Petromax
Loaf pan with lid k8
75,62 €
52,90 €
Outdoor Cooking: Between Canned Ravioli and Campfire Romance
What do you think of when you hear “outdoor cooking”? A can of ravioli you heat up on a gas stove, or a crackling fire, the smell of freshly baked stick bread, and a steak sizzling away over open flames? One thing is certain either way: Everything tastes better in the fresh air.
Outdoor cooking can be anything from a quick meal on the go to a real experience. Whether after a long hike, while bushcrafting, on a trip in your van, or during an overnight stay at a remote campsite – with a bit of preparation, cooking in nature becomes a highlight of your tour.
In this article, you’ll learn how to cook outside over an open fire, what gear you need, which foods you can take along without a fridge – and what you absolutely need to keep in mind before cooking with fire or a gas stove in nature. We’ll also show you alternatives to classic outdoor cooking such as hobo stoves, gas stoves, and ready-made meals – for when things need to be quick.
What you really need for cooking over an open fire
When you cook outdoors, you don’t need a high-tech kitchen – but a few carefully chosen helpers make the difference between stressful clattering and relaxed enjoyment. It’s not about as much gear as possible, but about the right basics you can rely on.
Cast iron instead of Teflon
Pans and pots made of cast iron are classics for cooking over a fire – and for good reason: they retain heat reliably, distribute it evenly and can handle embers that have gotten a bit too hot. Whether fried potatoes, stew or skillet bread – cast iron gives you not only a rustic outdoor feel but also great results.
Grill grate and tripod – flexible and easy to set up
Want to cook over the fire spontaneously without much effort? Then a folding grill grate is the best choice. It can be set up quickly and is suitable for pans, pots or direct grilling. Things get even more versatile with a tripod, on which you can safely place pots, pans or even a coffee pot over the embers – ideal for anyone who wants to try different cooking methods.
Dutch oven and hanging kettle – for real outdoor braising
If you really want to cook up a storm outdoors, you can’t get around these classics. The Dutch oven is a heavy cast-iron pot with a lid that can be placed directly in the embers or covered with coals. Perfect for braised dishes, bread or even cake.
The hanging kettle, on the other hand, is hung over the fire on a tripod – ideal for soups, stews or even mulled wine on cool evenings. Both are true all-rounders for anyone who loves taking their time and cooking with passion outdoors.
Are you allowed to make a fire anywhere outside? How to make a safe fire for outdoor cooking
In public forests, open fires are generally prohibited. Fire pits are only allowed at designated spots or on private land with permission – and never during high wildfire risk. Always find out in advance whether and where fires or stoves are permitted.
Choose a level, non-flammable surface for your fire, keep a safe distance from vegetation and gear, secure it with stones and have extinguishing agents ready to hand.
Also pay attention to the wind direction and look for the most sheltered area possible. If possible, you can also dig a small pit to make the fire safer.
If the ground is covered with leaves or has many roots, you can use a hobo stove, rocket stove or a fire bowl to increase safety.
Petromax
Fire grill tg3 black
150,34 €
135,21 €
Petromax
Dutch Oven 6
75,55 €
58,78 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft1 with feet black
29,33 €
24,36 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft12
100,76 €
78,11 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft12 without feet black
100,76 €
83,99 €
Petromax
Fire pot ft18
146,97 €
117,56 €
Petromax
Fire pot ft3
46,13 €
33,61 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft4.5
67,14 €
50,38 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft4.5 without feet
67,14 €
50,38 €
Petromax
Dutch Oven ft6 without feet
75,55 €
50,38 €
Petromax
Fire pot ft9
71,34 €
58,78 €
Petromax
Dutch oven ft9 without feet black
71,34 €
67,18 €
Petromax
Muffin pan mf6
29,33 €
25,20 €
Petromax
Rocket stove
125,13 €
104,16 €
Camping stoves & freeze-dried meals: the best solutions on the go
If you want to cut down on weight – for example when hiking, on multi-day trekking tours or when bikepacking – your best choice is lightweight camping gear and compact camping stoves.
These solutions are quick to use, easy to stow and ensure a hot meal even when you’re on the move.
Gas stoves for outdoor cooking: compact, light and flexible
Gas stoves are popular with campers and hikers because they are relatively light and easy to use. They bring water to the boil quickly and are well suited for simple dishes such as pasta, soups or coffee.
However, you should be aware: gas stoves are sensitive to wind. A fresh breeze can quickly blow out the flame and make cooking difficult. That’s why it makes sense to use a windshield or set up the stove in a sheltered spot.
For longer trips, it’s advisable to take spare gas cartridges with you, because depending on how often and how long you cook, your supply can run out quickly. It’s also worth using particularly lightweight camping pots or pans – ideally with a lid. This keeps the heat in the pot better, reduces cooking time and saves fuel.
If space in your backpack is tight, fast-boil systems offer a compact and clever solution. Here, the pot is firmly connected to the burner, which optimizes heat transfer and significantly shortens cooking time. They are ideal for anyone who wants to prepare hot water quickly and easily on the go – whether for coffee, tea or an instant soup in between. The compact sets are designed so that the gas cartridge can be stowed space-savingly in the cooking cup. This makes them particularly easy to pack in your backpack and perfect for tours where every gram counts.
Esbit Stoves & Solid Fuel Systems: Ultralight & Field-Proven
Even more compact than gas stoves are alcohol and solid fuel stoves. A particular favorite is the classic Esbit stove, which has been used for decades by the Bundeswehr. It runs on small fuel tabs that are easy to carry and simple to ignite.
The system is extremely lightweight, takes up hardly any space in your backpack, and is perfect for short trips or as an emergency solution. One tab is often enough to heat up a small meal or some water.
Of course, there are limits: The heat output is relatively low, and in windy conditions you need good wind protection so the heat doesn’t dissipate. Small, lightweight pots or mugs with lids are ideal – they help shorten cooking times and use the fuel efficiently.
Freeze-Dried Meals & Heater Bags: Hot Food Without a Stove
For anyone who wants to do without a stove but not without a hot meal on their outdoor adventure, there is a solution:
Freeze-dried meals offer maximum energy at minimum weight – and with surprisingly good taste. Preparation is very simple: pour hot water directly into the pouch, stir briefly, wait – done.
Ideal for saving weight on longer trekking tours, since you don’t need a stove or cookware, and the meals themselves are significantly lighter and more compact than conventional rations thanks to the freeze-drying process.
And what if you don’t have a stove at hand? Heater Bags still heat up your food – completely without a flame. These small reactors work
with water and a chemical mixture that generates heat. Ideal for very windy areas, dry forest regions, or your tent: simple, safe, and efficient.
At ASMC you’ll find a wide selection of freeze-dried dishes for any time of day – from hearty breakfasts and substantial main courses to sweet desserts. Brands like Tactical Foodpack, Trek’n Eat and Travellunch deliver authentic flavor and high nutritional value – without unnecessary ballast.
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Conclusion: Outdoor cooking – enjoyment and adventure on the go
Outdoor cooking combines adventure with enjoyment and brings variety to any trip. Whether you’re grilling over an open fire, using a practical gas stove or relying on fast-boil systems and freeze-dried meals – with the right equipment you’ll always manage to prepare a warm, tasty meal on the go.
A quick tip: Don’t forget your spices – they liven up any dish. Even simple instant soups or canned food can quickly be turned into a nutritious and delicious meal with fresh herbs and ingredients from nature. That way, outdoor cooking becomes a relaxed highlight of your next hiking, trekking or bikepacking tour.
