Helpful Info. Dutch Ovens for Backpacking

[jimLE]

Dutch Ovens for Backpacking

There are many cookbooks and internet information files on Dutch Ovens and their uses.
We do not intend to repeat that information. We hope only to give some thoughts on the
use of oven cooking in backpacking.
Three problems are present
with trying to use baking ovens for backpacking. Size,
Weight, and Recipe servings.
Size of the Dutch Oven takes physical space in the pack
or strapped to the outside.

http://usscouts.org/cooking/BackpackDutchOven.pdf

 

[Brent S]

I love using a Dutch oven, and it's a great addition to camping, not so much with backpacking. Every one I've ever used was heavy as heck. It sure is a good way to make stews and such. I know you can bake breads in it too, but haven't personally tried it yet.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Years ago when I was burning logging slash out in the woods my wife would take a Dutch oven with either a whole chicken or a beef or venison roast and put it in the coals when the fire died down. Some of the best eating, and memories I've ever had. Not too sure about backpacking though. Ours was big and heavy. I guess you could get a smaller aluminum one.

 

[Brent S]

Years ago when I was burning logging slash out in the woods my wife would take a Dutch oven with either a whole chicken or a beef or venison roast and put it in the coals when the fire died down. Some of the best eating, and memories I've ever had. Not too sure about backpacking though. Ours was big and heavy. I guess you could get a smaller aluminum one.

Not so sure about aluminum. Yes it's lighter but It could melt after prolonged sitting in hot ashes. I also don't like the taste aluminum gives to the food. Stainless might be an option, but it's heavy too. I think the tried and true cast iron is probably the best around. As long as your not too far from a vehicle.

 

[jimLE]

the issues i see in having a dutch oven,and going it on foot.like bugging out from home to bug out location..is weight,and a safe location to use it,while going from point A to point B..on account,others will smell the fire,and any food(s) thats being heated up,and/or cooked when their to close enough to smell it..i think that i'd go with cast iron for everyday use-age.and only use the aluminum one for bugging out on foot,if i had to..