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 Overall Camping Utensils: Sea to Summit Alpha Light 3 Piece Set
- Best Magnetic Camping Utensils: Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Flatware Set
- Best Camping Utensils for Kids: Sea to Summit Delta Cutlery Set
- Best Ultralight Utensil Set: UCO Switch Spork 2-Piece Integrated Camping Utensil Set
- Best Folding Camping Utensil: MSR Folding Utensil Kit
- Best Cooking Utensil Set: Jetboil Jetset Utensil Kit
- Best Keychain Camping Utensil: MSR Titan Fork and Spoon Set
Best Camping Utensils – Our Top Picks
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.
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.
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.
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.
MSR 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 | Not as sharp as other materials |
Aluminum | AluminumLightweight | Not safe for use in the dishwasher |
Titanium | Very lightweight | Rather expensive |
Stainless Steel | Affordable | Somewhat heavy compared to other materials |
Bamboo | Lightweight | Not safe for use in the dishwasher |
Wood | Durable | Somewhat heavy and bulky |
Bioplastic | Lightweight | Not very sharp |
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.