🍳car camping kitchen checklist (learned the hard way)
the mistakes that earned every line on this list.
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1
Stove + full fuel canister, count them don't guess
Ran out on night two of a four-night trip because I 'was pretty sure' the half-empty one was still half empty.
2
Backup lighter, not just matches
Matches don't strike in wind or damp air. Learned this cold and hungry.
3
Cook pot with lid
4
Frying pan
5
Pot holder or lifter
Grabbed a hot handle bare-handed exactly once.
6
Cutting board
The one thing that always gets left in the garage because it doesn't look essential, until you're cutting onions on a cooler lid.
7
Sharp knife, actually sharp
8
Spatula, tongs, big serving spoon
9
Dedicated can opener / bottle opener
The one on your multitool always disappoints exactly when you need it.
10
Dish soap, small bottle
11
Sponge + quick-dry towel
12
Trash bags, more than you think you need
Double bag the food trash or the whole car smells like bacon by hour two.
13
Cooler ice, packed the night before
Ice math: figure your cooler holds a day less than the retention rating claims once it's been opened twenty times a day.
14
Water containers, jugs not just bottles
15
Small spice kit
salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili flake covers 90% of camp cooking.
16
Camp table, or anything flat that isn't the ground
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