[UPDATE] We have since moved on to using a chuck box.

Once upon a time when we traveled (only 2 people) we used a container about 1 ft wide, 1 1/2 ft long, and 8 in. deep for a camp kitchen.  The plastic container with a custom air holes in the lid worked, but with twice as many mouths to feed we have done some expanding.  We started with a large Rubbermaid tote.  However, within the first week I became frustrated with trying to find anything.  We then moved on to three separate plastic containers that fit in the same space as the original bin.  The new bins are about six inches deep, eighteen inches wide, and two and a half feet long.

Bin One: [PIC]

• Spices: Cinnamon, Vegetable Flakes, Onion Powder, Garlic Pepper, Basil, Red Pepper, Garlic Powder
• Baking Staples: Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Flour, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Syrup (Not a baking staple, but an attempt to limit sticky leakage), Hot Chocolate (Yes used for baking), Dry Yeast
• Bullion Cubes, Powdered soup mixes

Bin Two:

• Pots: 3 Qt, 2 – 2Qts, 1 Qt all with lids
• Pans: 8 inch and 10 inch cast iron skillet
• 10 in Outback Oven in a stuff sack
• Collapsible Wash Basin and plastic pot scrubber
• Stoves: MSR Dragonfly (Burns almost any fuel – we’re using unleaded gas), Peak Max (Disposable Gas Containers) [PICS]
• Fuel Canisters
• Pot Grippers (the pots don’t have handles, so these handy things help you hold onto the hot pot but a multi-tool pliers will also work)
• Lighter

Bin Three:

• Utensils: plastic and/or Lexan forks, knives, spoons, and baby spoons
• Large Spatula with a plastic blade, Small spatula with metal blade, Mini Whisk, Large Whisk, Large Serving Spoons, smaller spatulas
• Small Can Opener
• Small Mixing Bowl (Haven’t really used)
• Large Mixing Bowl (Large pot works just as well if not better)
• 1 Cup Measuring Cup
• Pak Towel for drying dishes
• Tooth Brushes
• 3 Plates (Cody uses his booster seat tray)
• 3 Plastic bowls
• Sharp knife
• Bottle of dish soap
• Plastic cutting board

In retrospect we shouldn’t have brought the second 2 Qt Pot.  We could also have eliminated the mixing bowls and used the pots as mixing bowls.  I enjoy always looking for ways to pare down, and this trip is no exception, we have a little more than we need. Any of the items with a strike-thru could be left at home.

I’m forever on a quest to find a spatula with a very rigid metal blade.  I don’t recommend using a plastic spatula.  The blade is to flexible for scraping cookins from the bottom of the pan and it has an awful tendency to melt when left unattended in the pan.  When I get a chance I think a piece of 3/32” aluminum sheet welded to 3/8” rod would work great.

I also wish that I would have brought an additional white gas stove similar to the Dragonfly.  The Peak Max is easy to use because it is easy to attach to the fuel and easy to light because there is no need to prime it.  However, the disposable fuel containers are not easy to find and expensive.  The Peak Max is easier to use when simmering or baking food though.  The Dragonfly gets warm quickly, but is not as easy to bring down to a lower temperature (think blow torch).  This becomes an issue when making pancakes or baking bread and cakes with the Outback Oven.

[Picture of Outback Oven]