Kitchen

Now for the kitchen:  The first thing your gonna need to know is what are the tools you most often use in your kitchen at home?  If you can answer this question you are already half way to having an excellent set up in your camping kitchen.

Stove:  Your stove is going to depend on, what you like, how many people your cooking for and what you want, or don't want to carry.  We have a Coleman 2 burner stove.  This one fills the bill for most everything we need for 4 - 6 people.  It takes propane camping bottles, (the green ones).  In a 4 day camp trip, we rarely go through a full bottle, generally cooking for two meals a day.   

Fuel:  Again, what do you want to carry?  There are many manufactured fuel and containers available on the market today.  Almost any store that carries camping equipment of any kind, even just seasonal will have some kind of camp stove fuel.  Then there are the main camping stores like, REI, Bass Pro shops, Cabellas, and Sportsmans warehouse, that carry this kind of gear all year long.  My family always takes at least 3 green bottles when we go.  That way we have one extra just in case, and when kids help pack.... Sometimes your going to get a have used bottle you think is full.  Either way, we have enough for our usual 4 day trips. 

Pots:  Unless we are planning on a family reunion, or other big get together, we generally take 1 pot that is about 4 quarts.  This is usually enough for the types of breakfasts, and dinners we like to take.  

Frying pan:  We take only 1 large frying pan.  We can do one large meal, or several smaller ones at the same time.  A little skill is required, but that is what necessity creates.  :) Skill!

Dutch oven:  Dutch ovens are an awesome invention, that allow you to take what you know from your kitchen into the field.  This is my philosophy, "If you can cook it in your oven, or on your stove top.... You can cook it in a Dutch oven."  From BBQ chicken, to vegetables, to cake.  There is a wide range of recipes designed specifically for the Dutch Oven.  But once you get the hang of them, your Dutch Oven experience will only be as limited as your imagination.  We usually take one 12 quart Dutch Oven, and one 8 quart Dutch Oven.  These two are plenty for a large group.  Of course we can add or subtract based on the camping we intend to do.  I love to Dutch Oven, but that doesn't always mean that we can at every camp out.  Recipes

Dutch oven lid hook or pliers:  There are specialty tools that assist, in handling and working with the Dutch ovens.  These are a must when you can.  Until we could afford the tools, we used a sturdy pair of pliers to do the trick.  Because the Dutch Oven is metal, usually cast iron, the lids and handles get particularly hot.  Because you put lit charcoal on the lid, and the handle on the lid can be difficult to grip with just a hot pad holder, a lid lifter, or pliers are a must.  In a pinch, a sturdy stick will do the trick.  But add pliers or a lid lifter/hook to your list.   

Gloves to work with the Dutch ovens:  We usually have several pairs of leather gloves with us.  However, every time we neglect this item on our list, we manage to forget to bring them with us for the Dutch Ovens.  Leather gloves, here in the West, are fairly easy to come by.  We can find them every where from the big box stores, to the local gas station.  Because you will be working with direct heat in, sometimes an open fire, full leather gloves are recommended. 

Charcoal Briquettes:  I have yet to find a charcoal briquette that will not work for a Dutch Oven.  That being aid, I do not like using the Match light, or generic quick light charcoal's.  I've heard of people using them, who haven't had a problem, but I find they burn too quickly.  Each recipe should have the amount of briquettes to use per Dutch Oven and recipe.

Spatula:  1 wide spatula is usually enough to take care of needs around your camp kitchen.  I prefer metal spatulas for camping, because they are sturdier, and tend to take a beating and the heat better. 

Large spoon or Ladle:  I prefer a large spoon rather than a ladle.  Yes a ladle in most cases would take a little less time, but a ladle can't get into the corners of the pots.  However, if you would rather have both or a ladle versus a spoon, that is up to you.

Large fork:  When I say large fork, I'm not talking about the large BBQ fork that can lift a full steak, unless you planning on lifting a full steak.... That's making me hungry.  I'm thinking more along the lines of a large serving fork for the dinner table.  Mostly for serving purposes, a fork makes nearly ever meal job easier.  From bacon, to salad serving, chicken from the Dutch oven, to the hungry man breakfast in the morning. 

Large knife:  You can never go wrong with a large sharp knife.  I bet as your reading this you can already think of all the different things a sharp knife can come in handy for.  How about the family watermelon, the chicken that needs to be cut down, or the fish you caught for dinner?  Then there is of course the little jobs, chopping vegetables, and other things for meals. 

Cutting board:   There are many different types and sizes of cutting boards.  They even make a really thin one that you can roll up for storage.  I like the regular rectangular plastic cutting board.  They are easy to clean and easy to store, plus they can take a beating.  Add a large clip and suddenly you have a place to hold a knife when the board is being stored.

Bowl for mixing:  I like one large mixing bowl.  It has several possible purposes.  Besides mixing ingredients for meals, there is...  serving bowl, wash basin, storage container for transport, collection container, (water, fish, depending on your local, berries), or how about,  eewwww a fly cover.  (Hey anything to keep the pesky bugs off of your food.)

Salad tongs:  A good sturdy metal pair is what you want for your camping trip.  Multi use, and easily stored for your trip these are a great additive to any drive in camping trip. 

Measuring cup and spoons:  1 good sturdy liquid measuring cup.  Generally I find that I can get away with a Tablespoon, a Teaspoon and a 1/4 teaspoon.  Any measurement that I need beyond that can be figured with those four measuring tools. 

Plate(s):  How many people are in your group?   I am all for less cleaning, however, I also plan to pack out what ever I pack in.  Who wants to double the amount of garbage they are going to have to pack out because they used paper plates, and bowls?  Those few dishes, in addition to the pots and pans, aren't going to kill me.  Less waste, also means less night time camp patrol from the critters.  In most areas, even areas that are relatively unused by people, the critters are quick to learn that an easy meal could just be a smell of garbage away. 

Fork(s), spoon(s), and Knife(s):  Same as plates,  Take something with you that can be washed, and reused. 

Cup(s):  In my family, everyone gets one.  Now that the kids are older, they are expected to keep track of it, and keep it clean.  They also have the option of a water bottle.  The advantage to the water bottle, is that the lid keeps in the contents, and keeps out the dirt and bugs. 

Instead of separate plates, and dinnerware, consider canteens, and mess kits.  Mess kits are compatible and take up very little space. There are several variations of dinner ware too.  One in particular is a set that locks together.  Or you can take a regular dinnerware set, and bend them so they will fit inside your mess kit.  Mess kits

Dish soap:  There are many different kinds of soaps and sizes today on the market.  My favorite for camping, is the foam making liquid dish soap pumps.  These make it easier for washing hands, and quick washing with out using a ton of water.  (For hand washing, you can also do the Gallon Jug hand washing station.) 

Towel(s):  I like to take at least 4 kitchen hand towels, or 1 large towel, and a hand towel.  I lay one or two down to put wet dishes on, until I or whomever is washing can dry them and put them away.  The other thing you can do?  Put you wet dishes into a net bag and hang them to dry.  I like having the dishes done and put away, which is why I like the towels.  Then if they are wet, they can hang to dry.  (If the wind is blowing and the towels won't just stay on the lines or branches, what ever you may be using to hang them from.  Try closing them in your vehicle windows.  This prevents the from getting blown away, and drys them quicker because there is a wind.) 

Sponge or wash rag:  I like wash rags better that sponges.  When the dishes or whatever else is getting clean is done,  they can be hung to dry.  This prevents bacteria from being able to grow in your wash cloth.  Also, it is easier to put soap in wash rag and clean it than a sponge. 

Tubs for washing and rinsing:  This is a recommendation.  I like to use the pot and bowl for cleaning.  Hot water in the pot, bowl for rinsing.  However, if this makes your life and job easier, bu all means, bring a long a couple of plastic 1 or 2 gallon bins for washing.  You can find these in many different stores from the big box stores right down to the dollar stores.  (personally, I'd check the dollar stores first)  These can also be multi purpose.  Cleaning, of course, holding gathered items, like fish or what not.

Water:  If you are going to a "primitive campground", check and see what facilities may be at your location or in the area.  If you have to take all of your water with you, it is a good idea to remember that each person in your party needs 1 gallon of water to drink per day.  4 people x 4 days, equals 16 gallons.  Then you need to decide from there how much cleaning and cooking you intend to do.  Now I'm not referring to bathing.  I am talking about hands, dishes and cooking.  For 4 people I would recommend at least 1 gallon of water per large dish washing, and 1 gallon per meal requiring water for cooking.  What do you plan on cooking?   Some meals require very little water, some require liters.  1 gallon per expected washing (2 meals a day), will add another 2 gallons a day.  1 Gallon per expected meal which may need water, will add up to another 2 gallons per day.  4 gallons x 4 days = 16 more gallons.  Now for four days, your up to carrying in 32 gallons.  There are ways to reduce this amount.    Most families will be willing to truck in this amount for various reasons.  If you are going to be hiking your not going to want to take that much water.  That is a subject for the next excerpt. 

Ziploc bags:  This is a recommendation.  I love zip lock bags.  They have a variety of uses besides just storing food.  They are great for holding or separating items, providing a water proof barrier for items in you pack, or even, when properly trained, medical uses.  1 large gallon zip lick bag, can hold several other bags of different sizes.  There's no need to take whole boxes. 

Paper towels:  This one is up to you.  I prefer regular towels that can be washed.  Remember what you pack in, you must pack out.  Paper towels are better for family reunions and facility campgrounds. 

Hand or baby wipes:  With kids.... I highly recommend these.  They come in handy for almost any kind of quick cleaning, and almost every kind of kid disaster that may come your way.  Even as an adult, I like having these in my hiking pack.  Yes I have to pack them out, but this is one I would do that for. 

Hand sanitizer:  Hand sanitizer has two great uses.  Sanitizing, and starting fires.  Personally 1 small bottle of hand sanitizer should be all that you need.  If you have no other means of cleaning your hands this is a great second alternative.  However, most parents insist on having soap and water specifically for this reason.

Matches:  There are lots of brands of matches, and lots of different striking matches. Some are strike anywhere, some are safety matches, some are water proof, some are paper and some are wood. There are ways to make matches water proof, and there are plenty of places to buy them.  This should be included as one of at least 2 different fire starting sources. 

Lighter:  Just as many lighters as matches exist on the market.  If you have a favorite, by all means use it.  I like to keep both matches and lighters in at least 2 places.  One set in my first aid kit and one in my kitchen kit. 

Toothpicks:  Toothpicks also have many uses, besides the usual, they're used in cooking, kindling, for fire starting, shims, when a screw hole has been stripped.  I bet if you put on your thinking cap, you can think of a few more uses. 

Tea kettle:  When I can, I like to have a tea kettle on hand.  It makes boiling water much quicker, has a built in pour spout and reduces the lost of water through the cooking process. 

Garbage bags:  Garbage bags, grocery sacks, what ever you can use or re-use and remove trash from your camping area.  One advantage to large garbage bags, if you end up in a rain storm, they make a quick poncho or rain cover.  They're also a good choice for muddy shoes.  This helps eliminate the mud and dirt build up inside vehicles and tents. 

Cooler(s):  How much food are you going to need or want to keep cold?  Can you replace foods that normally need to be kept cold, with alternatives, ie; milk for powdered milk, or juice with powdered mixes?  How about trade fresh meat with canned, or pouched meals, (MR E's)?  If you can't or would rather not utilize alternatives, ask your self how much is going to need to be refrigerated or kept cold.  You can find coolers of all sizes, and qualities.  I recommend, instead of the gigantic ones that are sold now, go a head and get 2 or more of the smaller (50 qt) or smaller.  The big ones are great if your not going to have to carry them any where.  Now that being said.  We put like items together in the different coolers.  Meats, eggs and items that need to be kept at a cooler temperature than other things.  Produce that needs to be kept cool but not necessarily cold are in the other cooler.  One trick we've learned.... Take a water bottle and let out about 1/4 of the water, then freeze it.  (letting out some of the water keeps the bottle from bursting as the ice forms.)  Solid Ice blocks help keep the ice longer, also once it melts... you have another source of water.  Another trick...  Meats that you are using later in the trip, rather than right away, freeze them.  They will last longer if they are thawing over a few days.  Still include ice with you cold cooler items,  freezing will prolong both the added ice and the life of your food.  One last thing, even if your cooler is supposed to be super human, and hold onto your ice until the end of your trip... Keep your coolers as shaded as possible.  Don't make you ice work harder than it has to.

Water bottles/ canteen:  Canteens are better, they can take a stronger beating, (especially with kids).  Water bottles can be purchased in large quantities, already filled.  Either way, make sure you have something that holds water.  Something that the kids can tote around with them.  In the tips above, freezing them before hand, gives additional cold to your coolers.  It used to be that only canteens came with a cover that could attach to a belt for easier carrying.  Now you can find holders water bottles too.  If you can't find one, or have forgotten one, an easy solution to make carrying easier... Tie a shoelace, or piece of nylon rope around the neck of your bottle.  With a large loop in the remaining rope, you now have a way to carry the bottle over a shoulder, or tie it to a belt loop. 

Large water container 5 gallons or more:  Unless your planning on boiling or cleaning all of your drinkable water, I'd recommend finding out what water sources are going to be in your camping area.  There are a lot of private, state run, and federally run places that provide water sources.  However, if your going to be in a primitive site, your going to need to bring in your water, or at least be willing to trek to a water source to keep you supplied.  As discussed above, your going to need a gallon a day per person, just for drinking.  Most preparedness and camping stores, sell a variety of water containers, or can direct you to the nearest outlet.  They come in 1, 5, 15, and many more sizes.  Take what is comfortable for you.  Don't be fooled into thinking that a few water bottles are going to be all that you need.  Even in the coldest of conditions, you need water.  Kids don't always remember to drink.  They think they are fine and will refuse water.  You are the parent, keep an eye on them.  There are warning signs for heat prostration and dehydration.  If you are thirsty... Drink.  Dehydration can make you feel dizzy or light headed, have a dry or sticky mouth, or your urine becomes less or darker.  As dehydration progress's you start to feel sicker, or less well as the different organs become affected.  Dehydration can cause headaches as well.  The only things to be done to reverse these symptoms is to drink, if severe enough, IV fluids. 


This is my camping kitchen list.  Of course there are things that can be changed.  Added, subtracted and soon, yours.