The 50 Best Camping Essentials - Cooking - Outdoor & Activity - IndyBest

Primus Eta Power Stove

“This cooking system rocks,” says Clive. “The pot comes with a heat exchanger that makes the unit twice as efficient as normal gas stoves. Result – you use less fuel and can boil a pint ofwater inwell under two minutes, which is so fast that you won’t have time to congratulate yourself for conserving our natural resources before that wellearned brew is in your hand.”

Where: Rough Gear (0845 8686 962;www.roughgear.co.uk)

How much: £110

Grilliput Grill

“This amazing barbecue grill folds down into a neat little tube not much bigger than the size of a large cigar,” say Jonathan and Sophie. “So portable and easy to use, it’s a must-have for easy campfire cooking, and will have tong-masters the world over chomping at the bit.” The Grilliput comes with a cleaning groove to clean the spokelike cooking bars before they are stowed away into their carry tube.

Where: Landmark (01386 854995; www.landmarkstores.com)

How much: £27

Cobb Premier BBQ

Jonathan and Sophie say, “Fancy roasting a chicken in the open air, steaming vegetables, smoking cheese, baking potatoes when it rains, or sizzling up some sausages at sunset? You can cook just about anything, anywhere, with Cobb’s versatile cooking king; it’s like having your own oven in the wilderness. Compact and portable, it’s a gourmet camper’s dream.”

Where: Cobb (01296 681095; www.cobb-bbq.co.uk)

How much: £80

Flameboy BBQ Multi Tool

Jonathan and Sophie say, “Ever had that sinking realisation, with a beer in your hand, you’ve forgotten to pack the bottle opener? Or discovered you’re tong-less when it’s time to flip the burgers on the barbie? Packed neatly inside the removable handle of the indispensable Flameboy are a spatula, fork, bottle opener, corkscrew, tongs and a serrated, cutting edge. There’s even a disposable lighter slot, so getting the campfire going will be a doddle.”

Where: Blacks (0800 66 54 10; www.blacks.co.uk)

How much: £12.99

Picnic Muurikka Skillet

“These three-legged iron Finnish skillets have revolutionised campfire cooking,” say Jonathan Knight and Sophie Dawson. “They’re easy to assemble and allow you to fry pretty much anything, wherever you are, from gut-busting camping breakfasts to freshly caught fish on the beach. Screw on the three legs and put the skillet over the campfire for hassle-free outdoor cooking. They come in a variety of sizes.”

Where: Nordic Outdoor (0845 658 8549;www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk)

How much: £29.95

Picnic Muurikka Skillet

"These three-legged iron Finnish skillets have revolutionised campfire cooking," say Jonathan Knight and Sophie Dawson. "They’re easy to assemble and allow you to fry pretty much anything, wherever you are, from gut-busting camping breakfasts to freshly caught fish on the beach. Screw on the three legs and put the skillet over the campfire for hassle-free outdoor cooking. They come in a variety of sizes."

Where: Nordic Outdoor (0845 658 8549;www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk)

How much: £29.95

Coleman Unleaded 2-burner Stove

"Don’t be scared by petrol – it’s as safe as gas, is cheaper to run and has a satisfying roar when you cook," says Clive. "You have to pressurise the fuel tank and prepare the stove before firing up the Coleman. But, if you are the sort of person who enjoys a ritual and don’t require instant cuisine on a camping trip, you’ll enjoy the process. You can also get an oven to go on top, which turns out a great pizza."

Where: Coleman (01275 845024; www.coleman.eu)

How much: £79.99

Zippo OUL

If your name’s not Ray or Bear, you’ll need a reliable way to make fire in any conditions. Clive favours Zippo’s outdoor utility lighter. “Its rubber grip falls neatly into the hand,” he says. “Just remove the waterproof cap and fire it up, rain or shine. It also boasts a child-resistant safety button so only adults need play – and a karabiner and strap will ensure that it will not wander off to an envious friend’s tent.”

Where: Zippo (020-8964 0666; zippo.co.uk)

How much: £15.50