Camping is a favorite outdoor activity for people all over the world. However, people can sometimes forget that while you might be exploring and having fun outside, you still have to eat.
Preparing food can be complicated if you don’t have all the right supplies, which is why it’s important to have a camping cutting board. Camping cutting boards let you have a clean, designated place to prepare your meals while in the great outdoors.
Things To Consider With Camping Cutting Boards
While you might be tempted to just pick up the first cutting board you find for your camping trip, that might be a mistake — there are certain things to consider before you purchase a cutting board.
The first thing you’ll want to consider when looking at camping cutting boards is the size you want.
Cutting boards can range in size from just a few inches to large enough to be able to prepare meat or fish.
In general, you’ll likely want to avoid carrying too much unnecessary equipment when you go camping, so having multiple cutting boards may not be an option.
Design
The design of a cutting board may also be something you want to consider before you purchase one.
For example, you may want to get a colorful cutting board so you can easily see the surface you’re cooking on if you’re preparing food in lower lighting. Or, you might prefer a more utilitarian design.
You may also want to look at other features a board has, such as grooves to catch food juices or grips that will keep it from moving around while you use it.
Material
The material a cutting board is made out of is always an important thing to consider. This is even more so the case when you’re looking at camping cutting boards. Different cutting boards may be better suited for different types of cooking.
- Plastic cutting boards are common and serve many purposes, but they can be cut or damaged with use
- Ceramic boards are generally easier to clean but might be less durable if they’re jostled or tossed around
- Wood cutting boards, while popular for regular kitchens, are often too rigid for camping
Convenience
Camping cutting boards should be convenient and easy to pack and carry, particularly if your camping trips involve hiking to your campsite.
How convenient a board is can be a determining factor in which one you decide to purchase. Some cutting boards are foldable, so they take up little space when stored. Others are flexible enough to roll up.
Some cutting boards can also be used for all-in-one convenience and can act as a colander or storage container. This would limit the number of separate items you would need to pack.
Durability
Camping gear is designed to be durable. That includes cooking equipment. The durability of a cutting board will likely be something you’ll want to consider before you purchase one for your next camping trip.
You’ll want to look for a cutting board that is both heavy-duty and also dishwasher-safe. Though you’ll be washing your board by hand or in a camping sink while outdoors, a dishwasher-safe material will ensure the board can withstand prolonged contact with water and high temperatures.
The 7 Best Camping Cutting Boards
You might be surprised to learn that not all camping cutting boards are the same. There are small differences between cutting boards that can make choosing the right board difficult.
To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best camping cutting boards currently available. We’ve weighed the pros and cons of each, so you can pick out the one that’s best suited for your needs.
1. A One-Size-Fits-All Cutting Board
MSR Alpine Deluxe Cutting Board
The Alpine Deluxe board is a convenient option if you find yourself needing different-sized cutting boards during your camping cook-outs.
The board is foldable, which not only makes it compact and easy to transport but also allows you to control its size for ideal food prep.
It’s also a thin and lightweight option, weighing in at less than half a pound. That makes it convenient and easy to carry, even if your camping trips involve extensive hiking.
The board is made of heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic, so you can easily clean it, even in the dishwasher, without worrying about the board degrading over time.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Too small for some types of meal preparations
2. Convenient 9-in-1 Kitchen Set
Gintan Collapsible Cutting Board
The Ginatan cutting board set gives you the ability to have 9 kitchen tools in 1 place for maximum convenience.
The whole set can act as a storage container, but you also get the luxury of having multiple grating blades, a cutting surface, and even 2 knives. The set is easy to transport as everything is held together, so you can cook more elaborate meals.
The whole set only weighs around 2 pounds, so it won’t add too much weight to your gear. This set isn’t just for camping … it’s also a good kitchen set for new cooks or people just moving out on their own.
What We Like:
- Multiple kitchen necessities in 1 place
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be bulky
3. A Heavy-duty Board That’s Easy To Store
Stowaway Cutting Board
The Stowaway cutting board might be the right board if you want something that’s both durable and convenient to store.
The board can fold 3 times, making it about as thick as a deck of cards when fully collapsed. It also conveniently locks closed, so you don’t have to worry about it coming unfolded in your bag.
Unlike a lot of cutting boards on the market, this model is made out of ceramic, so it’s one of the highest-quality materials as far as cooking is concerned. You don’t have to worry about wear and tear breaking down the board over time.
What We Like:
- Durable, long-lasting material
What We Don’t Like:
You have to handle it more carefully
4. An Easy-to-Clean Cutting Board for Any Type of Cooking
CanCooker The Plank Cutting Board
The CanCooker cutting board was designed to allow any type of food prep or cooking on the go. This board is particularly appreciated by hunters and fishers as the board can extend to 16 inches and is easy to clean.
That means the board can be used for normal food preparation like chopping vegetables, but it can also be used to prepare freshly caught raw meat and fish.
The board is made of sturdy plastic planks while still being flexible. You can adjust the size of the board to suit your needs. You can also use the board to easily transfer food into a pot.
What We Like:
- Extendable feature
What We Don’t Like:
- The textured surface needs more attention to keep clean
Final Thoughts
An ideal camping cutting board will depend on your preferences and needs. However, most camping cutting boards are either flexible, foldable, or collapsable, making them easy to store and transport.
You can also find cutting boards that come in sets that can withstand high temperatures or are made out of different materials for convenient cleaning and food prep. We hope that this list has helped you figure out the type of cutting board that’s best for you