If you forget a set of extra batteries on a trip, you still can survive it. But what if you do not have your camping pots or a lighter with you? That is the next level of frustration.
For this reason, carrying a handy and reliable set of cookware is crucial while camping.
Remember – Delicious camping food is a myth without the best camping cookware.
So, we have come up with this guide that explains 7 most essential and the best backpacking cookware you need in 2021. They will not just feed you but also keep you happy, whether it's a front-country trip or a backcountry one.
But first of all, let us understand the basics of camp kitchen and backpacking cooking gears.
How To Build A Comfortable Camp Kitchen?
Backpacking kitchen kit includes everything. From camping pots and pans to outdoor grills and toaster forks, it has all that is necessary to cook the best meal when you are out in the wild. Ultimately, the weight and space of your equipment become a significant concern.
In short, the materials and formation matter a lot!
Count on the gears that are pared down, small and flat. Folding utensils are also an excellent option for on-go camping kitchenware.
There is another trick to save more space and shed weight — Pick the multi-tasking items. For example, get a classy spork instead of a separate spoon and a for or select cups, pots and pans with marked measurements.
Ultralight and innovatively designed equipment for your camping kitchen can make the difference to your next camping trip. So, it is always good to know before you go!
What About Your RV Camping Cookware?
Having a motorhome to wander around the best places in the county is money. But, you need to have a great car-kitchen to be able to enjoy the camper to the fullest.
Even the smallest thing, such as a trash can needs to be selected correctly. It should be appropriately sized to fit in the area and does not need repacking after every meal. It's the same with other cookware.
When you are armed with full-sized and top-class equipment, the joy of cooking is the next level. The satisfaction of having the real camp kitchen that includes high-quality camp cookers, dutch ovens, skillets and griddles is something every genuine camping enthusiast will seek.
If you are a wine lover or a coffee snob, your camp kitchen can be your favorite place for another reason. A beautiful set of wine glasses and a handy coffee maker can take your camping enjoyment to another level.
Now, while these were the basics to keep in mind while shopping for the best backpacking cookware, here is the list of 7 essentials you should never miss out on for building the ultimate camp kitchen.
7 Must-Have Camp Cooking Equipment
Stove
Nothing is as fundamental as a stove to set up a camp kitchen. The market has plenty of options to choose the camp store, and this is what makes it challenging to find the best one.
If you are new to this, we suggest staying away from all those funky options you will come across over the internet. Instead, always go for a classic choice of 2 burner propane gas stoves.
Why?
Because they are easily portable, allowed nearly everywhere and tremendously versatile. When it needs refueling, you don't have to struggle because finding 1 lb of green propane canisters is not a tedious job.
Our camping experts are in love with this Coleman Classic 2-Burner Portable Propane Stove for its unique features and specs. With 20,000 total BTUs in 2 different temperature zones, it is just perfect for all types of outdoor events.
Knife And Cutting Board
A reliable and safe knife set is required to prepare meals when you are camping. Whether you want to cut veggies or slice steaks, it's not possible without a good knife.
Now, choosing the best knife for camping is no rocket science. It's the same as selecting the one for your home. All you have to make sure is the knife is safe and properly functioning. Here's a recommendation for you – Knife Safe.
As long as the cutting boards are concerned, think about choosing a compact and folding one. It provides you with a flat, clean and stable spot to cut, slice and chop. Moreover, it can be slipped comfortably into your kitchen set or pack lid.
The Robert Irvine 3-Piece Granite-Look Cutting Board Set is impressively compact, robust and can be easily carried anywhere.
Dutch Oven
This is inseparable from any camp kitchen set. No matter if you plan to cook, sauté, boil, bake, steam, or fry – the dutch oven can do that for you.
But is that difficult to set up?
No, not at all! It comes with amazing designs that allow you to stack charcoal on top, thanks to its flat lid with the rim. Simultaneously, you can stiff coal underneath to make your food even more delicious.
You may find several expensive dutch ovens in the market. If you are a beginner or just need an economical yet high-class one, buy a Bayou Classic 5-qt Enameled Dutch Oven. It is durable, compact and can hold up to 5 quarts.
Skillets
A cast-iron skillet with a lid can be the most valuable player of your camp kitchen. Be it any camping recipe; everything can be cooked with a skillet.
You can use a skillet for cooking over a campfire or a stove. If you have made a charcoal bed on the ground, just rest the skillet over it, and your food will be prepared.
Our expert recommendation in this category is Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. It is virtually indestructible, non-stick and amazingly heat retentive.
One pro tip here from the experts – buy a decent top lid for your skillet as it traps heat inside. Ultimately, you get mouth-watering food in less time.
Cooler
Coolers or van refrigerators are essential to ensure the freshness of our meals. Even though it is quite expensive to buy a cooler, that's totally worth it!
Nowadays, you get many options to buy coolers with the latest technology. If you ask us, we recommend Coleman 100-Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler for its amazing features and Xtreme technology.
With an ability to keep ice for up to 5 days, it keeps your drinks and food fresh for an extended time. It is easy to port, all thanks to its 2-way handles.
Kitchen Utensils
This is nothing but cups, bowls, nesting mugs, plates, spoons, and more. We all need these items to serve and eat meals. It would be great if you can find folding, compact and lightweight kitchen utensils.
Yes, you can indeed eat your food directly from the pan with your fingers, but a great kitchen utensils set would be much classier.
Coffee Setup
You can serve yourself a cup of coffee in many ways while camping. However, an ultimate coffee maker can make things a little easier for you.
Kalorik Barista Coffee Maker And French Press is your most straightforward way to sip the freshest Barista while enjoying the morning views of your campsite. You can make hot tea or coffee, cold brew coffee or tea, cappuccinos, hot chocolates, cold foam, and lattes with this gear. And the best part – these all beverages can be made with just a touch of a button.
Lastly, A Little About Food Storage While Camping
Now that you know what essentials to have for a perfect camping kitchen, let us now turn to food storage. You have to understand that food is not the actual priority of any camping trip but how you pack and carry it.
Plastic baggies are your answer to this. It can help you store food on the go and help you serve efficiently to the group members. With their waterproof and leakproof features, such plastic bags can be a great option to carry oils, spices, and other food items.
You can also use them for packing leftover food and storing meals in the cooler. Once you use them up, they serve as fantastic trash bags. Fair deal, isn’t it?
Remember — any camping trip is unsuccessful without a proper organization. And for this, reliable food storage, kitchen gears, and food items are as important as your will to go. Read more camping reviews.
