This is what we’re here for! To save you the time and effort of researching to find the best camping kit.
So, let’s talk camping storage…camping cupboards and the best camp kitchens.
Latest update: March 2021
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Which camping cupboard should I buy…and why?
It’s satisfying to have something that makes it easy to get at cooking equipment, toiletries or general bits and pieces when camping. Rummaging around in overstuffed boxes and bags gets a bit wearing – especially on longer campsite stays.
This is a very useful 93l storage system. It’s made up of four separate parts that fix together to use on their own or in combinations.
There are two 23l cool compartments, straps for keeping it in place, bottom boards for strength and decent handles for carrying.
BEST VALUE
We’ve used an Andes kitchen storer for years. It has compartments and is light and packable.
Great if you’re after a smaller storage option that doubles as a picnic carrier. Sadly, they seem to be getting harder to find. Some alternatives here, but if you need something more substantial, read on..
The Sherpa folding organiser is a lightweight, option. Foldable for easy storage and a good size at 27 x 32.5 x 53cm
Which camping storage works best?
We prefer the concertina folding camping cupboards that don’t take up much space in the car or campervan. These can be carried flat and then put up inside a tent or awning.
Many come with pull-down legs that are good for adjusting on uneven floors, but we didn’t find a single one of these that wasn’t wobbly.
So, we’ve opted to look more closely at the flat-bottomed cupboards with shelves. If you need to turn a basic storage cupboard into a kitchen, you can always add a windshield. The Kampa windshield shown here is universal-fit and sticks on with suction cups. Add a Kampa universal-fit windshield to make a cooking area
Now aren’t you glad you didn’t spend three hours finding out that…
…Guess what? Camping cupboards are all pretty identical apart from fabric colour and the colour of the top and shelves…oh, and price. There are a couple that stand out from the rest, so read on….Our Top Choice for Camp Kitchens
Campart camp kitchens - Our joint top choice for camping kitchens, thanks to the light weight and the aluminium top with windshield. Brilliant.
EDITORS CHOICE
Best equipped camp kitchen
The sleekest camp kitchen
- Strong aluminium frame
- Heat-resistant aluminium work surface
- Carry bag
- 87cm L X 50cm D X 80cm H comes with windshield
- 9.25kg
- Max load 40kg
Best for range of sizes
- Aluminium frame
- Five different models to choose from
- Mesh for ventilation
- Roll-up doors
- Carry bag
- Kitchen unit with windshield – 76 x 53.5 x 107cm; 7.1kg, 30kg load
- Double store low – 97 x 47.5 x 56.5cm; 6.7kg, 30kg load
- Double store high – 97 x 47.5 x 78cm, 8.6kg, 30kg load
Bamboo top unit
OUR TOP PICK
- Aluminium frame
- Windshield
- Bamboo top
- Pockets and pull-out washing bowl holder and lidded rubbish bin
- Carry Bag
- Weighs 13.5kg
More Kitchen Ideas
What about a macho storage idea from the angling world?
This NGT Deluxe has two tiers, a separable table.
While Zempire makes some lovely looking camping gear, they also price quite highly.
There are two Ecofold cupboards to choose from, plus a kitchen unit. Sturdy and well-designed, so maybe worth the extra.
Now here’s an interesting idea. An inflatable cupboard for your tent or awning.
140cm high and 80cm wide, the cupboard has shelves inside and pockets on the outside. It comes with a handy carrying bag too.
A really handy storage idea a table you can eat at or pop your food on while having the storage underneath too, no space wasted here! Very compact easy to set up and only weighs 7kg.
A compact 3 level cupboard can be used for so many things, cleanable top can pop all-sorts onto it and comes in a handy bag. Has a couple of little side pockets too and is a great price.
If your looking for something a little more stylish these Bel-Sol units look great as well as having super sturdy with aluminium tube arms, folds down flat very easy and has a it's own integrated carry handle as well as a carry box, a little more money than some but well worth it for the quality. It is also made from recycled cotton which we love.
For campervanners and van converters…
For anyone with a campervan (especially VW California Beach owners), you could consider one of these camping storage units for use in the van.
We’ve tested one sitting on the multiflex shelf in the back of a Beach.
Providing it’s on a non-slip surface (we have grey lino in place of the padded mattress) and it’s positioned to one side (so you can see out of the rear-view mirror), it seems to work well as a permanent campervan cupboard.
You do need to pack it well to stop rattling and it’s not terribly elegant, but it makes getting at plates and pans very easy. Read more about how to use and pack a VW California Beach campervan.
A shopping tip…
We’d seen a lot of good reviews for an insulated picnic bag called the BeFit, so we tested it. Very flimsy and poor quality.
If you see an item with a large number of five-star reviews, just have a read through some of them. Over-enthusiasm and dodgy English MAY be a sign it’s a fake review. Other clues are that the reviewer has only ever posted five-star reviews or has never posted anything before.
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