How to dine outdoors in style. While the minimalist is content to rehydrate a pouch of freeze dried food , the gear-oriented camper enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There is a variety of easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people like cooking from scratch in the outdoors. So, a more elaborate camping stove is required something with more than one burner and adjustable flame. Or bring some iron bars to rig a pot hanger right over the fire for slow-simmering that 3-alarm chili. You'll also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for your fresh food. If you're going to be hiking a long way the weight you need to carry becomes a big issue. Consider using freeze dried foods and survival rations. They can weigh up to 90 percent less due to the dehydration process.

Pie irons are essential for making campfire favourites such as smores and yummy fire grilled pizza sandwiches.

Other equipment for the cooking portion of your camping checklist includes:

• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Cutlery for food preparation and serving sharp knife, large spoon, large fork, ladle
• Cookware cast iron works well
• Mess-kits or other eating vessels and implements forks and spoons
• Extra camping stove fuel
• Camping recipes
• Small charcoal or propane grill a steel hibachi is small and efficient
• Appropriate fuel for grill
• Dish rack and dish washing detergent
• Pot lifter or pot holders
• Coffee maker
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Tongs
• Vacuum flasks (for keeping beverages hot or cold)
• Tablecloth
• Storage containers
• Metal cutlery, paper plates, plastic or paper cups
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Trash bags
• Aluminum foil

Next: Campsite Lighting
Previous: Building a Campfire

Rita Liotta is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers regarding camping stoves, pocket knives compass, and topographical maps. Her many articles give information and tips to help people save money and make smarter decisions.