Portable Cooking Equipment for Overlanding: Cook Delicious Meals Anywhere

Overland Malta
Mar 25
2 min read

Updated: May 1

One of the joys of overlanding is cooking and enjoying meals in the great outdoors. Whether you're preparing a quick breakfast or a gourmet campsite dinner, having the right portable cooking equipment makes all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore the best camping stoves, cookware, utensils, and accessories to help you create amazing meals on the road.

Essential Portable Cooking Equipment for Overlanding

1. Best Overlanding Stoves

Single-Burner Stoves – Compact and great for solo travelers.
Dual-Burner Stoves – More cooking space for complex meals.
Multi-Fuel Stoves – Use propane, butane, or liquid fuel for versatility.
Wood-Burning Stoves – Eco-friendly and eliminates the need for fuel canisters.

✅ Top Picks:

Coleman Classic Propane Stove – Affordable, durable, and reliable.
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System – Compact, efficient, and ideal for overlanders.
MSR WhisperLite Universal – Best multi-fuel stove for extreme adventures.
BioLite CampStove 2+ – Wood-burning stove with USB charging capability.

2. Essential Overland Cookware

Lightweight Pots & Pans – Aluminum or stainless steel for durability.
Cast Iron Skillet – Heavy but great for even heat distribution.
Collapsible Kettle – Saves space while still allowing you to boil water.
Cutting Board & Knife Set – Essential for meal prep.

✅ Recommended Cookware:

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset – All-in-one cookware set.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – Best for long-term overlanders.
Sea to Summit X-Pot – Collapsible and lightweight for compact packing.

3. Cooking Utensils & Accessories

Utensil Set – Spatula, tongs, spoon, and fork.
Grill Grate – For open-fire cooking.
Collapsible Sink & Scrub Brush – For easy cleanup.
Food Storage Containers – Keep ingredients fresh and organized.

✅ Must-Have Accessories:

GSI Outdoors 24-Piece Utensil Set – Compact and travel-friendly.
Weber Portable Grill Grate – Ideal for grilling over an open flame.
Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink – Foldable for easy storage.

4. Best Portable Refrigeration & Food Storage

Coolers – Budget-friendly but require ice.
12V Fridge/Freezers – Run off your vehicle’s power for long trips.

✅ Recommended Options:

YETI Tundra 45 – High-performance cooler with long ice retention.
Dometic CFX3 35 – Top-rated 12V fridge/freezer for overlanding.
ARB Zero Portable Fridge – Reliable with temperature control.

Tips for Cooking on the Road

✔ Plan Your Meals – Pre-prep ingredients to save time at camp.

✔ Bring Spices & Oils – Enhance flavor without adding bulk.

✔ Use Reusable Containers – Cut down on waste and keep food fresh.

✔ Pack Emergency Rations – Canned goods and freeze-dried meals for backup.

✔ Follow Leave No Trace Principles – Clean up thoroughly to protect nature.

Final Thoughts

The right portable cooking equipment for overlanding can elevate your outdoor dining experience. Whether you're using a simple propane stove, a high-end fridge/freezer, or a classic cast iron skillet, choosing the best gear for your needs ensures delicious meals wherever your adventure takes you. Happy cooking! 🍳🏕️🚙