How Do You Cold Soak for Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Cold soaking is a popular and efficient method for backpacking and camping. It allows you to save time and energy, especially when at a remote location.

By cold soaking, you can enjoy nutritious meals without having to carry around a stove and fuel. Here is how to do it.

Ingredients

The ingredients for cold soaking depend on the food item you are preparing. For most items, you will need water and any other ingredients that are part of the meal. Of course, if you are making something like oatmeal, then you will also need oats.

Preparing the Meal

Before setting out on your trip, prepare the food item as you normally would. If it is something like oatmeal or soup, then cook it for the time specified in the recipe. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely before packing it away in a sealable container.

Cold Soaking

Once at your destination, take out the prepared food item and place it into a pot or bowl that can hold enough water to cover the food item’s surface area. Fill with cold water until it covers the top of the food item. Place it in a cool environment such as a stream bank or shady spot in order for temperature to stay consistent throughout the day.

Soaking Time

The amount of time that is required for cold soaking depends on what type of food item you are preparing and its size. As a general rule of thumb, most items require between 12-24 hours of soaking time before they are ready to eat. Make sure not to leave them sitting in cold water for too long as this could cause spoilage.

Serving

Once soaked for an appropriate amount of time, serve your meal right away! Cold soaked meals can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on preference.



Cold soaking is an easy way to enjoy nutritious meals while backpacking without having to carry extra weight in fuel or stoves. All you need is some prepared ingredients and water! With some patience and planning ahead of time, you can enjoy delicious meals on your next backpacking trip with minimal effort!