Premade meals make your camping trip so much easier. Step up your camping game with these simple cooking and packing tips.

Rather than packing the kitchen sink, consider taking advantage of your home kitchen to pre-make tasty meals that are quick and easy to prep in camp. You can prepare and process everything in advance to reduce the need for specialty cooking equipment and kitchen supplies at your campsite. A fork, spoon, bowl, and multi-tool is all your kitchen will require in the field.

Choosing the Right Multi-Tool

Organizing and tracking numerous items at camp is a hassle. Strap a multitool to your hip and use it in the kitchen and field. Pot grabbers are easily lost but a set of pliers work just as well. The knife is more than adequate for cutting food and a saw or serrated blade will work through tough cuts and even bone. Independent can and bottle openers are lost and misplaced with some regularity. A multitool that incorporates these is a lifesaver in the field. I’ve gone so far as to eat using only the knife and pliers but forks and spoons are nice to have along.

One of the best tools out there to replace almost all of your many camping tools is the Leatherman Signal. Pliers, knife, can opener, bottle opener, saw, and fire starter, among many others: you’ll be taking everything but the kitchen sink in one handy tool. When camping, you’ll be glad you saved all that room in your pack by taking one multitool instead of a whole pouch’s worth of tools. It’s all about finding the right tool to fit your needs.

Freeze it First

Anything you can freeze and add to the cooler is a bonus. The frozen items act like ice and keep your cooler temperature low. Plan on eating these frozen meals on the last days of your trip. They will thaw slowly and be ready to cook and consume after a few days. You can always opt to eat them sooner as well by simply boiling or heating them up in a pan.

Boil Bags

The lowest mess option for cooked food a camper can use come in the form of boil safe, reusable plastic bags. Premake nearly any meal and place individual portions in sealed, boil bags. Chilli, stew, and lasagna are a few simple options that are both filling and delicious. Freeze them and simply boil in water to reheat at camp. Eat the meal directly from the bag and take them home to clean and reuse for the next trip. These meals only require cleaning the utensils in camp making them the ultimate form of convenience for cooked food.

Foil Packs

Vegetables, potatoes, and meat both cook exceptionally well in foil packs. Place the foil directly on hot coals, on a fire grate or on a stove surface. Versatility is the key here. The pliers on a multitool are critical for grabbing the foil when removing or adjusting on a bed of coals. Finding the perfect position is a delicate dance. You can premake packs with squash and vegetable mixtures or seasoned potatoes. Use oil or butter to prevent burning and even consider adding a little water at camp to steam the contents. A few small vent holes on top will allow the steam to escape. Double wrap your foil for durability and get creative with meals. Freshly caught fish with lemon, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper is a favorite.

Premade Quick Meals

Premade meals are also done without foil packs or bags. Breakfast burritos and sandwiches are both great for a quick and easy start to your morning. Wrap in foil and heat over hot coals or place them on a stove to heat up. Making simple sandwiches with meat and cheese in advance and placing in plastic bags or containers is great for lunches. Rather than breaking out a bunch of ingredients at camp, you can grab a sandwich, add some mustard or mayo and eat. Throw in some fruit and snacks like granola bars and you are set for the day.