Cooking over an open fire requires less equipment than many think – but the right equipment makes a huge difference. The difference between a stressful experience and safe, efficient cooking often comes down to planning.
This guide covers:
- Basic gear
- Choice of materials
- Safety equipment
- Adapting for kids
- Minimal packing
- Equipment for longer trips
- Common mistakes
For an overall understanding of techniques and fire types, see our main guide on Cooking over an open fire.
Basic equipment for food over an open fire
This is the base. Everything else is optional.
1. Cast iron pan
The most stable solution over a bed of embers. Advantages:
- Retains heat evenly
- Withstands high temperatures
- Versatile
Drawback:
- Heavy
A pan with a long handle reduces the risk of burns.
2. A fireproof pot
For soups, stews and slow cooking.
Material:
- Cast iron
- Enameled steel
- Stainless steel
Pots allow for more nutritionally balanced dishes, which is relevant when cooking with kids or planning healthier options.
3. Fire tools
You need:
- Ferro rod or matches
- Tinder
- A small axe or saw
The quality of the wood affects the heat more than the equipment itself.
4. Knife and cutting board
Often underestimated. A sturdy knife makes prep safer and faster.
Safety equipment you should never skip
Fire always involves risk.
You should always have:
- Water (at least 2–5 liters)
- A bucket for extinguishing
- Gloves
- First Aid
Read more about rules and responsibility on Fire safety in nature.
Safety equipment isn't optional – it's a requirement.
Minimal packing – For those who want to travel light
If you're hiking or going longer distances, you can scale down to:
- A pan
- A knife
- A ferro rod
- A wooden spade
- A water bottle
That's enough for many simple dishes.
Historically, food was cooked with even less equipment, which you can read more about in Swedish outdoor food and history.
Equipment that makes things easier for families
When kids are along, the needs change.
Recommended:
- A stable tripod
- Long-handled tools
- A defined safety zone
- A fire mat on dry ground
More on adapting cooking for kids can be found in Cooking with kids over fire.
Choice of materials – What works best over fire?
Cast iron
- Extreme durability
- Even heat − Heavy
Stainless steel
- Lighter
- Rust-resistant − Less heat retention
Aluminum
- Light − Warps at high heat
Choice of materials affects both safety and results.
Equipment for longer trips
For multi-day trips you may need:
- Backup tinder
- Extra fuel
- A lid for the pot
- A storage box
Plan based on:
- Number of people
- Terrain
- Season
Common mistakes when choosing equipment
- Too much gear
- Too small a pan
- Wrong materials
- No plan for extinguishing
- Packing too heavy
A well-thought-out list saves both weight and frustration.
Checklist – Equipment for fire cooking
Basics:
- Pan or pot
- Knife
- Fire tools
- Water
- Gloves
Extra:
- Tripod
- Grill grate
- Fire mat
- Saw
Summary
The right equipment for fire cooking isn't about owning the most – it's about understanding heat, materials and safety.
With a well-thought-out basic kit, you can cook everything from a simple fried dish to an elaborate stew over an open fire.
Technique and planning matter more than gear.
More on EldMat and cooking over fire
The right equipment is just one part of the whole. To cook over an open fire safely and thoughtfully, we also recommend reading:
