Hiking with Nico about outdoor cooking gear: What to take (and not to take) on your camping adventure!

Camping is freedom. Being outdoors, cooking under the sun or the stars, and enjoying simple yet delicious meals. Proper outdoor cooking starts with the right cookware. Whether you're wild camping in the mountains or simply enjoying a cozy campsite, the right gear makes all the difference.

In this blog post, I'll help you get started with an overview of what you should take with you and what you'd better leave at home.

Which cooking style suits you?

Before you start packing, it's wise to consider your camping style. Your cooking gear depends heavily on your style:

Backpacking – lightweight, compact, minimal.
Car camping – more space, so more comfort possible.
Wild camping – self-sufficient, sustainable, no electricity.
Glamping – basic facilities are often already available, so you don’t need to bring as much.

Ask yourself: how much do I want to cook, how often and how luxurious?

The Basics: What You Really Need:

Burners:
Gas stoves are a popular choice among camping enthusiasts because of their reliability, speed, and small size. They're easy to use, quick to light, and efficient for cooking meals and water. Their light weight and convenient design make them ideal for hiking, cycling trips, and camping trips. Well-known brands like Jetboil and Sea to Summit offer a wide range of models, from very lightweight stoves for solo adventurers to systems with integrated cookpots for greater comfort. There's plenty more to discover in between.

Pans and Pots:
Lightweight aluminum or titanium cookware is perfect for hikers looking to save weight without sacrificing efficiency. Titanium is ultralight and strong, while aluminum offers excellent heat conduction. Sea to Summit, for example, offers silicone cookware with a sturdy aluminum base and lid. When it's time to cook, simply unfold the pan into a full-sized cooking pot. The Click-Safe handle and LidKeep system ensure a safe and easy cooking experience: the handle stays securely in place, and the lid attaches easily to the side of the pan. Going minimalist? Then choose a one-pan solution. For those who want to cook more elaborately, a cookware set that folds together is ideal: compact and versatile.

The Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Kettle 1.1L is ideal for those who want to save space on the go without sacrificing comfort. Its collapsible design fits easily in your backpack and is perfect for a hot cup of tea, coffee, or soup during chilly outdoor moments. The wide opening makes the kettle multifunctional: you can also use it as a saucepan for simple meals. Lightweight, compact, and versatile: a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

Cutlery and crockery:
A spork: a combination of a spoon, fork, and sometimes even a knife, is a clever solution for any camper. Collapsible bowls and mugs are ideal for those who want to travel light and compact, easily fitting into their backpacks. Sea to Summit offers some really nice, compact items in this category! Perfect for those who appreciate style and durability.

Handy extras (not mandatory, but nice!)

There are a few things that can be handy, but keep in mind that everything handy also adds weight! So, if you're hiking, consider whether you'll actually use it, or whether you think you will.

• A windshield for your burner. There's nothing more annoying than a burner that keeps blowing out. This saves fuel, which adds up to cooking time.
  
• Cutting board . You can also use a lid or a plate for this. Decide if this is convenient for you.
• Dry bags or sealable containers, perfect for storing leftovers or dry ingredients.
• Firestarters, these can be firelighters or fire sticks, whatever you feel comfortable with!
  

What should you leave at home?

I mentioned it before. You often think you need everything during your camping adventure, but in reality, you end up taking all of these things home clean. Often, everything ends up in the dishwasher anyway, since it's been sitting among your camping gear for quite some time. Of course, you have a choice about what you take with you, but my advice is that the following items are absolutely unnecessary:

• Large kitchen knives: impractical and unsafe.
• Electrical appliances: I am often out and about without a power supply and never miss these things.
• Complete set of cookware from home: only take what you are going to use.
  

Tips for smart packing

• Think in terms of meals: what do you want to cook, what exactly do you need for that?
• Choose multifunctional utensils. A pan with a lid can also serve as a plate.
• Keep it compact: in your backpack, every centimeter and every gram counts.
  

My top 3 outdoor cooking gear picks

As you can see below, I'm quite enthusiastic about Sea to Summit products. The brand is known for its focus on lightweight, functional, and well-designed products, including sleeping bags, sleeping mats, tents, cookware, and accessories. Sea to Summit operates in over 70 countries and remains true to its founding vision: "to equip and inspire."
The brand is also committed to sustainability by using recycled materials, PFC-free water-repellent treatments, and supporting non-profit organizations that have a positive impact on people and the planet. I can only support that!

1. Sea to Summit - The ultralight folding cooking pot: https://point-one.nl/en/products/ultralichte-opvouwbare-kookpot?_pos=12&_sid=0e1ef1e85&_ss=r&_fid=df83b1439
2. Sea to Summit - Foldable bowl 0.68 liter: https://point-one.nl/en/products/opvouwbare-kom?_pos=4&_sid=0e1ef1e85&_ss=r&_fid=df83b1439
3. Sea to Summit - Ultralight Folding Teapot: https://point-one.nl/en/products/ultralichte-opvouwbare-theepot?_pos=8&_sid=0e1ef1e85&_ss=r&_fid=df83b1439
   

These three items always come with me – whether I'm away for a short break or on a longer adventure!

My 3 favorite one-pot meals for my camping adventures!

1. Pasta with pesto and vegetables
   Cook pasta in a single-pan, drain (or use a small amount of water to reduce the pasta), and stir in a spoonful of pesto. Add some chopped zucchini, bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes. For extra protein, add canned tuna or smoked chicken.
2. Shakshuka (egg in tomato sauce)
   Sauté some onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little oil, add a can of diced tomatoes, and simmer with spices like cumin and paprika. Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Simmer gently until the egg whites are set. Delicious with bread!
3. Wrap filling with beans and corn
   Sauté an onion and a clove of garlic in a little oil, then add a can of black beans and a can of corn. Season with cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Serve warm in wraps or eat it plain as a hearty chili-flavored meal.
   

Finally

Good camping cooking isn't about having too many supplies, but about having the right gear. Think carefully about your plans, cooking style, and what you really need. Then you'll enjoy every outdoor meal even more.

Do you have any favorite cooking gear that you always take with you? Share it in the comments below!
Looking for a handy packing list for camping cooking gear? Check out www.point-one.nl