The basic food supplies you might consider will differ markedly according to the length and style of your trip. Assuming you're not off to Everest Base Camp for a couple of weeks, nor are you planning on eating only what you can catch, then it's best to try and organize your packing to ensure you have some meat or another source of protein, some starch and some vegetables at every meal.
Staples can include oats and cereals for breakfast, crispbread and crackers rather than bread for lunch and dried rice, noodles and pasta for dinner. Meat and fish are also wise choices, though you will need to ensure you can keep them chilled up until the point they are to be consumed, typically by taking along a high-quality cooler packed with ice.
Aside from the bigger items, there are a number of other, smaller essentials that are needed in every camp kitchen. These include waterproof matches or a reliable lighter, bottled water and water-purifying tablets.
Additionally, bags for garbage are also useful, particularly if you are planning on camping in areas known for bears and raccoons, while a reliable light source and a washing up bowl can also help make the camp cooking experience easier and more-enjoyable.
Try and make a meal plan in advance. While this may take away some of the spontaneity and feeling of adventure, it can be very useful in determining what cooking supplies you will need for a camping trip.
Practicality is more important than style when it comes to choosing the correct cooking equipment for a camping trip. As such, pack aluminium plates, pots and pans and cutlery. As well as being lighter than conventional china crockery, they have the advantage of being sturdier and easier to clean.
While what you need may vary according to where you are going and for how long, basics should include a skillet for cooking meat and eggs, at least one cooking pot, a coffeepot or teapot, and utensils such as tongs for turning meat or vegetables.
Make sure that you pack the right size pans for your camping party. Having to cook several portions can waste time and fuel, while failing to pack pan lids can also lengthen the cooking process considerably.
Alternatively, if you wish to keep your supplies to a bare minimum, then aluminum foil can be used to cook meat, fish or vegetables over an open flame.
Even if you are only planning to camp out for one or two nights, you'll likely need a source of heat upon which to cook. Special camping stoves are often the easiest and most efficient means of cooking while in the great outdoors. These can be purchased in a wide range of sizes, though the fact they need separate, heavy fuel tanks might make them unsuitable for longer trips or those taking place out in the wilderness.
Should you wish to truly get back to nature and cook over an open fire, then you will still need skewers or aluminum foil and maybe a Dutch oven. Remember to check the local rules on open fires before you go, as some private landowners or National Park camping grounds may forbid them.
Always remember to check out the burn time of a stove. This tells you how long fuel will burn under normal conditions and should ensure that you don't run out in the middle of your camping trip.
Aside from the bigger items, there are a number of other, smaller essentials that are needed in every camp kitchen. These include waterproof matches or a reliable lighter, bottled water and water-purifying tablets. Additionally, bags for garbage are also useful, particularly if you are planning to camp in areas known for bears and raccoons, while a reliable light source and a washing up bowl can also help make the camp cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
