Whether you’re trekking miles into the backcountry or simply cooking at your campsite, your camping utensils should be as portable as possible. Many manufacturers make a camping spoon, knife and fork in a single spork, for example, so that you can carry less weight without sacrificing cooking or eating functionality. Most camping utensils are made from metal (aluminum and stainless steel) or plastic, with each having their own advantages and drawbacks. Aluminum is lightweight but tends to break more easily than other metals, while stainless steel is durable and sturdy. Plastic utensils are cheaper but can warp with repeated use, and some contain the potentially dangerous chemical BPA, or bisphenol A.
Some camping utensils fold flat or disassemble to fit inside a pouch for easy carrying, while others feature a carabiner and/or multitool format. This set from Sea to Summit, for example, consists of a spoon, fork and knife with both serrated and plain edges, all held together by a hook on the end of each that passes through a carabiner hole for easy attachment to your backpack.
This UST set is another good option for camping hikers and trekkers, as its folding spoon, fork and knife fold down to about the size of an index card and fit snugly into a mesh drawstring bag for easy transport. It weighs under 2 ounces, though some campers note that the utensils feel a bit short when using them. Another alternative is this set from Khelif A&C, which has the same dimensions as a standard spork but is made of bamboo instead of metal and includes an organic linen pouch.