TOP TIPS: COOKING AND CAMPING

- 2023-07-08

Planning your menu for a car camping trip and deciding what food and drinks to pack can be daunting, especially if you're away for several days. But fear not; we've got you covered with tips and ideas to take the stress out of stocking up.

Bottles vs cans

If you’ll be out for one night only and prefer your beverages in glass bottles, you can afford to take up the additional packing space for this indulgence. However, cans are the more practical way to go if you will be away for longer. They take up less room, are lighter, chill quicker, and, perhaps most importantly, are easier to squash and recycle or carry out with you if required. Access to clean water for cooking, drinking, and cleaning when camping is crucial. Invest in a good water tank like the Front Runner Pro Water Tank 20l which is a durable and reliable water storage option for off-road adventures and comes equipped with convenient mounting brackets and a lockable tap for ease of use. Click here to find the water storage option to suit you.

Freeze-dried or fresh food

Freeze-dried meals are convenient and easy to prepare, with many nutritious and delicious options now available. However, if you are only out for a few nights and have the space and gear to cook food over an open flame or on gas, then this most certainly adds to the whole camping experience. Fresh meat, dairy and other perishable products can be packed in a powered cooler to keep them fresh. Find the portable fridge to suit your needs and available space here and learn more about maximizing food storage here.

Hassle-free cooking

One of the most efficient things you can do to make your camping meal planning easier is to pre-cook and freeze your meals before you leave home, especially if you’ll be out for extended periods. This saves time and ensures that you’ll have a variety of meals. You can freeze everything from pasta dishes to stews and curries. When you're ready to eat, reheat them over a campfire or portable stove.

Equipment considerations

When it comes to car camping and overlanding, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Make sure to bring a sturdy table such as the Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table to prepare and cook your meals on, as well as space-saving solutions like collapsible cookware or the Camp Kitchen Utensil Set. This high-quality kitchen utensil set features everything you need for cooking (such as a spatula and chopping board; pairing- and carving knives) and eating (from serrated knives, forks, and spoons to the all-important bottle opener). The entire kit fits in a neat, tool-style roll with a protective flap, adjustable straps, and carrying handles. Also, invest in versatile cookware such as pots and pans.

There you go — planning your meals for an overland car-camping trip requires some forethought and creativity, but it can be a delicious and hassle-free experience with the right tools and preparation. Consider packing reusable water bottles, bringing fresh meat if you have the space, pre-cooking and freezing meals, and investing in space-saving equipment. Bon Appetit.