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Hi all, I'm going on my first backpacking trip in a few years and I'm quite rusty with what to bring. I've got a little MSR butane stove but I couldn't find what I used to cook in, I've been thinking I could just get like a 1.3 liter aluminum pot from REI and use that to cook and eat in. Is that enough or do I need to bring other things as well?

I'll probably just be using the dehydrated food packages from REI .. I know this is a lame question but I'm just hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. Thanks!

If your just going to heat up water for dehydrated food, then the 1.3 liter pot should work great. I use an old, yet lightweight, alum coffee can (without the lid & handle) for my water-boiling needs. I use the pot-holder thingy to pick the can off of my stove (peak 1 butane/propane combo fuel).

Speaking of dehydrated. Check out lipton's line of pasta. They're cheap (I think $1.49 or so) and all you need is margarine and water. They don't have any meat, but you could bring along a can of chicken (the pop top ones, so you don't need a can opener).

I always test out new things when I go backpacking. Just remember one thing, try to keep it light. If a tool or item can only do one thing - Don't bring it! Make sure all of your stuff can multi-task.

I hope this helps. Where are you going to backpack to?

Thanks for tips! We're actually not sure, but thinking about the Superstitions. I'm going to head out and get a trail book today so we can figure it out. Do you know of any good 2-day trails in the Supes that aren't horribly difficult?

I agree, the Lipton packs are good. I seem to be getting lazy though. I hate to clean stuff. My last time out, I had Idahoan instant mashed potatoes. They've got a few flavors and they're awesome. The best part about them is all you have to do is add boiling water. If you add the water to the potatoes in a bag, then all you have to do is clean the eating utinsil. It can be a pain eating out of a plastic bag, but not as bad as scrubbing a pot. Canned chicken goes great in it too! Have fun on your hike, the Superstitions were fun when I went. That was my first backpacking trip ever. It got me hooked.

All you need besides the 1.3qt pot is a cup to drink from if you want hot drinks. You'll have it all covered. Have fun.

If you are into various ethnic foods check out a brand called 'Tasty Bites' They have a good selection of very different foods. They only need to be boiled and the packaging is foil and easy to eat out of, or bring some tortillas. Most grocery stores carry some but Trader Joe's has a bigger selection. Have fun!

One of my first backpacking trip, Paria Canyon, I left my mess kit and eating utensils at home, the only thing I had to eat and drink out of was a GI canteen cup. As for eating utensils, a buck knife and a spoon I made out of a piece of cottonwood wood. Day hikes I like granola bars, night hikes I like oatmeal and cocoa, overnighters mre's, multiple nights I prefer the dried foods you can find in any grocery store.