Cold soaking is a simple way to prepare meals on the trail without using a stove or boiling water. Instead, you add water to your food, let it rehydrate, and enjoy.
It’s become increasingly popular with ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers looking to save weight, simplify their cooking setup, and spend less time preparing meals.
If you’re new to cold soaking, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Is Cold Soaking?
Cold soaking is the process of rehydrating dried or instant foods using cold or room-temperature water instead of hot water.
Simply add your ingredients to a container, pour in water, seal it, and allow the food to soften.
Depending on the ingredients, meals can be ready in as little as 20–30 minutes, while others may need longer.
It’s particularly useful for hikers who want to leave their stove and cooking pot at home.
Why Cold Soak?
There are several reasons backpackers choose to cold soak:
- Save weight: Leave behind your stove, fuel and cooking pot.
- Simplify your setup: Fewer pieces of equipment to pack and maintain.
- Save fuel: No need to carry fuel canisters or worry about running out.
- Convenience: Prepare lunch while hiking and let it rehydrate in your pack.
- Less cleanup: No cooking pot to scrub after every meal.
For ultralight hikers, removing an entire cooking system can be an easy way to reduce pack weight.
What Foods Can You Cold Soak?
Not all foods work well with cold water, but there are plenty of options.
Some popular choices include:
- Instant couscous
- Instant oatmeal
- Dehydrated vegetables
- Instant rice and pasta
- Powdered potatoes
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Powdered milk
- Ready-to-eat chicken packets
The key is choosing ingredients that can safely rehydrate without heat. Always check preparation instructions, particularly with rice and pasta products.
How to Cold Soak
Getting started is easy:
- Add your dry ingredients to a cold soaking jar.
- Add enough drinking water to cover the ingredients.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Secure the lid and allow the food to rehydrate.
- Give it another stir and enjoy!
Rehydration times vary depending on the ingredients and water temperature, so it’s worth experimenting at home before heading out on a trip.
What Equipment Do You Need?
One of the biggest advantages of cold soaking is how little equipment you need.
At a minimum, you’ll need:
A dedicated cold soaking jar makes the process easier. Look for a lightweight container with a secure lid, a smooth interior and enough capacity for your meals.
At Rikkar, we offer lightweight polypropylene cold soaking jars in several sizes, from 16oz to 26oz. They’re designed for rehydrating trail meals, with a secure lined lid and smooth interior that makes eating and cleaning easier.
Explore Rikkar Cold Soaking Jars
Are There Any Downsides?
Cold soaking isn’t for everyone.
- Meals are cold rather than hot.
- Some ingredients take longer to rehydrate.
- Your food choices can be more limited.
- You’ll need to plan ahead and allow time for soaking.
Food safety is also important. Use treated drinking water, choose shelf-stable ingredients, and don’t leave perishable foods sitting in warm conditions for extended periods.
Is Cold Soaking Worth It?
If you’re looking to reduce pack weight and simplify your backpacking setup, cold soaking is definitely worth trying.
It won’t replace hot meals for everyone, but it’s an easy alternative for hikers who value a lighter, simpler approach to trail cooking.
Start with a few simple recipes, experiment with different ingredients, and see whether going stoveless works for you.
Happy trails!