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I'm a big fan of food. However, on most off-road trips I'll opt for a simple meal like a Mountain House pouch. This is easily made, by boiling 2 cups of water and re-hydrating the food. It's not exactly the best tasting meal though.
Recently, I've become more attracted to actually cooking. The guys over at Expedition Exchange really inspired me to get into back country cooking. You should see some of the stuff they prepare on their outings. Part of me wanted to remain more minimalistic and stick to my dried food and Cliff Bars. But I do appreciate a real meal and there's something impressive about whipping up a gourmet cuisine out of your truck.
So, onto the recommended gear.
As far as stoves go, I'm happy with my budget Coleman 2 burner. It gets the job done and has adequate flame control.
For utensils and eating surfaces:
Snow Peak Carry-On Chopsticks ~$20
http://images.rei.com
The Carry-On Chopsticks assemble and disassemble like a pool cue. The birch tips store within the hollow stainless steel handles, reducing the overall length from 8.3" to 4.5" and protecting the utensils against breakage. The tips of the Carry-On Chopsticks are constructed of birch to eliminate metallic smells and tastes created by stainless steel, aluminum, or sterling silver chopsticks. Furthermore, wood is naturally more "grippy" and provides a firmer grasp on food than metal chopsticks.
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Snow Peak Three-Piece Titanium Silverware Set ~$30
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Titanium is substantially lighter than stainless steel. More important than weight is titanium's eminent suitability for utensil construction. If you have a habit of losing small things then just stick with plastic utensils.
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Snow Peak Trek Titanium Plate ~$14
and
Snow Peak Titanium Bowl ~$14
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Titanium has low thermal conductivity, no metallic smell or taste (unlike aluminum or stainless steel), will not corrode or stain when left wet or exposed to acidic liquids or foods (unlike aluminum and stainless steel), and is very strong and scratch-resistant (unlike aluminum), and will not melt (unlike plastic). Most importantly, titanium is easily serviced in the field, as a simple rinse with water and a wipe-down with a rag are all that is necessary. 7.5" diameter. 63g weight. Very light!
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Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup ~$50
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This is an ultra-lightweight mug that provides superior heat and cold insulation due to its double-wall construction. Hot liquids stay hotter and cold drinks stay colder inside the Titanium Double Wall Cup 450. Furthermore, titanium has low thermal conductivity (so the heat from hot drinks will never reach the lip of the cup). Features folding titanium handles. 14 oz. capacity. 118g weight.
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This is where you might expect me to show you a fancy titanium cook-set. While there is such a thing, I've found that most camping cook-sets are trimmed down with weight in mind. You end up losing a lot of comfort in handles and titanium cook-sets are simply way too expensive for car-camping. The best thing for pots and pans is a simple, inexpensive set that you don't mind abusing. Non-stick is key though, as you want to be able to clean them with a paper towel and water.
It also helps to have a decent set of tables, one to cook on, and one to eat on.
Travel Chair Canyon Table El Grande ~$79.00
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This would serve as your eating table. This aluminum-top portable table offers seating for up to six people and folds up compactly for easy transport. It's completely heat resistant to handle hot pots and plates. The fold-out leg assembly has individual adjustments for each leg, making it easy to get a level tabletop on uneven ground. The height adjusts from dining table (27.5 inches) to cocktail table (33 inches) height for total versatility. Comes with a carry case for storage and easy toting. Quick and easy setup--remove from carry case, unroll slats, unfold legs, attach slats and adjust height.
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GCI Outdoor Top Shelf Roll-Top Table ~$35.00
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This would serve as your cooking table. It's shorter than the table above but suits cooking just fine. It's also an all aluminum construction. It's got a built-in trash bag holder which provides an out-of-the-way place to put your cooking trash. It's come with five trash bags to start you off; will hold any standard plastic bag after that. Only four parts allows for easy set-up and break- down. Includes portable, water-resistant travel bag.
For easy access to anyone interested in any of this gear, some reputable retailers can be found below.
REI
Expedition Exchange They calculate your shipping cost after you make your purchase, so don't be alarmed.
Backcountry Gear.com
Recently, I've become more attracted to actually cooking. The guys over at Expedition Exchange really inspired me to get into back country cooking. You should see some of the stuff they prepare on their outings. Part of me wanted to remain more minimalistic and stick to my dried food and Cliff Bars. But I do appreciate a real meal and there's something impressive about whipping up a gourmet cuisine out of your truck.
So, onto the recommended gear.
As far as stoves go, I'm happy with my budget Coleman 2 burner. It gets the job done and has adequate flame control.
For utensils and eating surfaces:
Snow Peak Carry-On Chopsticks ~$20
http://images.rei.com
The Carry-On Chopsticks assemble and disassemble like a pool cue. The birch tips store within the hollow stainless steel handles, reducing the overall length from 8.3" to 4.5" and protecting the utensils against breakage. The tips of the Carry-On Chopsticks are constructed of birch to eliminate metallic smells and tastes created by stainless steel, aluminum, or sterling silver chopsticks. Furthermore, wood is naturally more "grippy" and provides a firmer grasp on food than metal chopsticks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snow Peak Three-Piece Titanium Silverware Set ~$30
Titanium is substantially lighter than stainless steel. More important than weight is titanium's eminent suitability for utensil construction. If you have a habit of losing small things then just stick with plastic utensils.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snow Peak Trek Titanium Plate ~$14
and
Snow Peak Titanium Bowl ~$14
Titanium has low thermal conductivity, no metallic smell or taste (unlike aluminum or stainless steel), will not corrode or stain when left wet or exposed to acidic liquids or foods (unlike aluminum and stainless steel), and is very strong and scratch-resistant (unlike aluminum), and will not melt (unlike plastic). Most importantly, titanium is easily serviced in the field, as a simple rinse with water and a wipe-down with a rag are all that is necessary. 7.5" diameter. 63g weight. Very light!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup ~$50
This is an ultra-lightweight mug that provides superior heat and cold insulation due to its double-wall construction. Hot liquids stay hotter and cold drinks stay colder inside the Titanium Double Wall Cup 450. Furthermore, titanium has low thermal conductivity (so the heat from hot drinks will never reach the lip of the cup). Features folding titanium handles. 14 oz. capacity. 118g weight.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is where you might expect me to show you a fancy titanium cook-set. While there is such a thing, I've found that most camping cook-sets are trimmed down with weight in mind. You end up losing a lot of comfort in handles and titanium cook-sets are simply way too expensive for car-camping. The best thing for pots and pans is a simple, inexpensive set that you don't mind abusing. Non-stick is key though, as you want to be able to clean them with a paper towel and water.
It also helps to have a decent set of tables, one to cook on, and one to eat on.
Travel Chair Canyon Table El Grande ~$79.00
This would serve as your eating table. This aluminum-top portable table offers seating for up to six people and folds up compactly for easy transport. It's completely heat resistant to handle hot pots and plates. The fold-out leg assembly has individual adjustments for each leg, making it easy to get a level tabletop on uneven ground. The height adjusts from dining table (27.5 inches) to cocktail table (33 inches) height for total versatility. Comes with a carry case for storage and easy toting. Quick and easy setup--remove from carry case, unroll slats, unfold legs, attach slats and adjust height.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GCI Outdoor Top Shelf Roll-Top Table ~$35.00
This would serve as your cooking table. It's shorter than the table above but suits cooking just fine. It's also an all aluminum construction. It's got a built-in trash bag holder which provides an out-of-the-way place to put your cooking trash. It's come with five trash bags to start you off; will hold any standard plastic bag after that. Only four parts allows for easy set-up and break- down. Includes portable, water-resistant travel bag.
For easy access to anyone interested in any of this gear, some reputable retailers can be found below.
REI
Expedition Exchange They calculate your shipping cost after you make your purchase, so don't be alarmed.
Backcountry Gear.com
