There’s something deeply satisfying about making a meal outdoors — whether you’re camping in the woods, grilling at a remote cabin, or just cooking on a mountain trail. Off-grid cooking brings you closer to your food, your surroundings, and the simple joys of life. But it also takes a bit of planning to do it well.

Here’s how to prep and cook delicious, satisfying meals when the nearest kitchen is miles away.

🎒 1️⃣ Pack Smart, Cook Simple

When you’re away from modern conveniences, less really is more. The key is to choose ingredients that pack well and don’t spoil easily.

Go for:

  • Root veggies (potatoes, carrots, onions)
  • Cured meats (salami, jerky)
  • Shelf-stable staples (rice, pasta, canned beans)
  • Hardy greens (kale, cabbage)

Plan simple, hearty meals that can cook over an open flame or a portable stove — think stews, one-pot pasta, foil packet meals, or grilled veggies and sausages.

🔪 2️⃣ Trust Your Tools

Space and weight are limited, so choose gear that does double duty. A sturdy knife and a reliable cutting board are must-haves — they turn rough terrain into a workable kitchen.

Many campers make do with thin plastic mats, but they’re flimsy and prone to slipping on uneven surfaces. A solid wooden board like The True Board provides a stable surface for safe chopping, even when you’re working on a picnic table or the back of a truck tailgate.

Bonus tip: The juice groove and removable bowl in The True Board can help manage mess outdoors too — catching meat drippings or veggie scraps when there’s no sink around.

🔥 3️⃣ Master Fire (Or Bring Backup)

If you’re relying on an open flame, check local fire rules first. Pack dry kindling and a small firestarter — you’ll be grateful when it’s damp outside.

A small portable camping stove is a smart backup. It gives you control and saves time if the weather turns or you’re short on good firewood.

🧂 4️⃣ Season Well, Keep It Simple

Good meals off-grid aren’t about fancy sauces — they’re about fresh air, simple flavors, and good company.

Bring a small kit with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spice blend. A squeeze bottle of OLIVE oil or BEEF TALLOW goes a long way for grilling or sautéing. And don’t underestimate the power of a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar to brighten up whatever you’re cooking.

🧽 5️⃣ Clean Up Without Running Water

Cleaning up is a bit different when you’re off the grid. Pack biodegradable soap, a small scrubber, and a towel. A sturdy cutting board is easier to clean in the field — just scrape scraps, give it a quick rinse if you have water, wipe it dry, and let it air out.

At home, give it a proper wash and oil to keep it in good shape for the next trip.

✨ Enjoy the Process

Cooking outdoors slows you down — in the best way. It turns an everyday meal into an experience: chopping veggies with the breeze in your face, tending a fire while the sun sets, sharing warm food under the stars.

A few simple tools — a sharp knife, a reliable board, a good pot — can turn any remote spot into your own tiny kitchen.

🏞️ One Board, Endless Places

The True Board wasn’t made just for fancy kitchens — it’s built to stand up to everyday meals and adventure meals. Sturdy, reliable, and easy to clean, it’s the kind of tool you can trust to handle your dinner, whether that’s at home or halfway up a mountain.

Wherever you cook, cook well — and enjoy every bite under the open sky.