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The best camping cutlery 2024: save space but remain comfortable

• Keep mealtimes civilised no matter how limited your storage may be 
• Perfect choices for campers, campervanners, and caravanners
• Practical eating solutions, and some nifty innovation 

 

Written by Ryan Gilmore Updated: 24 April 2024

It’s one of the easiest things to forget to pack as you load up to head off on an exciting trip – camping cutlery will be worth its weight in gold when you’ve worked up an appetite, prepared a delicious meal on your camping hob, only to realise you have nothing to eat your meal with.

Instead of raiding the cutlery drawer every time you head away for the weekend, maybe you should look at buying some cutlery that’s been designed for camping and will complement your existing camping cookware. These kits will be lightweight, space-saving and will often be multi-use, perfect for a camping holiday.

We’ve found our favourite examples currently for sale. From the simple spork to a proper set of camping cutlery to accompany your camping cooking utensils, we have something for everyone. Now, where did I put the can opener for these beans?

Best camping cutlery at a glance:

The best camping cutlery

Editor’s choice
Price: $34.99
Titanium is such an obvious for camping thanks to its low weight, food-safe properties, and durability. FinessCity make excellent use of it in this five piece kit, which makes it our favourite camping cutlery set.

Included are the typical knife, fork and spoon, all finished in titanium and designed to be as light and small as possible. The chopsticks and straws are a clever additions which really make this a clever kit. Again made from titanium, these versatile tools take up even less room and can be used for a variety of meals.

Pros

  • Super lightweight design
  • Versatile selection with chopsticks and a straw
  • The included carabiner keeps everything together

Cons

  • Best enjoyed if you regularly use chopsticks
  • The handles aren’t the most comfortable
The best camping spork
The spork is arguably the best innovation ever to befall the world of camping, and Light My Fire takes spork innovation to the next level. The most impressive development is the inclusion of a small, serrated edge, which means that this spork incorporates a knife into its design. This makes it exceptionally compact and efficient, the perfect way to cut down to the bare essentials required to eat a meal.

There’s more, too. There’s no balsa wood or plastic here, this spork is made of pure titanium, which ensures it’s incredibly durable while remaining exceptionally lightweight. The Grade 2 titanium also means it’s machine washable, non-toxic, and won’t corrode. The titanium also means no metallic taste while eating, important if you’re settling down to a well-earned meal after a busy day camping.

Pros

  • Incorporates a knife, fork and spoon in one product
  • Dishwasher safe and won’t leave a metallic taste
  • Titanium construction keeps it lightweight

Cons

  • It’ll be useless for multi-course meals
  • The serrated edge is small and not sharp in the slightest
The best camping cutlery for families
Price: $64.18
Offering enough cutlery for four people, this camping set from Vango skips the lightweight metal for a more traditional stainless-steel offering but the trade-off is a much cheaper price. With this extra weight and plastic moulded handles for comfort, this 12-piece set is an affordable and also civilised choice.

It’s not the most obvious choice for camping, where space and weight are at a premium. Where it does make sense is as a budget-friendly option for a family trip campervanning. The travel case keeps everything neat, but it’s too bulky to be a truly compact choice.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Included storage roll to keep everything neat
  • Stainless-steel construction for durability and no metallic taste

Cons

  • Not the smartest choice for camping
  • Quite bulky, even wrapped up
The best camping cutlery for commuters
Price: $24.85
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$18.99
Macy's
$25.00
The perfect option for lunch on the go and commuters, this kit includes a knife, fork and a spoon, all neatly wrapped up in a sturdy plastic travel case. This plastic case will keep everything inside protected and hygienic too, which means it can be dumped into a bag without fear of your spoon and laptop charger intermingling.

It’s not the most lightweight or space-saving design which means the most ardent camper will struggle to justify the space. However, these are the closest thing to proper cutlery you can lay your hands on while remaining properly portable.

Pros

  • The sturdy case will keep the contents secure
  • The cutlery is well-made and nicer to hold than most camping options
  •  Everything clips together so there’s no rattling

Cons

  • More suited to a work lunch than a campsite
  • The stainless steel makes it heavier

What should I look for when choosing cutlery for my campervan?

When selecting campervan cutlery, it’s important to prioritise functionality, durability, and space efficiency. Here are some options that would be suitable for a campervan:

Stainless Steel Cutlery: This is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to rust. Look for lightweight stainless steel utensils that are specifically designed for camping or travel to save space.

Camping Utensil Sets: There are various compact camping utensil sets available that include a combination of forks, spoons, and knives, often with a storage case or a built-in carabiner for easy organisation and portability.

Sporks: Sporks are hybrid utensils that combine a spoon and a fork. They are lightweight, compact, and versatile. Some sporks also feature serrated edges that can be used as a mini knife.

Collapsible Cutlery: Another space-saving option is collapsible cutlery. These utensils can be folded or collapsed to reduce their size when not in use, making them ideal for limited storage spaces like a campervan.

Bamboo Cutlery: If you prefer eco-friendly options, consider bamboo cutlery. Bamboo is a renewable and biodegradable material. Look for bamboo utensils that are lightweight and come with a carrying case or pouch for easy storage.

Compact Multi-Tool: A compact multi-tool that includes a knife, can opener, and other handy tools can be a versatile choice for camping. Opt for a durable and lightweight model that fits your needs.

It’s also worth taking into account the number of people you’ll be camping with and ensuring you have enough cutlery for everyone. It’s also a good idea to pack some basic cleaning supplies to make sure your cutlery is kept nice and clean while on the road.

Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.

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