Technology seems to improve rapidly as time goes by. Think back to fifteen years ago – ah yes, I can still remember my IBM PS/1. I was drawn to it by its sexy Windows 3.1 operating system and of all things, Paintbrush. That computer system is the reason I am writing this article today, because it sparked my love for technology. But that wasn’t my only childhood love. Another was camping.
Camping isn’t for everyone, but for some, it is hands down the greatest way to get in touch with nature. Way back when, camping meant a tent (maybe), sleeping bags and fresh air. When it came down to food, you ate whatever you could cook over an open fire, if it was cooked at all. But just like the evolution of computers took us from PS/1 to PDA’s, the science of campsite cooking has made giant leaps as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the products that will help you cook and grill like you’re at home, all while taking in nature’s beauty.
Portable Grills
Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak – all fair game when you’re packing one of these babies. Coleman 9949-750 Road Trip Grill LXE retails for $189.99 but can be found on Amazon for $159.99. Other contenders in this category include the Weber Baby Q (Q 100) and the Char-Broil Grill2Go Advantage. Both of those go for $119.99 and $149.99, respectively.
Camping Stoves
Yeah, you could probably use a fire pit, but a stove will help you cook your food more evenly. Whether you need to boil water, throw some eggs on the skillet or make some banana pancakes (while listening to Jack Johnson, of course), having a portable stove in tow allows you to get the job done with ease. The stove pictured above is the Coleman Dual Fuel Powerhouse Deluxe Stove and is listed at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $99.99. Also check out the Camp Chef ATS-50T, which is a bit pricier at $158.79.
Other Cooking Accessories
So you’re not a “pancakes on the skillet” kind of guy/gal? If you’d rather wake up to waffles on your plate, and you simply must hold something over the fire pit, this cast iron waffle iron (pictured above) is a must. And good news; it’ll only set you back $18.99 on Amazon. Melted sandwiches are also big hits on the campsite, which is why a pie iron (mountain pie maker, as I call them) is a great thing to have with you. You can make all sorts of delicious concoctions with it – check this site out for some ideas.
And so, as technology has evolved, campsite cooking has evolved. You can now cook almost anything you can cook at home, all while camping out in your favorite spots. No longer will you be forced to survive by eating hot dogs cooked on a skinny branch you found in the woods – oh no. You can now enjoy a cheeseburger, a steak, a quesadilla or whatever your heart desires. With these modernized campground cooking weapons at your disposal, you can still experience all there is to see and hear of the great outdoors while eating like you’re at the dining room table.