Best Portable Cooking Gear & Easy Camp Meal Ideas for Hunters

When heading out on a remote hunting trip, packing adequate cooking gear is essential for keeping yourself properly fueled for the potentially grueling hikes and strenuous activity ahead. The right cooking gear enables you to prepare satisfying meals even in the middle of the woods when you don’t have the convenience of your home kitchen. Your gear should be lightweight, efficient, and capable of handling your cooking needs and preferences. Here are a few tips for selecting the best portable cooking gear, and some ideas for easy, yet comforting and filling meals for hunting season that fit easily into your pack. 

Portable Stove

A reliable stove or cooking system is the backbone of any kitchen, including your camp kitchen. Traditionally, a campfire has served as a reliable and sufficient source of heat for cooking, but having a portable wood-burning stove is quite an upgrade, in that it gives you control over heat, avoids excess smoke, and can function regardless of damp weather conditions. You may also choose to use a propane/isobutane stove that is easily controlled like your gas stove in your home kitchen if you are more of a precise chef.  

Cookware Must-Haves  

Cookware–that is pots, pans, and utensils–should be compact and durable, certainly. But it should also be lightweight enough to carry in your pack, and versatile enough to handle a variety of cooking requirements and methods. For hunting camp, you will probably want materials that perform well when cooking fresh wild game and can function on the campfire as well as the wood stove.

Our Recommendations– 

• Titanium Cookware – Titanium is an extremely lightweight and corrosion-resistant material great for camping and long-lasting use. These sets often come with both pots and pans that nest together to break down compactly to save space in your pack.  
• Nonstick Cookware – Sets of nonstick cookware often consist of a large pot, a frying pan, and other accessories for serving. Non-stick cookware is great for camping because it is designed to be easy to clean and offers great versatility when it comes to meal preparation– think anything from fireside soups to stir-fries. 
• Simple 3-Piece Cookware Set – Many companies make budget-friendly cookware sets that are simple, durable, and functional. These essential cookware sets include a large pot, frying pan, and a lid that fits both pieces– making it great for preparing large meals for a group of hunters. 
• Stainless Steel Pots – You can find rugged stainless steel pot sets that can easily withstand long-term use in harsh conditions– perfect for hunters who want to invest in high-performing, lasting camp cookware. 

Fueling Your Camp Kitchen

• Propane or Isobutane Canisters – Compact camp stoves often use propane or isobutane canisters to fuel them. These are great for packing into a hunting camp, as they are lightweight, relatively small for the amount of fuel they provide, and easy to fit into a backpack. 
• Liquid Fuel – For larger stoves, or for instances where you plan on camping for an extended period, you may need to pack a refillable liquid fuel canister.  
• Firewood – If you are using a wood-burning stove, you can gather your fuel upon arriving at your camp spot. This means finding small kindling and chopping larger firewood for fuel– you might want to bring along a firewood log bag to make this a less grueling task.

Packable Cooking Tools: Lightweight Essentials

Having the right utensils makes meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. A basic set of utensils, a sharp knife, and a few other tools will cover most cooking needs.

• Stainless Steel 3-Piece Kitchen Sets include a spatula, spoon, and tongs all made of stainless steel– which performs very well when exposed to high heat. Also, a small basic set such as this one takes up very little room in your pack and is easy to clean. 
• Aluminum Cutlery Sets include a knife, fork, and spoon that are all very lightweight and compact for hunting.  
• Enamelware is another great option for serving purposes if you are looking for durability and functionality both at camp and at home. 
• A Sharp Knife and Cutting Board are essential for butchering wild game, chopping vegetables, and any other meal prep needs. Keep an eye out for compact, folding knives with a locking blade. Small, compact cutting boards made of plastic are great for keeping meal prep hygienic at camp.

Proper Food Storage

Best Recs–

• Bear-resistant containers are necessary if you plan on hunting in or near a bear country. Not only does this keep you and your belongings safe, but it keeps the bears safe, too. Brands like BearVault are great options for secure food storage. 
• Tupperware Containers are reliable for storing nonperishables and leftovers alike. They keep your food safe and cooler organized–like a game of Tetris. 
• Resealable Ziploc Bags are good for short-term storage of dry goods. They’re easy to pack and help keep things nice and organized.  

Proper Cleaning & Maintenance

Not only is it important to efficiently prepare meals at camp, but equally vital to keep your cooking gear clean and hygienic. In some hunting areas, you will need to abide by specific rules to keep your camp more or less odorless– so let’s discuss some ways to keep it clean and smell-free.  

• Biodegradable Soaps like Dr. Bronner’s or Campsuds are safe to use around natural water sources, and will still cut grease and kill bacteria.
• Compact Sponges and Scrub Brushes are great for thoroughly cleansing pots, pans, and utensils.
• Tarps are awesome options for covering your camp stove, pots, pans, and utensils when they are not in use. This way you don’t have to worry about constantly packing and unpacking your gear, but it isn’t exposed to bugs or the elements, either.
• Don’t Forget Trash Bags! Pack it in, pack it out. Be sure to bring trash bags to carry out your waste, including food scraps. Purchase odor-proof trash bags to avoid attracting and endangering wildlife. 

Easy, Delicious Camp Meals for Hunters 

Dehydrated Meals  

Dried, dehydrated meals are a go-to option for most hunters as they are easy to pack into camp and quick to prepare. Dehydrated meals have become so advanced in recent years that they come in options ranging from simple soups to complete meals like chili, pasta, and rice dishes. All you have to do is boil water. 

Dehydrated meals are made to be calorie and nutrient-dense.  

One-Pot Pasta Dishes

Another insanely easy yet hearty option for camp meals is one-pot pasta dishes. These are meals you can prepare with just one small pot or pan using dry pasta, canned meat, and pre-made sauces or spices.

• One-Pot Beef & Pasta 

• Ingredients: Pasta, canned beef/dried meat like jerky, one jar of marinara sauce, olive oil, dried herbs.
• Instructions: Using one single pot, saute olive oil and meat. Add water and pasta, cooking until pasta is soft. Finally, stir in the herbs and sauce, simmering all together until combined. Serve warm.  

Grilled or Pan-Seared Fresh Meat

If you are successful in hunting small game, or fishing, or if you choose to bring fresh meat with you, grilling or searing your meat over your stove or campfire is a great way to prepare a delicious, protein-rich meal. 

• Pan-Seared Venison Steaks 

• Ingredients: Venison (deer) steaks, salt, pepper, butter, garlic, herbs like rosemary or thyme.  
• Instructions: First, melt butter in a pan and add garlic and herbs, cooking until aromatic. Meanwhile, season the venison steaks with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook to your preferred level of doneness.  

Energy-Packed Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You will need high-calorie, energy-packed meals to fuel physically demanding days when hunting. The best, easiest options include oatmeal, granola, protein bars, or dried fruit and nuts. Packed with carbs and good fats, these help start your day on the right foot.

• Trail Oats with Nuts and Dried Fruit

• Ingredients: Instant oats, mixed nuts of your choice, dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or cranberries, honey, and cinnamon (optional).
• Instructions: Mix instant oats with hot water, and let stand for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle honey while your oats are still warm, then mix in the dried fruit and nuts. Enjoy a warm fire.

Campfire Chili

Chili is a classic. It’s a filling, hearty, warm dish that is easy to make in one pot over a fire.  

• Classic Campfire Chili

• Ingredients: Ground meat such as beef, venison, elk, or even turkey, canned beans of choice (we recommend kidney or mixed chili beans), canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, and onions (optional).
• Instructions: First, brown your choice of meat in the pot. Add onions and spices, and then stir in tomatoes and beans (drained). Let all of the ingredients simmer together for about 30 minutes, and enjoy it warm.  
• Add more vegetables according to your preferences and nutritional needs…

In Conclusion… 

Choosing the right portable cooking gear and most efficient meal options depends on personal preference, the type of hunting you’re doing, the length of your camping trip, and the conditions in which you will be camping and hunting. Whether you prefer to save time and effort by eating dehydrated meals and quick breakfasts, or you enjoy the luxury and involved process of preparing fresh steaks at the end of a long and strenuous day, the right cooking gear can make your excursion significantly more enjoyable and comfortable.