There are some household items that can do double-duty as camping gear like pillows, pots and pans, or dish towels. But most of the time, it’s nice to have equipment that’s designed with campers in mind and is durable enough to stand up to outdoor life.
Kitchen camping utensils—think forks, spoons, and spatulas—might seem like a splurge, but when you consider their durability, they can be a worthwhile investment. Plus, since they’re reusable, they’re much more environmental friendly than disposable plastic utensils.
Wondering how to choose the right camping utensils from all the options on the market? Here are some things to consider:
Cooking and eating preferences: When you’re camping, do you usually eat grab-and-go meals like sandwiches or premade dinners? If so, you don’t need to bother buying cooking utensils like tongs, spatulas, or utility knives. But if you enjoy cooking on a camp stove or campfire, these items are worth having.
Gear weight: Do you prefer car camping or do you hike to backcountry destinations? If the latter, you’ll want to consider the weight and portability of your camping utensils.
Quantity: When you’re camping, what’s the typical size of your group? You should have a set of eating utensils for each person.
Material: Today’s camping utensils are made from a variety of materials—including titanium, bamboo, stainless steel, aluminum—and each material has its pros and cons. The material will effect things like cost, durability, and how resistant the utensil is to odor absorption and stains.
Eating Utensils
No matter your camping menu, you’ll want to pack at least some type of eating utensils—whether they’re all-in-one sporks or flatware that’s worthy of a gourmet meal. Here are some of our favorites:
This camping spork from Swedish brand Light My Fire is a versatile 3-in-1 eating utensil. There’s a shallow spoon as one end and a fork with a serrated edge (that doubles as a knife) at the other. It’s a utensil style that’s become increasingly popular among campers because it’s one more way to lighten your load (especially for backpackers). Even better, these sporks are available in a convenient 4-pack.
Material: Bio-based plastic
Weight: 11 grams (each)
Pros:
- Affordable. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to disposable cutlery.
- Sustainably made. It’s made from bioplastic.
- BPA-free. No need to worry about harmful chemicals.
Cons:
- Can’t cut well. The serrated edge isn’t as sharp (or useful) as a metal knife.
- A little flimsy. Not as durable as metal or other materials.
If you like the 3-in-1 design of camping sporks but want something more durable, consider Light My Fire’s titanium version. It comes with a higher price tag but it’s made from nontoxic metal that won’t break and will last for years of camping trips. (It’s also lightweight, just 8 grams heavier than the plastic version.)
Material: titanium
Weight: 19 grams
Pros:
- Durable. Sturdy material and construction means it won’t snap under pressure.
- Cuts well. Its serrated edge is more effective at cutting than the plastic version.
- No metallic aftertaste. It won’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth.
Cons:
- Cost. It’s quite a bit more expensive than the brand’s plastic camping spork.
- Right-handed only. There isn’t a left-handed version.
California-based TOAKS specializes in making high-performance gear from titanium, one of the most popular materials for camping utensils. Their cutlery set includes a spoon, fork, and serrated butter knife all on a handy metal carabiner. The utensils have the traditional high-polished look and feel of silverware but are designed for outdoor use.
Material: titanium
Weight: 45 grams (set including carabiner)
Pros:
- Stylish. They look and feel similar to silverware.
- Quality. They’re made from high-quality materials and have a sleek design.
Cons:
- Higher price. It’s an investment.
- Weight. The set weighs more than all-in-one utensils.
Sometimes the simplest option is the best. The Uno from Humangear is a sleek, affordable utensil that has a fork at one end (long enough to twirl spaghetti) and a spoon at the other (deep enough to scoop soup). Although it doesn’t come with a built-in serrated edge, a knife isn’t always necessary anyway. Plus, not having a serrated edge makes it safer for kids to use.
Material: BPA-free plastic
Weight: 15 grams
Pros:
- Ergonomic shape. It’s easy to hold and use.
- Affordable. It’s available at a budget-friendly price.
- Easy to clean. It’s stain-resistant and cleans up with soap and water.
Cons:
- Can’t cut well. It doesn’t have a serrated edge or knife component.
- Shorter length. At just over 6 inches long, it’d be hard to use it for a cooking utensil in addition to eating.
Bamboo is another popular material for reusable camping utensils. It’s lightweight, environmentally friendly, and is naturally free from chemicals like BPA and phthalates. To-Go Ware’s bamboo utensil set comes in a convenient carrying case and includes the standard spoon, fork, and knife plus a pair of chopsticks.
Material: bamboo
Weight: 45 grams (set and carrying case)
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly. Bamboo is a sustainable material.
- Heat and stain resistant. The utensils can be used for cooking.
Cons:
- Size. These utensils are larger and heavier than other utensil options.
- No ability to cut. There isn’t a serrated or cutting edge on the knife.
Cooking Utensils
Though not as crucial as eating utensils, most campers find it helpful to bring along a few basic cooking utensils.
This combo eating/cooking utensil set from Jetboil is designed with backpackers in mind. The spoon, fork, and spatula in the set each have telescoping handles which means they can collapse down to smaller sizes when not in use. The utensils are made from high-temperature plastic so they be used for both eating and cooking hot food on a cook stove.
Material: nylon
Weight: 45 grams (set)
Pros:
- Collapsible design. These utensils are easy to pack and store.
- Versatility. These can be used for both eating and cooking.
Cons:
- Limited options. This set doesn’t include some utensils that car campers or RVers might want.
This compact camping utensils set from GSI Outdoors includes a surprising number of items—24 in all. With useful items like a utility knife, eating utensils, and cutting board, it’s comprehensive enough for car campers and RVers, yet compact and lightweight enough to take on the trail. (There’s even a waterproof container to store spices.) Everything in the set packs into a zippered case.
Material: BPA-free plastic
Weight: 1.7 lbs
Pros:
- Versatility. The set includes utensils for both cooking and eating.
- Weight. Each individual item is designed to be lightweight.
Cons:
- Excess items. The set includes items that some campers might find unnecessary (and take up extra space and weight).
