When choosing campfire equipment and cookware, there are many things you need to consider. Size, material, height, width, etc. All important decisions!
Campfire Equipment - What Should You Choose?
Calm down. First, I’ll take you on a little journey through the world of campfire gear. It’s truly an abundance of options, and you can quickly overspend. But while I explain some things, you should also reflect on your own needs.
Others also read: How to Make Homemade Beef Jerky That Everyone Will Love!
Solo Trips and the Right Campfire Equipment
Many of us go on trips alone, myself included. Often it’s just for a day because our busy lives only allow short, quick outings. On such trips, I rarely bring the largest pots. I choose different sizes and shapes of campfire gear depending on the need. So unless you have some crazy reason to cook huge amounts, it rarely makes sense to bring a 12-liter campfire pot just for yourself.
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Trips with Several People and Sharing Campfire Equipment
Let’s say you’re out with family or a group of friends. It’s great to cook and eat together. You want to have the same food on your plates, as it also strengthens the feeling of community.
Size Can Be Decisive for Choosing Other Gear
...By that I mean, if you choose cookware that’s too large, you might lack space for other important gear. A normal backpack has a volume between 25-70 liters, which might sound like a lot. For fun, try to think of all your gear in terms of x number of liters of milk. A cup, a pair of socks, and a can of peeled tomatoes suddenly take up more space than you think. Plus the weight adds up quickly! That’s why I ask you to think like this:
"How little can I get by with on my trip?"
Instead of
"This gadget would also be cool to bring!"
When Should I Choose Between Large and Small Cookware and Campfire Gear?
Advantages of Small Cookware:
- Often you only need to cook for yourself—even if you’re with others.
- Even small cookware can work wonders if you know how to use it properly.
- The weight is limited and protects your back. Of course, if you have a sherpa, then go all out!
Disadvantage of Smaller Gear (note singular):
- I haven’t yet been on a trip with a mix of Bear Grylls and the Price Brothers. Honestly— you have to be quite a chef to conjure Michelin-level food in a 1-liter pot. And yet, food cooked over a campfire and eaten outdoors adds some of that umami flavor. Put simply, even roadkill with cool tire marks on it can taste great over a gentle fire.
Advantages of Large Campfire Equipment:
- You can (almost) cook like you do at home. At least in the volume you’re used to, so family and friends don’t have to go to bed hungry.
- People also tend to make better and more flavorful food when using larger gear. Simply because the choice of ingredients is usually bigger.
Disadvantages of Large and Heavy Campfire Gear:
- Weight can be a problem with large, heavy-duty gear. No roses without thorns.
- Volume means less space. If you’re in a canoe or car, it might not matter much, but most people rarely can afford to lose good space in their bag.
Think in Terms of Functionality When Choosing Gear—This Applies Generally!
There... right in front of you... it’s staring at you. It screams BUY MEEE and insistently begs you to throw money at it. You give in and have now bought that extra gadget you thought would make you 10% happier. As a self-taught expert on consequences, here’s another piece of advice: Think in multiple functions, not just one single one!
Others also read: How to Bake Bread on a Campfire - A Sure Hit at Camp with Friends!
The Big Rule of Three When Choosing Cookware
Good cookware and campfire gear should be usable for several things. Every time you buy gear, even if it’s not cookware or campfire equipment, think of 3 possible uses. If the piece of gear you’re holding, no matter how cool and nice it looks, can only be used for one single thing—then it’s bye bye, mister American Pie!
Aluminum, Titanium, or Stainless Steel?
The party doesn’t stop at sizes, because there are also several metals to choose from. Aluminum cookware is good because it’s cheap and light. However, it can melt at very high heat and scratches easily—unless you choose hard-anodized aluminum. Titanium is expensive but very durable. At the same time, it’s light, so you get the best of both worlds. The downside is the price. If you go for stainless steel, you get good gear that is a win-win in terms of both price and quality.
Okay, Enough Talk—What Should I Choose?
I’ve tried to get you to think about functionality and needs. When you’re ready to find some inspiration, take a look at our cookware and eating gear as well as the range of gear for open fire and burners, which is also interesting.
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