Snow Peak Camp Kitchen Guide
Building your camp kitchen can be intimidating, but doesn’t have to be! We teamed up with our pals (and outdoor cooking pros) at Snow Peak to help—because tasty campsite meals start with the right supplies.
No two camp kitchens are the same—what’s best for you to bring depends on the type of trip, and, of course, on your own cooking preferences! But whether it’s your first time pitching a tent or if you’re an experienced camper with years in the backcountry under your belt (and both foodies and non foodies alike), we’ll help break down what you need, what’s fun to bring, and what you can leave behind.
The Essentials
What you can’t leave home without.
Camping Stove - A camping stove is the foundation of your camping kitchen. Just be sure to remember to pack the fuel! Lighters, matches, and firestarters are also must-haves if you plan on having a campfire.
Basic Kitchen Supplies - What you bring is up to you and how much storage you have, but we would recommend bringing at least one cooking or frying pan (a cast iron skillet can be a great multipurpose cooking pan here) and one three to six qt cooking pot (we love using a dutch oven). We would also recommend bringing at least one or two large mixing bowls that can double as a serving dish, and a cutting board.
Tableware & Utensils - A large kitchen knife, cooking spoon, spatula, and tongs are easy to pack and all you need for most cooking. We would also recommend bringing along a bottle opener, can opener, and a set of utensils as well as a plate, bowl, and heat-safe cup per person. That being said, less is definitely more here, so it’s great to combine where you can by using a multipurpose tool or utensils like sporks.
Cleaning Supplies - Always remember to leave your campsite better than you found it! Bring a camp sink or wash bin, a refillable jug of water, biodegradable soap, a sponge and pot scrubber, trash bags, and quick drying towels or dish rags. If you’d like, you can also bring a dish drying rack and a clothesline with clips to hang your dish cloths.
Storage - A cooler is a must if you’re planning on bringing perishables, as are bear and rodent resistant containers that will safely store dry goods you’ve brought with you as well.
Building a Camping Pantry
These non or slow to perish foods can help you bring the flavor and fun to dishes while on the go (and without the risk of food contamination or spoilage!). Consider these your kitchen building blocks, that you can supplement with perishable items stored in your cooler or other airtight containers as needed.
- Salt, pepper, and other jarred spices
- Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
- Sweeteners like sugar or honey
- Nut butters and jam or jelly
- Oatmeal, granola, and pancake mix
- Rice, dried pasta, lentils and other grains
- Canned foods like beans, soup, chili and tinned fish
- Dried foods like fruit and jerky
- Energy or protein snacks like trail mix, mixed nuts, and bars
Fun to Have
These are fun or otherwise useful additions to a camping pantry that can also be easily left behind if space is of concern.
- A griddle, grill rack, or other grill-specific accessories
- Charcoal if needed and firewood (best to source near your campsite)
- Additional paring knives or kitchen scissors
- Aluminum foil
- Tablecloths or other table linens
- Marshmallow skewers
- Small food storage containers for leftovers
- Portable coffee or tea maker or hand crank blender
A Few of Our Favorites
Snow Peak IGT Camp Kitchen Starter Set
We love Snow Peak’s Starter Set because it provides all the foundational elements of a basic camp kitchen in one system that’s easy to clean, compact, and comes with a compact carrying case for simple storing that won’t take over your car. It also stands off the ground on it’s own (saving you valuable picnic table space), comes with storage for your kitchen tools or other dry goods, space for food prep, a burner, and even an outdoor sink.
Graza Sizzle & Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Not to toot our own horn, but Graza EVOO squeeze bottles are a great camp friendly cooking oil—perfect for taking on the go without the risk of shattering in transport that can come with glass bottles or other breakable oil storage.
This two piece set can be combined to create a stockpot, dutch oven, and frying pan that can be used both at home and at your campsite.
Fishwife Tinned Fish Forever Pack
We’re longtime fans and friends of Fishwife, and their tins are great for taking on the go without having to sacrifice flavor. This variety pack is guaranteed to carry you through your trip without you getting bored.
This 40 qt cooler is certified as bear-resistant, and comes with handles and a useful drain plug.
Speaking of canned goods that don’t sacrifice the flavor, Heyday are some of our favorites for beans, and now soups! Tasty enough to eat just on their own, we love their Coconut Curry Chickpeas and Golden Butternut Lentil Stew, but you truly can’t go wrong.
We’re all about optimizing space—which is why this dining set is perfect for camping. It combines a plate and a bowl together, and a fork and a spoon! A double two for one deal.
