Backpacking Stove vs Cold Soaking the Ultimate Showdown

When it comes to the great debate of a backpacking stove vs cold soaking, there are many different camps out there (pun intended).

On the one hand, you have the die-hard ultralight backpacking crowd, who will probably die cold soaking on a hill (sarcasm), and the sensible backpacker who appreciates the finer things, such as a warm meal.

This head-to-head test is designed to specifically dive into the great debate of cold soaking vs backpacking stoves to uncover the pros and cons of each.

But you know the phrase - hike your own hike. At the end of the day, whatever I say isn’t gospel, so if this doesn’t speak to you, don’t worry!

However, if you’ve been interested in the fringes of the ultralight backpacking world and you want someone else to do the dirty work and soak their noodles in their pants, then you’re in the right place, cuz that’s what I did in this video.

✨ Featured Gear:
NOTE: I did not recieve any of these pieces of gear as a part of a promotion, nor am I affiliated with any of these brands. These tests are funded by me, using research and experience.

MSR Pocket Rocket: https://rei.pxf.io/RGNnjN (full transparency, I was given this for free over 6 years ago when I reviewed gear. Fell in love, and this became my go-to stove.)
BRS 3000 stove: https://alnk.to/bPf65Yr paid in full by me
Gossamer Gear Crotch Pot: https://alnk.to/flyfIiU paid in full by me
Cold soak jar: Jiff Peanut Butter Jar - Free paid in full by me.

PSA: I know I screwed up the name of the Gossamer Gear Crotch Pot throughout the video. What can I say? “Pouch” just stuck.

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My favorite backpacking gear 👇

OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O
Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L (My go-to UL pack): https://alnk.to/ei3MR2K
Granite Gear Blaze (for any overall weight above 30 lbs): https://alnk.to/ge87E1A
Snapfolds UL Bowl: https://alnk.to/c09W6w0
BRS 3000 Campstove (budget-friendly, but flimsy): https://alnk.to/dezeYeS
MSR PocketRocket (pricier, but durable): https://alnk.to/e791Skl
Katadyn Be Free Filter: https://alnk.to/aLKDf83
Hydrapack 2L Seeker Filter Bladder (compatible with the BeFree): https://alnk.to/aAPSgjQ
One Hydration Drinking tube for SmartWater Bottle: https://alnk.to/4XxCRKZ
Sea to Summit UltraSil Compression Sack 20L: https://alnk.to/b7A9cuV
Adotek Grizzly Proof UL Bear Sack: https://alnk.to/2FDM7C2
Loksak: https://amzn.to/43FMfOf
Sunscreen stick: https://amzn.to/43PDbq9
REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://bit.ly/4l1mv4n
Freshette Pee Funnel: https://alnk.to/58snQlK
Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5
Garmin inReach Mini: https://alnk.to/fSiBGb0
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://alnk.to/a45BjgF
Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG
Garage Grown Gear Foam Sit Pad: https://alnk.to/4qNlVNW
Thermarest NeoLoft Pad - wide: https://alnk.to/apV7hgP
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt 20F: https://alnk.to/aWFodLm
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow: https://alnk.to/4BI6UnI
NiteCore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank: https://alnk.to/c09W6sB
Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv
Culo Clean Bidet: https://amzn.to/4l08ST7
Big Agnes Copper Spur (I own 3 of these tents in 1 - 3 person and LOVE them all): https://alnk.to/aAPSg6q

More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/meginthef...

NOTE These are affiliate links. I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you!


#backpackinggear #ultralightbackpacking #ultralight #ultralightgear #backpackingtips

✨Time stamps:
00:00 - intro
00:23 - Meet the contestants stoves vs cold soaking methods
01:09 - How I tested backpacking stoves vs cold soaking
01:19 - Cook time test
01:49 - Which backpacking cooking method weighs the least?
02:10 - Features of the BRS and MSR Pocket Rocket
03:20 - Will the stoves fit into an ultralightweight cook pot?
04:08 - Advantages and disadvantages of cold-soaking backpacking food
05:03 - Testing cold soaking methods
05:36 - Testing the Gossamer Gear Crotch Pot
06:05 - Hiking with the Crotch Pot
07:13 - Taste test
10:02 - Cold soaking or a stove for cooking your backpacking meal - the verdict