Gear We Use and Trust
Reliable tools for cooking outdoors – from cast iron and fire gear to propane stoves, knives, and campsite essentials.
My Cooking on the Road Kit
The small set of tools I use over and over when cooking outdoors:
Lodge Cast Iron All-In-One
Why I use them:
Possibly the best thing I’ve bought. It’s all you need
Where it excels:
Multiple Meals: Pizza, Burgers, Stews
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Why I use them:
Indoors or outdoors, this is my go-to cast iron,
Where it excels: Large enough to cook just about anything and everything.
Single Burner Propane Stove
Why I use it:
Lightweight, simple, and fast to deploy when I only need one heat zone.
Where it excels:
Quick roadside cooks, solo runs, tight setups
Meat Cleaver Chef Knife
Why I use them:
This thing is a beast. Sharp, Functional and everything one needs.
Where it excels:
It’s super sharp. It’s a nice weight. (not too heavy)
15″ Round Wood Cutting Board
Why I use it:
Large enough for real prep without chasing ingredients.
Where it excels:
Protein breakdown, batch slicing.
Lodge Fire & Cook Stand
Why I use it:
This lets me run real cast iron safely when open flame is allowed. It keeps everything stable and controlled.
Where it excels:
Primitive camps, fire-permitted areas, and heavier cookware.
Outdoor cooking depends on good gear.
This page brings together the tools we use personally, the brands we trust, and the equipment recommended by experienced outdoor cooks and campers.
Every product listed here is chosen for real-world outdoor conditions – heat, fire, wind, weather, and the realities of cooking outside.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
CAST IRON & COOK SURFACES
Cast iron is the backbone of outdoor cooking – durable, versatile, and built to last.
These pans, skillets, and griddles perform over fire, coals, propane, and grills
These are the pieces that define the look and performance of Cooking on the Road.
Lodge 15″ Cast Iron Flat Top
Why I use it:
This is my workhorse surface – breakfast, smash burgers, seafood, full spreads.
Where it excels:
Batch cooking, even heat, crowd-friendly scenes.
10.25″ Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Why I use it:
Deep enough for braises, shallow enough for control. One of the most versatile pieces I carry.
Where it excels:
Stews, pasta, oil-based cooks, layered dishes.
10″ Square Cast Iron Pan
Why I use it:
Better edge control than round pans when flipping fish or searing protein.
Where it excels:
High-heat sears, tight propane setups.
3.5″ Cast Iron Pan
Why I use it:
Perfect for single servings, sauces, butter melts, and detail shots.
Where it excels:
Filming close-ups, small-batch cooking.
Reversible Cast Iron Grate
Why I use it:
One side for grill marks, one side for flat-top cooking.
Where it excels:
Mixed protein + vegetable cooks.
7″ Cast Iron Press
Why I use it:
For even contact, faster sears, and controlled smash cooking.
Where it excels:
Smash burgers, bacon, chicken thighs.
HEAT, FIRE & FUEL
Reliable heat is everything. These are the setups that work when conditions aren’t perfect.
2-Burner Propane Stove
Why I use it:
This is my go-to when I need consistent heat without guessing. Two burners give me flexibility for real meals, not just single-pan demos.
Where it excels:
Windy days, variable temps, fast setup in county parks.
U-Cook Single Burner Propane Stove
Why I use it:
Lightweight, simple, and fast to deploy when I only need one heat zone.
Where it excels:
Quick roadside cooks, solo runs, tight setups.
Lodge Fire & Cook Stand
Why I use it:
This lets me run real cast iron safely when open flame is allowed. It keeps everything stable and controlled.
Where it excels:
Primitive camps, fire-permitted areas, and heavier cookware.
STAINLESS & LARGE FORMAT COOKING
For boiling, steaming, seafood, and high-moisture cooking.
Stainless Steel Pan – 8″
Why I use it:
Tight control for single items.
Where it excels:
Eggs, reductions, quick reheats.
Stainless Steel Pan – 12″
Why I use it:
Fast response, clean release, and lighter than cast iron.
Where it excels:
Fish, sauces, and quick sauté work.
20-Quart Stainless Steel Pot
Why I use it:
This lets me cook at scale without playing small.
Where it excels:
Crab boils, pasta, group meals, and of course, chili.
KNIVES, BOARDS & PREP
A good knife is one of the most important tools at any campsite.
These options are durable, sharp, and built for prepping meat, vegetables, and anything cooked outdoors.
SYOKAMI 7.7″ Meat Cleaver
Why I use it:
Heavy, balanced, and dependable for dense prep.
Where it excels:
Bone-in cuts, hard vegetables
Senken 7-Piece Knife Set
Why I use it:
This is my full-range prep system in one case.
Where it excels:
Full menu prep, multi-dish cooking.
15″ Round Wood Cutting Board
Why I use it:
Large enough for real prep without chasing ingredients.
Where it excels:
Protein breakdown, batch slicing.
FLIPPING, HANDLING & SAFETY
Extra-Wide 6″ x 5″ Stainless Spatula
Why I use it:
Maximum contact for big flips.
Where it excels:
Smash burgers, fish, and large portions
Fish Spatula
Why I use it:
Thin edge, strong flex—essential for delicate proteins.
Where it excels:
Seafood, eggs, flaky textures.
Fish Basket
Why I use it:
Secures fragile fish so it doesn’t fall apart mid-flip.
Where it excels:
Public grills, windy conditions
Misc. Must-Haves
The stuff we use and love.
ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer
Why I use it:
Let’s me cook accurately without cutting into protein.
Where it excels:
Steaks, chicken, and long cooks.
2-Pack LED Rechargeable Clip Lights
Why I use them:
Simple, lightweight lighting for early mornings or night cooks.
Where they excel:
Low-light filming, night setups.
Beer Can Chicken Holder
Why I use it:
Simple tool that delivers consistent results and great visuals.
Where it excels:
Whole chicken, group meals, social cooks.
BBQ Grill Gloves
Why I use it:
Gloves are a must when handling fire, cast iron, or grilling
Where it excels:
Cast iron, Stainless Steel, Tongs, and Spatulas
Lodge Cast Iron All-In-One
Why I use them:
Possibly the best thing I’ve bought. It’s all you need
Where they excel:
Multiple Meals: Pizza, Burgers, Stews
Lodge Dutch Oven 6qt. (Enamel)
Why I use it:
Easy to use. Indoor/Outdoor. Your go-to dutch over
Where it excels:
Heat Retention, Easy to clean, This one does it all
Rapidfire Chimney Starter
Why I use it:
Easy to use. The best way to start a charcoal fire.
Where it excels:
Is there any other way to get charcoal burning, fast and efficient?
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Why I use them:
Indoors or outdoors, this is my go-to cast iron,
Where they excel:
Large enough to cook just about anything and everything.
Pizza Cutter Rocker
Why I use it:
I launched Twisted Quesadilla and this rocker was a no brainer.
Where it excels:
Quesadilla, pizza, panini. I love this rocker
Some links on this page are affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, which helps support Cooking on the Road at no extra cost to you.
We only share gear we use, trust, or that comes recommended by reliable outdoor cooks and testers.