Camp Kitchen?

[R_Lefebvre]

I just bought the smaller of the Coleman kitchen at Walmart for $54.

Yeah, it's kinda flimsy, it won't take any abuse. But, it should do the job, and for $54, what the heck?

It really just depends on how much you want to beat on something vs. how much weight you want in your truck. To me, it's not "mission critical", so lightweight is the way to go.

The packed case did stand up to having my boxed EP9 crash into it while they were both sliding around the back of my car... :REExeSquatsHL1:

 

[Grim Reaper]

Build something yourself you will feel much more fulfilled, and you will know how to fix it when it breaks in the field. After my initial investment which I did over the course of 3 years, I feel my camp kitchen will last another 10 - 15 years with it's current use.

All available at Home Depot, Williams Sonoma, Expedition Exchange.

Thats Deluxe!

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

I just picked one of these up from Sportsman's Warehouse and will be putting it through its tests this weekend on our trip to the Nevada Desert.
Roll-up Table - 48" x 26"

I didn't like any of the camp kitchens that I have seen. I liked the width on this, it should allow me to cook on one side and prepare on the other. Plus my Apex stove gets rather warm, and I wanted a metal top. The only downside is it is rather long when folded up, approx. 7"x7"x48". But it is incredibly sturdy with the crossed legs.

Edit: I was wrong with the information I provided about my table. It is an Alps Mountaineering XL Dining table.

Here is the actual table: Alps Mountaineering

 

[kcowyo]

Holy life size pics!

My buddy Chuck has one of those and we used it recently on a trip into Yellowstone. Definitely a stout table but yeah, it rolls up huge. I thought it was a cot until he opened it up.

But you should be happy with the size and you're right. Plenty of room to cook and prep -

 

[TheRoadie]

Yep. I just got one of each of those aluminum tables. My current problem is that slouching style folding chairs are too short, and I may have to swap out for director's chairs like kcowyo has.

Or shorten the legs on the large table, but then it's annoying to cook on while standing.

 

[taugust]

Have you guys seen these? If you aren't using your hitch for something already this might be a good option. I have no experience with them, but thought it looked like a good idea.

Chris

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-OUTDOORS~BH70777.htm

Just saw the Cabelas version on sale for $70 in their bargain hunter newspaper. Good Deal.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0046037523077a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=52-3077&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=52-3077&noImage=0

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

Holy life size pics!

Yep got it fixed!

So I used the table during our weekend trip to Nevada rock hounding and I must say I am impressed with the stability of this table. I had all of my cooking gear on it and a full 7gal water jug there too with out any problems.

My one gripe with the Alps Mountaineering XL table is it was too long when folded up. 55" too long and thought to fit in the back of the 4Runner. I wish it could collapse more as I had to place it on top of everything between the back windows. I guess I just need to get a roof rack.

One additional note is unlike the camp kitchens, there isn't a wind screen and it did get gusty out on the desert.

 

[spressomon]

Yep got it fixed!

So I used the table during our weekend trip to Nevada rock hounding and I must say I am impressed with the stability of this table. I had all of my cooking gear on it and a full 7gal water jug there too with out any problems.

My one gripe with the Alps Mountaineering XL table is it was too long when folded up. 55" too long and thought to fit in the back of the 4Runner. I wish it could collapse more as I had to place it on top of everything between the back windows. I guess I just need to get a roof rack.

One additional note is unlike the camp kitchens, there isn't a wind screen and it did get gusty out on the desert.

I've been using this table for over a year now. My big gripe about it has to do with the plastic tips on each corner of the table top. When it's below say 40 degrees they are a biotch to snap into the table end pieces. And then can be hard to remove when it's "pull up camp time".

I'm still waiting for the perfect table...

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

I just returned my XL Alps Mountaineering table to Sportsman’s Warehouse, their price is $65, and just ordered the Large version from REI for $49.93!! I am saving shipping by having it delivered to the Boise store and having my father pick it up. The large is 43"x28"x28", 12" shorter than the XL. The shorter length will be easier to pack in the 4Runner. Now I just need to plan another trip to put the new one through its paces.

You can't beat $49.93 for this table. Here is the link:
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/722849

 

[JIMBO]

:rappel: I got this, a year ago and stripped it down, cause it was a little too busy

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=189386#

Comes with a real strong Black nylon zippered bag, we use it every time we go to the boondocks

:rockon: JIMBO

 

[Canoeman]

Expedition Kitchen

I am a professional river guide, and the success of my trips depends largely upon the reliability of my gear. Preparing and serving meals is essential to a successful trip.

The chuck box I use is MUCH more expensive than those cheap ones from Coleman or those sold by retailers like REI. It is custom made by Randall Oliver (Kaufman, Texas) in a Pelican 1650 series case with wheels and extendable handle to facilitate easy movement.

The box is equipped with a 2-burner Brinkmann stainless steel propane stove, a wood cutting board, wood table, stainless steel table, a Northstar lantern, adjustable lantern pole, 2 stainless steel worm clamps, interior organizer with sliding aluminum tray and lid, wood base that adjusts for uneven ground, accessory and lid supports.

All component products are top quality and made in the USA. I have been thoroughly satisfied with my chuck box, and can depend upon it to protect my valuable cookware and food preparation items while I am in my canoe or raft on the river, or when I am in camp. I strongly recommend this box to anybody who is looking for quality over low price and years of reliability over boxes that will fail sooner rather than later.

Mr. Oliver can be contacted via phone at 972-962-4847, or via e-mail to rand@tv-frame.com. Tell him that Canoeman sent you!

 

[Ursidae69]

I am a professional river guide, and the success of my trips depends largely upon the reliability of my gear. Preparing and serving meals is essential to a successful trip.

The chuck box I use is MUCH more expensive than those cheap ones from Coleman or those sold by retailers like REI. It is custom made by Randall Oliver (Kaufman, Texas) in a Pelican 1650 series case with wheels and extendable handle to facilitate easy movement.

The box is equipped with a 2-burner Brinkmann stainless steel propane stove, a wood cutting board, wood table, stainless steel table, 2 Northstar lanterns, adjustable lantern pole, 2 stainless steel worm clamps, interior organizer with sliding aluminum tray and lid, wood base that adjusts for uneven ground, accessory and lid supports.

All component products are top quality and made in the USA. I have been thoroughly satisfied with my chuck box, and can depend upon it to protect my valuable cookware and food preparation items while I am in my canoe or raft on the river, or when I am in camp. I strongly recommend this box to anybody who is looking for quality over low price and years of reliability over boxes that will fail sooner rather than later.

Mr. Oliver can be contacted via phone at 972-962-4847, or via e-mail to rand@tv-frame.com. Tell him that Canoeman sent you!

Canoeman, thanks for the review and photo of this unique chuckbox. Rand tried posting the other day and had some issues with photos, so thanks for the review.

 

[Michael Slade]

I'm still waiting for the perfect table...

I have had tables from Byer since 1999. I have used them a LOT. Liked the first one so much I bought a second one.

Here's a pic from their site:

Here's a camp set-up in Saline Valley:

 

[ZR2nit]

I am a professional river guide, and the success of my trips depends largely upon the reliability of my gear. Preparing and serving meals is essential to a successful trip.

The chuck box I use is MUCH more expensive than those cheap ones from Coleman or those sold by retailers like REI. It is custom made by Randall Oliver (Kaufman, Texas) in a Pelican 1650 series case with wheels and extendable handle to facilitate easy movement.

The box is equipped with a 2-burner Brinkmann stainless steel propane stove, a wood cutting board, wood table, stainless steel table, 2 Northstar lanterns, adjustable lantern pole, 2 stainless steel worm clamps, interior organizer with sliding aluminum tray and lid, wood base that adjusts for uneven ground, accessory and lid supports.

All component products are top quality and made in the USA. I have been thoroughly satisfied with my chuck box, and can depend upon it to protect my valuable cookware and food preparation items while I am in my canoe or raft on the river, or when I am in camp. I strongly recommend this box to anybody who is looking for quality over low price and years of reliability over boxes that will fail sooner rather than later.

Mr. Oliver can be contacted via phone at 972-962-4847, or via e-mail to rand@tv-frame.com. Tell him that Canoeman sent you!

I was thinking of getting one of these:

http://www.kamparoo.com/optkitch.htm

until I saw Canoeman setup. If you do not mind me asking how much does this unit cost??? It looks like a great compact kitchen.

 

[Canoeman]

That's a spicy meata balla!

I was thinking of getting one of these:

http://www.kamparoo.com/optkitch.htm

until I saw Canoeman setup. If you do not mind me asking how much does this unit cost??? It looks like a great compact kitchen.

That Kamparoo looks really nice, though limited in scope with regard to portability and what you can do with it. The PeliCase Chuck Box like I bought costs $1,500.00 with a single Northstar lantern (I forgot that I had bought the second one separately) and the nylon accessories bag. I am not certain of the price for the Deluxe canvas bag.

What I really like about the PeliCase is the fact that it is watertight, tougher than nails and portable. In fact, Pelican cases are frequently used by the US military services, fire departments, EMTs, scientists, mountain rescue personnel and others who carry sensitive materials or equipment into extreme conditions where they need to maintain the integrity of their cargo.

I also like the fact that it is self-contained and is not dependent upon any other system. I have nothing but praise for my PeliCase chuck box. I never leave home without it. Okay, so that's not completely true. I am heading to the Yukon for 13 days on the Big Salmon and Yukon Rivers where we are going VERY light compared to most of our expedition trips, so I am taking Heater Meals, Clif Bars and oatmeal, and leaving the chuck box at home. But, this is also just a group of friends, not a trip I am leading where I will be feeding my clients.

My box is black, but they are also available in green and tan, and the base is unfinished whereas the one shown is finished in a high strength black lacquer.