Gear Guy
Q:
Can I hike the Appalachian Trail without a stove?
I'm planning an Appalachian Trail through-hike for 2003. I've poured over all the gear columns/ratings/etc. And with a bit of your wisdom have narrowed down most of my gear. But...I'm thinking of going stoveless. What's your opinion and do you know any recipes for easy/light/nutritious stoveless meals? Tim Moose, Wyoming
I think with careful planning you could minimize the amount of cooking you'd need to do, so you wouldn't be burdened with a lot of fuel. Take something like an MSR Pocket Rocket ($40), which weighs only three ounces. An eight-ounce canister burns full-tilt for an hour, and if you were prudent you probably could make one last three to four days. Figure three to four canisters per leg (you will, of course, be picking up supplies en route), and you've got maybe two pounds committed, plus a light pot. Well worth it, in my view.