A Lifelong Camper Spills Her Secrets: 10 Camping Cookware Items You Shouldn't Take (and What to Pack Instead)

In my 10-plus years of camping, I’ve learned a big lesson hard way: what you pack dictates your camping experience. While it’s tempting to haul your entire house to the campground to make sure you have every amenity possible, sometimes less is more. After all, being outdoors is about enjoying nature, not rummaging through your car for that kitchen utensil or chef’s knife you swore you brought along. To simplify your camping experience and outdoor cooking workflows, these are 10 things you should definitely skip when packing for a trip — and what you should be sure to bring instead, starting at just $5.

Don’t pack: Loose kitchen utensils and knives

Pack this instead: Freehiker Portable Camping Kitchen Utensil Set

Aside from annoying, it can be dangerous to search through your camping gear if you’ve packed loose, uncovered kitchen utensils and knives. I learned early on that investing in a separate set of utensils for camping, like the Freehiker portable camping kitchen utensil pack, is a must. Now, I don’t have to shepherd anything from my kitchen drawers to the car and back, nor do I risk losing or damaging my nicer knives. This set comes with all the essentials, including cooking utensils, covered knives, eating utensils, and even a cutting board. Everything fits into a flat organizer bag and it’s even on sale for 38% off.

Don’t pack: Your nonstick pans

Pack this instead: Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

I spent a few early camping trips bringing frying pans from my own kitchen to the campground and regretted it each time. These pans, while perfect for use in my home, weren't built for the camp kitchen. This Lodge cast iron skillet, however, is a versatile piece of cookware that can be dragged across the grates of a campfire pit without fear of dings and scratches. Its even heat retention and distribution also makes it great for live-fire cooking, whether you’re cooking up post-hike burgers or hot dogs. You can grab one for only $20.

Don’t pack: Your pots from home

Pack this instead: Msr Nonstick Ceramic Coated 2-Pot Camping Cook Set

It may be tempting to grab a couple saucepans from your cupboard, but the handles can get in the way of packing when you’re already trying to fit your essential camp gear. This set of two  nesting nonstick ceramic pots is on sale and comes with a detachable handle for easy storage. (Both pots share the same handle, saving even more space.) Plus, the ceramic nonstick coating makes for quick cleanup.

Don’t pack: Too many loose water bottles

Pack this instead: Digury Store 5-Gallon Water Jug

After camping for over a decade, I’ve learned that packing too many loose water bottles makes for a disorganized campsite. Instead, I got a 5-gallon water jug that I fill up before a trip. That way, I only need to bring a couple of water bottles that I can refill from the larger water jug. It also doesn’t hurt that having the portable jug makes it easy to fill pots for boiling water or washing dishes. Grab this Digury water jug for 23% off. 

Don’t pack: Instant coffee

Pack this instead: Stansport Percolator Coffee Pot

Don’t resign yourself to bad coffee at the campsite. While it seems easier to bring along instant coffee, I’ve found that I crave a more flavorful cup of caffeine after a night of sleeping in the tent. With a handheld manual grinder and this Stansport percolator coffee pot, you can easily make nine cups of great coffee in minutes. You can snag this percolator for only $16.

Don’t pack: Paper plates and bowls

Pack this instead: Wealers Stainless Steel Messware Kit

Paper plates and bowls certainly have their time and place at parties or cookouts, but if you’re an avid camper, you’ll want a reusable set of durable dinnerware in your camping gear. Not only is this more sustainable, but it’ll save you money in the long run. This stainless steel messware kit comes with two plates, two bowls, two cups, and two sets of cutlery. Everything stacks neatly together and fits into a mesh bag for simple storage and transport. 

Don’t pack: Plastic bags of spices

Pack this instead: Coghlan’s Multi-Spice Container

Once upon a time, I prepared for camping trips by pouring spices into plastic snack bags, only to misplace them by the time I got to the campground. These days, I keep a separate set of spices that are neatly organized in a container similar to Coghlan's multi-spice container. This $5 container has segments for six spices, including paprika, curry, cayenne, garlic salt, black pepper, and salt.

Don’t pack: A soft-sided cooler bag

Pack this instead: Coleman Chiller Series 60-Quart Wheeled Portable Cooler

While soft cooler bags are great for picnics or beach days, a multi-day camping experience will require a rugged hard cooler that has more capacity and better cooling. The Coleman Chiller Series cooler keeps contents cold thanks to its insulation and can hold up to 47 cans with 30 pounds of ice. It also has wheels and an extendable handle so you can easily roll it to your campsite, and it’s on sale for under $40 right now.

Don’t pack: A stick flashlight

Pack this instead: Consciot LED Camping Lantern, 2-Pack

Instead of bringing a stick flashlight that won’t be able to stand up on its own or cast a wide light, grab this two-pack of Consciot LED camping lanterns that are 32% off. These waterproof and battery-powered lanterns can reach up to 1000 lumens, so whether you’re cooking dinner after sunset or setting up your tent in the dark, you’ll have enough light across your entire campsite. 

Don’t pack: Plastic or paper cups

Pack this instead: Sunwill Insulated 14-Ounce Camping Mug

For enjoying your drinks, plastic or paper cups should be replaced with insulated mugs that will keep your beverages warmer or cooler for longer. The now-$13 stainless steel camping mug  has a spill-resistant lid for easy sipping, while the double wall vacuum insulation keeps your drinks cold or hot for hours. Available in several attractive colors, this mug has been purchased by over 1,000 Amazon shoppers in the past month.