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. Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. ✨ 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. Want more spicy takes? Here’s how we can stay in touch: ✨ Follow me… Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megintheforest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ 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/megintheforest 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