The best way to boil water camping method is not one way, but several different ways. The best way to boil water when camping is actually several different techniques.
Boiling water camping knowledge is an essential skill that is important for so many reasons. We constantly need safe water to drink and we need water to prepare much of the food we eat.
These days a popular food alternative is dehydrated food packs. These are extremely easy to prepare, needing just a boiling cup of water. The availability of hot water cannot be overstated, especially when camping.
The fastest way to boil water will depend on the available tools and gear at your disposal. Boil water faster and you will also free up your time to do other camp chores. Here are some of the simpler ways to get a kettle simmering when camping. (Learn How to Use a Camping Percolator)
Why Potable Water Is So Important
You have probably heard this before, but the human being can survive without water for about 3 days. In a survival situation, that is not very long. Another factoid to keep in mind is that the human body is made of up to 60% water.
Health professionals are always talking about the benefits of staying hydrated, as there are many. In a dehydrated state, the body does not function optimally. When camping, water supply is always one of the first priorities.
Either you bring enough for a trip, or you secure knowledge of reliable sources of safe drinking water at your campsite or along the camp trail.
On some occasions, natural water sources like streams or rivers will be OK to drink, but to be sure, a safe way to drink is to boil it first.
Boiling Water While On the Trail
So boiling water is not just an indulgence for preparing a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate, but also a very practical and necessary one. When on a camping trip, it is reassuring to know of at least two to three ways available to you for boiling water.
Here are some of the more common methods that can bring water to a boil when you are having an outdoor adventure. (Learn How to Use Camping Can Opener)
Portable Stove
Let us begin with the easiest and simplest method. Once you have indulged your survival skills, believe me when I say that you will gravitate towards easier ways of doing things. A portable stove will provide you boiling water in no time.
In most models, a portable stove will have a holder for placing your water canister, pot, or kettle. All you need will be a means to ignite the flame, like a match or lighter and you are good to go. How quickly you get to a boil will depend on how intensely you set the flame.
There are small camping stoves that can even fit in a large jacket pocket that are light to take around. However, if there are a few of you camping, a dual burner model might be more appropriate. There are also specialty design stoves like the Jetboil.
The Jetboil uses specialty fuels, and it can boil water fast. Essentially, it is still a variation of the stove.
Over An Open Fire
This the good old cowboy way. An open fire will usually be part of most camping trips as they provide warmth, ambient light at night, and a place to cook. Most campfires will have a grill of sorts over them to roast food on.
Place your kettle, water canister, or pot over the grill and wait for a boil. The disadvantage with an open fire is the heat is not regulated. You also cannot light a fire all the time when outdoors, such as when it is raining, or firewood is unavailable. Some sites also prohibit campfires.
It will typically take anywhere from 5-10 minutes to get a boil going. But, who is rushing anyway? One of the pleasures of camping is a nice conversation over an open fire.
Electric Kettle
Many campsites provide modern comforts and amenities. Drinking water, running showers, flushing toilets are available in places for recreational camping. Most of these sites will also have electricity.
If you are camping where electrical hookups are available, an electric kettle is an option for you. These kettles can boil water much faster than over a stove or campfire. Today’s electric kettles have many settings that can keep water warm, heat to varying temperatures, and have shutdown mechanisms.
Electric Car Kettle
If you are car camping, then an electric car Kettle is a perfect option. It is also great to have in your car for a hot cup of java. This is probably one of the best ways to make coffee while camping.
These Kettles work just like standard electric kettles, but instead of drawing from AC power, they draw from DC. In practical terms, that means they plug into your car’s lighter or utility socket. They consume 12V and boil enough water for 2 or 3 cups.
These electric kettles are great because you can also select your own temperature, and they likewise have auto shutdown features for safety. Travelers can make soup or other hot water based meals on the road. A hot cup of coffee is just a couple of minutes away by plugging into the lighter port.
Internal Flame Kettle
An internal flame kettle is a contraption that holds a small fire inside of the kettle itself. This permits better heat transfer to the water and boils it more quickly. The nature of the design also makes it easier to boil water under rainy or windy conditions.
Rather than use conventional fuel, dry leaves and little twigs and leaves are used to heat up the water. This type of product has gone over big with minimalists, as well as backpackers who want to travel with a light load.
In Conclusion
I would advise that you familiarize yourself with a natural method of boiling, which is on an open fire, and have at least two options that involve some kind of gear.
Perhaps a portable gas stove and an electric car kettle for instance. Having different options at your fingertips means you are always just a few minutes away from a hot pot of water when camping.
