What Cookware Do You Need For Camping? Essentials Listed
When planning a camping trip, one of the most important things to consider is what food you want to cook for yourself and how you will do that. Having the proper cookware is really important, so you can be versatile and make different meals using the same equipment.
In this post, we’ll consider the essential cookware you need for camping, including stoves, pots, pans, utensils, and more. I’ll detail the essential items based on my experience, and based on consulting with the community on which items they generally bring with them and use.
1. Camping Stoves
If you want to cook outdoors, the first thing you need to bring with you is a camping stove. There are many different types and brands of camping stoves to choose from, and depending on your preferences, you might go for one or the other. I’ve listed the most common types of camping stoves:
- Propane camping stove: These portable and easy-to-use camping stoves run on propane gas. They’re usually shaped like a kitchen gas stove, and while there are more portable options, they are often lightweight and easy to pack for a camping trip.
- Butane camping stove: These stoves can be quite similar to propane camping stoves, but can come in different shapes, for example, canister stoves. They are as portable and easy to use as propane stoves, but typically a bit weaker.
- Wood-burning stove: If you prefer to gather and use wood as your fuel source, these can be a great option. Wood-burning stoves are typically heavier and harder to transport than the alternative but are great for remote areas where other fuel sources aren’t available.
Of course, there are other types of camping stoves to choose from and use, but these are generally the most common ones. If you want to have a more portable stove, go for a propane or butane camping stove, and if you want a durable and versatile stove, go for a wood-burning stove.
2. Pots and Pans
To cook your food over the fire, you’ll need to use some pots and pans. Some camping pots and pans are really small and compact, while others are bigger and offer more cooking space. What features you’re looking for in pots in pans depends on your unique preferences.
Size isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing pots and pans for camping – material matters a lot as well. Many of the common pots and pans used by campers are made of aluminum or stainless steel, which are generally lightweight but don’t provide a great cooking surface. If you’re planning to take your pots and pans backpacking, this is a good option.
I asked the community on Facebook what cookware items they usually use when camping. A surprising amount of people said they use cast iron skillets when cooking outdoors, and use them over a grill, a campfire, or a stove. Cast iron is versatile, durable, and provides a great cooking surface, but can be really heavy.
In any case, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your normal pots or pans and using them outdoors, as they can get ruined by the elements. Getting some camping-specific items is your best bet.
3. Utensils
To cook and eat, you’ll need some basic utensils like spoons, forks, and knives. If you want to save weight and space, you can get foldable or multi-functional utensils like a spork.
Many campers debate what type of utensils is best, whether it’s plastic, metal, or some natural material like bamboo. Generally, it’s all up for preference, but I personally prefer metal utensils because if feel they don’t take up a lot of space and weight while being more reliable than the alternative (which can sometimes break or bend). Some people prefer natural materials for environmental reasons, which is totally reasonable.
No matter what type of utensils you choose to bring with you, I recommend getting a good knife. It can be really useful when cooking, to cut vegetables for a salad or a roast for serving. It doesn’t have to be big, just sharp enough to make cutting and cooking easier.
4. Plates, Bowls, and Cups
To serve and eat your food and drinks, you’ll need to have a set of plates, bowls, and cups. There is a wide variety of camping-dedicated items f you can choose from.
Based on their specific preferences, most campers either go for plastic or metal plates, bowls, and cups. Metal items are typically heavier than plastic ones, but can handle heat better, and are more durable.
I generally recommend getting a small set of aluminum cups and plates for camping. They shouldn’t be too expensive, and they’ll last you a long time.
5. Camping cooler
When consulting with the community on a Facebook group, a member reminded me that having a cooler is actually essential for camping, if you want to have any meat or dairy.
While technically not essential, a quality cooler filled with ice can keep your food good for a long time, so you can enjoy the entirety of your trip with great food.
Using your cooler the right way is essential in keeping your food cold. In a previous article on keeping your food cold while camping, I suggested many different cooler tips. You should give it a read.
6. Other Cookware Items
There are some additional items you should consider getting as part of your cookware set. Many of these useful accessories were also suggested by the community.
Things like a spatula, tongs, and a can opener, are save you a lot of time and effort. Remember to include these items in your set.
For camping cookware items, I wouldn’t go overboard with these accessories, and only get cheap items that I need and am going to use.
Conclusions
Having the right cookware items as part of your camping gear will make it possible to cook delicious meals whenever you want. Outdoor cooking is part of the fun of camping, and to cook and enjoy your food, you’ll need the right equipment.
Proper camping cookware doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Depending on your style of camping and general preferences, you can choose budget items that will still be functional and durable.
Still, investing in quality equipment will save you money and effort, and make outdoor cooking much more enjoyable. So get the items you need before your next trip!
