What Are the Must-Have Items for Cooking in the Great Outdoors?

One of the best things about camping is cooking outside, but the right gear can really change the whole game. A properly packed camping cooking kit is like your personal invisible shield against any situation, from speedy meals to a fancy feast. The right essentials not only facilitate outdoor cooking but also allow for enjoying it, whether you're a newbie camper or a seasoned adventurer. Take a look at the essential items to include in your cooking kit for your next camping trip!

5 Must-Have Gear Pieces Every Outdoor Cook Needs

Look at the following must-have items for outdoor cooking:

Portable Camping Stove

It is necessary for you to have a compact and light stove that can provide sufficient heat but still take up little space in your pack. This stove is the best solution to get a rapid boil time and to heat a pan to sizzling. High cooking power can be achieved by this stove, and it only weighs grams.

The stove has to meet some basic requirements, which include:

• Don't overdo it with portability!

• Power output that is sufficient to cook and boil quickly.

• Valve-controlled gas flow is the most important item in adjusting the heat.

• The pan supports are a stable design and hold both the pan and the ingredients.

Fire Striker/Lighter/Matches

In most cases, gas stoves are equipped with a piezo ignition system; however, having an alternative ignition system is always advisable. Regardless of any weather conditions, a fire striker is the most secure and is very convenient in terms of size, but a lighter or matches can also be used.

Utensils

Plan proper utensils for the food that you are preparing, for instance, a spoon or a spatula. In case you choose to be very simple, a spork (as both a utensil and cutlery) will be enough for you to use. Moreover, if your pan is non-stick, be sure to bring in some wooden or plastic utensils for use that will not damage the coating.

Crockery and Cutlery

For a single meal, you could eat directly from the pan and avoid washing. On the other hand, if you are not satisfied with eating directly from the pan or expect visitors, plastic plates and bowls weigh significantly less than ceramic crockery.

Water, Oil and Seasoning

For drinks and cooking, water will be a necessity, but it is also essential to have some extra clean water for washing your dishes. Eventually, some oil will be necessary to fry your food and salt and pepper will be needed to season it. You can also just add some herbs and spices to make your food quite delicious and to impress your guests.

How Can You Cook Safely and Responsibly Outdoors?

Check out the following tips for safely cooking outdoors:

• Safely Store Food: Stay away from cross-contamination and use a refrigerator for fresh things that can go bad, such as raw meat and milk.

• Set Up Your Stove on a Stable Surface: First of all, the gas and the stove should be properly connected to one another. Moreover, it is essential to confirm that there is no long or dry grass near the fire, because it can catch fire very quickly.

• Do Not Cook In A Tent: Eat your meal outdoors, but ensure that the area is air-conditioned and is at least a few feet away from the tent.

• Check that The Gas is Connected Properly: Ensure the gas is tightly screwed onto the stove thread.

• Use a Regulated Flame to Cook: Don't let the fire surpass the edge of your pan. When strong winds are blowing, a wind deflector will help you keep the flame at a stable level and thus get more efficient and save energy.

The Bottom Line

Outdoor cooking is essentially a combination of convenience, efficiency, and creativity. No matter how wild you are outdoors, if you have the right gear, you can make delicious meals very easily. Using the right outdoor gear for your trip makes it possible for you to enjoy your trip without worrying about the supply of food or other necessities.

If you are going to camp or for Munro bagging, and especially if you need some good cooking equipment, definitely take a look at Munro Bagger. They have a variety of products that can make your outdoor expeditions not only safer and more comfortable but also more pleasurable. 

FAQs

What is the best fuel for camp cooking?

Generally, a propane/isobutane blend fuel and stove is the perfect solution for backpackers in most cases due to the mentioned advantages, such as versatility, low weight, operating well in a broad temperature range, and being less expensive.

What are the benefits of a white gas stove?

A white gas stove is a much better option for you if you are preparing food or melting snow for a large group or for a long time. Besides that, such devices are less harmful to the environment, as they do not produce any waste from the gas cylinders.