A few extra tools and you can make a hot meal anywhere. Cook equipment is far more valuable than just cooking though. Someone may have some food to share with you and you'll be much happier with your own bowls and utensils. The trick is to pack most of these items into your cook pot, and place that in a bag so that they don’t get loose.
A small cooking pot is a very utilitarian tool. Use it to boil water, cook food, or simply as a serving bowl. Camping pots are available in stainless steel and titanium.
Bowls are better then plates because beyond containers for soup, you won’t drop any food on the ground, and they can even be used as a cup (this may not be your style, but if you really want to save weight, I have learned that I can eat anything with just a bowl and chopsticks).
You should have a couple bandanas in your bag which can be used to wipe your hands or clean your pots and utensils. A sponge and soap and you'll have no trouble using the same items over and over. Now, you're not going to keep wine in your Go bag, but if a bottle should appear, you don't want to be unprepared.
- Bowls
- Cook pot
- Dish soap
- Forks/chopsticks
- Mini can opener
- Spoons
- Sponge
- Wine opener
Recommendations
GSI Outdoors - Halulite Boiler, The Perfect Packable Pot
GSI is a great brand for backpacking equipment. This pot comes in a 1.1 and 1.8 liter size. It's made of hard anodized aluminum which is lightweight and strong, and they say boils water faster than titanium. Check it out on Amazon.com.
Senlyde 13oz Stainless Steel Double-walled Insulated Bowls
Truth be told we have several sets of these bowls. In addition to our Go bag, we keep a set in the car for impromptu picnics, and a set in the kitchen for the kids. They're indestructible, keep food warmer longer, and just the right size to cup in your hand. Check them out on Amazon.com.
Light My Fire Camping Sporks
If chopsticks aren't your thing, you can't go wrong with these amazing utensils. More than a spork, this is a spoon, fork and knife bio-based wonder tool. Available in a surprising number of colors on Amazon.com.
Stainless Steel Reusable Chopsticks
I said above that if you know how to use chopsticks you'll find you can eat any meal with these and a bowl. Made of 18/8 stainless steel they're lightweight, easy to clean, and ready for a thousand meals. Available in 7 colors, but why not go with gold for a little humor during your next emergency. Check them out on Amazon.com.
What can you do right now?
Do you have a metal or plastic cup you could add to your Go bag now? Maybe you have some camping gear you could move out of a box and into your bag. You can always get better gear later. The goal is not to be done, but to do one little thing today that makes you better prepared for the future.