Paddlesports: Paddler’s Kitchen Checklist
The phrase “paddling kitchen” evokes a kind of nostalgic feeling with roots grounded in warm sunsets, crackling fires and sumptuous meals while being serenaded by a symphony of moving water. For the most part, a paddling kitchen is to wilderness camping what a kitchen on a luxury cruise ship is to a vacation. What follows is a bullet-point suggestion list of items for you to use in planning your next “well outfitted” paddle excursion: (A selection of companies who offer product specific to the category have been highlighted and include contact numbers so you can find a retailer near you who carries the product)
Kitchen Furniture:
Roll-A-Table by Camp Time; 509/928-3015 Padded folding chairs
Kitchen Organizers:
Beaver Tree Kitchen by Newman Lee Co.; 715/ 877-2516 – an outdoor cooking center/organizer of lightweight, rugged kayak-like material. Extra large dry bag. One with a large zippered opening as paddlers who have used this design say it is ideal for schlepping kitchen goods in rafts and open boats. Smaller kitchen organizer needs for kayakers and canoeists can be met by Outdoor Research; 888/ 4OR-GEAR.
Shelter from the elements:
Cook Tarp, 10 by 12, with plenty of alternate tie-out points for a variety of sheltering configurations.
Coolers and Food Storage:
Hard coolers Soft coolers – Outdoor Research and Seattle Sports (800/632-6163) both make excellent soft coolers for the paddler who needs to keep food fresh and cool on a trip where space is at a premium.
Personal Commissary:
Insulated stainless steel mug Knife / Fork / Spoon set Plastic bowl and plate
Stove & Fuel:
Two-burner stove Backpacking stove Fuel bottles with pour spout – MSR, Sigg, and Optimus all offer excellent fuel bottles. Waterproof Matches
Pots, Pans, Ovens:
Fry pan with lid One-gallon cook potCast aluminum Dutch Oven 10″ to 12″ diameter – GSI; 800/704-4474 Dutch oven lid lifter – GSI; 800/704-4474 Cast aluminum griddle with lip Pot lifter Two-quart pot Stuff sacks for pots and pans Lexan coffee press — GSI Folding grill Outback Oven GSI espresso makers – GSI; 800/704-4474 Euro coffee grinder – Adventure 16; 800/854-2672 Nesters Expedition Nest stainless steel kit with 1.5, 2, and 2.5 quart cookpots; 7.25 inch frypan, 2 large bowls / lids, pot gripper and a dunk bag – from Peregrine 800/222-3088
Food Preparation & Serving:
Lightweight Plastic Cutting Board Kitchen Knife Wooden spoon Small spatula Small wisk Fillet knife
Water Needs:
2.5 gallon collapsible water containers Water filter
Hygiene:
Wash and rinse buckets Soap and scrubbies
Specialty Tools:
Pocket knife with cord Multitool knives Folding saw or hatchet Small trowel Lantern (gas or battery)
