BUCKHORN CLIFFS

Cooking, Fuel and Fire · Guide

Grab-and-go camp kitchen checklist

A full item list for a camp kitchen packed in a hard case, covering stove, cookware, utensils, food storage and cleaning supplies.

Quick facts

Container
  • Vault Case by Pelican
  • crushproof
  • sealed against moisture
  • dust
Fuel
1lb propane tank plus adapter for larger canisters
Stove fuel options
  • Propane
  • butane
  • or multi-fuel
Does not fit in case
  • Dutch oven
  • campfire grill
  • cooler
  • portable table
  • chairs
Water
Water filter included; filters or purification tablets

In today's unpredictable world, being prepared for any situation is more important than ever. Whether you're an avid camper or someone who values readiness for emergencies like civil unrest or extended power outages, having a well-equipped camp kitchen can be a lifesaver.

A camp kitchen lets you cook when the grid goes down or when you are somewhere remote. Cook with it outdoors only. Camp stoves make carbon monoxide and are not safe inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. A camp kitchen not only enhances your outdoor adventures but also ensures that you and your loved ones are equipped to handle unforeseen circumstances with confidence and ease.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk through the essential items you'll need for a camp kitchen that can serve you well both during leisurely camping trips and in emergency scenarios. From cooking equipment to food storage solutions, I'll cover everything you need to know to create a versatile and reliable camp kitchen setup.


Multi-Purpose Large Hard Case

Pelican Vault Case 2 Rifle

Purchase on Amazon

The Vault Case by Pelican makes your camp kitchen grab and go, especially in emergencies like civil unrest or power outages. Here’s why:

Rugged Protection

Made from high-impact polymer, this case is crushproof, ensuring your gear stays safe even in the harshest conditions.

Weather Resistant

Sealed against moisture and dust, it keeps your equipment dry and clean, perfect for any outdoor environment.

Customizable Foam Interior

The foam interior is great for keeping everything inside secure.


Review of Everything in the Grab & Go Camp Kitchen


Cooking Equipment

Camping Stove

A portable camping stove is crucial for cooking when you don't have access to a traditional kitchen. Choose one that uses easily available fuel like propane, butane, or multi-fuel options. These stoves are compact, efficient, and perfect for boiling water, frying, or simmering meals.

Camping Stove

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Dutch Oven

(note: this item doesn't fit inside the grab and go container but is a great option for a campfire) A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot that's ideal for baking, roasting, and stewing. Its thick walls and lid allow for even cooking, making it perfect for hearty meals. It's particularly useful in emergency situations where you need to prepare large, nourishing meals.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Purchase on Amazon

Campfire Grill

(note: this item doesn't fit inside the grab and go container but is a great option for a campfire) A portable grill grate lets you cook over an open fire. It's great for grilling meats, vegetables, and even toasting bread. In emergencies, having the ability to grill can be a comforting and practical way to prepare food.

Campfire Grill

Purchase on Amazon

Outdoor Coffee Pot

Ideal for enjoying coffee outdoors, whether under the stars or in the morning sun. A camp coffee maker or percolator allows you to brew coffee over a campfire or stove, ensuring you can enjoy a warm beverage when needed.

Camping Coffee Pot

Purchase on Amazon

Water Purification

A water purification system ensures you have safe drinking water. Options include filters and purification tablets.

Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter

Purchase on Amazon


Cooking Utensils

Spatula

A spatula is indispensable for flipping and stirring food. Choose one that's heat-resistant and durable to handle various cooking tasks.

Cooking Spoon

A sturdy cooking spoon is useful for stirring, mixing, and serving food. It's a multipurpose tool that should be part of any camp kitchen.

Ladle

A ladle is perfect for serving soups, stews, and other liquid dishes. It makes portioning easy and helps prevent spills.

Whisk

A whisk is handy for mixing ingredients and beating eggs. It's useful for preparing sauces, batters, and more.

Knife

A good multipurpose chef knife and a smaller paring knife are essential for food preparation. They allow you to chop, slice, and dice ingredients efficiently.

Cutting Board

A compact cutting board is necessary for a clean and safe surface to prepare food. Choose one that's easy to clean and store.

Peeler

A peeler is useful for quickly and efficiently peeling vegetables and fruits. It's a small tool that makes a big difference in meal prep.

Can Opener

A can opener is essential for accessing canned goods, which are often a staple in emergency food supplies.


Eating Utensils

Plates and Bowls

Durable and lightweight plates and bowls made of plastic, melamine, or enamel are ideal for camping. They are easy to clean and can withstand rough handling.

Thumb Hold Bowl
thumb hold plate
Cups and Mugs

Having cups and mugs for hot and cold beverages is important. Choose ones that are durable and insulated if possible.

Cutlery

Basic cutlery including forks, knives, and spoons are essential for eating. Consider a camping mess kit that includes all necessary utensils in a compact package.


Food Storage

Cooler

(note: this item doesn't fit inside the grab and go container) A high-quality cooler keeps your food fresh and prevents spoilage. It's essential for storing perishable items during camping trips and emergencies.

Dry Bags

Dry bags are great for storing non-perishable items and keeping them dry. They are especially useful in wet conditions or if you need to transport food across water.

Reusable Food Containers

Reusable food containers are perfect for leftovers and meal prep. They help keep your food organized and safe from contaminants.

Ziplock Bags

Ziplock bags come in various sizes and are useful for organizing and storing ingredients. They are also handy for portioning snacks and meals.


Cleaning Supplies

Biodegradable Soap

Biodegradable soap is environmentally friendly and essential for washing dishes. It helps keep your camp kitchen clean without harming nature.

Sponge and Scrubber

A sponge and scrubber are necessary for cleaning cookware and utensils. Choose ones that are durable and effective.

Dish Towels

Dish towels are useful for drying dishes and wiping down surfaces. They are reusable and easy to pack.

Trash Bags

Trash bags are essential for waste disposal. Keeping your campsite clean and managing waste properly is crucial for hygiene and safety.

Collapsible Sink

A collapsible sink is convenient for washing dishes and hands. It's easy to pack and set up, making it a practical addition to your camp kitchen.


Food Preparation

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate ingredient measurements are important for cooking. Measuring cups and spoons help you follow recipes precisely.

Mixing Bowls

Nesting mixing bowls are useful for preparing and mixing ingredients. They are compact and easy to store.

Grater

A grater is handy for shredding cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients. It's a versatile tool for meal preparation.

Colander

A colander is essential for draining pasta and washing vegetables. Choose one that is lightweight and easy to clean.

Foil

Heavy-duty aluminum foil is useful for cooking and wrapping food. It's great for grilling, baking, and storing leftovers.


Miscellaneous

Portable Table

(note: this item doesn't fit inside the grab and go container but is a great option for a campfire) A compact, portable table is useful for food prep and eating. It provides a stable surface and can be easily transported.

Chairs

(note: this item doesn't fit inside the grab and go container but is a great option for a campfire) Lightweight, foldable chairs make sitting around the campfire comfortable. They are easy to pack and set up.

Spices and Condiments

Small containers for salt, pepper, oil, and other seasonings enhance your meals. They are easy to pack and keep your food flavorful.

Fire Starter

Matches, a lighter, or fire starter sticks are essential for starting a campfire or stove. They ensure you can cook and stay warm.

Thermometer

A thermometer helps you check the doneness of meats, ensuring they are cooked safely. It's an important tool for food safety.

Oven Mitts

Oven mitts protect your hands from hot cookware. They are necessary for handling pots, pans, and other hot items.

Pot Holders

Pot holders provide a safe place to set hot pots and pans. They prevent burns and protect surfaces.


Personal Items

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated. Choose one that's durable and easy to carry.

Insulated Flask

An insulated flask keeps beverages hot or cold. It's great for maintaining the temperature of drinks during your camping trip.

Having these items will help you create a well-equipped and functional camp kitchen, ensuring you're prepared for both outdoor adventures and emergency situations. Being ready for anything means having the right tools and supplies to sustain yourself and your loved ones, no matter the circumstances.

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What do I need in a camp kitchen?

You need a stove with fuel, a frying pan and coffee pot, plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, prep tools like a knife, cutting board, can opener, and peeler, a water filter, fire starting tools, foil, a spice kit, storage bags, and cleaning supplies. Mine all packs into one hard case.

How do I cook when the power is out?

Use a portable camping stove, outdoors only, that runs on easy-to-find fuel such as propane, butane, or multi-fuel. My kit carries a 1lb propane tank plus an adapter for larger canisters. Over a campfire, a Dutch oven handles baking, roasting, and stews, and a grill grate covers meats and vegetables.

What is the best case for a grab and go camp kitchen?

I use the Vault Case by Pelican. It is made from high-impact polymer, so it is crushproof, and it is sealed against moisture and dust. The foam interior keeps everything inside secure, which makes the whole kitchen grab and go.

What cooking utensils should I pack for camping?

Pack a heat-resistant spatula, tongs, a sturdy cooking spoon, a ladle, a whisk, a multipurpose chef knife plus a smaller paring knife, a compact cutting board, a peeler, and a can opener. The can opener matters most in an emergency, since canned goods are a staple of stored food.

What cleaning supplies do I need for a camp kitchen?

Bring biodegradable soap, a sponge and scrubber, dish towels, trash bags, and a collapsible sink for washing dishes and hands. My grab and go case also holds a metal scrubber, rubber gloves, a collapsible bucket, and garbage bags.

Keep going

Read nextCooking, Fuel and Fire When the Power or Gas Is OffWhat to eat first, how to cook with no power or gas, where each stove is safe, how long fuels keep, how to make fire, and the safety gear and spare parts behind it all.Cooking, Fuel and Fire · Guide

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