Ditch Your Bulky Camping Cooking Gear For This Convenient Costco Kit Instead

Sometimes it seems like food just tastes better when you're camping. A burger or kabob with a side of grilled veggies miraculously transforms into a gourmet meal. A marshmallow — when roasted over an open fire, paired with chocolate, and sandwiched between graham crackers — rivals the most intricate pastries. Even the simplest meals become unforgettable when they're enjoyed outdoors with family and friends. 

In order to cook while camping, you'll need to invest in some quality cookware. Sure, you could bring some bulky kitchen essentials from home, but kits that are designed for camping help save you space and come with everything you need to impress your fellow campers with delicious food.

Costco, a popular membership-based store with wholesale prices, sells some fun outdoor items for thrilling summer vacations as well as camping essentials that are total game changers. You'll find pretty much everything you need to embark on an outdoor adventure there — including cookware. For example, the Camp Kitchen Kit by GSI Outdoors has 24 different pieces stored within a portable carrying case. If you want to upgrade your camp kitchen, it's well worth purchasing.

When it comes to camping gear, you'll want to choose things that are compact and portable. Regardless of whether you're traveling in an RV, car camping, or embarking on a wild camping excursion with little more than a backpack, it's important to remember that space will be limited. Even so, it's nice to have a few home-like comforts when you're out in nature. Supplies to cook meals are a must, and a good kitchen setup can help transform your basic campsite into a luxurious glamping experience.

One of the best things about the Camp Kitchen Kit is that it is super compact. The carrying bag for all of the cooking utensils is just 7.5 inches long, 11.4 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall, so it's easy to stuff it in your backpack or toss it in your car. It weighs two and a half pounds, so it's lightweight enough for backpackers — and every pound counts when you're carrying things on your back.

The kit comes with 24 pieces of cooking and dining utensils. It includes a spatula, tongs, a paring knife, a chef knife, a cheese grater, a spice shaker with four chambers, and two cutting boards. It also has a scrubber and a towel, plus enough forks, knives, and spoons for four people. You'll have everything you need to cook, eat, and clean up.

According to online reviews, the GSI Outdoors Camp Kitchen Kit is a great purchase for outdoor adventures. It has more than 20 different 5-star reviews on Costco's website. Some people love how small and lightweight it is. A customer named Autumn posted a review that said, "I buy different items depending on if I'm camping or hiking, [because] weight is a factor. This set is great for both."

Other customers appreciate that the kit is well made. "Outstanding value and quality. Easy to find these all-in-one kits, but was always disappointed in the quality. This one will not disappoint you," Jeffw36 wrote in a review posted on Costco's website. Other comments mention that the kit is a good value and will hold up well. According to Costco's website, "Crafted from high-quality materials, each piece in the kit is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability." The GSI Camp Kitchen Kit costs around $60 at the time of writing.

In addition to camping, you can use the kit for other outdoor activities, like tailgating at your favorite sporting event, picnicking with family and friends, or even traveling to Airbnbs. If you pair it with Costco's exclusive Camp Chef Tundra 3 Burner Stove, you can instantly upgrade your cooking experience. Add the convenient outdoor Flexrail Table and you'll have created a fully functioning camp kitchen.