TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

When you’re cooking in the wild, it’s easy to overthink what you chuck in the boot of your car. What if you need that fifth frying pan? Or a fish spatula for the marlin you might catch? You’re away from the kitchen, fridge and corner-store – naturally, you want to cover all your bases.

But being outdoors and in nature is about simplifying – the less you have, the more creative you need to be. Sure, you might make some mistakes, or add a little too much char to your chook, but isn’t that what life’s all about?

To help you wild chefs, I’ve created a list of the gear I take with me on hikes, trips and missions. You can shift and shuffle these items depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing – but think of it like your all-rounder kit.

From my favourite dutch oven to my instant coffee of choice (YES!), this is an epic place to start...

Craving a campfire spinach lasagna or coconut and pear cake? You’ll need a Dutch oven like this one from Lodge; a generously-sized cast-iron pot, ideal for slow-roasting and baking over fire.

Solid Teknics are industry-leaders for a reason. Their frying pans are Australian-made, wrought-iron and seamless, allowing for even-cooking on even the most rugged pine potatoes. Non-toxic, sustainable and half the weight of other pans – this is an investment piece that can be used at home or in the wild.  

A tripod helps to suspend your pans or Dutch oven over a heat source – a camping essential if you’re cooking with fire. If you don’t have access to drift-wood to make your own, try this 60 inch from Lodge. It’s tall enough to have multiple things cooking at once, but not too big or cumbersome if you’re on the move.

This handy tool gives you the lift you need to cook over fire without smothering the flame. It offers you the space to slowly cook items without the risk of burn. Crispy eggs, smashed potatoes, buttermilk pancakes – anything that calls for a frying pan can also use a cooking stand.

I get asked about kettles all the time! This one’s my pick if you’re looking for something a little more fancy than a billy. It’s light-weight and can be used over fire or gas. I swear by it for coffee and tea (or two-minute noodles).

Three things get me out of bed in the morning: surf, the promise of breakfast and a cup of freshly ground coffee. This is my pick of grinders, designed to last you for life!

An essential part of any coffee kit – Blackboard’s pour-over is perfect when you’re on the run. It’s plastic and durable so won’t break in your backpack, either. 

Hikers, this one’s for you! When you’re limited on space, instant coffee from the legends at Blackboard is a life-saver. It’s freeze-dried fresh so you get all the flavour of coffee without the added crap.

Veggies, meats, ceviche – a good knife is a non-negotiable for cooking in the wild. Slice and dice with one of Hocho’s, their Japanese blade is a super durable all-rounder. Chuck a knife cover on it and throw it in your backpack, no worries.

This one’s a life-hack. A paint-scraper is the perfect tool to flip, chop and move things around in your pan. It’s got a great surface space and is affordable as. Use the sharp edge to chop your veg!

And just like that, you’re set. I love seeing what you guys are up to – tag me @missarahglover so I can cook along with you guys!