I used to pack a full camp kitchen, now I just bring a pot and a spork

For a long time, I thought you needed a whole set of gear to cook decent food in the woods. I'd bring a folding table, a two burner stove, a mess kit, a spatula, the works. It took up half my pack and 20 minutes to set up. Then, on a three day trip in the Gila Wilderness, my stove pump broke. I ended up boiling water in my single pot over a small fire and eating my freeze dried meal right out of the bag with a long handled spork. It was simpler, faster, and honestly just as good. I realized I was bringing stuff to make camping feel like my kitchen at home, not to actually be outside. Now my cook kit is that one pot, a lighter, and that same spork. It saves space and lets me focus on hiking instead of setup. Has anyone else made a switch to a much simpler system that actually worked better for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

piperh191mo ago

Ever try just using your pot lid as a plate? I started doing that and it cuts out another thing to wash (which is a win when you're tired). That minimalist mindset really does make the whole trip feel easier.

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noah9141mo ago

It's wild how many problems get solved by just using what's already in front of you.

fiona_clark1mo ago

Nah, that lid is gonna be all greasy from cooking. Now you're just eating off a dirty surface and still have to wash it anyway.