Camping kitchen - make the right choice at SportanoThe camping kitchen is an essential part of any bushcraft expedition. Properly equipped, it allows you to prepare food in difficult terrain conditions, which is crucial for maintaining energy and well-being.
In the camping cooker category of the Sportano shop, you will find quality products from renowned manufacturers such as GSI Outdoors, Jetboil, Nalgene, LifeStraw, Kambukka, Salewa and Trek'n Eat.The basics of bushcraft camping cooker selectionChoosing the right bushcraft camping cooker is a decision that can significantly affect your comfort and safety in the field. There are several basic types of cooker, each with its own advantages and uses, depending on the conditions and style of camping.
Gas cookers are popular for their ease of use and speed of cooking. They are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for short outings. However, their main disadvantage is their reliance on gas cartridges, which can be difficult to find in some locations.
Multi-fuel cookers are more versatile as they can run on a variety of fuels such as petrol, paraffin or alcohol. They are ideal for longer trips or in areas where access to a particular type of fuel is limited. However, they tend to be heavier and require regular maintenance.
Wood cookers are an environmentally friendly option as they use materials available in the field. However, they are less convenient to use and require constant access to dry wood.
When choosing a camping cooker, consider cooking time, weight, size and ease of use and maintenance. It is also important to keep in mind safety aspects such as cooker stability and weather resistance. Types and uses of camping cooker cartridges Camping cooker cartridges are essential when using gas cookers. There are several types of cartridge, which differ in gas composition and design.
Propane-butane cartridges are the most common type used in gas cookers. Propane works well at low temperatures, while butane is effective in warmer conditions. However, it is worth bearing in mind that at very low temperatures the efficiency of butane drops significantly.
Isobutane cartridges are considered more effective in colder conditions. They are also slightly lighter than traditional propane-butane cartridges, which can be important for those mindful of the weight of their equipment.
The size and capacity of cartridges is another important factor. For short excursions, small cartridges are usually sufficient, while for longer trips it is better to take several larger cartridges.
Safe storage and transport of cartouches is key. Protect them from direct sunlight and heat, and make sure they are properly sealed and undamaged before each use.Bivouac chairs: an essential tool for starting a fireBivouac chairs are one of the most important tools in any bushcraft enthusiast's equipment. They are easy-to-use, reliable and durable tools that allow you to light a fire quickly and efficiently in a variety of conditions.
The Magnesium Chimney is one of the most popular options. It works by creating sparks by grinding a small amount of magnesium and then striking the flint, which generates sparks capable of igniting dry grass, paper or sawdust. This tool is extremely durable and effective even in wet conditions, making it reliable in difficult field conditions.
The flint flame is another popular option. It works by striking against steel, which generates sparks. It is simpler to use than a magnesium flint, but requires dry flammable material to ignite the fire.
Electronic lighters are a modern alternative to traditional flints, offering quick and easy fire lighting. They are particularly useful in conditions where traditional methods may fail, but they are battery dependent, which can be a limitation.
Safety is key when using camping flints. Always remember to provide adequate ventilation when starting a fire and never use chairs near flammable materials. Choosing camping cookware: lightweight and durable options Choosing the right camping cookware is important for comfort and convenience when cooking in the backcountry. Camping cookware should be lightweight, durable and easy to clean, as well as suitably matched to the type of food being prepared and the type of camping cooker being used.
Aluminium cookware is lightweight and conducts heat very well, which speeds up cooking. However, they can react with acidic foods, which is a potential drawback.
Stainless steel cookware is more durable and scratch-resistant than aluminium, but is also heavier. They are a good choice for those looking for durability and not worrying about extra weight.
Titanium cookware is a compromise between lightness and durability. They are more expensive than aluminium or stainless steel, but offer exceptional durability with low weight.
Collapsible silicone cookware is another option for those looking for ultralight and compact solutions. They are easy to store and transport, but are not suitable for cooking over an open fire.
When choosing camping cookware, it is also important to pay attention to the size and shape of the cookware so that it fits into your camping cooker and is easy to store. In addition, consider purchasing multifunctional utensils that can be used as both pots and bowls, which is particularly useful for minimising gear.Water bottles: how to choose for bushcraft conditions?Choosing the right water bottle is extremely important in bushcraft, as water is a key element for survival in the wilderness. Water bottles should not only be durable and reliable, but also safe for health and suitable for field conditions.
Material: the most popular bottles are made of durable BPA-free (bisphenol A) plastic, stainless steel or aluminium. Plastic bottles are lightweight and durable, but can react with some liquids and alter their taste. Stainless steel bottles are resistant to damage and do not affect the taste of water, but are heavier. Aluminium bottles are light and strong but, like plastic bottles, can alter the taste of the water.
Capacity: it is important to choose a bottle with the right capacity to suit your needs and the length of your hike. For longer hikes, it is better to choose larger bottles to avoid the need for frequent water refills.
Sealing: the bottle should be well sealed to avoid leaking. A leaky bottle can not only cause your gear to get wet, but also lead to a lack of water at key moments of the expedition.
Ease of cleaning:bottles with a wider opening are easier to clean and refill, which is important on long expeditions.
Bivouac thermoses: keeping drinks and food warmBivouac thermoses are invaluable equipment during bushcraft expeditions, allowing drinks and food to remain warm for long periods of time. Thermoses provide comfort by allowing warm meals and drinks to be consumed, which is particularly important in colder weather.
Insulation: a key feature of a good thermos is its thermal insulation capacity. Stainless steel double-wall thermoses offer the best insulation, keeping you warm or cold for hours.
Capacity: the choice of thermos capacity should be tailored to individual needs. For short trips, a smaller thermos will suffice, while for longer trips a larger model that can hold more of a hot drink or meal will be better.
Durability: thermoses need to be robust to withstand the harsh bushcraft conditions. Stainless steel models are usually more resistant to dents and other damage than those made of other materials.
Ease of use: it is important that the thermos has a plug and opening that is convenient to use, allowing drinks or food to be poured easily without the risk of spilling.
Multifunctionality: some thermoses have additional features, such as built-in cups or easy-to-use stoppers, which can increase their practicality in the field.
Freeze-dried and ready meals: solutions for bushcraftersFreeze-dried and ready meals are increasingly the food solutions of choice among bushcrafters. They greatly simplify the process of preparing meals in the field, while providing the nutritional value and energy needed to survive in harsh conditions.
Freeze-dried (low-temperature dried) products are light, retain their freshness for a long time and are simple to prepare - just add hot water. Their main advantage is that they have a long shelf life and retain most of the nutritional value and taste of fresh produce. They are ideal for long trips where every gram of luggage matters.
Pre-prepared meals, often available in easy-to-open tins or sealed packs, are another convenient option. Although they tend to be heavier than freeze-dried meals, they offer a variety of flavours and are ready to eat without additional preparation, which can be important in situations where time or conditions do not allow for cooking.
When choosing freeze-dried and ready-to-eat meals, it is important to pay attention to their nutritional values and composition to ensure an adequate diet during the expedition.Practical tips for organising a camping kitchenOrganising a camping kitchen requires thought and planning. The right arrangement of equipment and food supplies can make life in the field much easier and ensure comfortable and safe cooking.
Choosing a site for the kitchen: ideally, it should be a place sheltered from the wind but with good access to air, ensuring safe and efficient cooking. Avoid locations close to flammable materials.
Organisation of the space: arranging kitchen equipment in a logical and easily accessible way will facilitate cooking and minimise the risk of accidents. Dishes, cooking utensils and food should be segregated and easily accessible.
Ensure cleanliness: keeping the camping kitchen clean is key, both for hygiene and to avoid attracting wild animals. Dishes should be cleaned regularly and leftover food stored appropriately.
Effective food storage: food should be stored in airtight containers to protect it from pests and moisture. Freeze-dried and ready meals are ideal as they take up little space and are easy to transport.
Save water: water is a precious resource when camping. Planning meals that require less water to prepare and wash dishes can significantly reduce water consumption.
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