Camping trips are a beloved Aussie activity because they allow people to get away from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungles and get to know more of what nature has to offer. Being in touch with nature can help you get in tune with yourself, forget about the stress holding you back, and improve your mood and well-being.
However, as calming and relaxing as it may seem, it’s still an adventurous activity so if you’re not prepared for it as you should, you’re in for a rather unpleasant experience. One of the main aspects that can harsh your mellow is the food. There’s no doubt there will be a time when you feel in need of a freshly cooked meal, so if you plan on staying in the great outdoors longer, be sure to pack up an outdoor stove for your cooking endeavours.
What Type of Camping Stove Is the Best?
When you’re out in the open, you should always carry gear that’s practical, compact and lightweight, which is why these are the three important factors you ought to pay attention to when choosing a stove. There are two main choices at your disposal, largely based on the type of fuel that’s used.
Solar Stove
As a reliable energy source that’s also renewable and green, solar energy is a great option when you want to go on a functional and affordable camping trip. One of the most popular choices for solar-powered stoves is the multi-function sport solar oven that can be used for roasting, reheating, baking, and even boiling water. A typical go-to choice for many is GoSun’s solar oven due to its durability and portability.
The widespread use of the GoSun oven stems from the fact there are several advantages this type of cooker offers, starting from the safety. Since you’re not handling open fire or fumes, it’s safe to use and it’s even possible to leave it unattended without worrying about burning your food or causing any unpleasant scenarios.
These stoves also very efficient and you can expect to cook up dishes in as little as 20 minutes (though it depends on the amount of food) thanks to the advanced design and deep interior that’s fit for pots in a variety of sizes.
Not only is the convenient sport solar oven designed to be user-friendly with the simple and easy setup, you can also count on reliability even when the conditions aren’t ideal for outdoor cooked meals, like say during winds, due to the vacuum chamber and reflectors.
To top it all off, GoSun cookers are also low-maintenance so you won’t have to waste precious time cleaning them after cooking your lovely meals when you can simply wipe them off with a cloth and enjoy your food.
Gas Stove
When it comes to ease of use and affordability, the gas type isn’t that far behind the solar counterpart. All you need is a canister of fuel that contains isobutane and propane, two pre-pressurised gases to connect the stove to, and a match or lighter to do the cooking. There is also a liquid-stove option with white gas which is great because it also performs well during below-freezing temperatures.
Still, despite this, they can’t compare to the practical GoSun sport solar oven because they do require maintenance as well as some priming. Depending on the size of the canister, it can be bulky and heavy which can slow you down and that’s not something you want particularly when you’re backpacking and need to stay flexible and light.
Moreover, isobutane and propane fuelled stoves can run slower during cold weather, and in the end, they can be more expensive to fill up. Lastly, they can be quite dangerous because you’re dealing with gas and it’s risky to use as it may trap heat and explode if you use the stove with some cover like a windscreen which is a big no. This being said, be sure to weigh in the pros and cons before making a final decision on the type and model.
Are There Any Extras You Should Pack Up?
Yes, apart from acquiring a suitable cooker, be it a compact solar over or a gas stove, there’s also the need to bring lightweight cookware and table sets. In addition to the sets of spoons, forks, and knives, you’re going to need spatulas, tongs, whisks, and perhaps even other extras depending on what you plan to include in your daily menu, and the specific food prep and serving.
If you care about durability, pack up something sturdy like stainless steel cookware. The durability of the food is of course one of the top priorities too so choose the perfect portable fridge to make camping easier.
If you care about being lightweight, plastic is a reusable choice, though eco-friendly bamboo can give you peace of mind with biodegradability and sustainability. As for the table and chairs, make sure they’re foldable and in the adequate size to fit everything and everyone. That’s all you truly need to enjoy alfresco meals during camping!
