Outdoor Cooking – The Basics For A Good Life Beyond The Kitchen

Cooking outdoors isn’t just a way to satisfy hunger – it’s an experience in itself. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness, by a lake in the evening sun, or taking a quick break during a day hike, a well-prepared meal can elevate the whole outdoor experience. Here are a few basic thoughts and tips for cooking outside, whether you’re a beginner or have many nights under canvas behind you.

Published 2025-09-02

1. Campfire Or Camping Stove – What’s Best For You?

Cooking over an open fire is a classic – but it requires both knowledge and the right conditions. In many areas, fire bans are in place during parts of the year, and in some nature reserves it’s entirely prohibited. Always check the rules for the area you’re in.

Advantages of an open fire:
- Creates atmosphere and warmth
- Allows for cooking with cast iron, frying pans and grill grates
- Ideal for slower cooking in calm surroundings

Strengths of a camping stove:
- Lightweight and quick to use
- Works even where open fires are unsuitable or banned
- Efficient for coffee, pasta, freeze-dried meals and simple cooking

Our recommendation:
Use a camping stove for short breaks, bad weather or where regulations require it. Save the open fire for evenings at camp when you have the time, control, and access to dry firewood – when the fire itself adds more than just heat to the meal.

2. Plan Smart – Pack Right

Outdoor cooking isn’t about compromise – it’s about keeping things simple. Choose meals that are easy to prepare with few steps, but still feel considered.

Pack spices in small containers or zip-lock bags, and don’t forget the little extras: a splash of olive oil, lemon or fresh herbs can make a big difference – whether you're at home in the kitchen or under the pines.

3. Equipment That Makes A Difference

Besides the cooking setup itself (camping stove, burner or fire pit), a few extras can make the whole experience much smoother:

- Heatproof tongs or spatula – especially if cooking over an open flame
- Folding chopping board and penknife – for prepping on a clean surface
- Dishcloth, water, and biodegradable washing-up liquid – for easy cleanup on site

Tip! A lid for your pot saves both fuel and time.

4. Cast Iron – If You Want To Take It Up A Notch

If you want to cook seriously good food over open flames, few things beat a seasoned cast iron pan. It can handle the fire, retains heat evenly – and gains character with age. Just be mindful of the weight: this is for longer, slower trips, not mountain hikes.

5. Don’t Forget Safety – And Nature

- Always fully extinguish your fire before leaving – ideally with plenty of water
- Never cook directly on rock outcrops – they can crack from the heat
- Leave no food scraps or packaging behind
- Wash up well away from streams or other running water

Cooking in nature is a way to slow down and be present. With the right planning and respect for the environment, it becomes more than just a meal – it becomes a memory. And perhaps the very best way to round off a day filled with fresh air and the sounds of the forest.