(Part 2) Best camping dishes & utensils according to redditors

ETC sells a Source 4 USB drive that's super awesome. I got my boyfriend one and everyone we know is really jealous. ETC sells all kind of awesome swag

The Rosco Lighting Designer's gel book is pretty awesome too—it's 6" wide so it can fit in a S4 for gel picking

Assistant Lighting Designer's Toolkit & Technical Theatre for Non Technical People are great books, imo

Ultimate Focus Tool w/ lanyard will make any electrician thrilled

Gerber & Swiss Army sell nifty little multi tools that you can clip onto your keys. They're nice if you don't want to or have the need to carry around a huge Leatherman

BeeLine sells an iPhone 6 case w/ a Kevlar line and carabiner clip so you can clip your phone in when you're up on the grid

A set designer I know has two sets of camping eating tools (like this) so he can eat on the go and not use his multi tool as modified chop sticks

Stage managers love sticky notes (here) and stationary

Headlamps, heat-proof gloves, s-biner that doubles as a bottle opener, booze, chocolate, snacks, stress ball

That's all I can think of right now but I'll probably come back with more

I always recommend a titanium spork of some kind. I prefer the traditonal spork style, with a straight handle, as they fit more comfortably in your pocket.

My time to shine! I'm big into canoe camping. All the links I'm giving you are from Amazon Canada but you can get the same stuff on Amazon USA.

• Get a backpacker's stove. You can get a cheap one from Amazon like this or this.
  
  
• Get a cookpot off of Amazon too like a Toaks pot or Stanley pot.
  
  
• Get a water filter like the Katadyn BeFree.
  
  
• Get a spork.
  
  
• Get a frying pan that has a handle that can fold up. There are a ton of options for this on Amazon.
  
  
• Don't forget a spatula. You can get smaller, lighter options for this on Amazon.
  
  Now you're all set for anything you have to cook.
  
  Food suggestions:
  
  
• Frozen meat for the first night
  
• Frozen bacon for the first morning
  
• Eggs for the first morning
  
• Salami
  
• Bagged tuna
  
• Bagged salmon
  
• Fish (if caught)
  
• Babybel cheeses
  
• Nuts
  
• Seeds
  
• Beef jerky
  
• Low carb tortillas
  
• Avocado for the first day
  
• Mayo packets
  
• Dark chocolate
  
• Oatmeal packages
  
• Dehydrated fruit like peaches and strawberries
  
• Dehydrated veggies like peppers and onions and mushrooms
  
• Parmesan cheese
  
• Salt, pepper, seasonings
  
• Dehydrated meals from MEC or REI (you can get regular options and low carb options)
  
• Bagged quick cook rice
  
  I tend to not eat three meals a day when paddling. I have breakfast and dinner and maybe some snacks during the day.
  
  Be mindful that if you are paddling and hiking and portaging you're going to be burning huge amounts of calories. If you're just lazing about on a dinghy maybe not so much.

In S01E01, at about 22:25, Holden drinks from this cup: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-Collapsible-Pack-Up-Cup/dp/B00DJ211G8

I have one :)

This is not ultralight. For ultralight you just need a titanium cup. That and a titanium spork is your cook kit. This kit is for newbs.

Good cup: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D9PS8X8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Spork: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072393SQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$20 for lifetime utensils?

I've been doing this with recently as I was sick of sandwiches as well. Soup, pasta, rice dishes... it's been a nice variety lately. I heat it up at around 7 am and it's hot at lunchtime.

Here's the thermos I've been using: http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Classic-Vacuum-Hammertone-Green/dp/B000G00WTI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1450560328&sr=8-4&keywords=stanley+thermos

I have a multi-tool of eating utensils. Knife, fork and spoon that fold out of one handle. It's easy to wash, great for camping, airports, trains, cars, etc. Highly recommend!

Edit: Mine appears to be discontinued, but here is something similar from amazon.

Here's one for $21

Have you considered pill bags? They’ll let you portion out the spices and carry a wider variety. They also pack better.

If you really have to have one, this isn’t bad: GSI Outdoors Spice Missile

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF8TFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pxppDbDHY1F4P

Whatever with your crappy homemade spoon. You should get a real spoon.

For all of you who are in Canada. I noticed today that Amazon Canada started selling Hotlips. This is awesome since I almost had to pay $15.00 in shipping to order from the US.

One thing I won't leave behind is my

[Spice missile] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF8TFI/)

Salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, chicken flavor, chipotle powder.

Honestly, this is too open ended to give appropriate advice. What are you cooking? Predominantly boiled water food, or more varied cooking? How many people are you cooking for? What climate do you live in? Will you be boiling water to purify it? Will you be using the cookset while car camping or on longer treks into the backcountry? What's your price range?

The absolute cheapest is going to be a diy alcohol stove (there are tons of different methods) and a diy can pot. The whole setup would be negligible in price and ultralight for backpacking but doesn't do much more than boil water.

Moving up are canister stoves which range from $10 for a simple stove to $100+ for a Jetboil or similar system. I have an MSR Pocket Rocket and the temperature control makes these systems better for cooking more complicated backcountry meals beyond boiling water. The downside is the canisters are not reusable and it's hard to tell exactly how much fuel you have left. Predictably, the Jetboil is very fast and efficient at boiling water but not great at more complicated cooking.

Stepping up from the diy cooking pots are any cheap aluminum pots. These can be dedicated camping pots, or just any general discount pot.

Moving beyond canister stoves you can look at liquid gas stoves like the MSR Whisperlite. These stoves cost $100-150 and depending on the model can use white gas, gasoline, kerosene, and some also have adapters for canisters. The nearly unlimited fuel source make these stoves fantastic for prepping and the refillable liquid fuel bottle allows you to always know how much fuel you have. They are larger and heavier than canister stoves (though about equivalent to a Jetboil) and don't have great heat control. I use my MSR Whisperlite as my go-to stove just because it's easier to use than wasting my canister fuel.

A step up from basic backpacking pots are titanium pots. At this point all you're paying for is less weight than your cheaper options.

You can also look at large, traditional dual burner coleman stoves. These essentially give you a normal stove-top while camping and the propane canisters are relatively cheap. Of course, these are not suitable for anything but home use and car camping.

Another option for bushcraft, depending on your climate, is to just use a campfire. Some people only take a steel water bottle and use it to boil water in the campfire for their cooking needs. This is usually too much hassle for me after a long day of hiking but I occasionally use this method depending on the trip and weather.

When you look at cooking sets, stay away from nice little kits with pots and plates and silverware and cups. All you really need is a pot and a spoon or spork. Sometimes I bring a cup and or bowl, but I think it's best to keep things simple and lightweight.

There are other options out there but I hope this answered your question. If I was to blindly recommend one complete budget-minded set right now, it would be the MSR Pocket Rocket - $40, this pot and cup combo - $11, and this spork -$3, plus a $10 isobutane canister.

I only use it for food. Its a 24oz wide mouth thermos.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G00WTI/ref=mp_s_a_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1521548546&sr=8-24&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=thermos+food+jar&dpPl=1&dpID=41FccoUB2DL&ref=plSrch

Get rid of the pots, they are heavy and difficult to carry. Try something like this. It fits over a Nalgene bottle. In my setup I put anything that must be safe from water in the bottle (fire starting material and meds) and you have a bottle if needed.

​

You could also save some weight by ditching the canned food and getting some soup or beans in pouches. I think Trader Joe's has a good selection.

​

I hope you are joking about the AK. You want to be able to table freely and carrying a rifle is not going to help with that, plus ammo ads weight. The only way I would justify it is if you are far from an urban environment and have a vehicle. I carry a G19 in a first aid kit in case I get searched by authorities, not expecting to engage so only carry two mags.

​

I like that the bag is not tactical looking, but you might need something a little more capable of carrying the load comfortably.

​

Now I need to go work on my bag.

Water System:

-Sawyer Micro Squeeze w/ adaptor for back flushing
($45.40 on Amazon )

-2L Evernew Water Bag
($15.82 on Amazon )

-2 1L Smart Water Bottles ($5)

Cook Set:

-Toaks Titanium 900 ml pot
( $60.81 on Amazon )

-Light My Fire Spork
( $3.56 on Amazon )

Or, you could use a long handled spork to reach into dehydrated meal bags, e.g. Boundless Voyage, Toaks, Snow Peak, etc (More Expensive)

A cheap disposable option is a Dairy Queen large spoon if you don’t require a fork.

-Optional hot drink mug: GSI Infinity Backpackers Mug
( $11.09 on Amazon )

Stove:

Alcohol Options:

• DIY cat stove with integrated pot holder (go on YouTube)
  
  -Trangia or Titanium alcohol stove e.g. Vargo Triad
  
  -Make a DIY beer can or aluminum flashing windscreen (YouTube)
  
  [You need to make sure that the alcohol stove has a snuffer cap if a fire ban is in effect]
  
  [If you use an alcohol stove, you will need a leakproof fuel bottle- check MEC, Litesmith, or use an old fuel stabilizer bottle]
  
  [In Canada, good alcohol fuels are Methyl Hydrate and Captain Phab Marine Stove Fuel]
  
  Gas Stoves:
  
  I don’t use a gas stove, however, here are a few I have heard of that are more affordable.
  
  
• MSR Pocket Rocket 2
  ($59.95 on Amazon )
  
  
• BRS Titanium Burner
  ($20.93 on Amazon )
  
  

Light My Fire and they're actually really cheap right now for some reason.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004PIC7AE?cache=3322ea5acd628d4a1ff000cc32ceae2a&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1405050775&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

I have this and highly recommend:

Amazon Canada 600 ml Titanium Mug

You can nest a 100 mg isopro fuel can inside the 600 ml version. Lid is a nice bonus if you want to simmer a bit of soup before you drink it.

Edit: some reason it’s changing the link to amazon USA

They make a case for that spork


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCAIUN8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_ihC0xb6DPA2YR

My spoon:

https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-Titanium-Handle-Spoon-Polished/dp/B00J1BV01C/

Long handle is important for getting into the bottom of the dehydrated meals and tall cups. Polished end is much better than the sandpaper feel of non polished spoons against your teeth.

My fork:

https://www.amazon.com/Titanium-Dinner-Length-Lightweight-8-Inch/dp/B01I4100QK/

The fork is just the cheapest titanium fork I could find not a part of a set. It was $10 when I bought it.

My knife:

https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Tolerance-0450-Pocketknife-Ball-Bearing/dp/B00URWXY86

The knife is my everyday carry knife, it is always with me anyways. I know this knife probably isn't what you are looking for.

If you don't need the long spoon. Maybe check out this:

https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-Titanium-3-Piece-Cutlery-Set/dp/B0098FEUXQ/

There are plenty of knockoff sets of these that may save you a couple bucks. But, I still recommend polished ends. The feeling of non polished utensils against your teeth is really unpleasant, and they are much easier to clean.


Also consider a pair of chopsticks. They are very light and easy to clean. I prefer a textured surface for these. I don't find myself rubbing my teeth against chopsticks as much and polished metal chopsticks can be very slippery in your hand and picking up food.

Literally this,

http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Glacier-Stainless-Cup/dp/B001LF3IAM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1395862177&sr=8-7&keywords=steel+cup

loved reading the trip report. I don't have much to add that hasn't been said already by a lot of the other comments. It looks like you'd gotten your base weight down to 15lbs.

Looking at your report I think you did pretty well for cheap and lightweight gear.

If you haven't already, lose the e-reader and just read on your phone. Take away the backpacking mug (-3.5 oz) and get some of these to use on your pot Only .32 oz and saves space in your pack.

Here's a 22-oz one.

http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Collapsible-Fairshare-Mug/dp/B003LXCCUE

A spork!

my favorite dinosaur is Brontosaurus! Duh!

I looked around and so far found a similar one from target, but hopefully OP will enlighten us.

EDIT: actually that says "baby" cup so I dunno if it's the right size lol

EDIT2: Amazon had a nice selection of mugs.

dzo cup and gsi cup

I use a German surplus set. The set is indestructible and the pieces won't melt if I leave them in a boiling or simmering cookpot.

Ok cool, sounds like you have the skills to backup the gear. Like I said, I just don't want people to assume that buying "stuff" makes them prepared.

This mug looks pretty good for $9. Single-walled stainless so you can heat liquids in it. It's apparently Made in China, just like the rest of the world. Ideally I would want surgical stainless, Made in USA... but sometimes you get what you get.

You could also do something like this that will fit perfectly on the bottom of a 32 oz Nalgene. Collapsible handles and Made in India, I think.

I imagine you've done the math on this, but walking from one coast to the other will you take something like 3 months.

I have another question - why shotgun and not a carbine (AR)?

Disadvantages for a shotgun to me are:

• Heavier and bulkier ammo per shot
  
  
• Slower follow up shots (for me at least with a pump)
  
  
• Less range
  
  
• Usually heavier weapon
  
  
• Slower reloads
  
  
• Less shots before a reload.
  
  Advantages would be:
  
  
• Ammo versatility
  
  
• Pattern / close range devastation
  
  
• Easier to hit something moving (bird / small game)
  
  
• Dependability / simplicity
  
  
• Cost
  
  

I use these for camping trips and work lunches. Fork, knife, spoon all in one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JCAIUN8/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1495397926&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=light+my+fire+spork&dpPl=1&dpID=41lv5KdyjML&ref=plSrch

These?

Paper is clearly the most recyclable and so the least environmentally harmful but if you have harsh winters where you live then polystyrene might be useful as a good insulator. But a reusable cup of some kind would offer better insulation (if that's important), not leave a papery taste in your mouth, and probably do least environmental damage over its lifetime.

I've not tried it but this looks like a good balance between portability and re-usability.

Titanium Long Handle Spork with Polished Bowl and Ultralight Waterproof Bag

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072393SQ4?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Polished bowl for easier cleaning. Long handle for freeze dried. Nice little bag. TITANIUM.

I work 12 hour days, so I feel your problems.

Birdseye and Green Giant do steam in bag vegetables I've found to be pretty good. They are under $3 a per bag, so that is an easy way to get your veggies. At least two meals a day for me are nothing but 4 minute to cook veggies bags. Like $20 gives me a month worth of food.

http://www.birdseye.com/vegetable-products/birdseye-steamfresh/steamfresh-chefs-favorites

I'm also a fan of doing spaghetti with meatballs, chicken alfredo or some other pasta based dish I can put into Tupperware and just microwave in 5 or 6 minutes or less. I figure I spend maybe $40 a month on dinners for work.

Also, pick up a lunch bag like this to carry it in.

http://smile.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-Insulated-Lunch-Cooler-Black/dp/B004UISANC/

I also recommend a 4 in one utensil set like this.

http://smile.amazon.com/Piece-Stainless-Steel-Eating-Utensil/dp/B004V5XNQS/

I also have a cheap, $20 2 quart crockpot from WalMart that I can do soup or something in. Start it up when I get into work, by first lunch (I take two half hour lunchs a night) I've got a good meal ready to go. Often times one of my co-workers and I will poll some cash and do something.

Pencil Torch

Glow-in-the-Dark Paracord Bracelet

Pocket Microscope

Collapsible Cup

32GB Cruzer Fit

Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

Maxpedition Fatty

Stickerless Rubik's Cube

Small Japanese Puzzle Box

>I weigh 72 kg for 1m80 (that's something like 5'11 for 130 lbs ?) but I have no muscle tone and a little layer of fat on my belly and back.

Skinny-fat. You want to do a clean bulk. Bulking too fast will add substantially more fat, which is a bad idea for someone who isn't experienced in cutting, or you could end up going from skinny-fat to just fat.

>The absolute best would be a diet that doesn't require cooking (off the shelve meals, I eat my weekdays meals in my car, from the supermarket near my job). Any hints on that part would be appreciated.

No, no, no. What you want is to prepare your meals for the week in advance. Do a search for 'meal prepping' to get some ideas. I recommend a using a slow cooker or just a big pot to make soup or stew in. Then get an insulated food container so you can take a hot meal to work every day. Freeze everything after making it on the weekend and then heat one portion in the morning as you're getting ready, throw it into the canister and go. Or take a healthy smoothie for lunch and just have hot meals for dinner. Whatever. But prepping is the secret to doing this healthily and easily.

>Also as far as exercising is concerned, I will mostly stick to running and body weight exercise, I imagine this would be a good start.

Bodyweight exercise is a great place to start, especially when you're not particularly fit. Personally, I think bodyweight exercise is worth continuing as part of a well-rounded routine, even for experienced lifters.

Running is a great exercise, too. Humans are excellent runners and our bodies respond well to it, if we don't overdo it. Keep in mind that the more of this that you do the more you'll have to eat to make sure you are gaining muscle.

>Although I know it will make me feel healthier, I worry that I won't be able to actually change my looks, which is why I never had the will to keep it up.

You can, but it's not an overnight thing. You need to put in long-term discipline. However, if you can find ways to make it enjoyable for yourself you're far more likely to stick with it.

I am The Potluck Ninja. It is my mission to wander in and out of potluck dinners leaving nary a trace of my presence. No plates, no napkins, just take a scoop outta the closest nearby dish and move down to the next dish in line. The only casualty thus far? The provided plasticware.

I grab a fork, a knife, and a spoon from the far end of the table, because one can never know what food choices will be presented. There could be salad, perhaps a chicken, or most likely... a casserole. And then, it never fails.... Not only are my plastic utensils clinking together as I move about the feast, but switching back and forth between them slows me down and at the end of my dining infiltration, I have to dispose of them... leaving evidence!! This is not the way of a true Potluck Ninja.

Enter, THE SPORK. THIS add-on item is the last tool in my quest to become Potluck Ninja SUPREME! Not only does it provide the stab, scoop, and slice qualities of it's individual counterparts, but standing alone it remains both silent... and reusable! Just a quick luscious lick on it's way to the pocket and that spork has disappeared... just like me... with nary a trace that either of us were ever there.

Of course, just like anything else, there's bound to be a learning curve in my training regimen with this new stab/scoop/slice weapon. Therefore, I also request THIS ITEM! It even comes with the Save-A-Tooth Preservation System! After all, better to be safe than sorry.

They will call me... The Prudent Potluck Ninja Supreme!

> Schmad on my add on

And now... NINJA VANISH!!!

Keep one of these at work

Kershaw Ration Multi-Tool (1140X) 3Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Unibody Construction with Light-Gray Non-Reflective Bead-Blasted Finish, Multi-Function Spoon and Fork, Carabiner Gate, Bottle Opener,1.3 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFBH7RI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wqjXCb6435FPF

I use a Kershaw fork/spoon and pocket knife. It's not an all-in-one solution, though I think keeping a good knife separately is better than trying to integrate it swiss-army style. The fork/spoon is really solid and has lasted me at least five years with moderate use. Seems very durable, I definitely recommend checking into it!

Mine is called the Kershaw 1140x Ration, and I love it! It does come in other sizes.

This is my 10oz luxury kitchen

https://www.traildesigns.com/products/fissure-ti-tri

with wood burning insert and kojin stove

With Evernew 760 mug
EVERNEW 760FD Titanium Cup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6H8KX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qhRKDbDR8GG4E

and this lid
TOAKS Titanium Lid for TOAKS Cups... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BTZ7RM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And this dry baking pan (yes you can!)
https://www.flatcatgear.com/shop/snow-leopard-baking-pan/

this esbit holder
https://www.flatcatgear.com/shop/epicurean-ul15-stove/

This alcohol stove
https://www.minibulldesign.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=301&idcategory=18

This silicone band to hold it all together (just one X band)
Grifiti Band Joes Cross Style 4, 6, 9, 12 Inch Assorted 20 Pack X Shape Wrist, Books, Cameras, Art, Cooking, Wrapping, Exercise, Bag Wraps, Dungies, Silicone Rubber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WQII2A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YwRKDbP7626DD


Mug + cone + wood burning insert + esbit holder + baking pan + remote alcohol stove + mini bic lighter + tinder = 10.2 oz and it ALL fits inside the can (yep, all at the same time)


Yes, all up its pretty heavy but you’ll almost never need or want to have all the options on a single trip but you could. More importantly, with this one kit you can adapt for a trip in any environment with any fuel and you can bake stuff in it too

BONUS!
this mug will also fit a BRS 3000T stove, bic lighter, and a 100g butane canister inside (but not at the same time as all the other stuff)
BRS Only 25g BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy Camping Stove Gas Stoves Outdoor Cooker Outdoor Stove Gas Stove Miniature Portable Picnic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNLSNFR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LsRKDbZ47R6HQ

https://www.amazon.com/Triumphic-Tactical-Multipurpose-Stainless-Backpacking/dp/B07R7M3N28/

Hey fellow German :)

Thanks for your advise. Thats exactly what I'm looking for. I still got some questions:

Do or anybody around has any experience with the cumulus quilts? They are looking interesting. Is a Quilt 250 enough? Comfort Temperature 4°C (39.2°F)

I got the pillow idea from a youtuber (Darwin Onthetrail) and he thought he wouldn't want to miss it so I decided to put it on the table but sure I will need to test this. Question: If I'd use the down jacket as pillow, would it damage the down inside? Sorry for the stupid question.

Good point on the extra shirt. Do you think it might be neccesary to change from a longsleeve to a short sleeve after Kennedy Meadows?

I should've marked the beanie as non negotiable. It's my hair containment :) Otherwise i'd look like a plucked duck.

I really can't imagine myself without a hot dish at least in the evening but I will consider that.
A Lip Protector helps against bruning your lips on the hot titanium mug when drinking coffee... Yep totally necessary... true backpacker mindset ;) (also an idea from my youtube mentor)
https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Peak-Hotlips-Pack-Orange/dp/B0038WTTVS

I'd really like to get stunning pictures and nice footage. My whole family wants me to start working after my university studies and I want to show them the true beauty of the PCT afterwards as kind of a late reasoning.

To be honest. I put a random first aid backpacker kit in there for the first shot. I think I'll build my own.

Thanks a lot for your time!

I think I might have what you are looking for. The Evernew 760FD.
It has little notches on the side with floz and ml. Sturdy handles that you can touch without burning yourself and it weighs a total of 65g/2.29oz

I use aluminium foil with a rubber band to cover the top. Alternatively you could get a separate Toaks lid that fits perfectly on the Evernew. (What are degradations btw?)

I hope I could help.

I ve seen people over at /r/ultralight use the GSI Spice Missile

This a great call. Plastic utensils are so wasteful and also lessens the enjoyment of the meal. I use this set here but I also like the idea of recycling used utensils.