Hiking through the woods, exploring new trails, and camping under the stars is one of life’s great pleasures.
Camping trips are about creating memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.
Camping food can be challenging at times because cooking over an open flame or campfire doesn’t always produce the best results. Campers need to have some basic equipment for cooking their meals, so they spend less time wondering what to eat for dinner and more time making these memories.
Finding the perfect campfire cooking kit for your next adventure can be a challenge. There are so many different types of camping cook set on the market, and it’s hard to know which one will work best for you.
Whether you’re looking for an ultimate campfire cooking kit guide or just want to find some campfire cooking equipment essentials, this article has something for everyone!
Product Comparison
Ready? Here are my top campfire cooking kits reviews:
Best Overall Campfire Cooking Kit
Keith Titanium Ti3060 Canteen Mess Kit
After my previous canteen kit broke, I decided to go with Keith Titanium. It’s been a great decision so far!
Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal that doesn’t rust or corrode. It’s used to make everything from aircraft and spacecraft to artificial hips and pacemakers. And now it’s used in the Keith Titanium Ti3060 Canteen Mess Kit.
There are no annoying rattles inside the pouch since it has an internal sleeve that holds the canteen cup’s lid from hitting against the canteen.
You can easily carry 32 oz of water or even ice cubes with the canteen kit as it has a wide-mouth design. It also comes with a titanium pot and lid for cooking.
The single-serve cup is great for one person. It’s really light, and the heat distribution works well in direct campfire heat, which I find surprising compared to stainless steel versions of these cups. The boiling time on this model was excellent too. I have not had any leaks with this cap, and most importantly, even after water had been in it for a few weeks, there was no metallic taste.
I can’t really say that much about how it works in one review, but when you’re backpacking on a minimalist lifestyle, this baby will come through for you. It has so many uses, from water prep to cooking over an open fire with little care needed. Well worth the extra cost if you need a high-quality campfire cook set that won’t break or dent easily while traveling with your gear.
Best Budget Campfire Cooking Kit
Bisgear Complete Camping Cookware Set
You can’t go wrong with the Bisgear Complete Camping Cookware Set if you’re shopping on a budget.
The best money ever spent on campfire cooking equipment. I mean it when I say this, the 15 pieces of cookware set will make your life more Bear Grylls like than you could have imagined. For less than $30, you get a pot, one kettle, one frying pan, two plates, three bowls, and a utensil set of spoons, spatula, and more. All these can be stacked into a tiny package!
I recently went camping and used the pot to cook some pasta. It turned out perfectly, even without any oil or butter–just like in my favorite Italian restaurant when they make them right. The heat-resistant anodized aluminum alloy on these pans is genius because they ensured there were no sticking issues while cooking. Cleanup was also easy with soap and water.
Get the perfect camping experience with this fantastic value deal. With a full set of cooking equipment, you’ll never be without piping hot food for your outdoor adventure.
Best Camping Grill Kit
CampMaid Grill and Smoker
The best way to make an impression at your next campfire cookout is with the 3-piece CampMaid Grill and Smoker. Made from heavy-duty cast iron, it’s the perfect mix between durability and portability.
This product is great for people who love cooking in the classic Dutch oven. The stand is designed to fit Dutch ovens measuring 12 inches. I love that the lid can now serve as a frying pan for when you want to fry up some bacon and eggs.
In this camping grill starter kit, you get a tripod stand, Dutch oven lid remover, a flip grill, and a charcoal tray, all packaged in a compact carry bag.
The possibilities are endless with this grill. I often use it to BBQ anything from chicken legs, wings, and ribs all the way up through pizzas!
Unless you’re in a bind regarding weight, this is the most innovative camp stove you’ll find for car campers.
Best Campfire Cooking Kit for Families
Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set
Are you looking for an all-in-one campfire cooking set that can cook meals for large groups?
This is a very well-thought-out campfire cooking kit. There are four separate sets of dishes/utensils in the package.
You can use it for car camping, and the stainless steel pots are ideal because they’re thick enough to provide even heating over firewood, making cooking easy.
The rounded handles on each of them make it more comfortable to work in, and they’re designed to look good and perform well.
Whether you’re headed out on your next scout trip or just want to host a backyard BBQ, this 21 piece cooking set will be perfect for all of those adventures. Staying lightweight and compact, it’s easy to pack up in preparation without sacrificing performance.
Best Campfire Cooking Kit for Couples
Pathfinder Campfire Survival Cooking Kit
It’s your first camping trip together, so what’s next?
Besides getting a large tent, the Pathfinder Campfire Survival Cooking Kit is the perfect camping companion for 1-2 people. The kit includes everything you need to cook and eat out in the wilderness, including a stove, canteen, a surprisingly big spork, stainless steel bottle, and bottle hanger, as well as a ferrocerium rod that can be used to light your campground or start a fire.
Everything is packed in a sturdy pouch that can accommodate extra items. I’ve crammed everything from communications to a toolkit, rope, flashlights, knives, and more into the shoulder bag. You can’t go wrong with this set since it’s still light and compact!
Best Lightweight Campfire Cooking Kit
MSR Trail Mini Solo Cook Set
If you’re going on a solo camping excursion, you already know that you’ll have to rely on yourself for everything. One of the items on your checklist is preparing meals at the campsite. You are alone, so you need cookware that is light and portable.
The MSR Trail Mini Solo Cook Set is perfect for solo campers. Mountain Safety Research is a brand that specializes in outdoor adventures. They have been helping people brave the wilderness for years, and their equipment is trusted by those who know it best.
This cooking kit is exceptionally lightweight (7.2 ounces), pot boilable, and pack-friendly so you can eat great food without having to rely on other people. It also has a military-grade durable build that will hold up in even harsh conditions like windy weather or heavy hail storms, making this an all-rounder camping kitchen essential when going off the grid with just yourself at hand.
You can also nest an MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit, which holds just enough water for two cups of coffee. Backpackers, you’ll appreciate this cookware set.
Best Durable Campfire Cooking Kit
HOMFUL Camping Cookware Titanium Cooking Set
Like the Keith Titanium, HOMFUL Camping Cookware Titanium Cooking Set is also made of pure titanium, which means it’s tough, tasteless, and doesn’t rust. It’s also non-allergenic and easy to clean.
I recommend you to make ramen with the pot at the camp site. Trust me, it will be so delicious! With improved heating efficiency, it will be easy to heat your food up quickly. Plus, it comes with a folding spork so you won’t have to worry about bringing extra utensils along with you on your trip.
Any camping enthusiast would be delighted with this cooking set, which can be relied on to last for years, if not decades.
What to Look for in a Great Camping Cooking Kit
Portability
You want a set that is both portable and stores easily, but the trade-off for volume might be less cooking space.
Or maybe you have little ones who will need their own pots and pans when they come along on your adventure, so having a small all-in-one cooking kit that they can put inside their backpacks will be of great benefit to their back and arms.
In any case, it pays to get cookware sets with tight storage capabilities, so everything can stay nested and organized during transport or while camping out under the stars. No matter what kind of RV we’re talking about here: car, Tiny House, travel trailer…you name it; just make sure all necessities are accounted for before setting off into unknown territory.
Materials
You need a high-quality campfire cooking kit that is made of tough, long-lasting materials that you can trust when you go camping, backpacking, or hiking in the wild. So, please look at the materials that make up your cookware sets and carefully weigh their benefits and drawbacks.
Titanium
You may have heard that titanium is the best material for campfire cooking kits. This statement couldn’t be more accurate. Titanium is a very light metal that has an inert oxide film, making it resistant to corrosion and strong. These characteristics make titanium an ideal material for camping if you want something that will endure long on a campfire. The only downside here really comes down to cost though, but I believe it to be an excellent investment.
Stainless steel
Mugs, pots, and pans made of stainless steel are the most common material among campfire survival cooking kits. These durable products can stand up against rust and scratches while providing superior heat retention to other materials such as aluminum and plastic.
Even with all its benefits, it is usually still reasonably priced and available in a range of budgets.
But did you know that stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat? This means it doesn’t distribute the warmth as evenly as aluminum, which can make food stick. Fortunately, most cookware companies have overcome this disadvantage by incorporating other metals into the manufacturing process.
Aluminum
Aluminum mess kits are ideal for campfire cooking because they rapidly conduct heat, are low-cost, lightweight, and simple to clean.
It’s a good idea to keep aluminum pieces away from sharp objects as scratches will appear on the surface quickly, and products containing acid can cause chemical reactions with it, which could destroy your favorite mugs.
Nowadays, manufacturers often use anodized aluminum for cookware because it has many advantages over its natural metal counterpart. For starters, the anodic coating makes this type of metal stronger and more durable. And there’s no risk to your health either.
Plastic
You might think that plastic products are light and durable, but when it comes time to cook over an open flame, they’re not the best choice.
Durability
For those who like to explore deep National Forests, a set of rugged camping cookware is essential. You don’t want your pots and pans breaking on day one, or else it’ll be hard enough trying to make delicious campfire meals with only dehydrated food in an emergency situation! Make sure you pick up durable models that can stand up against heavy use because these items aren’t replaceable in a remote location.
Usability
If you want your camp cookware to function well, you should invest in a high-quality set. Make sure you do some testing before the actual camping day to determine if the cookware conducts heat evenly, can boil water quickly, or fry bacon and egg easily.
When it comes to the best campfire cooking kits, be sure that they can also clean up nicely. You don’t want a kit with dirty pots and pans because you’ll never know where their last meal was prepared.
Accessories
Many campfire cook sets come equipped with a variety of practical items, such as mugs, dishes, and utensils. You can save a lot of time and energy if you purchase them as a set. Even so, it’s always tempting to buy a set that comes full of accessories, but be aware that this usually will increase the cost of your purchase. You should either get what you need or save some money for something else.
Campfire Cooking Equipment: Essential Items to Build Your Own Campfire Cooking Kit
One of the most important considerations when packing for camping is what you’ll be cooking.
You need something to eat, and maybe other things too like pots or pans. The specifics depend on where exactly your trip will take place as well as how advanced this cuisine requires in order not ruin anything while outdoors – let’s say gas stoves are out because they’re bulky, but an open fire would work just fine (unless there’s no wood nearby).
The majority of car campsites will already have a grill or fire pit, while backpackers will only need to bring lightweight supplies with them. These are the items that should be included in a basic campfire cooking kit.
Camping Cooking Gear
There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to preparing food outdoors. Regardless of whether you’re camping in your car, fishing, or going out into the woods, you shouldn’t skimp on your meals. You can set up a functional kitchen practically anywhere with the appropriate equipment.
From a heavy-duty open fire grill to a full portable folding camp kitchen, these tried and tested campfire cooking gear can help turn your campfire into a gourmet experience.
Best Camp Stove: Coleman Hyperflame 2 Burner 3-IN-1 Propane Portable Stove
Whenever I go camping with my family or friends, it always makes me feel safer knowing I have a camp stove on hand just in case any storm is coming through during our trip and we need shelter from the rain bands/flood waters, etc.
This is my favorite 2-burner camp stove.
Over the years, Coleman has made it their mission to create outdoor campfire cooking equipment that will withstand all elements. This means they have created a propane stove with 11000-BTU burners which is not only powerful but also offers all-around wind protection so you can boil water fast under windy conditions.
It can fit any pan size – even larger ones like Dutch ovens or stockpots.
You’ll be able to enjoy camping trips in style knowing there are interchangeable cooktops allowing more meal options on one go. With so many nice features, this is the perfect stove for car campers. I’ve used one near my own truck, and it works great!
This classic 2-burner camping gas stove provides more than enough power to cook anything while staying conveniently portable, weighing just 10 pounds fully fueled up.
For a less expensive alternative, check out the Coleman Gas Camping Stove, an amazing little stove for its price.
Best Over Fire Camp Grill: Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill
The Camp Chef Lumberjack Campfire Grill Grate is a heavy-duty grill with folding legs and a large cooking surface of 648 square inches and weighs 10 pounds. This sturdy, portable grill offers the ability to cook over an open fire or camp stove.
I knew this would come in handy when I found out that one campsite does not have a grill gate, and it was a total game-changer. I used the grill over by our campfire pit as an extra cooking surface for all sorts of food. The campfire cooking grate also served as a stovetop for my cast iron skillets.
If you want an even more compact-sized folding campfire grill grate, the Adventure Seeka Heavy Duty Folding Campfire Grill would be another one to consider.
Best Camp Cooking Table: Camp Chef Camp Table
When it comes time to cook, the backpacking foodie will find themselves longing for a camp kitchen table, but car camping enthusiasts can make do with one of these essential pieces.
Considered a luxury item in most instances and useful during those long drives across state lines or country landscapes, an outdoor cooking area is not only helpful but also aesthetically pleasing.
Camp Chef’s Large Camp Table is the perfect accessory for your outdoor kitchen. This table gives you additional space to prepare or serve food while camping, tailgating, sporting events, or around the backyard fire pit.
The large surface area of this camp table makes it ideal for accommodating two camp Dutch ovens with room to spare. It also features a three-sided windscreen that helps shield you from any wind on those cool fall days when you are cooking outdoors. There are removable legs that are adjustable so the table can be stable on uneven grounds.
Now you can cook up all sorts of tasty food and make socializing with friends easy.
Best Campfire Tripod: Coleman Tripod Grill & Lantern Hanger
The Coleman Tripod Grill and Lantern Hanger is another essential campfire cooking equipment. You can use it for cooking dinner over the campfire and share stories by lantern light afterward with its adjustable 17-in diameter grill grate that will hang just right for warmth but not too high, so you don’t lose your flames under tree coverings.
When done grilling up some tasty treats on an open fire using this dependable set, collapse each leg into themselves for easy storage. Now you can spend the night outside playing games like hackey sack (no really!), mining gold nuggets from riverbanks–whatever floats your boat.
Best Grill Swing: Bruntmor BBQ Grill Swing
I do have a tripod that I use for dutch ovens, but it has one disadvantage: the legs must be dug into the dirt.
The Bruntmor all-steel cooking set is free-standing and is perfect for anyone who loves to grill on the campfire anywhere.
Made of sturdy materials, it can handle heavy duty use and still maintain its beautiful design. The portable stand allows you to find an easy way of using your dutch oven without leaving too much space between yourself or anything else around where you’re preparing food.
Just place this rod overtop any open flame source like firewood branches, etc. Then adjust how far away from these burning hot coals they are so that every ingredient gets cooked evenly each time. There are also hooks at different lengths provided as well if need be (though I recommend keeping them low).
Don’t worry about taking something apart before going out because everything comes packaged up nicely in a carrying case.
Best Folding Camp Kitchen: GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen
While having picnic tables at most campsites is great, a separate cook station is the ultimate convenience. A dedicated cook station provides a place for both cooking and eating. This is convenient as it keeps the area around your picnic table free from clutter, so you can enjoy clean dishes right away without having dirty hands or spilling food on other objects nearby.
This is one of my favorite things to cook on. I can set it up in the backyard without being limited by space, and it folds down for easy transport.
The cooking surface stands at standard counter height, so that means no hunching over when you are doing prep work. There are plenty of storage options with both sides extendable as well as a folding sink which makes washing dishes easier than ever before (plus bonus points because they aren’t made out of plastic).
Metal construction also keeps water spills from ruining anything; whether it’s summertime humidity or winter snowstorms outside, you’ll always know this GCI product will hold strong through whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Camping Cookware
Camping is all about getting away from your busy life and enjoying nature, but it doesn’t have to mean tough living. These days you can cook in style with top-of-the-line camping cookware (e.g skillet, Dutch oven, toaster) that will make sure food tastes great no matter where or how far off the grid you are.
Best Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Combo Cooker Cast Iron
A cast-iron skillet would be the first item on my list when buying campfire cookware.
Cast iron is the king of all cookware materials. It can endure higher temperatures and is pretty much indestructible, reportedly will last up to 200 years.
The only downside? They’re a bit on the heavy side, but nothing beats that mouth-watering taste when food is cooked in this metal pan over some hot coals or logs from last night’s campfire meal.
I love my Lodge cast iron skillet because it is durable and affordable too. I can cook with this one right away by adding some butter or oil.
That’s right, you get all of the best parts with this Lodge campfire combo cooker set. Not just a deep cooking pot, it is also a fryer, a cast-iron Dutch oven, and the lid can be used as a shallow skillet. Talk about convenience at its finest form!
If you are new to cooking with a cast-iron skillet, I recommend “The New Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook: 150 Fresh Ideas for America’s Favorite Pan, by Ellen Brown” for some amazing recipe ideas.
Best Dutch Oven: Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
I’ll admit, I have a thing for Dutch ovens. Just like the cast iron skillet, they’re slow-cookers and ovens all in one.
But this versatile item also happens to be my favorite piece of camp cooking equipment. There is nothing like a Lodge Deep Camp Dutch oven to make camp cooking easier and more flavorful.
It can turn out everything from beans, lasagna noodles with meat sauce, or even bread in an old-fashioned style. There’s no need for foil when you have this versatile pot, so your food will always come out incredible every time.
This is available from 2 to 10 Quarts in size to suit your requirements.
Best Camping Cookware set: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set
This is one of the best mess kits you can get your hands on.
The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set is all you need for your next camping trip. This mountaineering and hiking pack includes 23-pieces of color-coded plates, bowls, mugs, and fry pan. Plus, there’s even a washbasin sack.
As a result of its Teflon coating, cleaning up is not a hassle when camping with limited water.
I’ve always loved the idea of packing light. This is why when I went camping with my family, all our gear used to weigh us down and take up too much space in preparation for an adventure. Now that we’re not taking as many things on vacation, this new set has become essential.
Best Camping Kettle Kit: Kelly Kettle Scout
The Kelly Kettle Scout may be the best way to boil water fast on your next camping adventure. It’s lightweight, compact, and fits in even the most cramped of packs. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to bring along fuel canisters because all you need is to find clean sticks or dry grass, then put them inside the firebase tray.
The green cap also functions as a whistle to notify you when the water reaches its boiling point in just a few minutes. Since it is made out of environmentally friendly and durable anodized aluminum, it protects against corrosion. This kettle is perfect when you need to make about 5 cups of tea or coffee for your camping group.
See Kelly Kettle’s Ultimate Scout Kit for a complete portable set of a kettle, stove, and pot that stack nicely into the kettle body. It has all you need for daylong adventures.
Best Folding Campfire Toaster: Od-sport Folding Camp Stove Toaster
If you want to make toast outdoor, look no further than the best way of toothsome goodness: a campfire toaster!
Od-sport Folding Camp Stove Toaster makes it simple to prepare some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It can make four slices of toast at once, either using an open flame grill or a gas burner.
I absolutely love this toaster because it’s such a clever way to toast the bread if you can’t use an electric toaster.
A warning though – this campstove toaster isn’t for anyone who doesn’t have time on their hands because it will take at least 5 to 10 minutes from start until finish. But if you’re looking for something quicker, try buttering bread slices and toast them in an already hot pan.
Cooking Utensils, Tableware, and Accessories
It is a failure of epic proportions not to pack some backup camping kitchen utensils. Forgetting the all-critical can opener and heat-resistant gloves will leave you in an impossible situation. That’s why you should go through this list carefully.
Best Camp Utensil Kit: Portable Camping Kitchen Utensil Set
It’s no surprise that the market is flooded with camp cooking utensil sets. Most of them seem cheaply made and include a lot of unnecessary items, which we don’t need when camping. But definitely not this portable Camp Utensil Kit from NexGadget.
This ultimate camping accessory kit is the perfect gift for any outdoor enthusiast. It includes everything you need to cook delicious meals away from home, including full-size knives, forks, cutting board, spoons, and so much more.
These utensils are made with stainless steel and are designed with tough conditions in mind so they’ll last longer than cheap plastic kitchenware. This is why besides using this cooking equipment on picnics or family trips, you can even use it at home!
Best Camping Plates:
GSI Outdoors Pioneer Enamelware Camp Set
Do you enjoy camping or glamping?
Camping food is much more appetizing when served on nice plates from the GSI Outdoors Pioneer Enamelware Camp Set. The plates, cups, bowls, pan, percolator, kettle are all crafted from superior materials that will last for years, all while looking great.
And Gsi Outdoors guarantees all its products for life! That’s right, they’re so confident in their durability that you can count on them being replaced if something happens to it.
ECO SOUL 100% Compostable, Biodegradable, Disposable Palm Leaf Plates
Many people who go camping don’t want dishes that they need to wash after every meal.
Suppose you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. In that case, disposable plates are a good choice because of their ease and affordability – but there’s always been one problem: They end up in a landfill or incinerator once we finish using them. Luckily these new compostable plate sets are made from natural materials like palm leaves.
I was so impressed with the durability and beauty of this plate. It handled all my BBQ Ribs without a problem. If only all our kitchenware could be so sustainable.
Best Heat-Resistant Gloves: Grill Armor Heat Resistant Gloves
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up a cast iron skillet only to find out that the handle was too hot for my hands! Now, with these Grill Armor Heat Resistant Gloves with easy on/off design and thick insulation, this won’t happen again.
They also come in handy when rearranging smoldering logs after cooking over an open fire or adjusting grill grates while camping. So if your adventures always take place outdoors, get yourself some new gear today.
Best Instant Read Grill Thermometer: ThermoPro TP-17 Dual Probe Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer
I know many people who are new to cooking outdoors and get intimidated by all the hot metals.
A digital meat thermometer is a must-have for anyone who wants to know the exact temperature of their food. It can tell you if that steak in your oven isn’t cooked all the way through, or make sure pork chops are well done on both sides before taking them off heat.
There’s nothing worse than overcooked meat and undercooked seafood, so make sure to get this ThermoPro TP-17 Dual Probe instant-read thermometer for an accurate temperature reading.
Best Marshmallow Roasting Smores Sticks: Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Campfire roasting is so much fun! You can cook all sorts of food over an open flame, like hot dogs and marshmallows. I love sitting around the campfire with my friends. We are always coming up with new recipes for s’more goodies, and this year was no different.
But what do you need to get started?
A durable roasting sticks set that will last for years in the great outdoors. Don’t settle on dirty twigs or disposable sticks- buy some heavy-duty skewers like the Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Roasting Sticks.
It’s a good idea to use telescoping marshmallow roasting sticks when you’re camping. They allow for greater distance from the heat of your campfire compared with shorter wooden sticks, which can get too hot and burn us if we try using them without protection.
Not only does Jolly Green provides a little rotisserie feature, where you just rotate the black ring on your handle instead of spinning the whole thing for ultimate convenience, they also include protective rubber tips that keep your kids’ fingers safe from those sharp ends of the sticks.
Best Water Container: Igloo Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser
For your next camping trip, make sure you have a good water storage container. It will provide ice-cold drinking water to get through any rough days camp-side and make life easier in many ways like dishwashing.
A cool thing about these containers is that they come in different shapes and sizes, so no matter how big or small an outdoor enthusiast there is on this adventure, something suitable can be found for them.
Personally, I recommend Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser for easy dispensing with the drip-resistant spigot.
Best Water Filtration: HydroBlu Pressurized Jerry Can Water Filter
The HydroBlu Pressurized Jerry Can is a high-quality water container that can be utilized in emergencies, camping trips, or even just around town. It features an internal filtration system with the ability to filter large amounts of liquid while also removing harmful bacteria from any water source like rivers and lakes. This process enhances both the taste and clarity of the water.
I am so glad that the lids are on the top because this means I don’t have to worry about any spills ever happening in my car.
Best Camp Cooler: Igloo 52 Qt BMX Cooler
I’ve been so happy with this cooler that I recently invested in another one for home. Now, not only do I have the perfect porch to enjoy lake-front barbeques on summer evenings but also cold beer.
Your meals and beverages will still stay cold for days under ambient temp of 90°F if you put them in one of these ice chests.
The best part is there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there too – you just need to find what works well within your price range and preferences.
Best Compact Shovel: Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a handy and durable spade that can be used for digging, entrenching, or camping. The serrated edge on one side of the blade gives you extra power when needed while still being small enough to fit in your backpack easily if need be.
Packing a compact shovel is the key to keeping your campfire safe. When it gets hot, use this tool so you can direct all of its heat onto one spot and cover up after cooking with it too.
Fire Starters
Knowing how to start a fire is an essential skill for anyone who hikes or spends time in the wilderness.
A campfire can be used to cook food, boil water on your trip backpacking through rough terrain where there’s no access to electricity, and keep warm when it gets freezing outside – you name it!
And with all these potential purposes, you should always have a handy little fire starter kit because one never knows what could happen out here on your adventures.
Best Ferro Rod and Striker Kit: Bayite Survival Drilled Flint Fire Starter
If you’ve got your firewood and grill ready, now it’s time for the best part: starting a campfire.
A fire starter kit will make this easy as can be. The Bayite Survival Drilled Flint Fire Starter is a fire starter that has been designed to be used in any weather condition. It is 5″ long and has a big round wooden handle that gives you an ergonomic grip with a highly effective ferrocerium rod attached. This means that it will provide you with enough time to start your fire without having to strike the rod constantly.
From my experience, the striker produces concentrated sparks with little effort. Suitable for camping, survival kits, hiking, or even your home use.
Best Stormproof Match Kit: Zippo Typhoon Match Kit
The Zippos match kit is an excellent option for those who like to be prepared, and it can withstand even the most challenging conditions. The heavy-duty construction means that your matches will stay dry despite being submerged in water or rain while burning up to 30 seconds with no problem at all.
It also has a case design that is best in class. The striker pad sits under a waterproof cap to protect it from moisture, keeping everything dry.
Best Charcoal Chimney Starter: CampMaid Collapsible Charcoal Chimney Starter
I love my CampMaid Collapsible Charcoal Chimney Starter because it’s so portable and rapidly heats blocks of coal in under 10 minutes.
This foldable charcoal starter can be used in any Dutch oven size up to 12 inches, weighs less than two pounds, and holds 45 charcoal briquettes at one time. With a high-quality paint lock steel construction, the CampMaid chimney won’t be damaged by hot charcoal, and it has the added benefit of a heat-safe handle for your convenience.
Make Camping Coffee
In the morning, as you sit to enjoy your coffee and listen to the birds chirping outside of your tent or cabin, it’s difficult not to be at peace. Now is a great time for getting an outdoor-style brewer so that no matter where life takes us, we can make delicious cups like these right here in our favorite spot on earth.
Best Camp Coffee Maker: WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Do you love coffee? We all know that the best part of waking up is a good cup of coffee in your hand. But sometimes, it’s hard to get the perfect shot when you’re away from home.
That’s why you need the Nanopresso – an ultra-compact and sleek looking coffee machine that lets you make espresso anywhere.
At just 6.14 inches, it easily fits in your backpack, so you can take it with you on adventures and brew delicious shots wherever life takes you.
You don’t need electricity or batteries to use WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker. Just add hot water and ground coffee beans, then pump the piston up and down for rich crema every time. With its high-pressure system (18 bars), Nanopresso extracts more flavor out of each serving than any other portable device I have tried.
And thanks to its unique design, this little guy is easy to clean too. Just rinse under running water after each use and let dry before storing away until next time. No fuss is required at all.
Best Percolator: GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator
Some mornings, the only thing that will get you out of bed is an excellent cup o’ joe.
So if sludge and mud are what makes your day go round, then by all means stay put with a pot on deck. But those who want something more elegant or even just fancy enough so as not to give off too much “unclean” energy from its appearance in their kitchen countertop space?
Opt instead for percolators.
Not every type works perfectly, however. Anything made from plastic melts quickly (and these days, we know how dangerous plastics can be).
GSI Outdoors has a new line of enamelware percolators that will make your camping experience more enjoyable. These heavy-gauge steel pots are designed for even cooking and distribution in the pot, which is perfect because you want everything to come out tasting great.
The speckled finish adds style while ensuring durability with its superior quality construction, so it can prevent some scratches along the way without denting or chipping easily like other products might when left unprotected.
Best Thermos Flasks: THERMOS Ultimate MKII Series Flask
If you’d like to keep your coffee hot for several hours, pour it into a camping thermos once you’ve brewed it. The perfect flask is one that can keep your drink hot and cool, no matter the environment. The caps should also be secure, so you don’t end up spilling anything when in motion or knock it out of shape on accident.
This is why I select Thermos Ultimate MKII Series Flask as the best because it has rubber rings and vacuum insulation technology that keep their hot drinks warm or cold drinks chilly longer than any other brands, with no taste sacrificed.
Clean-up
Proper waste disposal is the responsibility of every camper. That means you should always carry reusable bin bags with your food scraps and trash so that wildlife doesn’t come into contact.
Best Biodegradable Camp Soap: Dead Down Wind Base Camp Biodegradable Camp Soap
I’ve always been a little bit wary of biodegradable soap. You know, because it seems like they never work, and some even make your hands smell bad after using them, which I don’t want to do on an outdoor adventure.
But this time though, Dead Down Wind Base Camp Biodegradable Camp Soap had me fooled with their amazing cleaning power that left my dishes sparkling clean without any perfume or residue. The multi-purpose soap is gentle enough for sensitive skin, but it gets the job done. I’ve used it to wash hands, dishes, and clothes with no problem at all.
Best Pop-Up Trash Can: Coghlan’s Pop-Up Recycle Bin
So you are still using those old-fashioned plastic bags to store your trash, huh? Stop it! It’s time for something new. Coghlan’s Pop-Up Recycle Bin has a spring-loaded design that makes it easy to open and close. It also features lightweight construction, making the bin great for carrying around on your adventures.
The two Velcro straps make storing simple when not in use or packing up camp ready at any moment. Simply stuff a trash bin liner inside and place the garbage can anywhere handy for keeping campsites and recreational areas clean.
FAQs About Campfire Cooking
What Do You Need to Cook Over a Campfire?
Does your camping gear contain only just the tent and sleeping bag? No way!
First of all, you need a grill grate because it has a lot of versatility. You can use it as an actual cooking surface or place pots and pans so that food does not have far to travel when grilled, fried, boiled, or simmered on low heat for hours.
The best way to cook over an open fire is with cast iron campfire cooking equipment. The heavy metal retains more heat, which means that it will take longer for your food’s temperature to decrease as you’re cooking – making these pots perfect for campfire cuisine. If possible, get yourself some cast-iron Dutch ovens or skillets too, because they are just so versatile when cooking under the stars.
It would help if you also had an arsenal of various utensils to make camp food taste great and for convenience’s sake. Here are some ideas: long-handled spoon for stirring, stainless steel tongs to serve dishes on demand (you’ll thank me later), flame and heat-resistant campfire gloves so that even when things go awry there’s no danger from burns due to contact with hot surfaces- plus they’re also handy if it begins raining outside while inside cooking.
And don’t forget cleaning supplies like wire brush or dish soap; either one will do nicely as needed.
Last but not least – remember those meat thermometers.
What Kind of Pan Do You Use on a Campfire?
Are regular non-stick pans safe to use over a fire? Now, this is something you should definitely want to know about for your next camping trip.
If it’s not already apparent by now–do not use any Teflon or other non-stick coating in a campfire because the average campfire temperature ranges from 900 – 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is way hotter than what these nonstick cookware can endure.
The best pans to use for open-fire cooking are seasoned cast iron cookware. Other types of materials may cause your food or flames to come into contact with them, which could damage the pan and negatively affect its flavor as well as potential chemicals leaching out from it due to corrosion.
So the only safe, affordable option is to use a pan made from cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. And make sure your handle isn’t plastic because they melt under intense direct heat.
Can You Put Stainless Steel on the Fire?
Absolutely. It’s a great idea because it heats evenly and doesn’t rust like other metals can.
Not only that, but pots made out of this stuff are really durable so you won’t crack them easily (especially if you dropped them from a considerable height).
And lastly: cleaning! These pans can clean up pretty quickly with just some soap and water. But the downside is that the bottom and sides can be discolored by soot and ash.
What Do You Cook in a Campfire?
Camping Pancakes: The Easiest Tastiest No-Fuss Breakfast https://t.co/rr4UuNOqaB #tasty#campingfood pic.twitter.com/h6HwxHFXs5
— Diligent Camper (@DiligentCamper) January 21, 2022
The possibilities are practically endless. Almost everything you can make in your own kitchen may be cooked in a campfire. Here are some ideas:
- Hot dogs
- S’mores
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled burgers
- Kebabs
- Cocktail
- Nachos
- Seafood
- Granola bars
- Roasts
- Stew
- Corns
- Pizzas
- Breakfast sandwich
- Pancakes
What Can You Grill Over a Campfire?
I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying “campfire, hotdogs, and marshmallows?” Well, the following are a few examples you can put on a stick when grilling over a bonfire:
- Marshmallow
- Hot dogs
- Bread
- Pineapples
- Bananas
- Cheese balls
- Bacon
- Bell peppers
Can Open Fire Cooking Be Healthy?
Open fire cooking is an ancient culinary tradition that can be hazardous to your health. Wood or charcoal fires release toxic molecules into the air as they burn, which are then inhaled by you and those around you. If done on a regular basis, it can cause severe breathing problems, heart attacks, strokes, and even lung cancer.
Campfire cooking can be a risky endeavor, but it’s not something you do every day. I find that the risk for health problems caused by campfire cooking is minimal when compared to other activities like partying outside or sitting in front of the TV all day long.
How Should Camping Food Be Stored?
The wise camper knows that a cooler or fridge with ice-filled compartments will allow them to store any perishable foods in the event they need it. For nonperishables, use plenty of paper/plastic bags for storage. When camping out in Bear Country where hungry black and grizzly bears might be around, definitely keep your food in a bear-proof canister.
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