Devon Berry is a nursing professional based in the Pacific Northwest. He recently received his MBA from Western Governors University and has held executive leadership roles at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, Wright State University, and Cedarville University. Devon Berry likes to spend time outdoors with his family, which sometimes includes camping.
When preparing for camping meals, there are many factors like style of camping—by car, RV, and backpack—and personal interest—food minimalist or gourmet— that play into the type of gear that’s brought along. However, there are a few qualities that all cooking gear must have in order to be worth its weight for the trip, such as being portable, easy to clean, and simple to stow away. No matter if you’re tent camping solo, or rolling into a KOA campground with the family, these essentials will get the job done. Read on for some of the best cooking gear for camping:
Knives and Cutting Board
Unless you plan on chopping all your food ahead of time, bring a couple knives and a cutting board that is sized appropriately for the portions you’re making. Opt for knives that have a sheath and can cut a variety of items, from bread to meat and a cutting board that is light but sturdy.
Dishware
It’s good to leave a campsite as good or better than you found it, and one of the best ways to do that is to bring your own dishes to minimize trash. Enamelware is a camping favorite because it is lightweight and durable, but other materials like polypropylene function just as well. You can easily find sets for four or one.
Frying Pan
Though cast iron skillets aren’t lightweight, they may be a worthy exception to the rule as they can withstand an open flame, are naturally non-stick, and versatile. However, for those who are backpacking or otherwise can’t afford to bring something as heavy, there are great non-stick options with a folding handle that can be stored away for easy travel.