Simple Foods for the Pack: More than 200 all-natural, trail-tested recipes (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) [Paperback]

Claudia Axcell (Author), Vikki Kinmont Kath (Author), Diana Cooke (Author), Bob Kinmont (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

This latest edition of the original—and best—natural foods backpacking cookbook features a wealth of new recipes and mouthwatering classics, as well as the most current information on cooking with today’s lightweight foods and high-tech equipment. This unique cookbook brings together the culinary expertise of a Cordon Bleu chef and the wilderness knowledge of a professional backcountry guide to provide more than 180 trail-tested recipes for delicious, natural, and easy-to-prepare meals for backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Since Sierra Club Books published the first edition of Simple Foods for the Pack in 1976, there has been a revolution in backcountry cooking. Today’s lightweight stoves and kitchen tools make cooking in the wild easier than ever before. And with the ubiquitous availability of fast-cooking natural foods, the modern adventurer has tasty alternatives to expensive pre-packaged meals.
Focusing on these natural foods and the latest equipment, this newly revised edition offers hikers gourmet taste at every meal—from Oatmeal Hotcakes for breakfast, to homemade “nutrition bars” for the trail, to Beer Fondue back at camp. The wide variety of menus and the expanded guide to planning, packing, and preparing food makes cooking in the backcountry as easy as High Mountain Pie.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Anyone planning a wilderness trip should read Simple Foods for the Pack." -- The New York Times

About the Author

Claudia Axcell is a former trail guide and professional baker, and Vikki Kath is a photographer and professional cook. Both live in Sebastopol, California. Diana Cooke, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu in London, makes her home in Bishop, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sierra Club Books; 3rd edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157805110X
• ISBN-13: 978-1578051106
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Outdoor Cooking > Camping & Hiking

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vegan friendly, June 17, 2009

By 

J. L. Smith (West Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Foods for the Pack: More than 200 all-natural, trail-tested recipes (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) (Paperback)

There are tons of recipes for vegans/vegetarians. Some recipes are good for everyday home use, too. The book has a staples section, camping cook tools section, and a nice menu preparation idea section. There are pocket energy foods, main entrees, breads, sauces, cakes, drink mixes, and much more. A natural first aid kit and resource guide are also included.

The book is compact for packing, but not microprint for those of us over 40! You can't beat the price for 287 pages of useful information. A few days of preparation for camping and you will eat foods that don't taste like cardboard. Your campmates will be jealous.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Camping cookbook, August 2, 2009

By 

Phillip C. Roullard "catphotog" (san diego, ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simple Foods for the Pack: More than 200 all-natural, trail-tested recipes (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) (Paperback)

This is an overall good cookbook for true backpack camping. Some of the recipes are somewhat bland and need some spicing up with herbs and other powdered spices.
Other recipes you can substitute alternate ingredients say for example the Anzacs cookie recipe. Instead of coconut try adding almond meal in roughly the same amount that is asked for in the recipe. The fat is reduced in the Anzacs and you have now added some protein to the cookie. If you are a good cook you'll see where you can add things to recipes that need a little livening up.

I especially like the recipes that call for putting all the dry ingredients in a ziploc bag and then adding water at camp. Saves time and keeps the pack light.
Why eat expensive freeze dried food when you can make really good recipes ahead of time?

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Used for BSA backpacking..., January 15, 2007

By 

gerstenber (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simple Foods for the Pack: More than 200 all-natural, trail-tested recipes (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) (Paperback)

This is a great product with many interesting recipes to use on backpacking trips and or regular camping weekends for a bit more different meals than regulare boring camp cooking. I've been accused of cooking gourmet on campouts, but it's just because of neat recipes like those offered in this book. I love it... and it is easy recipes..Thanks A+