Cooking outdoors

Compact stoves, such as Jetboil, are becoming increasingly popular. In these systems, the gas canister is more or less integrated with the cooking pot in one neat package. They are extremely efficient for quickly boiling water, for example when preparing freeze-dried meals. However, if you want to fry something or cook a more advanced dish, this is not a stove we recommend.

Gas stoves have become popular in recent years, as they allow you to easily regulate the heat and quickly boil water. They also require very little maintenance. Gas canisters come in different sizes, so you can adjust the amount based on the length of your trip.

Some of the best camping stoves for cooking are so-called “spider stoves.” These have burners that stand steadily on their own legs and connect to the gas canister with a hose. A wide burner is beneficial, as it provides more even heat and reduces the risk of food burning in the pot. There are also gas burners that screw directly onto the canister, but they can be unstable and are mainly suitable as backup stoves or if you want to pack light. Empty gas canisters must be disposed of as hazardous waste at recycling stations. Most stores that sell gas also accept used canisters.

In winter and at high altitudes, gas stoves do not perform as well. The cold or air pressure can result in insufficient pressure in the canister, reducing the stove’s efficiency. There are gas types better suited for winter, but they still do not perform well in very low temperatures. You can try carrying the canister close to your body to keep it warm, or placing it in a hot water bath just before lighting the stove. However, for winter trips, petrol stoves are the safest and most reliable option.

Petrol stoves are efficient year-round and allow you to easily regulate the heat. Before you start cooking, it’s a good idea to preheat the burner. You do this by letting a small amount of fuel into the burner and then lighting it. Over time, a petrol stove can become sooty, so you need to clean it occasionally to maintain optimal performance. Make sure to place the stove on a rock or similar surface, not among moss or lichen, which are highly flammable.

Petrol stoves work best and are safest in winter, as the fuel performs well in low temperatures. There are also multi-fuel stoves that can run on gas, petrol, and kerosene – all you need to do is change a valve.

Please note that petrol stoves and alcohol (methylated spirits) stoves must not be used during fire bans.

Trangia stoves with a burner for methylated spirits have a strong tradition in Swedish outdoor life. Unfortunately, alcohol is not a particularly efficient fuel. Cooking takes a long time and it can be difficult to regulate the flame. Make sure to pour in enough fuel from the start, so you don’t have to wait for the burner to cool down before refilling and lighting it again. You can buy a gas burner insert for your Trangia stove, allowing you to use a more efficient fuel.

Please note that alcohol stoves must not be used during fire bans.

• Pasta with pesto and olives.
• Tuna salad with vegetables of your choice in tortilla wraps.
• Fresh tortellini, tomato, arugula, and flavored crème fraîche.
• Omelet with crispbread. Surprisingly good to eat cold.
• Ready-made pancakes with banana and chopped chocolate.
• Wraps with vegetables and beans.
• Potato pancakes with halloumi, sour cream, and chives.

• The classic grilled hotdogs with bread and optional toppings is not to be forgotten.
• Grilled ciabatta filled with cheese, ham, and sun-dried tomatoes (requires a grill grate).
• Tortilla pizza with tomato paste, cheese, salami, and arugula (requires a grill grate).
• Stick bread.
• Bananas grilled in foil filled with chocolate.
• Grilled hotdogs in flatbread with salad, tomato, cucumber, onion, and dressing.
• Hamburgers with cheese, tomato, lettuce, and onion.

• Cook risotto rice according to the package instructions, add Parmesan cheese, dried mushrooms, and onions.
• Fill a plastic bottle with ready-made pancake batter and fry. Take berries or jam as topping.
• Make batter for “krabbelurer” – a mix between sponge cake and American pancakes – and fry. Jam or applesauce works good for topping.
• Ready-made pea soup or goulash soup. Everything tastes better outdoors.
• Cook tortellini, pancetta, and cherry tomatoes in the same pot.
• Banana quesadillas with Nutella and strawberries.
• “Kolbulle” – a mix of water, flour, and salt, whisked together and fried with salted pork.