame. These took about 20 minutes. I have baked most all of the "Low Fat" cake mixes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/gardenville/BT1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/gardenville/BT14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/gardenville/BT15.jpg
You just need to put a little space between the cake pan and the bottom of the pot. I use "nuts" or a pice of metal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/gardenville/BT6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/gardenville/BT10.jpg
LaurieAnn
08-21-2009, 17:37
Some great ideas here... might have to play around with the jello mould idea. That's one I've never tried.
Some great ideas here... might have to play around with the jello mould idea. That's one I've never tried.
We've had a lot of fun baking with them. The meatloaf may not look done, but it is and sure does taste good. Every time I see a mould(that looks better than "mold") at the thrift stores I buy it if I need it or not:D