Why does food take longer to cook at altitude?

Water boils at a lower temperature at altitude — about 1°C less per 300m. At 3,000m, water boils at only 90°C. Since the water is cooler, food takes longer to cook. Pasta, rice, and beans are particularly affected. At very high altitudes, some foods simply cannot be cooked by boiling alone.

How does wind affect cooking time?

Wind strips heat from your pot and reduces stove efficiency dramatically. An unshielded stove in moderate wind can use 50% more fuel and take 25% longer to boil water. Always use a windshield. Even a simple foil screen makes a huge difference. Position your stove in a sheltered spot.

Does cold water temperature matter?

Yes. Water from a cold mountain stream (5°C) takes noticeably longer to boil than room temperature water (20°C). In winter camping, your water may be near freezing. This adds 10-15% to your cooking time and fuel consumption. Pre-warming water in a dark bottle in the sun can help.

What foods cook well at altitude?

Foods that only need rehydrating (couscous, instant noodles, dehydrated meals) work best at altitude because they only need hot water, not a full boil. Rice and pasta take significantly longer above 2,000m. Pressure cookers solve the altitude problem but are too heavy for backpacking.

CampCalcs

Cooking Time Calculator

Adjust cooking times for altitude, temperature and stove type.

Sea-Level Cooking Time

From packet instructions

Altitude

Wind Exposure

Stove Type

Water Start Temperature

How We Calculate This

Time Adjustment

Adjusted time = Sea-level time x Altitude factor x Wind factor x Temperature factor

Altitude: +25% per 1,000m. Wind: sheltered (1.0x), light (1.1x), moderate (1.25x), strong (1.5x). Cold water (under 5°C): +15%.

Boiling Point

Boiling point = 100 - (Altitude / 300) °C

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs based on activity level, terrain and pack weight.

Water Requirement Calculator

Estimate water needs per day based on temperature, exertion and altitude.

Meal Planning Calculator

Plan meals for your trip with calorie targets, weight budgets and shopping lists.

Fuel Canister Calculator

Calculate how many fuel canisters you need based on meals, boil times and altitude.

Stove Burn Time Calculator

Estimate how long your stove fuel will last based on canister size and burn rate.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.