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:
Light My Fire Camping SporkThis 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.
- CONVENIENT TAKE-AWAY UTENSIL - The Light My Fire Spork is the ideal utensil. Lightweight and reusable and all-in-one camping eating utensil for outdoor adventures and urban activities. Perfect as lunchbox cutlery, travel cutlery, for your camping and hiking kitchen, or simply when serving or eating on the go. The reusable spork is easy carry with you anywhere.
- 3 IN 1 LUNCH BOX CUTLERY - The "Spork Light My Fire" is a multifunction travel cutlery, a practical combination of knife, fork and spoon. Great survival utensils when lightweight a space-saving is important. The camp spork has teeth for light cutting work. The camping spoon is safe to use when stirring food i a pot or flipping food on a frying over a gas kitchen or open fire. The bio-based picnic cutlery wont melt.
- REUSABLE PLASTIC CUTLERY MADE OF BIO BASED PLASTICS FROM PLANTS - This camping fork and spoon set is entirely made of plastics from plants. It is an excellent substitute to fossil fuel based utensils. Light My Fire's tableware are all made in Sweden in our own factory and the plastic material used is always bio based. The plastic is always 100% BPA free which makes this camp eating utensil completely safe for you and your kids.
- PACKAGE CONTENT - Camping cutlery set including 4 x "Spork Original" - the ultimate camping utensil - each 6.7 Inch long. Color of the different plastic sporks; pink, yellow, blue and green. 100% reusable cutlery made of bio-based plastics and is 100% BPA Free. These hiking cutlery is safe to go in the microwave and in the dishwasher.
- A TRAVEL CUTLERY KIT PRODUCED IN SWEDEN - Light My Fire is a Swedish brand that creates camping accessories that reconnect us with nature, wherever we are. No matter which product you choose, its design, color and function are just as attractive and work in the city as in the wild. All plastic parts are made from bio-based plastics - for a more sustainable future. Light My Fire produces all their camping mess kits, fire starters and cooking and eating utensils in their facility in Sweden.
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.
- The Light My Fire Titanium Spork is an outdoor eating utensil that is both extremely durable and lightweight. Made from one of the toughest alloys on the planet, titanium, the spork offers excellent resiliency and will not break no matter how many times it is dropped or stepped on.
- The Spork Titanium is the perfect companion for backpacking, traveling, and everyday use. With its non-toxic material, the spork offers no metallic taste and is safe to use with food as it is 100% BPA free.
- Weighing only 0.67 Oz, the Spork Titanium is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, making it the perfect travel cutlery for outdoor activities and backpacking.
- Heat-Resistant and Easy to Clean: The Spork Titanium can withstand boiling water and is easy to clean by simply rinsing it under water. It is also dishwasher safe, making it convenient to use and maintain.
- The Spork Titanium is BPA-free and made from a virgin source of titanium.
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.
- Material: Titanium (no coating)
- Total Weight: 1.7 oz (49g)
- Dimensions: Spoon: 6 5/8" (168mm) (L) Fork: 6 5/8" (168mm) (L) Knife: 7 1/8" (182mm) (L)
- Origin: Designed by TOAKS in California Manufactured in China
- Notes: 1. Polished eating area gives smooth touch while matte finished handles provide solid holding. 2. All three pieces are compatible with TOAKS TITONS Connector which is available on TOAKS Outdoor website. 3. The three utensils are held together with a removable aluminum carabiner.
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.
- SMARTER EATING: humangear's GoBites Uno is the utensil set you didn't know you needed. Built with smarter ends, including a deep spoon on one end and a fork on the other you can say goodbye to disposable plastic utensils (spoons, forks, and knives) and update your cutlery set
- MULTIPURPOSE: The perfect addition to your camping supplies and items , survival gear, backpacking gear, travel silverware, cookware, flatware, mess kit, camp kitchen, outdoor or rv, and other essentials to tailgating, campfire, picnic set, office, work, school, dorm, lunch box and more
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORTABLE GRIP: The unique U-shaped head orientation makes Uno much more comfortable to hold compared to other competitive combination tools on the market, that jab or poke you. The spoon head is deep enough for liquids (soup, broth, tea, coffee) while the fork tines can stab and cut (spaghetti and soft-food splitting)
- PORTABLE + REUSABLE: Made from a special, extremely durable nylon - up to 20x stiffer than the leading competitor. GoBites Uno 3pk is great for family, adults, teens, and kids. Dishwasher safe (top rack only), FDA food safe, 100% BPA, PC, and phthalate free
- Measures: 6.5" x 1.6" (165 x 40mm), with ~1.5 teaspoons (8.1mL) capacity. Also available in a Titanium option (Ti-Uno) for a more rugged look. GoBites Uno comes in a variety of colors so you are sure to find your favorite or match your other cups, bowls, pans, dish or cook sets. Be sure to check out the rest of humangear's product line for complimentary items
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.
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: The To Go Ware bamboo utensil set includes a knife, fork, spoon, and chopstix for any meal, any time; Keep a set of bamboo utensils in your bag, glove compartment, lunch box or desk
- ECO FRIENDLY MISSION: Reusable bamboo travel utensils replace single use plastic utensils for the environmentally conscious; Utensil case made entirely from recycled plastic bottles; To Go Ware practices ethical manufacturing and zero waste operations
- WASHABLE: To Go Ware products are heat and stain resistant, hand-finished with a food-safe coating, and dishwasher safe; To Go Ware utensil sets are a long-lasting alternative to disposable silverware
- EARTH DAY: Be a part of the change and align yourself with Mother Earth by using To Go Ware reusable travel utensils with a case made entirely from recycled bottles; Help to protect the environment with more eco friendly choices; Earth Day is a great time to start fighting for a green future
- DURABLE: To Go Ware bamboo utensil cases are made with strong, lightweight material with a secure hook and loop closure; Use the carabiner clip so you never forget your utensil set when you're on the move
Cooking Utensils
Though not as crucial as eating utensils, most campers find it helpful to bring along a few basic cooking utensils.
Jetboil Jetset Stowable Utensil SetThis 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.
- Jetboil's high-temperature nylon designs can withstand the heat, making them perfect for cooking and stirring food on your Jetboil cook stove.
- Reach every last bit of food at the bottom of your cup with the telescoping handles.
- Save pack space with the collapsible design, which stores compactly in or on Jetboil cooking vessels.
- The set includes a spoon, fork, and spatula. Measures 5.2 inches when packed and weighs 1.3 ounces. One-year limited warranty.
- Sport type: Camping & Hiking
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).
- 24-piece camp dining set feeds a family of four—enjoy food, fun and adventure with four sets of cutlery, preparation and cooking utensils, condiment containers and cleaning gear
- Chef tools to whip up on-the-go homestyle meal—flip and stir with rotating spatula and spoon; grate cheese and vegetables with lightweight grater; skin wild-caught fare with utility knife
- Add flavor to food with waterproof salt and pepper shaker; Transport savory oils and sauces in soft-sided condiment containers with easy-to-use flip-top squeeze lids
- Clean dishes after eating with scrubber and microfiber dish cloth; Store all 24 pieces in the compact nylon ballistic case—portable and keeps everything organized
- Feeding your love of the great outdoors since 1985; Product design rooted in innovation, durability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility
