The Best Cooking Gear for Camping Trips

After a long day out on the trails or burning some scenic miles in an RV, the last thing you want to do is arrive at your campsite with an empty stomach and no gear. Both for safety and the sake of your stomach, it’s essential to map out a camping cookware packing list ahead of time to use when hunger sets in. “One of the most important camping cook items is a minimal lightweight camp stove, which won’t weigh you down during the day when covering miles on the trail,” says Ted Mahon, adventure concierge at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. “Be sure to check the local rules regarding campfire bans as drought conditions across parts of the country determine what kind of fires or stoves might or might not be allowed. In addition, consider having some water nearby in the event of an emergency.” 

Since you’ll need more than just a stove to try out that campfire recipe, here are nine of the best camping cookware items to bring along on your next outdoor adventure.

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  • Breeo flat bottom cast iron kettle

    Whether you’re in the mood for French onion soup or are trying your hand at campfire chili, the Breeo Cast Iron Kettle allows you to cook up a near limitless number of camp favorites—up to 1.5 gallons worth. The durable stainless steel handle and cast iron body means it will last for many camping trips to come.

    $130 AT BREEO

  • BioLite CampStove portable grill

    When you need a lightweight, foldable grill, consider Biolite's CampStove Portable Grill, which weighs in at less than two pounds and is meant to be used with the CampStove 2. It’s ideal for group camping trips, as the 55 square inches of cooking space is large enough to cook four veggie or meat patties at once. The grill attachment comes with a fuel intake lid that will heat things up in no time, and the stove uses sticks and wood pellets instead of gas.

    $60 AT BIOLITE

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  • Breeo X Series 24 smokeless fire pit

    Who said you can’t camp in your backyard? If you prefer to keep your outdoor fun close to home, the X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit by Breeo makes for a great addition to your lawn or patio. It is recommended for groups of three to seven people, and is made with an airflow system and double-wall convection that creates more flame and less smoke, which is especially useful in areas prone to wildfires. The U.S.-based company produces the pits in both stainless steel and industrial Corten, which develops a reddish patina as it ages. Before buying, check your local municipality to see how far away a fire pit needs to be placed from a house. Also, before lighting any outdoor fire, check the weather to avoid windy conditions that can blow embers.

    $579 AT BREEI

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  • Wealers 11-piece camp utensil set

    Store all of your cooking utensils in one place with this 11-piece set, the perfect starter kit for new campers. Look no further to find all you need in one handy zip pack: scissors, a spatula, cutting board, salt and pepper grinders, and more. The water-resistant case can easily be strapped onto your backpack or hung from a tree branch while you cook.

    $40 $33 AT AMAZON

  • Eddie Bauer foldable camp pantry

    Constructed with a durable steel frame and a polyester shell, this two-shelf Foldable Camp Pantry is the answer to your cookware organization needs. The entire unit is foldable, which makes it easy to pack away in your car or van. Simply pop open the frame to hold around 60 pounds worth of cooking gear.

    $149 $104 AT EDDIE BAUER

  • Zip Top reusable silicone container set

    Snacking on the trail or prepping your favorite ingredients for dinnertime? These reusable silicone containers are a food storage option that doesn’t require lids (which have a tendency to go missing after a while). The pouches even stand up on their own and are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, so they'll get plenty of use at home, too. The set of eight includes snack bags, sandwich bags, cup-style containers, and dish-style containers.

    $90 AT THE CONTAINER STORE

  • Hydro Flask 26L Day Escape soft cooler tote

    There’s nothing like a cold glass of water, iced tea, or beer after a long hike or day in the great outdoors. Hydro Flask's Day Escape cooler tote gives you 36 hours of cold insulation with its 600D polyester shell, and is both lightweight and waterproof. If you plan to hike with it or need to bring it across a campsite, know that the removable straps allow you to carry it as a backpack or a crossbody.

    $180 AT HYDRO FLASK

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  • Avana Ashbury reusable water bottle

    Camping trips allow opportunities to explore your surroundings on hikes, nature walks, and boating outings. Stay hydrated during these activities with a reusable water bottle; Avana's Asbury bottle allows you to take a sip or swig with the wide mouth spout or through the built-in straw. The water bottle comes in over a dozen different colorways and patterns, in either an 18- or 24-ounce size.

    $40 AT AMAZON

  • Takeya two-quart airtight pitcher

    Upgrade your campsite sips with iced tea or fruit-infused water. Takeya's two-quart Airtight Pitcher is the perfect size for coolers and RV fridges. The pitcher technology is built for bumpy rides as the lid twists closed so that the unit can be stored upright or on its side. Other perks: The bottle is BPA-free and made with a non-slip silicone handle for a better grip.