How to Host a Stellar Dinner in the Great Outdoors

We’ve teamed up with Eddie Bauer to help you get in gear for your summer adventures. Whether you’re suiting up for a trek in the woods or planning a family camping trip, the outdoor innovators at Eddie Bauer have you covered.

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As the weather warms up, it’s time to dust off my camping gear and head into the great outdoors. From local getaways to multi-day treks, there’s a whole world to explore. But just because I'm trading in the comforts of home doesn’t mean I need to sacrifice memorable meals—some of my favorite dining experiences have been under the stars, miles away from any sort of civilization. Whether you’re a novice nature enthusiast or a certified explorer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best time possible. From must-have gear to camp-ready recipes, I’ll break down how to cover all your outdoor cooking bases.

1. Make a Game Plan

While I’d love to pretend I’m a spontaneous person at heart, I’m really a type-A planner through and through. This comes in especially handy when camping because in order to have a successful weekend of solid meals out in mother nature, you’re going to have to do a bit of planning. First, you’ll need to think through each meal ahead of time (don’t forget the snacks!) and account for the amount of days you’ll spend in the wild. This is also the time to think about how you’re getting to your destination—car camping, or hiking in?—because it’ll dictate the type of meals you can make and how much food you can carry. With car camping you can pack more ingredients and make more elaborate recipes, but hiking in offers a more off-the-grid experience. Regardless of which type of camping I’m doing, I carry Eddie Bauer’s Bacon 2.0 Pack for packing my essential ingredients since it’s lightweight, easy to wear, and stylish at the same time. And perhaps most importantly, it fits all my pantry staples, like olive oil, flaky salt, and citrus.

2. Gear Up

Next, let’s talk tools. To ensure your camping dinner goes off without a hitch, you’ve got to pack the right equipment. I go for gear that combines utility and space saving, like Eddie Bauer’s handy multi-tool, the Detachable BBQ Set. Their Foldable Camp Pantry is an absolute must for any outdoor getaway—it helps keep all your kitchen needs organized, plus it’s compact and easy to transport. The Bygone Backpack Cooler has enough room to carry water bottles, condiments, and food for an overnight camping trip, but if you want to keep a weekend’s worth of perishables fresh, go for the 30-liter Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote. When it’s time to eat, I usually opt for bamboo dinnerware for a sustainable (and aesthetically pleasing) option.

3. Choose the Right Recipes

Now that you’ve got the gear, it’s time for the fun part: choosing the recipes. You don’t have to limit yourself to the standard hot dog and hamburger fair (although those are always great standbys). I look for recipes that can be prepped ahead of time, are easy to clean up, and have a ton of flavor. I always do as much prep work at home as possible— dicing onions, measuring out grains, and making my to-go vinaigrette ahead of time saves me a step at the campsite and fewer dishes to worry about. Turkey Chili can be made prior to your trip and heated up right over the campfire, while something like One-Skillet Sausage, Peppers, Potatoes, and Onions can be prepared fireside. When I’m looking for a more elevated option, I go for Salmon Kebabs with Nigella—these can be assembled at home, packed in a cooler, and grilled at your campsite; serve ‘em with something starchy, like potatoes or quinoa pilaf. It’s also important to think about what kind of snacks to pack; I like bringing a variety of make-ahead, protein-packed snacks like Popcorn “Granola” Bars, Sweet and Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix, and Apple Chips to keep me fueled up for hiking.

4. Don’t Forget About Drinks

Half the fun of camping is sitting around a fire with a drink in hand as the sun sets, but first and foremost you’ve got to pack plenty of water. Eddie Bauer’s Stanley® Legendary Classic Bottle keeps my water ice cold throughout the day. Bonus: This water bottle also doubles as a thermos for keeping coffee hot in the morning. When dusk hits the campsite, it’s time to break out the corkscrew. This Wine Bottle Chiller keeps rosé chilled to exactly the right temperature, no ice needed. If you’re more of a beer drinker, it’s worth investing in Eddie Bauer’s Bygone Backpack Cooler, which can easily carry a 12-pack.

5. Dress for the Occasion

I’ve gone camping enough times to tell you that the main thing that will make or break your trip is proper attire. I’m talking layers, sun, rain, and wind protection, and overall durable clothing. I’ll never forget the terrible sunburn I got while hiking in Angeles National forest when I was in the blistering sun for three hours without sufficient coverage. Learn from my mistakes and be sure to pack protective clothing, like Eddie Bauer’s UPF Guide 2.0 Shirt and their UPF Bucket Hat. It goes without saying, but when you’re dressed properly you can spend your time really basking in the joys of camping (cooking included!).

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What are your go-to camping tips, tricks, and recipes? Tell us in the comments!

Our friends at Eddie Bauer have been at the heart of Seattle’s outdoor industry since 1920. After decades of churning out weather-proof outerwear, top-notch trekking gear, and other essentials, the outdoor experts at Eddie Bauer continue to innovate to meet the needs of adventurers everywhere. Get ready for your next excursion with Eddie Bauer.