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HomeOutdoor GearCamping GearBest Camping Utensils 2023: 10 Must-Have Utensils for Your Next Camping Trip

Best Camping Utensils 2024: 10 Must-Have Utensils for Your Next Camping Trip

BEST OVERALL
EDITOR’S CHOICE
BEST ULTRALIGHT
Sea to Summit Alpha Light 3 Piece Set
Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Flatware Set
UCO Switch Spork 2-Piece Integrated Camping Utensil Set
  • Made with durable aluminum

  • Weigh only 1.6 oz

  • Durable and sturdy

  • Durable Magnetic Aluminum

  • Comes with carry poush for easy storage

  • Weighs only 2 oz

  • Weighs less than 1 oz!

  • Made with durable nylon

  • Knife/Spoon Combo

Wilderness Times may receive commissions for links included in articles to Amazon and other affiliate partners. We take pride in our testing and research, and recommendations are not given out lightly.

Are you the type of camper that packs up half of your kitchen before going on a camping trip?

For a lot of campers, that’s surely the case with utensils. For a very long time, I was guilty of packing my kitchen utensils for a trip. Until I lost them.

But why go through all that when there are great camping cutlery sets out there that are designed to make your trip easier?

In this article, we’ll go over some of the best camping utensils out there, so you can make your pick based on facts.

Let’s dive in:

Best Camping Utensils – Our Top Picks

Sea to Summit Alpha Light 3 Piece Set

Sea to Summit Alpha Light 3 Piece Set

Type: Set | Weight: 1.6 oz | Dimensions: ‎9 x 5 x 2 inches | Packed Size: ‎8.43 x 4.49 x 1.22 inches | Material: Durable aluminum | Includes: serrated knife, fork, spoon, and mini carabiner to keep set together

This 3-piece utensil set by Sea to Summit is arguably one of the best ones you can find on the market nowadays. Made of hard-anodized aircraft aluminum, this set is extremely durable yet ultra-light.

The set includes a spoon, fork, and a serrated knife. You also get a nice little carabiner that keeps the set neatly together.

One thing to keep in mind though – although sturdy and durable, hard-anodized aluminum is not dishwasher-safe. In case the utensils get scratched or chipped, the dishwasher can only further damage it.

Pros

  • Very lightweight, making it suitable for backpacking
  • Hard-anodized aluminum is very strong and scratch-resistant, so it can take a beating
  • Comes with a carabiner for keeping the set pieces together
  • The knife is pretty sharp for a camping utensil

Cons

  • The material is not dishwasher-safe

Best for: campers in need of an extremely sturdy and durable utensil set.

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Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Flatware Set

Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Flatware Set

Type: Magnetic | Weight: 2 oz | Dimensions: 7 x 1.4 x 1 inches | Packed Size: 18 x 3.6 x 2 cm | Material: metal | Includes: Pouch

This set by Full Windsor is our personal pick because it checks all the boxes.

It’s lightweight, hardwearing, and pretty compact.

Every utensil features a magnetic connector, which allows you to join the pieces together. When not in use, you can store the set inside a polyester carry pouch made from recycled materials.

Given the materials it’s made of, this set is not recommended for use in the dishwasher. However, it’s easily cleaned with a bit of soap and water.

Pros

  • Made of aluminum, this set is very lightweight but durable
  • Magnetic connections let you join the pieces together so you don’t lose any
  • Features a carry pouch for storing clean utensils
  • Comes in two colors

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive compared to most picks on this list

Best for: campers need more than one utensil set.

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Sea to Summit Delta Cutlery Set

Sea to Summit Delta Cutlery Set

Type: Keychain | Weight: 1.5 oz | Dimensions: ‎9 x 4 x 2 inches | Packed Size: ‎7.4 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches | Material: Glass-reinforced polypropylene | Includes: short knife, fork, and spoon

This utensil set by Sea to Summit is designed small to fit inside the brand’s Delta bowl. But its size also makes it suitable for kids and adult campers with limited storage space.

The set is made of food-grade polypropylene reinforced with glass fibers. This material is lightweight, but durable and resistant to stains and odors.

This set includes a spoon, fork, and knife that’s serrated edge and plain edge. You also get a nice carabiner that allows you to hang the utensils and keep them close at hand.

Pros

  • Utensils are durable and resistant to stains and odors
  • Very affordable
  • The carabiner clips the utensils together so nothing gets lost during camping
  • The set is dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • The fork isn’t very sharp

Best for: child campers.

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UCO Switch Spork 2-Piece Integrated Camping Utensil Set

UCO Switch Spork 2-Piece Integrated Camping Utensil Set

Type: 3-in-1 | Weight: .96 oz | Dimensions: ‎6.88 x 1.38 x 0.78 inches | Packed Size: ‎8.98 x 2.68 x 0.71 inches | Material: nylon | Includes: Switch Spork

The first thing you’ll notice about this utensil set is how light it is. With just 0.9 ounces of weight, you won’t even notice it’s there.

The set includes two pieces – one is a fork, and the other features a spoon on one and a knife on the other end. It also includes a shock-cord tether that keeps them together when not in use. The two holes on utensils serve as attachment points, which allow you to fasten the set to your mess kit.

The utensils are made of reinforced glass nylon, which is very strong and temperature-resistant. You can use them to eat anything, from soups to meat and salads.

Pros

  • Weighs just 0.9 ounces, so it doesn’t weigh you down one bit
  • The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe
  • The two pieces can be combined to form an extra-long utensil suitable for deep-walled containers
  • The product is covered by the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • The spoon is similar to a teaspoon in size

Best for: backpacking trips.

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MSR Folding Utensil KitMSR Folding Utensil Kit

Type: Folding | Weight: 1.75 oz | Dimensions: ‎10 x 5.5 x 1 inches | Packed Size: ‎10.25 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Includes: ‎Spoons and forks

Camping with your partner? Then you’ll surely like this folding utensil kit by MSR.

The kit contains sets featuring a spoon and a fork, one in gray and the other in red color. This makes it easy to distinguish yours from your partner’s set.

Each utensil is 8 inches long open, meaning it’s full-sized. But when not needed, you can fold them in half, so they take up much less space.

The set is made of BPA-free nylon, which is quite sturdy and durable.

Pros

  • Full-sized when opened
  • Very affordable
  • Suitable for use on non-stick cookware
  • The handle is rather comfortable to hand given the design

Cons

  • Doesn’t feature a knife
  • Can melt in higher temperatures

Best for: camping couples.

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Bitty BigQ Folding Cutlery Set

Bitty BigQ Folding Cutlery Set

Type: Folding | Weight: 1.9 oz | Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 3.5 inches | Packed Size: – | Material: Titanium | Includes: fork, knife, spoon and mug

What’s a meal without a drink? If you enjoy sipping while eating, then this set featuring a mug is a great option.

Made of titanium, this cutlery set is built to last. At the same time, it’s extremely lightweight. Together, all pieces weigh less than five ounces.

The mug features a lid and has a capacity of 15.2 ounces, which is suitable for everything from coffee and tea to even soups and stews.

To pack everything up, simply fold the utensil, place them inside the mug, and store them in a mesh carry bag. This makes it a great option for backpacking.

Pros

  • The set is suitable for use for open fire cooking
  • The mug is large enough for drinking and eating soups
  • The set is safe for use in the dishwasher
  • Comes with a mesh carry bag for storage

Cons

  • The cutlery is somewhat short

Best for: cooking over an open fire.

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Gerber Gear ComplEAT Camping Utensils Cooking Tool Set

Gerber Gear ComplEAT Camping Utensils Cooking Tool Set

Type: Set | Weight: 2.9 oz | Dimensions: ‎7.75 x 1.5 x 0.25 inches | Packed Size: – | Material: other | Includes: Multi-tool

Now, this utensil set by Gerber Gear has everything you need for a nice outdoor meal.

When it comes to eating utensils, you get a deep basin spoon and long tine fork, both made of aluminum.

You also get a spatula that features a serrated and silicone edge, making it a versatile tool. Not just that, but you can connect it to a fork or spoon and create tongs.

Finally, the set also includes a multi-tool that works as a bottle, can or serrated package opener as well as a veggie peeler. So in reality, this 4-piece set has everything you might need while camping.

Pros

  • Made of aluminum, the set is very lightweight
  • You can create tongs by combining two pieces together
  • Features a multi-tool for opening cans and bottles, as well as peeling veggies
  • All parts nest together for compact packaging

Cons

  • Spatula is not safe for use in higher temperatures

Best for: campers in need of an all-inclusive utensil set.

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MSR Titan Fork and Spoon Set

MSR Titan Fork and Spoon Set

Type: Keychain | Weight: 1 oz | Dimensions: ‎1 x 1 x 1 inches | Packed Size: ‎5.4 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches | Material: Titanium | Includes: Set

If you want extra light yet very durable utensil set, then this product by MSR is for you.

While it weighs just an ounce, this set is extremely sturdy and durable. If taken proper care of, it can last you many decades to come.

The set features a spoon and a fork, which are connected together by a screw-locked cable. That way, you can keep track of where each piece is and it makes it easier to carry around.

While the fork is regular-sized, the spoon is quite large, so it’s more versatile. You can use it not just for eating, but cooking and serving as well.

Pros

  • Made of titanium, the set weighs just one ounce
  • The spoon and fork are connected by a screw-locked cable, which keeps them together
  • It’s very durable, and it can last you for many decades
  • The large spoon is suitable for serving as well as eating

Cons

  • Doesn’t include a knife

Best for: light-packing.

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Human Gear GoBites Trio

Human Gear GoBites Trio

Type: Set | Weight: 3.23 oz | Dimensions: 11.02 x 3.54 x 1.18 inches | Packed Size: – | Material: nylon | Includes: Includes embedded metal bottle opener

Now, this is an excellent option for anyone who likes having neat separate storage cases for their utensil set. This one is low-profile, so it fits practically anywhere.

Inside, the set features a spoon, fork and knife, all made of strong BPA, PC and phthalate-free nylon.

Both the fork and knife are very sharp, so they can cut into proteins. The spoon has low-curvature edges, which makes it easier to scrap food from the edges of a container.

The knife also features a high-quality bottle opener, and you also get a nylon toothpick inside the packaging. All pieces of the set are dishwasher-safe, as long as you place them on the top rack.

Pros

  • Low-profile storage case fits into any pocket
  • Aside from utensils, the set contains a bottle opener and a toothpick
  • All parts are dishwasher-safe for easy but thorough cleaning at home
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • The handles are somewhat short

Best for: kids and campers in need of a tiny set with a case.

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Jetboil Jetset Utensil Kit

Jetboil Jetset Utensil Kit

Type: Folding | Weight: 1.28 oz | Dimensions: ‎8.5 x 2.5 x 0.25 inches | Packed Size: ‎7.36 x 4.57 x 1.14 inches | Material: nylon | Includes: ‎Spoon Fork Spatula Set

If you’re searching specifically for a cooking utensil kit, look no further. This set by Jetboil might be right up your alley.

When packed down, each utensil is just 5.2 inches long. But, you can expand their handle up to 8.5 inches when in use, which is pretty decent for cooking.

The set includes a fork, spoon, and a spatula. Each piece is made of durable nylon which resists melting.

Best of all, it will pair nicely with your Jetboil stove system!

Pros

  • Handles are expandable, allowing you to keep your hands away from the heat
  • Durable nylon material resists melting when used in higher temperatures
  • Pieces pack down compactly inside your mess kit
  • The low-curvature edges on the spoon allow food scraping

Cons

  • Pieces can’t be connected together for easier storage

Best for: campers who don’t want a separate set for cooking.

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Types of Camping Utensils

Before you find a suitable utensil set for you, let’s see first what types of camping utensils you can get.

Sporks

best camping utensils

As the name suggests, a spork is a hybrid form of utensil that has a shallow scoop like a spoon, with tines like a fork. In a way, it’s a 2-in-1 product.

Sporks haven’t seen much popularity, even though they’ve been around for a long time now. Aside from camping, of course, where this utensil really comes to shine.

Back in the day, sporks were made of plastic. Today, you can find a spork made of metal materials, like titanium or aluminum.

Folding Camping Utensils

best camping utensils

Some utensil sets feature items with handles that fold down.

This is great for packing, as it can be quite space-saving. Instead of storing utensils in a pocket, you can actually store folding ones inside your mess kit.

If you decide on getting folding camping utensils, make sure they feature a good locking mechanism that doesn’t collapse when you’re using them.

Camping Cutlery Sets

These are the standard utensil sets, which come with a spoon, fork and knife. They typically come with either a case or some kind of strap that keeps all parts together when not in use.

Most utensil sets are designed for a single person, although there are some that feature enough cutlery for two or more people.

Magnetic Cutware

best camping utensils

Finally, magnetic utensil sets, as the name suggests feature magnets that help you in keeping all parts together.

In other words, you can stack them together when not in use, so there’s no way you can lose a piece.

Features to Look for in Camping Utensils

Picking a utensil set might seem like an easy task, but with so many products with similar characteristics, you can easily make a mistake.

Well, to avoid that, here’s an overview of certain features you should keep an eye on.

Materials

The most important of them all is – the material.

Camping utensils come in all sorts of materials, and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a simple table that should help you get a better idea of what material suits you the best.

MATERIALS

PROS

CONS

Plastic

Affordable
Lightweight
Safe for use in the dishwasher

Not as sharp as other materials
Can melt in high temperatures
Less durable than most other materials

Aluminum

AluminumLightweight
Affordable
Relatively durable

Not safe for use in the dishwasher

Titanium

Very lightweight
Safe for use in the dishwasher
Extremely durable
Suitable for cooking on open fire

Rather expensive

Stainless Steel

Affordable
Durable
Safe for use in the dishwasher

Somewhat heavy compared to other materials

Bamboo

Lightweight
Durable
Environmentally friendly

Not safe for use in the dishwasher
Can be somewhat bulky for packing

Wood

Durable
Environmentally friendly

Somewhat heavy and bulky

Bioplastic

Lightweight
Affordable
Environmentally friendly

Not very sharp
More expensive than regular plastic

Uses

How versatile is the set? In other words, how many different meals can you enjoy with it?

Sets with a spoon and fork are the most basic ones, but they’re only good for certain, simple meals. In most cases, you’ll need a knife to cut through the protein.1

Certain sets include other, less common utensils, like spatulas or tongs. These sets have got you covered not just for eating, but cooking as well.

Durability

If you plan on camping once in a blue moon, then this is not the feature you should worry too much about.

But if you’re a regular camper, durability is extremely important.

Of course, the material has the most effect on how durable a utensil might be. Stainless steel and titanium are the sturdiest options, while plastic and bioplastic are nowhere near as durable.

Easy to Use/Store

The ease of use is definitely not the same for all camping utensils on the market. For instance, if you’re using a set of folding utensils, make sure they have a locking mechanism that prevents them from folding down when in use.

You keep in mind the handles in mind even if the set is not the folding type. After all, you want the utensils to sit comfortably in your hand, without slipping.

As for storage, many utensil sets feature some kind of storage case or pouch. Others typically have other ways of keeping utensil pieces together, like using magnets or wraps.

FAQs

How much do camping utensils cost?

That depends on a lot of factors, including set pieces and the material they’re made of. But generally, camping utensil sets barely break the bank, as they’re much more affordable than your typical mess kit.

What is the lightest weight camping cutlery set?

The UCO Switch Spork 2-Piece Integrated Camping Utensil Set is one of the lightest camping cutlery sets on the market. It weighs just 0.9 ounces, so you won’t ever notice its weight when carrying your stuff.

Why is titanium used in camping utensils?

Titanium is extremely lightweight but very durable, which makes it a great option for camping utensils. It’s also safe for use on an open fire and easy to clean.

How can I clean utensils while camping?

Always use biodegradable soap when cleaning dishes in the wilderness. To wash your utensils, you can scrub them with a bit of soap and water, then rinse.

Can you use regular cookware on a camp stove?

In general, you could use your regular cookware to cook on a camp stove. But not all cookware is designed to work well on a camping stove, as they don’t transfer heat as well as they would on the stove you have at home.

To Sum Things Up

As you can see, there are many great utensil sets for camping on the market nowadays.

But the one that stands out is the Sea to Summit Alpha Light 3 Piece Set.

It’s very lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use. It’s also relatively affordable, so there’s no reason why it can’t be a part of your camping set.

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