Mastering Outdoor Cooking With Lightweight Gear

Cooking outdoors is an experience that combines the thrill of nature with the joy of good food. Whether you're in the wilds of the Lake District or your local campsite, mastering the art of outdoor cooking can turn any trip into a memorable adventure. With the right lightweight kit, you can create delicious meals without being weighed down by heavy gear. Here’s how to cook outdoors using lightweight equipment.

Why Choose Lightweight Cooking Gear?

When embarking on outdoor adventures, every ounce matters. Lightweight cooking gear is designed to be portable, compact, and efficient, making it ideal for hiking, backpacking, and camping trips. Not only does it reduce the load you carry, but it also allows for quick setup and easy cleaning—perfect for those on the go.

Essential Lightweight Cooking Kit

Portable Stove

A portable stove is the backbone of outdoor cooking. Gas camping stoves are probably the best choice due to their reliability and ease of use, not to mention their low weight and compact size (once you take in to account the gas canister). Brands like Jetboil and Primus offer ultralight options that boil water quickly, making them ideal for everything from brewing tea to cooking a full meal.

Compact Cookware

Investing in a set of lightweight, compact cookware is key. Titanium and anodised aluminium pots and pans are the go-to choice for their strength and minimal weight. They’re also highly conductive, meaning they heat up quickly, saving both time and fuel. Look for nesting cookware sets that stack inside each other to save space in your pack.

Top Tip: Alternatively, check-out cookware that combines a collapsible silicon body with an aluminium base. 

Lightweight Utensils

Silicon or titanium utensils are your best bet for lightweight cooking. They’re durable, heat-resistant, and take up minimal space. For eating your meal, consider a spork—a spoon-fork hybrid—that can handle a variety of foods with ease. Also, pack a small, foldable knife for food preparation.

Collapsible Bowls and Cups

Collapsible silicon bowls and cups are fantastic space-savers. They expand to full size when needed and flatten out when not in use, fitting easily into your backpack. Many brands also offer insulated options to keep your drinks warm in chilly weather.

Lightweight Windshield

The UK’s unpredictable weather can often bring strong winds, which can be a challenge when cooking outdoors. A lightweight windshield, usually made from aluminum, is essential to protect your flame and ensure efficient cooking. These are easy to set up and can dramatically improve your cooking times by shielding your stove from the elements.

Outdoor Cooking Tips

Plan Simple, Nutritious Meals

When cooking outdoors, simplicity is key. Opt for one-pot meals that are easy to prepare and minimize washing up. Think pasta with pre-made sauce, rice with canned beans, or quick stir-fries with fresh veggies. Pre-cooking some ingredients at home can also save time and fuel.

Embrace Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Foods

Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to prepare—just add boiling water. They’re perfect for longer trips where fresh ingredients might not be practical. Brands like Mountain House and Expedition Foods offer a variety of meals that are surprisingly tasty and nutritious.

Make Use of Local Ingredients

If you’re cooking outdoors in rural or coastal areas, take advantage of local produce. Foraging for wild herbs, fishing for your dinner, or picking fresh berries can add a unique and delicious twist to your meals. Just ensure you’re knowledgeable about what’s safe to eat.

Stay Safe with Fire

If you’re opting for a traditional campfire rather than a stove, make sure to follow local regulations and safety guidelines. In the UK, open fires are often restricted, especially in dry periods. Always build your fire in a designated area, keep it small, have water close at hand, and extinguish it fully before leaving.

Pack Out What You Pack In

The Leave No Trace principle is vital when cooking outdoors. Ensure that all your waste, including food scraps and packaging, is packed out and disposed of properly. This helps preserve the natural beauty of the UK countryside for future adventurers.

TOP TIP: Using a trash sack eliminates waste contamination within your backpack. 

Are you ready to cook outdoors?

Cooking outdoors using lightweight kit doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavour. With the right gear and a bit of planning, you can enjoy gourmet meals under the stars, whether you’re deep in the wilderness or relaxing at a campsite. So next time you’re planning an outdoor adventure, remember: great food is just as important as great views. Happy cooking!