Hitting the trail? Whether you’re backpacking through Yosemite or car camping by the lake, good camp cutlery is essential. But with so many sporks and utensil sets out there, how do you choose? I recently put five popular options to the test, and here’s the breakdown:

The Classic Combo: Goetland Stainless Steel Mess Kit

This mess kit from Goetland includes a fork and spoon, both built from a sturdy, no-nonsense stainless steel. The 2 compartment eating tray and cooking pan in one kit could be folded together and secured with a hook, offering lightweight engineering for long treks, camping, outdoor, picnic, etc. It’s great to have a cooking surface and also a plate to share and seal up when you’re done.

While they lack the frills of some of the other options, these utensils are built to last. The spoon is a good size for both digging into stew and scooping morning oats, and the fork tines are nice and strong. Plus: They nest together for compact storage in a pouch or utensil compartment. Downside: They will rattle around inside, if you don’t fill it up with snacks.

The Lightweight Leader: Ka-Bar Tactical Spork

This spork from Ka-Bar is made from a lightweight nylon polymer. It’s surprisingly sturdy, and the spork design is comfortable to hold. It also comes with a handy clip that attaches to your backpack or gear loop. However, the lightweight build does come with a little less rigidity, and some might find the spork head a bit on the small side.

The Multi-Tool Master: Kings County Tools Corkscrew Spork

Kings County’s spork is another multi-tool option. The fork and spoon come out but can be connected to the handle during use. This is in my lunchbox every single day. I use it all the time and love this option. The utensils work surprisingly well, and the spork itself is made from a sturdy stainless steel. Realistically, you probably don’t need a corkscrew, it might be a bit much to carry around – but it’s always good to be prepared.

Ka-Bar Chopsticks: These are a great option for those who prefer to use chopsticks while eating. They’re lightweight and portable, but they obviously won’t work for everything.

The Verdict

So, which cutlery makes the cut? It really depends on your camping style. I have all of these and use them for different purposes. For backpackers or who have limited size and weight, maybe the chopsticks are all you can carry. If you like the convenience of a built-in corkscrew, the Kings County Tools Spork is a winner. For something lightweight and affordable, the Ka-Bar Spork is a good choice (this one is in my bug-out-bag! And if you have no shortage of space, grab the Goetland mess kit plate with the traditional fork knife and spoon.

The flavor is more about the food and the atmosphere than the spoon anyway, happy camping!