View Full Version : Kitchen Setup
texascampgal
10-21-2009, 13:34
I searched and didn't come up with anything. I wasn't sure what to call what I'm about to ask.
My last trip out a short overnight, I really needed a "counter top" to set my kitchen up on. We picked a very level, but vegetation-lacking spot to set up camp. It was a little challenging to cook without being able to set anything down on the dirt. I shuffled everything between stuff sacks, balanced on top of water bottles, my lap and so on.
I read about someone's kitchen setup here and I remember them saying that they used something to put their kitchen on. I don't recall what that something was.
I think a bandanna would fly away to easily. I'm thinking something along the lines of a flexible cutting board, but don't think that would be able to lie flat once camp was set up because it would probably have to be rolled up in the pack.
Any suggestions?
mister krabs
10-21-2009, 13:45
How about a cut open 3 gallon water container? One side would be a good size, light, flexible and recycleable.
Many Walks
10-21-2009, 14:29
We carry 3'x4' pieces of Tyvek that work great for a variety of uses. Keeps gear clean when packing & unpacking, storing gear under the vestibule at night, sitting on when everything is wet and muddy. Also works well to keep everything clean when cooking. Weight the corners with rocks or gear to avoid blowing. Put the stove on the dirt or rock next to it and your good to go.
The Weasel
10-21-2009, 14:36
Mylar "space blankets" are excellent, cut down to size, as well as weighing virtually nothing. They can be rinsed and shaken dry immediately. If left uncut, they have other uses as well.
TW
Many Walks
10-21-2009, 14:44
Mylar "space blankets" are excellent, cut down to size, as well as weighing virtually nothing. They can be rinsed and shaken dry immediately. If left uncut, they have other uses as well.
TW
Oh that's a great idea. I'm going to look into that further. Sierra Trading Post has emergency foil blankets on sale now. 4 pack for $5.95
check out these orikaso folding plates, they can be used flat as a cutting board or a prep area and then folded up to use as a plate with a 1" lip, they clean off great, and only weigh about an ounce. Plus they barely take up any space in your pack. [URL="http://www.rei.com/product/777485"]
If you are willing to carry the weight, look into a GSI mini table. They are awesome for cooking on.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Blog%20Food/macandcheese.jpg
They work well in snow also and as a table in your tent for card playing, etc. REI carries them online :)
WritinginCT
10-21-2009, 15:18
If you're not putting your stove on it - how about one of those 8.5x11" sheets of craft foam? They are cheap, light, and flexible. I've got two for my pack, one to use as a placemat, one to sit on.
This http://www.rei.com/product/407106 has served me well for a number of years on canoe trips and is multipurpose.
sheepdog
10-21-2009, 16:09
what about an aluminum cookie sheet? or a wire rack?
http://www.instructables.com/id/Camp-Table-for-Backpacking/
This worked well on a recent trip and I was able to shave a ounces by switching to a mesh pizza pan, smaller hardware etc. So far got it down to about 1lbs 5oz.
Also for a smaller version without the construction, buy a cheap lightweight camp stool, remove the fabric and the unneccessary plastic and add a smaller pie tray.
skinewmexico
10-21-2009, 17:22
Interesting. I've been using freezer bags, and had forgotten about cooking.
How about a plastic rolling sheet, used for rolling out pie or cookie dough you could cut it to a size that you want, they start out about 2ftX2ft and they are food safe, or use a lid from an old tupperware piece and it has a rim around it. Both are very light weight.
kayak karl
10-21-2009, 17:52
How about a plastic rolling sheet, used for rolling out pie or cookie dough you could cut it to a size that you want, they start out about 2ftX2ft and they are food safe, or use a lid from an old tupperware piece and it has a rim around it. Both are very light weight.
those rubbermaid lisds are good too. use them for parts tray under vehicle. you could cut it to 12"-18" and slip it in the bladder sleeve in pack.
With the variety of shapes and sizes of tupperware/rubbermaid one could find about anything they want at garage, rummage, yard sales and cheap too. I hadn't thought about using them as a "screw tray" out in the garage, thanks karl.
texascampgal
10-22-2009, 10:44
Man, so many choices-all sound intriguing. I've recently been thinking about a small chair for camp, so I guess the kitchen setup would have to be as light as possible.
Farr Away
10-22-2009, 12:26
I use a piece of silnylon (about 36 x 36) with the edges hemmed. Doesn't have to be silnylon, but I also use it for other things that require it to be waterproof. My ultimate multi-use item.
Man, so many choices-all sound intriguing. I've recently been thinking about a small chair for camp, so I guess the kitchen setup would have to be as light as possible.
The ultimate camp chair would be a sling Light ;) It is heaven!
ShelterLeopard
10-22-2009, 13:28
I searched and didn't come up with anything. I wasn't sure what to call what I'm about to ask.
My last trip out a short overnight, I really needed a "counter top" to set my kitchen up on. We picked a very level, but vegetation-lacking spot to set up camp. It was a little challenging to cook without being able to set anything down on the dirt. I shuffled everything between stuff sacks, balanced on top of water bottles, my lap and so on.
I read about someone's kitchen setup here and I remember them saying that they used something to put their kitchen on. I don't recall what that something was.
I think a bandanna would fly away to easily. I'm thinking something along the lines of a flexible cutting board, but don't think that would be able to lie flat once camp was set up because it would probably have to be rolled up in the pack.
Any suggestions?
If all you need is a clean surface on which to put your food, cut a 2' X 1' piece of plastic tarp. Or (if you don't want the extra weight) you could use your tent tarp if you keep your tarp inside the tent instead of under it- then just rinse it off and dry it thoroughly.
ShelterLeopard
10-22-2009, 13:32
This is the table Sarbar suggested http://www.rei.com/product/668820
I have to say, it looks pretty cool. It wouldn't be worth it for me, as I usually sleep in shelters, but it's really cool.
max patch
10-22-2009, 13:44
I'm no ounce weenie, but I've never found it necessary to bring a table or something similar when backpacking. The thought never even crossed my mind before reading this thread.
I've got one of those tables that roll up left over from car camping from scouting days. Pretty nifty but I'd never bring it, or a smaller version, backpacking.
Coleman® Exponent™ Backpacker's Table and Gear System™
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3YRBB5XL._SS500_.jpg
Product Features
Uniquely designed, roll-up table and gear stowaway system
Strap adjusts to fit most trees
Gear hooks will hold up to 50 pounds altogether--table holding only 25 pounds
Rolled up, it weighs just 20 ounces
Saw stuff like this in a flyer. Who it is for I am not sure.
http://www.cabelas.com/p-0066854518975a.shtml
Course, they had tents bigger than some apartments.
Good for a laugh.
I heard Mags has one.
texascampgal
10-22-2009, 14:46
sarbar, could you please post a link or picture of this Sling Light Chair?
texascampgal
10-22-2009, 14:47
Saw stuff like this in a flyer. Who it is for I am not sure.
http://www.cabelas.com/p-0066854518975a.shtml
Course, they had tents bigger than some apartments.
Good for a laugh.
I heard Mags has one.
I'd LOVE that for car camping.
ShelterLeopard
10-22-2009, 15:31
Here's Sarbar's chair (I think it's probably the same one)
http://www.slinglight.com/
I got a 18" x 12" or so place mat at Big Lots, real thin, real tough. I cut it in half, & used it as: place mat, cutting board, table, etc.
The other day at Meijer they were handing out flexible cutting boards, much tougher, thinner & lighter, my wife got 2, one for her at home & one for me. I rounded the corners just a bit as the corners were rather sharp. It's about 11" x 12" or so.
Thanks Sl, that is the link :) That chair is perfect especially for us shorter ladies. With the head rest on I can sleep in it.
I'm no ounce weenie, but I've never found it necessary to bring a table or something similar when backpacking. The thought never even crossed my mind before reading this thread.
Where a table shines is for snow camping. Gives a stable surface. I'd not carry it on long trips but I can say that on 3 mile flat hikes, why not :D
max patch
10-22-2009, 16:35
Saw stuff like this in a flyer. Who it is for I am not sure.
http://www.cabelas.com/p-0066854518975a.shtml
I think Minnesota Smith carries this. Has a great toilet paper holder.
I think Minnesota Smith carries this. Has a great toilet paper holder.
HAAAAAAAAAAA...That are funny:D
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7214&stc=1&d=1256245526