When preparing food outdoors, there are certain pieces of gear you should never leave behind. These four pieces of gear are essential for ensuring that you have everything you need to cook a delicious meal in the great outdoors. From a portable stove to a sturdy knife, make sure to bring these items with you on your next outdoor cooking adventure!
1. A Knife
A good knife is essential for any outdoor cooking adventure. Whether you’re slicing vegetables for a salad or preparing meat for the grill, a sharp knife will make your life much easier. Invest in a high-quality chef’s knife or paring knife that will last for years to come. Cooking is also one of the reasons for upgrading your pocket knife because now you have more control. Additionally, a good knife will make your food taste better. There are different types of knives you should consider, the first being a high-quality pocket knife.
- Pocket Knives: Pocket knives are essential for everyday carry, or EDC. In addition to a knife, these small tools typically come with multiple other accessories, such as a screwdriver and can opener. When shopping for a pocket knife, consider the type of blade it has (serrated vs. straight), size, and material. Some popular brands include Opinel, Swiss Army Knives (Victorinox), Benchmade Knife Company, and many more! When camping, you can use them for just about anything, from opening a can of food to preparing kindling for a fire.
- Hunting Knives: A hunting knife is a must-have for any outdoorsman. Whether you’re skinning an animal or gutting a fish, a sharp, durable hunting knife will make the job much easier. When choosing a hunting knife, look for one with a fixed blade and a strong handle. Popular brands include Buck Knives, Gerber, and ESEE knives.
- Regular Kitchen Knives: If you’re not planning on doing any hunting or camping, you can get by with a regular kitchen knife. However, if you’re going to be cooking over a campfire, make sure to choose a knife that can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel and carbon steel knives are a good choice for this purpose.
2. A Stove
Unless you’re planning on cooking over an open fire, you’ll need a stove to prepare your food outdoors. Portable stoves are great for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Choose a stove that runs on either propane or Coleman fuel, as these are the most common fuels used in portable stoves. There are also electric and solar-powered stoves available, though they may be more expensive and less widely available. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking while camping, consider investing in a camp stove that has multiple burners. This will give you the ability to cook multiple items at once, which is ideal when feeding a large group of people.
- Propane Stoves: Propane stoves are a popular choice for camping and picnicking. They’re easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Additionally, propane is a clean-burning fuel, so it won’t leave behind soot or ashes. When using a propane stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Coleman Fuel Stoves: Coleman fuel is a common choice for portable stoves. It’s less expensive than propane and readily available at most hardware stores. Coleman fuel is also easy to use, though it can be messy if you’re not careful. When using a Coleman fuel stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Electric Stoves: Electric stoves are becoming more popular as they become more affordable. They’re easy to use and extremely versatile. Electric stoves can be used indoors or outdoors, making them a great choice for camping, picnicking, or tailgating. Just be sure to bring along a power source, such as a generator or an extension cord.
3. Flatware and Cookware
Unless you’re planning on eating your meals with your fingers, it’s a good idea to bring along flatware for camp cooking. You can purchase camping flatware kits that come with knives, spoons, forks, and plates all in one convenient carrying case. If you want to keep things simple, plastic sporks make a great alternative to traditional flatware. They are inexpensive and lightweight, making them a great option for travel or backpacking trips. For example, a 10-piece set that includes two knives, two forks, two spoons, and four plates is everything you need if you’re preparing food while camping for you and your plus-one. When choosing cookware for camp cooking, it’s important to choose something durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are a good choice, as they’re built to last. If you’re looking for something lighter weight, consider using aluminum cookware. However, be aware that aluminum can tarnish over time if not properly cared for.
4. A Cutting Board
Cuts and scrapes are a risk when preparing food outdoors. It’s a good idea to bring along a cutting board to protect yourself while you’re cooking. A plastic cutting board is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for camp cooking. If you don’t have room in your camping gear for a full-sized cutting board, consider purchasing a small one that folds up into a compact size that’s easy to carry with you.
- Wood Cutting Boards: Wooden cutting boards are a popular choice, as they are durable and easy to clean. They’re also more eco-friendly since wood biodegrades naturally over time. If you decide to use a wooden cutting board while camping, be sure to wash it thoroughly after each use and oil it regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
- Plastic Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards are lightweight and easy to clean. They tend to be more affordable than wooden cutting boards, though they may not last as long. If you choose plastic, look for a cutting board that is durable enough to withstand the pressures of outdoor cooking.
If you’re planning on preparing food outdoors, it’s a good idea to bring along the following gear: a portable stove, cookware, flatware, and a cutting board. Each of these items will make your camp cooking experience safer and more enjoyable. Just make sure to clean up afterward and maintain your gear the right way!
