Ep 27 - Camp Kitchen Essentials

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

OMG, the knifes/knives thing cracked me up. This is a great episode, really, but that entire interaction was a stand-out to me. LOLOL!!! 🤣

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, she is so critical. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors She reminded me of me correcting (/laughing at) my kids when they get a word wrong. 🤣

[@Smurphenstein]

And he kept saying knifes anyway.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@SnowysOutdoors more rude than critical.

[@jibba0202]

Good thing there were no Knives in reach!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I found that the best way to kit myself out for a permanent set of kitchen stuff was to go to the op shop. Makes it SO MUCH cheaper. And then as you find you need anything to be more specific to camping, you can just replace those items one at a time. Also a great way to avoid buying new useless crap that you find you won’t use which is then wasted. Op shops, FTW!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Great idea Coralie, a lot of the gear you get from department stores end up in the bin long before better quality gear would. Op shops are a great idea though, at least you are giving something a second life before it ends up in the bin, if at all. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors Exactly! And then if it ends up not working for me, I donate it back again.

[@LombiTravels]

We went camping for the first time last weekend and had four different bags of kitchen stuff and groceries which was super difficult to keep track of where everything was. When we got home I saw your latest podcast! So timely! We will definitely be putting together a kitchen tub and using many of your fabulous hints! Thank you and I am loving the podcasts!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That was timely! I'm glad you found the content useful, Kelly. Have fun organising your kitchen kit. ~ Ben

[@alechamilton2049]

Thanks Lauren & Ben another brilliant vlog about some awesome info on camp kitchen ideas can’t wait till we can go camping again 🍸🥃⛺️

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you liked it, Alec. Happy camping! ~ Ben

[@Triple-N]

Like Ben, I don't like my car to be permanently carrying camping system. As such I found the 3 box Tactix Modular Toolbox System from a local hardware works on my set up. The first bottom tub is the Tactix Rolling Toolbox which contains the cooking equipment. Pots, plans, oils, etc. is in it, except stove. ☺ This is the bottom of the stack system and it's got wheels and everything stacks on top of it. The handle can be extended up to use as tie down point for rubbish bag. Next up is the Tactix Deep Chest Toolbox which is my pantry. Contains non perishable can foods, rice, spices, flour, foil, salt, pepper, etc. On top is the Tactix 2 Drawer Toolbox which is my cutlery. I like this box in the stack cause it can be placed anywhere. It packs plates, bowls, cups, cutleries nicely and kids can easily take and put back what they use. Best thing about this kit is that the boxes stack together and can be locked together. Since the bottom box have wheels, it can easily be moved around when setting up or packing up camp. When we get home, just stack it and roll in storage. When we need to go, just roll and load. We even use this kit when we go picnics. All I need now is Snowys (Ben or Lauren) to suggest me a good table to use as a kitchen table that is not too bulky, portable yet functional, preferably an all rounder. 😊☺️

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Sounds like you've got your kitchen kit sorted there, Normann, you've gotta love a modular system for organisation in your car. My table recommendations would be very dependent on the storage space you have for them. I use the flat table form the Coleman Table and Bench set as it slides under the shelf I have in the back of my Patrol. However, if I was buying again I'd consider one of Zempire Kitpac tables. They are a little heavier given the timber top, but look nice, are sturdy, and pack to a very manageable size. Lauren would likely recommendation this too because she likes her camp furniture to look nice. :) My next choice would be the Coleman 4-Foot Fold in Half table, these are a lighter weight and pack flat. At the end of the day, my starting point would be to work out how I can pack it in my vehicle easily and go from there. Hope that helps. ~ Ben

[@jeffwright1073]

Hi ,Great episode. We use secondhand saucepans in our camping kit. They are used on our gas stove and campfire.They ( including the billy) are always stored in cotton bags. This stops the blackened outside getting over other items and also stops the rubbing and rattling when transported.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Great idea, Jeff, secondhand gives the old saucepans another life, and you definitely need a bag to store things in if they are used on the campfire. ~ Ben

[@glambycheryl212]

Your so right about having different setups. 1. Camp trailer I get to have a lot more luxury great for the longer trips. 2. Car or swag camping. 3. Picnic/BBQ 4. Hiking small and light weight. And yep separate for cast iron. It's all just grown as our camping experiences have changed. But it makes it so much quicker and easier to get off and pack up.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Having different setups just makes for more excuses to buy new gear too, Cheryl, so it's a win-win. ~ Ben

[@glambycheryl212]

@@SnowysOutdoors 🤣🤣🤣 omg so true

[@sketchin1009]

This getting me pumped. I can't wait to get back into it this fall season.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm busting for another camping trip too, sketchin1009. ~ Ben

[@richardatkin8526]

I found some non-stick cast aluminium saucepans (at Aldi) with small handles along either side (as part of metal structure), sides are tapered so they nest too. They are the same (med-large size) so fit side by side on a two burner stove. And the glass lids have a silicone rim with a special lip/seal that has gaps to strain pasta. They live full-time in the camping kit, perfect solution for me...

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Probably a bargain price too I'd imagine. ~ Ben

[@darrennorth929]

The research Lauren is talking about. Enjoying the meal with heavier utensils makes people feel like the meal is better and tastier.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Its true! ~ Lauren

[@Bunny-fd8zl]

Ive decked out my kitchen set (basically it's a picnic set with added utensils and spices and includes a wind up torch) with the little plastic screw top jars that you use for lip gloss. I have my sugar and spices in those in my kitchen kit. I've squeezed a heap of stuff into what started out as a very basic picnic set with some plasticware in it lol.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Gotta love little screw top containers, Bunny, I use small Nalgene bottles for my condiments. ~ Ben

[@rossdrayton5476]

Thanks guys. As a newbie to camping I picked up heaps of ideas and tips.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you found it useful, Ross. ~ Ben

[@atatts4712]

I’ve made one of my smaller dry bags into my coffee kit - hiking stove set coffee pot, coffee/sugar and mug/s - bright colour and easy to find

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Great idea! ~ Lauren

[@swagging_sisters]

We use Drifta kitchen. Has everything in it for kitchen/dining, compacts down to a box, acts as huge bench/prep area when opened out. Includes the kitchen sink😆 (collapsible tub). Kitchen doesn't live in the vehicle (Suzuki Grand Vitara), removed after each trip. We're big on compact as not a big vehicle. Snow Peak pots/pans and plates (nesting), Hillbilly pans with foldable handles, Kmart/Target regular cutlery set. FYI colander doesn't have to be one-use only (we use the nesting Snow Peak one)...upside down on a frypan it makes great popcorn 😊

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your ideas, swagging sisters, sounds like you've managed to fit a fair bit of gear in your Suzuki. ~ Ben

[@_monkee]

Tefal Ingenio Fusion titanium cook set. Removable handle, light weight, nests, top quality. Bought a set for the camper and now want another for the house 😆

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's a sharp looking cook set for the campsite, monkee, thanks for the heads up. ~ Ben

[@Boschy]

Look at the hillbilly pans with folding handles for space saving and quality pans.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hillbilly are awesome, we can't sell their products any more based on a change in their business model. If anyone is looking for simple, rock solid camp cooking gear, albeit a little bit rustic in some cases, you can't go wrong with Hillbilly products. ~ Ben

[@Pink_Sky_By_Night_Adventures]

I use the GSI Bugaboo Camper Cookset, lightweight and has Frypan, 2 saucepans with lids, plates, cups, bowls and the carry bag is a bucket sink. Brilliant for camping out the back of my 4wd

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The Bugaboo set has been around for ages, and is an awesome kit for camping and hiking. ~ Ben

[@heftymerv]

great episode guys, thanks to your review of the 23Zero utensil roll, I got one for fathers day... I used to use a phone app, found there was so much on there that the setup was tiresome. Move to just a spreadsheet, well 3 for the different styles of camping. You are so correct with having multiple sets for different camping scenarios. Less forgotten, better times..lol.. Lauren, you are right about the type of utensils. I can eat with plastic, I just don't enjoy it, always makes food to me taste plasticy... Coffee, thermal mug with lid. There is no substitute, really the only thing that's mandatory no matter the style of camping...lol again great to watch and listen as always... keep it up...

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your comments and compliments, Michael, I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. ~ Ben

[@atatts4712]

6:30 I’m a metal knife, fork, spoon person, and a more solid type of plate that is reusable. I take 1 set of cutlery per person going and 1 extra set for other prep or serving uses. Sharp knives - I have a couple of different sizes/styles.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, A Tatts. ~ Ben

[@ETAT230109]

Great episode again 👏. I would like to see the truck tarp set up as I've been toying with the idea.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've discussed getting some footage of our setups, ETAT230109, and we will get around to it one day. ~ Ben

[@MazharAliz]

Great Video. Watching it from UAE 🇦🇪

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you found it useful, Mazhar. ~ Ben

[@MazharAliz]

@@SnowysOutdoors I am a camper in UAE. We don't have outdoors like Australia nonetheless we make sure to make the most out of what we have. Love the camping equipment available in Aussie market. Hopefully international shipping will start at some point of time as currently we have to spend a fortune to get items shipped by courier services :)

[@MicksGarageDarts]

Good topic. I have the back of my Pajero set up with most things I need when camping solo. I do keep a Stainless Frying pan and 2X saucepans in there with a plastic colander in one of my drawers. When heading out with the family I have a single plastic tub with more cooking gear and plates etc. Having everything I need in there at all times works an absolute treat. Often I find even if I am cooking over the fire I still use the gas cooker for vegies etc. As for handles on saucepans etc yes they are a pain but I try to pack other items around the handle such as personal hygiene items, spare toilet paper and napkins normally sit inside them to save space etc. As for cutlery I use a cheap set from Kmart that you would buy for home. I cant stand using plastics. Plates etc again I have a cheap Kmart Picnic set however I am currently collecting the ones from Coles and they seem to be really good so far. As mentioned previously I have a small plastic tub that keeps extra/spare items in and that doubles as my kitchen sink and wash tub when being out for a while. Pantry items I store either in my drawers if I have enough room for them or just in a shopping bag in the back of the car. Saves taking more things and the plastic bag can double as a rubbish bag at the end.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for all your ideas, Mick. ~ Ben

[@MicksGarageDarts]

@@SnowysOutdoors No dramas. Ive posted photos of my basic Kitchen set up on the Snowys Podcast page

[@robbiereddog4202]

Thanks guys. It would be nice if you filmed a walkthrough of actual setups. Cheers

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've talked about doing this, Robbie, and we will get around to it one day, time just keeps escaping us at the moment. ~ Ben

[@CameronLittlesustainablecam]

If you're looking for nesting saucepans that have swappable, removable handles have a look at boating suppliers like Whitworths and others. Pretty common in the boating world

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the heads up on this, Cameron. ~ Ben

[@ncahyadi]

Stanley Cook sets might fit the bill in your requirements Lauren. Also Snow Peak & UNIFLAME cook sets

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I did not know they existed, ncahyadi, and they look awesome. I'll let Lauren know. ~ Ben

[@swagging_sisters]

Snow Peak are awesome, have used ours stovetop and on fire for nearly 8yrs constant use. Like the look of the Stanley one too. Nesting cookset is definitely the way to go.

[@Creativjess]

Just a note on those collapsible stools - just fractured my coccyx on one of those breaking, and me toppling off the back. Get a milk crate lol

[@Creativjess]

A couple of the tiny pins snapped and i went ass over tits 🤣😭

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That sounds horrible! Hope the recovery goes smoothly ~ Lauren

[@szejim1757]

I got a breakfast box, but in the end we camp on it for 3 week on it no problem at all. And 1 camp cooking box, then food box. Done

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Organising in boxes is the way to go, especially if you dont have a dedicated Kitchen space. ~ Lauren

[@szejim1757]

@@SnowysOutdoors save you a lot of time, and space. Too bad most aus made game gear always bulky and heavy

[@dx80cruiser]

I use old tomatoe squeeze bottles for oil, vinegar and other liquids. They are unbreakable and really meter out the liquid. For salt and pepper the Saxa salt small containers are second to none

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Good advice thanks, dx80cruiser, it means you are recycling too. ~ Ben

[@MrDcastleman]

The Uniflame Cookset is a good stackable set. I know u guys don’t stock it but work well

[@SnowysOutdoors]

They look pretty neat, thanks for the heads up, Dean. ~ Ben

[@somethingnotmaterial]

Teflon frying pan no thanks.

[@jackbyrnes3921]

Where did you get the griddle top Ben

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Probably from Snowys!. The one I have isn't available any more unfortunately, the best alternative is the cast iron options now. ~ Ben

[@amped1136]

G'day guys when it comes to my kitchen setup I only use one setup for all types of camping doesn't matter what I'm doing the Trangia system meets all my needs no matter what I'm doing a couple bottles of metho and I'm good to go or diet that does not stop me from forgetting things like utensils or spices lol

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You can't go wrong with a Trangia, AMPED 1, nothing except a replaceable rubber seal that can fail there. ~ Ben

[@ccgirl1210]

Hey Lauren check out the Uniflame cookset fromJapan are excellent Drifta sell them. Thanks for the video 🐨🌻🕊️💖

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've been looking at them, they have been mentioned a few times now. Thanks, cc girl. ~ Ben

[@robertdepaulis5188]

You can use a clean tea towel for a colander for spaghetti

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I had never considered that, Robert, good idea. ~ Ben

[@PaulFarrellKayakFishing]

Links to the little leak proof bottles?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Check out the Nalgene bottles here, Paul, www.snowys.com.au/nalgene, in particular the clear HDPE bottles as they are definitely leak proof. ~ Ben

[@ManiaCop100]

If im not trekking i take metal knife and fork to eat with

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm hearing this more and more, I still have my plastic camping set though. ~ Ben

[@darrennorth7987]

Heavy cutlery makes it seem like the meal is better. Same meal with plastic cutlery makes it seen less appetising.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've spoken to a few people with the same opinions here, Darren, maybe I need to field test this for myself. ~ Ben

[@stephenforeshew2671]

Ben, after hearing about your minimalistic setup, there is absolutely no chance that I could go camping with someone like you.. Sorry mate, I like your informative video reviews, but I don’t see myself camping with someone as minimalistic as you… no offence. Lauren, you’re definitely more relaxed and practical with your setup. Maybe Ben will change as his kids grow up, as I’m not sure how my teenage kids would handle me hiding the cutlery and dishes away in the car after every use, and having to rummage around in a box looking for something to eat.. Ben, my word of advice… RELAX..

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, Stephen, I certainly don't think my minimalistic camping style is going to suit everyone but it's the simplicity that makes it relaxing for me... I'm even more relaxed if I have everything I need in just a backpack! For the record, nothing is hidden, there is always plenty of food, and I'm always working on making my setup more practical and easy to manage. I'm relaxed, and the kids are still having fun. :) ~ Ben