This article will focus on the key items that make camp cooking a breeze. For information on cooking stoves and fuel, see our Camp Stoves page.
When choosing cooking gear for your motorcycle camping trip, the most important thing is to choose compact and versatile cookware. Most camping specific cook sets are multipurpose. For example, some cooking pots have a lid that also doubles as a cooking pan. There are many options available on the market sold both individually or as cook sets in a wide range of prices.
Things to consider when choosing your cook set
- The individual pieces you require.
- The type of cooking you plan on doing.
- The amount of room you have for packing.
- The material the cook set is made of.
Individual Cookware Pieces
Cooking Pots
Choosing the right size cooking pot or pan for your trip comes down to both the size of the group and the storage space available on the bike. Keep in mind that some stoves are designed for small to medium pots and can be unstable while cooking large meals for bigger groups. Using a lid while cooking reduces cooking time and thus saves fuel. Some cooking pots feature a lid that doubles as a frypan, while others have a more traditional lid. Some cook sets have one detachable handle or a gripper that is used for all of its pieces, saving on both space and weight. Some pots that conventional lids feature built in strainers that make them much more versatile.
Cookware Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a very common material used for camp cookware. It is durable, easy to cleaning won’t scratch. However, food will tend to stick to stainless steel, so be prepared to use appropriate cooking techniques. Stainless steel is also heavier than aluminium or titanium.
Aluminium
Aluminium is one of the lightest and most affordable option for camp cookware. It can affect the flavour of some acidic foods, and thus a model with a non-stick coating* is a preferable option. Aluminium is more susceptible to scratches and dents than stainless steel.
Anodized aluminium
Anodizing an aluminium alloy creates a metal that has the same characteristics as aluminium, with the added benefits of increased corrosion resistance and a non-stick, scratch resistance surface. This is usually the best compromise between price, weight and performance.
Titanium
Without a doubt the lightest cookware material available, titanium is also very corrosion and scratch resistant. Titanium also conducts heat very well but is more expensive than aluminium or stainless steel.
*With the exception of anodized aluminium, extra care should be taken to avoid scratching cookware that has a non-stick coating.
Kettles
Kettles are not only great for heating up a hot drink. As they are designed to boil water as fast as possible, they are an excellent option for lightweight campers who forgo more elaborate cooking and chose simple dry storage, freeze-dried and other add water type meals.
Plates, Cups and Mugs
Using a pot or pan as dinnerware is a good way to eliminate the need for dedicated plates or bowls. For groups however, a wide bowl or a plate with a high brim makes a good multi-use dish. Choosing a lightweight mug with foldable handles is one way to save space. Collapsible dinnerware is gaining popularity as it takes even less space when not in use. If you really want to maximize on carrying capacity, collapsible dinnerware and origami plates and bowls are the perfect solution.
Cutlery
There are a few different options for motorcycle camping the most common of which are a durable set of lightweight plastic utensils, including a fork, spoon and knife. Other options such as Sporks which are both a fork and a spoon save valuable space and weight. For many meals, eating utensils can replace cooking utensils, but sometimes a dedicated spoon or spatula is a worthwhile choice. Make sure these are compact or foldable.
Miscellaneous
It is also worth considering whether you need to bring other items such as a whisk, a strainer, measuring cups or spoons, pot scraper or marshmallow roaster.