Outdoor meal, what to choose for campfire cooking?
Campfire cooking adds a special touch to outdoor expeditions. It is not only a practical way to prepare a warm meal during an expedition, but also a chance to have a new culinary experience in a natural setting.
In this article you will find out which dishes take to a campfire. We will first focus on which ones to take with you on hiking and other expeditions where the weight of your equipment is important. Then, we will discuss which cooking accessories to choose when you can afford to take heavier items because, for example, you plan to travel by car. We will present different types of kettles, pans and pots. Whether you are an advanced amateur campfire cook or just starting out, our article will help you choose the right cookware to prepare delicious dishes during your outdoor adventures.
Going on a 'light' trip - what compact cookware to take?
Hiking with backpack involves the need to select the right travel cookware, because every gram matters. It goes without saying that then we cannot take heavy cooking accessories, which not only take up valuable space in the backpack, but also weigh us down further. In such situations, we often take with us, for example, freeze-dried food, the preparation of which is quick and convenient, and in addition, weighs little. However, not everyone likes the taste of this type of food, and sometimes we just want to diversify our diet. In such situations, a campfire or a camping stove and traditional travel cookware, such as the travel pot or mess tin.
But how do we choose cooking cookware so that it does not weigh us down too much during the trip? And what else is worth considering when choosing them? Below we list the most important features to consider when choosing travel cookware for a hike:
- Cookware weight - opting for cookware made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum, avoids putting extra load on the backpack. This makes transporting them easier and more comfortable, which is important especially on longer hikes. This type of material works well in combination with a travel stove.
- Resistance to mechanical damage - during an expedition, cookware can be exposed to shocks and impacts, so it's worth investing in products with solid construction that will provide years of durability and effective protection from damage.
- Ease of cleaning – time is precious, especially during outdoor excursions. The ease of cleaning the cookware saves time and energy that can be spent on other activities.
- Compactness - it is a good idea to choose cookware that is foldable, as it takes up less space in your backpack and is easier to store.
For “light” expeditions, it is best to opt for compact, lightweight cookware. In particular, we recommend mess tins. There are many materials, sizes, shapes and colors to choose from. These are cookware that are great for backpacking trips.
Campfire cooking for bivouac and camping - what cookware is worth taking?
When hiking, where every gram in a backpack counts, the lightness of hiking cookware is crucial. On the other hand, when cooking away from home, where the weight of the cookware is not important, such as when traveling mainly by car, we can opt for heavier cookware. In this case, we don't have to limit ourselves and can choose, for example, cast iron kettles, pots or heavy pans. We will describe each of them below.
Which pot for campfire cooking to choose?
A popular type of campfire pots are those made of cast iron. Cast iron is very durable and resistant to mechanical damage. They are also characterized by even temperature distribution. In addition, cast iron does not emit any harmful substances and does not react with food. Moreover, cast iron pots do not affect the taste of the food being prepared. With proper care, they can serve for many years. However, like any cookware, they also have their disadvantages. First of all, such pots are heavy, so they can overload our equipment during an expedition. However, this does not matter much when we travel by car.
Stainless steel pots are also a popular choice, as they are durable and can last for a long time, just like cast iron pots. Such pots do not give food a metallic aftertaste and are lighter than their cast iron counterparts. Steel pots heat up more slowly but lose heat slowly.
There are also anodized aluminum pots available on the market, which are safer to use than regular aluminum pots. However, it is recommended not to prepare very salty or acidic dishes in this type of dishes. Aluminum conducts heat very well, so the cooking and heating time is short.
Be sure to choose pots that suit your cooking style. Also consider weight, durability and ease of cleaning. It is also important to adjust the size of the pot to the number of people you will be cooking for.
Which campfire pan to choose?
Finding the right pan for campfire cooking can be difficult due to the variety of models available on the market. The most important rule, however, is to choose a pan that is durable, resistant to high temperatures and easy to clean. The most popular materials used to make campfire pans are cast iron, aluminum and stainless steel.
The classic choice is a frying pan made of cast iron, which has very good thermal properties. It distributes heat perfectly, so there are no areas on the surface of the pan that are too hot or too cold. This solution ensures even preparation of all the ingredients of the dish. These types of pans are extremely durable and serve for many years. However, you must remember that cast iron makes heavy cookware. This type of frying pan can weigh up to over 3 kg.
If you want lower weight, a lighter alternative to cast iron is stainless steel. Pans made of this material are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Unfortunately, they do not distribute heat as evenly as cast iron, so you need to remember to stir the prepared dish. It is also worth considering steel pans with a thick bottom, which accumulate heat better.
Aluminum pans are another popular option because they are very lightweight. Aluminum conducts heat well, so it ensures even cooking of food. We highly recommend models made from anodized aluminum due to its food safety benefits. Unfortunately, aluminum pans are more susceptible to scratches and less resistant to damage than cast iron or stainless steel.
When considering what kind of campfire pan to choose, it is worth paying attention not only to the material from which it is made, but also to other important aspects. First of all, the pan should be equipped with comfortable handles. This is important because it makes it much easier to hold and carry the pan. In addition, it is a good idea to check whether the handles are protected, for example, with rubber pads that protect against burning your hands while cooking.
It is also worth paying attention to whether the pan has foldable handles. This design not only saves space in the kitchen but is also practical during transport.
Which campfire kettle to choose?
There are different types of kettles on the market, but we particularly recommend those made of steel and cast iron. In both cases, they can be covered with enamel. One of the most common types of kettles is cast iron, due to the many advantages of this material. Cast iron conducts heat very well, which means that food cooked in such a kettle is heated evenly and cooks faster.
At the stage of choosing a campfire kettle, the number of people eating the meal should be taken into account. The rule "the number of people - the number of liters" can be helpful. For example, if you are making a campfire for 4 people and want to choose a kettle, it is best to choose one that has 4 liters - 1 liter per person.
You should also decide whether you need a standing or hanging kettle. Standing kettles, which are tightly sealed, are suitable for preparing casseroles, for example. Hanging kettles, on the other hand, are suitable for cooking one-pot dishes. By hanging the kettle over the fire, we can adjust the height and intensity of the heat, which allows us to control the cooking process.
What dishes can be prepared over a campfire?
Roasting sausages and potatoes over a campfire is a classic choice for many of us. However, it is worth remembering that cooking over a campfire can be much more creative. All you need to do is equip yourself with the appropriate travel accessories that we mentioned earlier and enrich your menu.
Cooking one-pot meals is a great idea. This saves time and reduces the amount of cookware to wash. One-pot meals involve stewing, frying or cooking individual products in one pot. You can use various ingredients such as vegetables, meat and spices to create tasty and filling dishes. Adding rice to such a dish can also enhance the flavor and provide an additional portion of carbohydrates. Examples of campfire dishes include risotto, goulash, curry, chili con carne and paella.
Offer of accessories for cooking on a campfire at MILITARY.EU
MILITARY.EU offers all the necessary accessories and supplies for campfire cooking. We have various types of cookware that are made of durable materials, which is especially important during outdoor expeditions. Our assortment includes, among others, kettles, pots, mess tins and pans, which are indispensable when cooking on a bivouac, camping or other outdoor expeditions.
Among our products you can find brands such as Badger Outdoor, Helikon, Kawmet and Mil-Tec.
