Growing up, you may have heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” We know it’s true that when you’re out on a mountain adventure, proper nourishment throughout the day is essential for sustainable energy and recovery.
Photos by Laura Mills
Sea to Summit’s five piece Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One Pot Cook Set set me up for success on my backing trip to Whitney Lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness this summer. The hike was a 6 mile out-and-back trail, filled with wildflower splendor, lush greenery and a constant uphill climb to, you guessed it, an alpine lake and adjacent campsite.
After leading three yoga classes that morning, including one heated and weighted yoga sculpt class at Revolution Power Yoga, the ascent was extra enduring and rewarding on my muscles. I knew my body was going to need proper nourishment throughout the trip, especially the following morning after my body had time to rest during the night.
My coworker and friend, Laura Mills, and I woke up excited to use my new Sea to Summit one pot cook set for the first time. The set comes collapsed, condensed and contained in the 2.2-liter pot, making it light and simple to fit into my Mystery Ranch RADIX 47 Pack. This pot features a removable handle that can be used to secure the lid and nesting contents in place for storage. The other four accessories in this set are two collapsible bowls and two collapsible cups. Ideal for a two-person backpacking or camping drip.
I wanted to emphasize my protein intake for breakfast to give extra fuel to my recovering muscles and give me sustained energy to hike around the site, play in the lake and descend down the trail. So, Laura and I made protein coffee and protein oatmeal.
The pot is perfect to boil water in. However, I strongly recommend using this on a stove rather than over a fire in efforts to avoid melting the silicone. The handle is perfect to pour water into the cups and bowls.
As the water was boiling, Laura and I prepped the food. We poured Alpine Start Instant Coffee and Optimum Nutrition Vegan Creamy Vanilla Protein Powder in the cups. We added Quaker protein instant oatmeal and Alpine Start Oat Milk with Benefits in the bowls. Once the water came to a boil, I poured the water into both the cups and bowls. After some mixing, I added walnuts, dried cranberries and dried apricots on top of the prepared oatmeal. This added antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, magnesium and iron. Between the protein oatmeal, protein powder, oat milk and walnuts, we consumed over 36 grams of protein for breakfast.
The pot carried the perfect amount of water to cook the food in both the cups and bowls. The cups and bowls were perfectly sized, not only for holding our breakfast but also for carrying to enjoy our meal on a log by the lake.
As I sat by the serene water, enjoying every bite and sip of the meal, it became apparent how essential a filling and fueling nutritious breakfast is in the great outdoors. This was not just a meal; it was a moment of connection with nature and a satisfying start to a day full of adventure.