Last Fall, I had the opportunity to use a product called The Backpacker Oven and really gave it a thorough testing. I use Outback Ovens (the UL model and the 10 inch) quite frequently and used that as my benchmark for this particular oven.

The model I baked with measures slightly less than 18 cm (7 inches) and it folds flat for storage. It weighs in less than 681 grams (24 oz) without the baking pans and is quite durable. Just like the Outback Oven 10 inch model, this stove is not for the gram counting ultra-light backpacker, but it certainly has its place on smaller backpacking and paddling trips.

The kit consists of the oven, two 15 cm (6 inch) baking pans, two nylon straps, a gripper and a bag. You set the oven up using your backpacking stove as a heat source. I used an MSR Dragonfly for this. The two baking pans can be used in the oven at the same time; one above the other. The temperature gauge is easy to read and accurate.

I baked two pizzas simultaneously and they took about 12 minutes. I switched the pans around halfway through cooking which increased the time slightly. I also baked Blueberry Muffin Tops and Mini Pumpkin Pies and both turned out great.

Overall, the oven performed flawlessly. What I love about this oven is that I can bake pizza and cake at the same time, something, which I cannot do with the Outback Oven.

Here is a short video of the oven being used by its inventor on Mt. Whitney.

I’ve been having a few online conversations with people about coffee and tea on the trail. Some people use instant, others use a press and some use paper filters.

There is a paper filter called t-Sac, which is a one-time use tea bag that you fill yourself. They come in a variety of sizes including a single serving version. The bottom is gussetted and allows the bag to widen during brewing. This gives the tea leaves room for expansion and enough room to infuse with the water to create a perfectly brewed cup.

When we go on hiking trips my husband, Bryan, also uses these for his coffee and finds that they work very well. The t-Sacs are extremely light — they weigh less than coffee filters. t-Sacs are also surprisingly durable. The products are made in Germany, are unbleached and bio-degradable.

You can usually buy these at a tea shop specializing in loose tea, online through tea companies or through Amazon.com.