Whether you’re into casual glamping on weekends or long camping trips in remote areas, you need camping utensils.
For lightweight backpackers, sporks are great all-rounders, especially if they come with a serrated knife on one side. But if you have room to spare, we highly recommend getting a full set of utensils: a knife, spoon, fork, and possibly a bottle opener and can opener.
We rounded up some of the best camping-friendly utensils. All of these are reusable, durable, and affordable.
The best camping utensils
Editor’s choice: UCO ECO 5 Piece Mess Kit
- Five-piece mess kit
- Utensils slide together for easy storage
- Plastic is surprisingly durable
- Whole set is dishwasher safe
Pros
- Set packs together for portability and saves space
- Utensils are lightweight
- Serrated edge of the knife is great for cutting
Cons
- Items are not available for purchase separately
When picking out van accessories, the UCO ECO 5 Piece mess kit seemed like a compact and affordable option. After more than a year of use, that proved accurate. While the set does include a plate bowl and mug too, we’ll focus on the utensils here. Overall, I love this set for car camping, with the added benefit of these utensils and plates are dishwasher safe.
There are two utensils in this set: a fork and a spoon-knife combo. These two items slide together for simple storage. The set is available in three colorways. When I don’t mind shorter handled utensils, these are a great choice and the plastic doesn’t conduct as much heat as other products. I think this set is the best value option on our list.
See UCO ECO 5 Piece Mess Kit on REI
See UCO ECO 5 Piece Mess Kit on Amazon
See UCO ECO 5 Piece Mess Kit on Walmart
Style points: So iLL Black Wolf Cutlery Set
- Four-piece set
- Titanium construction
- Sleek matte black finish
- Laser-etched handles
Pros
- Significantly more durable than plastic utensils
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Choose which utensils you want and leave the others behind
- Excellent style
Cons
- Heavier than most options
- Scratches can be visible in the finish
When it comes to style, the So iLL Black Wolf Cutlery Set is a clear winner. This sleek, fashionable set features long handles, matte black titanium construction, and a gorgeous design. There is a spoon, fork, knife with a serrated edge, and a spork, all connected with a carabiner for storage in an eco-friendly package.
The matte black design and titanium make this set stain-resistant. The long handles are excellent for camp cooking but will conduct heat.
This set strikes the perfect balance of heft, style, and durability.
See So iLL Black Wolf Cutlery Set on So iLL
Best for cooking: JetBoil JetSet Utensil Set
- Compact three-piece set
- Made with high-temperature nylon
- Telescoping handles
- Excellent companion for a JetBoil stove
Pros
- Excellent for both cooking and eating
- Telescoping handles are great for safety
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Not particularly durable
The JetBoil JetSet Utensil Set was a Christmas gift from my father after I bought my van. I like that these utensils slide in and out. This combo set is perfect for camp cooking as the length allows you to cook far from the flames. While this set is mostly focused on cooking, there’s a fork to eat with.
This set weighs a mere 1.3oz, making it extremely lightweight. This product may not pack as well as others but still deserves a spot in your camping box.
See JetBoil JetSet Utensil Set on Amazon
See JetBoil JetSet Utensil Set on REI
See JetBoil JetSet Utensil Set on Cabela’s
Multi-tool style: Orblue 2-PACK 4-in-1 Camping Utensil
- Four-in-one set
- Made of anti-rust stainless steel
- Strong and durable parts, no plastic parts included
- Comes in two packs, each containing a foldable spoon, fork, knife, and bottle opener
- Easy to dish wash
Pros
- Scoop, cut, and spear your meals
- Packs down small
- Fits in a pocket
Cons
- Easily lost
- Hinges may rust or be difficult to use over time
This Orblue 4-in-1 Camping Utensil Pack is compact and versatile. It is a simple pocket knife-shaped cutlery pack that can be a spoon, fork, bottle opener, and knife all in one. Made of top-grade stainless steel, these utensils are ideal for the kitchen too. It comes in a cool leather pouch for storage.
See Orblue 2-PACK 4-in-1 Camping Utensil on Amazon
See Orblue 2-PACK 4-in-1 Camping Utensil on Walmart
Best spork: Light My Fire Titanium Spork Camping Utensils
- Made of high-grade titanium
- Heat-resistant and non-corrosive
- Slip-resistant grip
- Easily washable, dishwasher friendly
- Serrated edge for cutting
Pros
- Lightweight, small
- Titanium construction is corrosion resistant
- Sturdy and durable, guaranteed to last a long time
Cons
- Titanium is more expensive than other metals
This perfect fork-spoon combination is the right fit for outdoor camping, as it is perfectly designed for quick and on-the-go use. With a well-textured mid-section giving it an assured slip-resistant grip, the Light my Fire Titanium Spork is strong and durable. It has a polished finish, giving it a clean and bright look.
See Light My Fire Titanium Spork Camping Utensils on Amazon
See Light My Fire Titanium Spork Camping Utensils on Walmart
Most compact: CRKT Eat’N Tool Outdoor Spork Camping Utensil
- Spoon, fork, and bottle opener in one sturdy tool
- Acts as an emergency screwdriver
- Can open canisters
- Non-load bearing handy carabiner
- Chrome finish
Pros
- Smallest fork and spoon set on our list
- Multi-tool style and functionality
- Perfect for backpacking
Cons
- May be difficult or uncomfortable to hold for some users
Looking for a simple yet versatile spork? Meet the CRKT Eat’N Tool Outdoor Spork Multitool, a modern camping utensil for eating, opening beverages, and that can even act as an emergency screwdriver to pry open canisters.
It comes in an attractive chrome finish with a hole for hanging on backpacks or key chains.
See CRKT Eat’N Tool Outdoor Spork Camping Utensil on Amazon
See CRKT Eat’N Tool Outdoor Spork Camping Utensil on Walmart
Lunchbox pick: HIKENTURE 4-in-1 Camping Utensil Set with Storage
- Four-in-one cutlery set
- Stainless steel material with rust-free aluminum handle
- Includes a bottle opener
- Comes with a pouch for storage
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Stores in a compact package
- Includes fork spoon and knife and a bottle opener
Cons
- The crevices are a little hard to clean
- Hinges can rust and become tricky to open over time
This four-in-one set is super-small and lightweight and will easily fit in your pocket or bag.
The set comes with a spoon, a detachable fork, a bottle opener, a knife, and a convenient pouch for storage. Made of non-corrosive and anti-rust stainless steel, it is cheap and comes with a lifetime warranty.
See HIKENTURE 4-in-1 Camping Utensil Set with Storage on Amazon
See HIKENTURE 4-in-1 Camping Utensil Set with Storage on Walmart
Packs flat: SE Survivor Series 4-IN-1 Stainless Steel Utensil Set
- Four-in-one cutlery set
- Made of lightweight stainless steel
- Comes in a transparent plastic bag
- Units clip together for compact storage
- Lightweight
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Includes a built-in bottle opener
- Flat shape is easy to pack
Cons
- Can come apart in your pack
The SE’s Survivor Series Utensil Set takes is a simple, professional utensil set specially designed for outdoor use. The easily detachable set features a spoon, fork, knife, and bottle opener. It includes an attractive, transparent plastic storage bag.
The premium corrosion-resistant stainless steel is dishwasher safe and unlike similar products, this does not leave a metallic taste in your mouth and comes highly recommended by hikers and campers.
See SE Survivor Series 4-IN-1 Stainless Steel Utensil Set on Amazon
See SE Survivor Series 4-IN-1 Stainless Steel Utensil Set on Walmart
Best titanium set: TOAKS Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set
- Three-piece set, with a knife, spoon, and fork
- Strong and lightweight, made with titanium
- Features a clip to hold the utensils together
Pros
- Pure titanium is a great material
- Included mini carabiner for storage
- One of the lightest utensils out there
Cons
- The knife could be a little more serrated
If you are looking for a simple, strong cutlery set for hiking or camping, you may want to consider this TOAKS Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set. It comes with a knife, spoon, fork, and has a small clip to hold the utensils together.
Made from durable but lightweight titanium with no coating, the three utensils are held together by a removable aluminum carabiner so you can easily attach them to your backpack.
See TOAKS Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set on Amazon
See TOAKS Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set on REI
Great for mountaineers: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Ring Cutlery
- Three-in-one utensil set
- Made with forged stainless steel
- Fire and rust-resistant material for durability
- Features a simple lanyard to hold the utensils together
Pros
- Well-made and sturdy
- Lighter than other stainless steel options
- Rust resistant
Cons
- The lanyard is paracord string. A metal ring or carabiner sold separately
A simple, lightweight utensil set, built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Featuring a spoon, fork, and knife, the Glacier Stainless Steel pack has everything you need.
Sturdy and durable, but rust and fire-resistant, too. It comes with a lanyard to hold the utensils together.
See GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Ring Cutlery on Amazon
See GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Ring Cutlery on Camping World
See GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Ring Cutlery on Backcountry
Great for small groups and guides: Tapirus 5 Spork Of Steel Utensils Set
- Set contains three-in-one sporks, five in each pack
- Bottle opener included
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Comes with a pouch to store the utensils
- Lightweight and easy to use
Pros
- Excellent for groups, guides, or folks who tend to lose things
- Stainless steel construction makes them each a durable item
- We always appreciate a bottle opener in a camping utensil set
Cons
- On the heavy side
Camping utensils are made for convenience but also to save space, and this unique Tapirus 5 Spork Utensils Set does that well. This flatware set features a set of five sporks, perfect for small camping groups. The five sporks nest together in a cool case.
This set of sporks is made of premium quality stainless steel that is strong, durable, and reliable. If you are a guide or often work with groups in the outdoors, this is a great item to own.
See Tapirus 5 Spork Of Steel Utensils Set on Amazon
Exceptional durability: Ka-bar Stainless Steel Hobo All-Purpose Knife
- Features a fork, knife, and spoon in one
- Stainless steel handles for a firm, anti-slip grip
- Pieces slide apart and back
- Nylon carrying case
Pros
- Stores into a compact package
- Exceptionally durable set
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Can be a bit heavy for some
- The hinge could rust or become hard to open over time
Not a fan of separate utensils that might get lost in your bag? The Ka-Bar Stainless Steel Original Hobo Knife is a camping buddy that gives you the versatility of a spoon, fork, and knife in one convenient package.
The set boasts a sturdy stainless steel build, with a simple nylon pouch for storage.
See Ka-bar Stainless Steel Hobo All-Purpose Knife on Amazon
Includes chopsticks: Roaming Cooking Reusable Travel Utensils
- Spoon, fork, knife, and chopsticks in one set
- Made from stainless steel with a polished finish
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Comes with a zipper case for easy storage
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Includes chopsticks
- Comes with a carrying kit
Cons
- Double the weight of some models
This set features an ergonomically designed spoon, fork, and knife. This set even features a set of chopsticks.
The knife here can slice meat, fruits, and bread with ease. The smooth and shiny finish on these utensils is because of the high-quality stainless steel construction.
See Roaming Cooking Reusable Travel Utensils on Amazon
See Roaming Cooking Reusable Travel Utensils on Walmart
Great for backpackers: Sea To Summit Alpha Knife, Fork And Spoon Set
- Fork, knife, and spoon set
- Made from hard-anodized aluminum
- All utensils have punched holes in them to keep them ultra-light
- Included carabiner for storage
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight, great for backpacking
- For a flatware knife, this one has great serration
Cons
- Not as durable as stainless steel
A simple set containing a fork, knife, spoon, and mini-carabiner to hold them together.
The utensils are made of aircraft aluminum alloy and are strong, durable and a great choice for simple, lightweight camping cookware. As the name suggests, the set is ultralight so it won’t weigh you down.
See Sea To Summit Alpha Knife, Fork And Spoon Set on Amazon
See Sea To Summit Alpha Knife, Fork And Spoon Set on Sea To Summit
Why trust us
I’ve been camping since I was young. I know the value of good camping utensil sets.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone looking for a set of camping cutlery. Some folks choose to bring their regular cutlery but it is often heavy. A camping cutlery set allows you to preserve your normal utensils and bring tools designed for the job at hand. Whether you’re a backpacker or a car camper, we have plenty of options on this list.
How we picked
Selecting the best camping utensils started with tried and true favorites. From there, we wanted to ensure a variety of options for car camping, backpacking, and hike-in sites. We also wanted to ensure a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes.
How we tested
I spend a lot of time traveling and camping in my camper van. I usually spend anywhere from a day to two weeks on the road. A staple of van living is having durable eating utensils and cookware for eating meals on the road.
The utensils here have been tested all over the west coast, in every season, and for meals for one to twelve!
Features to look for in camping utensils
Materials
It is important to take note of the materials your camping utensils are made of before you make a purchase. Most camping utensils are made from steel, titanium, aluminum, or plastic. While titanium is light, strong, durable, and transmits heat fairly easily, it tends to be quite expensive.
Some camping cookware is made from aluminum and although it’s super-lightweight and affordable, it can scratch and dent easily. Plastic cookware can be convenient but they are not as strong and durable as the other options. On top of that, plastic utensils are not eco-friendly.
Uses
What are you going to use your utensils for the most? Some of the utensils are ideal for eating, others are made for cooking, and some can be used for both. Be sure to choose a set that is the best fit for your needs. Some meals may be fine with a spork but gamey meats and camping meals may need a proper knife and fork.
Durability
Utensils made of titanium are more durable than aluminum and plastic. Steel is a fantastic option too. Get the best and most durable camping utensils you can for your budget.
Easy to use/store
Most camping utensils come in handy pouches. Others are harder to use and store. The best camping utensils should be both easy to use and store. For this reason, we recommend sets that come in handy pouches or those that can be clipped together.
Ideally, options without too many moving parts are easier to use.
Camping utensil FAQ
Q: What are camping utensils?
Camping utensils include forks, knives, spoons, and sometimes other tools that can be easily carried along for camping trips.
Q: Is aluminum or stainless steel better for camping?
Both stainless steel and aluminum utensils have a place in the camping world. Stainless steel is more scratch-resistant but is heavier and doesn’t heat as evenly, causing hot spots (not a problem when it comes to cutlery but can be in pots and pans). Aluminum is lightweight, making it portable and great for backpacking. Aluminum scratches and dents more easily but also conducts heat more evenly.
Q: Can you use regular cookware on a camp stove?
In general, this is usually safe. However, keep in mind that your pot from home isn’t designed to be over an open flame or deal with wind, and this could cause issues. I once had the wind blow the flame and it began to melt the plastic handles of my pot. It’s best to use items that are intended for use on a camp stove.
Q: How do I clean my camping utensils?
- Get rid of any food residue on your camping cookware.
- Use soapy (with biodegradable soap) warm water and a clean scrubber to wash each dish thoroughly. Begin with dishes that are less dirty and move to the dirtiest. This keeps your scrubber from transferring as many food particles to already nearly clean dishes.
- Rinse the cleaned utensils with water and shake off any suds.
Sources:
- How To Choose Cookware – REI Co-Op
