12 Essential Cooking Tools You Need for Camping

Fuel
Portable stoves need fuel. Depending on the type of portable stove, you’ll need quite a bit of fuel to light it. Common fuels include alcohol, butane, gasoline, kerosene, and propane. However, the safest and cleanest methods of lighting a portable stove are using butane or propane. These two fuels are stored in canisters under pressure and are easy to carry and pack. You’ll find various types of portable gas canisters in travel and camping stores, usually at reasonable prices.

Cookware
Camping cookware should be as lightweight and compact as possible. These pots and pans can range from spoons, forks, and frying pans for cooking to pots and their lids, which can be used for hiking as well. Cast iron cookware is commonly used for outdoor cooking because of its durability, flexibility, and excellent heat retention and distribution. A Dutch oven or a pot is extremely useful for cooking at the campsite, as you can cook meat, soup, etc., in it. You can also use stainless steel pots instead of cast iron.

Camping Lighters
It’s a good idea to carry a few camping lighters with you, as one might get lost. It’s better to have one or two extra lighters for outdoor cooking. Be sure to keep these lighters out of reach of children. There are many types of windproof and waterproof camping lighters available that are a great alternative to matches that won’t light in windy or rainy conditions.

Collapsible Water Container
For cooking outdoors, such as boiling rice, pasta, or potatoes, you’ll need water. With a collapsible water container, you can collect water from nearby water sources at your campsite. You can then use it to prepare your meals. With a relatively affordable cost, you can buy collapsible or accordion-style water containers with several liters of capacity. The better the quality of these containers and the more famous the brand, the higher the price.

Reusable Eating Utensils
Instead of using paper plates, plastic cups, or carrying kitchenware, it’s better to use reusable dishes and join the "Leave No Trace" movement. In addition, using these reusable dishes will help you save money in the long run.

Portable Fridge
Portable fridges, or cool boxes, are very useful at campsites. You can use them to store perishable foods and drinks. They are also essential if you want cold water in the wilderness. These fridges help prevent food spoilage. A portable fridge with a capacity of 50 to 70 liters is perfect for keeping food (like leftovers) and drinks that need to be stored cold.

Cleaning Supplies
Eating delicious food while camping is enjoyable, but cleaning the dishes can be a hassle. If you want to have a pleasant time at your campsite, it’s best to prevent dirty dishes from piling up. The absence of sinks or running water outdoors makes this a bit challenging, but there are ways to clean your dishes without using a lot of water or cleaning products.
To keep your cooking tools clean for use in the forest, you should carry a wash basin, dish soap, a sponge, and a cloth for drying dishes. If you don’t have these, you can try some alternatives. For instance, adding olive oil to the food you’re cooking makes cleaning much easier. If you have a fire at your campsite, the best option for cleaning dishes is a combination of ash and water, but make sure the ash comes only from wood and plants.

Pot Holders and Gloves
Something many people overlook in their camping gear checklist is the right tools to lift pots or pans. Especially when cooking over a fire, not only do the handles get extremely hot, but the flames may also prevent you from getting close enough to handle them.
Therefore, fabric pot holders and a long metal handle for lifting the pot from the flames are essential. Without them, you’ll have to choose between burning your hands or burning your food. When moving a hot pot or pan, fabric gloves can protect your hands. You can also use the pot holders on the camping table or under hot cookware. Safety should always be the priority.