There is certainly nothing that smells better than outdoor cooking. Burgers and kebabs sizzling on the grill . . . ummm. If one is doing the cooking, such as dear old Dad, outdoor cooking utensils should be one of those important things to bring during campouts. Of course, you just cannot load up your ordinary kitchenware and pack them for use during campout, right? Alternatively, can we really do that at all? What is the difference anyway?



First, backpackers take in mind the handiness and portability of the things that they take with them during campouts or out-of-town trips. Thus, a regular backpacker would choose those which are simple and serve their purpose well over that which are elaborately made such as those made for the kitchen. Imagine if you have to bring the whole bulky oven from your kitchen with you to the camping trip.

So what are these outdoor cooking utensils other than the camping stove and grill that one should bring? Perhaps it would be best to do this by thinking over what kind of food that the family is likely to eat during campouts. Kids most likely love eating popcorn while sharing stories over the campfire. Or, the all-time favorite, hot dogs and marshmallows! Popcorn poppers and hot dog forks should then be must-haves in campouts. Of course, most important, as some people might do during last-minute preparations and rushes, do not forget the food as you might end up with empty popcorn poppers, hot dog sticks, and irate, disappointed children.

Warm soups are perfect during a rather cold night in the mountains. For this, it is imperative then for one to bring a ladle and spoon to stir the soup with. And what is a good soup without a dutch oven to cook it in? Dutch ovens are as precious a cooking utensil as the camping stove that one cannot imagine going along and leaving one behind. Tripods to hang the dutch oven on while cooking is also important and convenient although one can always improvise and play Neanderthal by making tripods out of the branches lying around.

Sandwiches and pies are very yummy to eat outdoors too. Today, one can easily buy cast iron pie or sandwich makers. Be sure to buy the ones that do not stick, though, such as those with Teflon coating so that the food does not stick to the surface.

Outdoor cooking utensils such as tongs and clamps are also important as well as mittens and aprons for protection from hot surfaces and greasy spills.

For food preparation and cooking, of course, one needs something to do such things on. Yes, you guessed it---a table. Before thinking of picking just any picnic table with you, think first the portability of such a thing. Regular backpackers would tell you to pick a table that easily folds, light to carry, and has its own bag to store with. With these things in mind, Dad surely will have a fine time as well doing the cooking for the whole family.