This summer, I learned two crucial lessons about outdoor cooking gear: First, avoid always opting for cheap gear, as it won't endure in the long run. Second, properly maintain the equipment you own, or it may fail unexpectedly.
I use a ton of camping gear throughout the year and some products I'm still using, while others have failed for various reasons. This article aims to show you the 6 products that survived the summer and what I think about them.
Some of these items were sent to me for product photography or as a thank-you for other projects, while others I have purchased. I am not promoting these products, just giving you real world experience with them.
1: Titanium Kettle
One of my top picks is the Pomoly 1000ml titanium kettle. It’s lightweight, durable, and heats up faster than any electric kettle I've used. I use this kettle in every season because it works on all the various stoves I use, including the woodstove in winter.
You don't need to buy a titanium kettle, as steel or enamel work just fine, but I can't get over the durability of this one. I've had it sitting in flames, and all it requires is a scrub to look brand new again.
It weighs only about 192 grams, which is why I can easily throw it in my backpack for longer trips into the woods. It holds enough water for up to three coffees or coffee and some oatmeal.
How a kettle pours is important to me, and this one has a small, steady stream, making it great for getting that bloom in your coffee grounds.
I've tried many methods for boiling water—using a Jetboil, a pot, or heating up a cup of water—but this feels the most natural to me. I don't think I would ever switch from using a titanium kettle for boiling water while camping.
2: Stainless Steel Twig Stove
I've had this stainless steel twig stove for several years, and I thought I'd mention it because I ran it over with my truck this year, and it survived just fine with only minor cosmetic damage. I used this twig stove extensively during the summer because it was easy to whip out and fill with small sticks to get started.
Much like the titanium kettle, it is lightweight, meaning I can toss it in my bag. It can be a bit cumbersome compared to something like a hiking stove, but with unlimited fuel potential, I'm fine with that. The fuel consists of small twigs, which can be gathered from the ground if necessary. I had a fire up and running in a few minutes with some nearby twigs and birch bark.
To put it together, simply disassemble and then reassemble it in a few steps. It takes a few tries to understand how it all fits together, but in the end, it only fits together one way.
What I like about this stove is that it's stainless steel, meaning it can take a lot of heat without warping. That's important so that all of the pieces continue to fit together. Even after running this stove over, the pieces fit together just fine.
One thing to look out for is a double-walled stove, indicative of the little vents on the inside. This allows for double combustion, which produces more heat from the same fuel.
3: Stainless Steel Grill
You might have noticed that everything on this list is crafted from metal rather than plastic. This choice is deliberate; metal simply endures longer in the outdoors. This stainless steel grill, made from 504 steel, can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius and is highly resistant to rust.
This grill is simple, it has two removable legs and is long enough to go over most fires that I build. Cooking food on it is as you would expect it to be, it always turned out delicious. Even after several months of use there is still no warping apparent anywhere on the grill.
To prevent leftover grease from sticking to the grill and transferring to surfaces wherever it's placed, it's important to clean it immediately with a stiff brush. I recommend taking the time to remove most of the food residue. Additionally, performing a thorough cleaning with a bucket and soapy water once a year will help give you a fresh grill to cook on.
4: Titanium Cup
I've owned this 500ml titanium cup for nearly 9 years, and with a thorough scrub, it looks almost brand new. It's one of the most versatile pieces in my cooking kit, capable of heating liquids on a fuel-burning stove, over a fire, or on a wood stove. Titanium's resilience is remarkable, handling high temperatures with durability and resisting corrosion.
Interestingly, I don't think you can find my exact cup anymore. I'm also currently too lazy to scrape off the burnt on carbon to find the brand name. I have an inkling that it was from Toaks over on Amazon.
Toaks, known for their titanium cookware, including cups, has a solid reputation built around their quality. Even if I didn't get the cup from there, that would probably be a good place to start.
Many of the titanium products incorporate convenience features, such as measurement markings, to simplify portioning water for items like MREs or coffee. An ideal titanium cup should have a thickness between 0.3mm and 0.5mm, offering sufficient rigidity to remain sturdy while minimizing weight, even though titanium is inherently lightweight anyway.
5: Butane Stove
A butane stove has been my goto for the past summer over other methods for general cooking as well as boiling water.
Everyone who knows me is aware that I generally use propane throughout the year. The reason is simple: I can carry a substantial amount with me, and it lasts for months based on my usage. However, the downside is that my stoves are quite large and require some setup—pulling out the stove and attaching the propane line. I don't always feel like pulling the kitchen apart to get at the tank and stove.
In my search for an alternative I discovered the benefits of butane, especially for my setup. The stove I use is a one burner and it was less than $30 CAD. The fuel itself is quite cheap, with a pack of 3 canisters costing me somewhere around $11 CAD.
Butane has become my preferred summer fuel due to its affordability, lightweight nature, and quick readiness. Simply insert a can into the stove, press a lever, and you're ready to go. I wouldn't take one of these on a hiking trip but for vehicle camping it works just fine.
Some may argue that a stove like this lacks the control needed for tasks beyond boiling water, but I've successfully used it for everything from toasting muesli to employing a double boiler for various recipes. Another advantage is that it keeps the kitchen cleaner, as it's just a single burner that sits atop the stove.
I will have to switch back to propane when it dips down into the lower digits as Butane doesn't work below 0 degrees Celsius but for a good chunk of the year it is great to use for cooking.
6: Portable Drip Coffee Maker
Coffee plays a vital role in my outdoor adventures, and I assure you I've experimented with every method in the wilderness. I've used traditional methods like the French press and even an electric coffee maker. In the great outdoors, I've resorted to drip filters, Jetboils, and cowboy coffee.
However, I believe I've finally unlocked the secret to the perfect brew, for me at least.
You see, there are two main problems when it comes to making coffee out in the woods. Making enough coffee and having it stay warm for more than an hour.
I discovered this product at a local Canadian Tire store, made by a company called Woods. It's essentially a portable drip coffee maker with an insulated container to keep your coffee hot. The built-in filter served me well throughout the summer without any issues. When packed in a bag, it seamlessly blends into the kitchen, hardly noticeable as it floats around.
The container is made of durable metal (though I've already dented it by dropping it), and there were no signs of leakage. The best part? My coffee stayed hot for three hours—plenty of time for a second cup!
Experiment with your Camping Kitchen Accessories
Camping is all about enjoying the experience, and having the right camping kitchen accessories really makes a difference. Being well-equipped allows me to focus on the adventure itself, rather than worrying about making coffee with just one cup.
An important point I overlooked earlier is that all of these items are budget-friendly, costing much less than those from manufacturers who charge a premium based on branding. Through a bit of innovation and trial and error, I am gradually perfecting my kitchen setup for each season.
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