It doesn’t matter if you spend all your free time backpacking or spend one weekend a year car camping with your family, you will need to eat when you’re camping. It’s a necessity of life. Along with these meals, we all cook together while camping, we need plates to eat the food off of. While it may seem like all plates are created equal, they’re not. In this article, we’re going to break down some of our favorite camping plates and plate sets, as well as talk about why you should choose one over another.
If you want to get back to climbing, get our top choice for camping plates here.
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Favorites for the Best Camping Plates
Our Favorites for the Best Camping Plates
Sea to Summit Delta Camp (Our top pick for a backcountry plate set)
This set includes a plate, a bowl, a cup, and a cutlery set. Each piece has an easy to grip thumb grip that can also be used to attach the bowl, plate, and cutlery together. Sea to Summit makes some pretty amazing backpacking gear, and their plate set is no exception. The gear is lightweight and well designed. This is a respected set of dishes for any backcountry traveler.
Why should you choose this plate set:
If you need a lightweight set of dishes to use on your next backpacking trip and want to invest in some high-quality eating utensils, look no further than the Sea to Summit set.
What makes this set unique:
The base of each piece has a hexagonal pattern that helps to distribute heat easier, making it harder to burn your fingers while trying to eat your delicious backcountry food out of them.
- Lightweight, food grade, cut-resistant polypropylene mess kit designed for camping and backpacking
- Six-piece set includes one plate, bowl, mug, fork, knife and spoon
- Includes a gusseted mesh pouch with drawstring closure for carry or air-drying
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
(Our top pick for sustainable backcountry dishware)
This set includes a bowl, plate, cup, and 3-piece cutlery set and is made entirely from biodegradable materials. In fact, are made from vegetable waste, such as corn and rice husks, meaning no extra plants were grown to make these. They are made by an Australian company and are an amazing choice if you’re looking for a sustainable option.
Why should you choose this plate set:
We all know that plastic isn’t great for us or for the environment, but many of the alternatives to plastic can be bulky and heavy when used in camping dishes. This is a great option for someone looking to minimize the amount of plastic they buy and use, while still enjoying backpacking and camping.
What makes this set unique:
Everything about this set is biodegradable, including the packaging it comes in, but they don’t sacrifice performance for sustainability. The dishes are still super easy to clean and are even dishwasher safe!
No products found.
Our Runner Ups for the Best Camping Plates
Fozzils Solo Pack (Our runner up pick for a backcountry plate set)
This set comes with a plate, a bowl, and a cup, but the catch is that all of them fold completely flat. Each piece starts as a flat sheet with snaps to hold it into its desired shape when you want to use them. They are truly a novelty piece of camping gear but are also amazingly easy to pack and super lightweight, perfect for your next backpacking trip. These are some of the most compact dishes you can find and a great option for a more collapsible camping plate.
Why should you choose this plate set:
This plate set is one of the lightest options on the market today, so if you’re looking for a complete dish set with very little weight being added to your pack, this is the set for you.
What makes this set unique:
The snapping design of these dishes is their main feature and is sure to start lots of conversations throughout your adventures. The snaps hold the shape of the dishes well, but be careful with really hot liquid, as it might damage the snaps if it’s too hot.
- Pack, fold, and store flat
- Lightweight, complete set weighs just 4 oz. (113 gm)
- Non-stick, easy clean
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Camp Casual CC-001 (Our runner up pick for a car camping plate set)
This is a dining set for four people complete with large plates, small plates, and bowls, all featuring a rustic design of campsites. The set is pretty heavy but would be an ideal car-camping set if you frequently go on that type of adventure. The dishes are made of BPA free melamine and are top-shelf dishwasher safe, but are also super easy to clean by hand.
Why should you choose this plate set:
If you’re looking for a complete dish set to add to your van, camper, trailer, RV, or car kitchen, this adorable and functional set might be perfect for you. The plates are durable and hold up to a long life of use.
What makes this set unique:
The artistic designs all across the dishes are probably the first thing you’ll notice about them. It makes them stand out from most other bland or monotone camping dishes, giving your dishes that little extra oomph.
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Value Picks for the Best Camping Plates
GSI Outdoors Cascadian Table Set (Our value pick for backcountry plate set)
This lightweight set comes with a plate, a bowl, a cup, and a three-piece cutlery set. The set is on the more affordable end of lightweight backpacking dish sets and is both easy to clean and pack. It’s not quite as durable as some of the more expensive options, but all the parts are recyclable when they do break, so you won’t be creating extra waste. The set comes with a clip to hold the cutlery together and a mesh bag for storage.
Why should you choose this set:
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and lightweight dish set to take backpacking with you, this just might fit the bill.
What makes this set unique:
The cutlery in this set is made of a thicker material than the plate, bowl, and cup, making it much harder to break them. The cutlery also has wide handles, making them ideal for using, even if you’re wearing gloves.
- FEAST IN THE FOREST: Featuring one 9-inch plate, one 6-inch bowl, one 12-ounce mug, and a full-sized fork, knife, and spoon. The Cascadian 1-Person Table Set is a necessity for all your outdoor dining experiences.
- BRILLIANTLY DESIGNED: The sturdy, wide-handled cutlery fits easily in gloved hands while the lightweight dinnerware washes up easily and can be conveniently stored in the included mesh bag.
- COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: This table set is easy to pack, stack, and carry for all your outdoor dining needs.
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Coleman 12-piece Enamel Dinnerware Set (Our value pick for a car camping dish set)
While this might not seem like the cheapest option, this Coleman set comes with four enamel plates, four enamel bowls, and four enamel cups, making it an ideal family set for car camping trips. This brand is known throughout the outdoor industry for making long-lasting objects, although they tend to be on the heavier side. These enamel dishes are no exception. Their weight would make them horrible for backpacking, but they have a long lifespan, meaning this might be the last set of camping dishes you ever have to buy.
Why should you buy these dishes:
These dishes will last you for ages and are super easy to clean since they’re all completely dishwasher safe.
What makes this set unique:
This set of dishes is made of high quality, crack resistance enamel. This gives the dishes a great finish that will stand up to years of use. These are some of the best enamel camping dishes you can get.
- Classic outdoor dinnerware set ideal for camping and picnics
- Made of durable crack-resistant enamel
- Timeless blue speckled design
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Camping Plates for You
One of the main things to be thinking about when you start to look for your camping plate is the main activity you will be taking these plates with you on. If you’re going to be backpacking, you won’t be looking for the same camping plate as someone who wants to spend a summer living out of their van. Understanding what you value in a camping plate will be important in choosing what details you want your camping plates to have.
Key Differentiators of Camping Plates
One of the main differentiating factors when it comes to any camping gear, including plates, is the weight. If you’re looking for an ideal backpacking plate, you’ll want a super lightweight plate, so you don’t add too much weight to your pack. If you want a set to keep in your car camping bin, you could probably look for something a little heavier and durable.
Another main differentiating factor is material. While this will impact the weight some, you can find both lightweight and heavy plates made out of plastic or stainless steel. The main materials that you will see camping dishes made out of will be plastic, stainless steel, enamel, silicone, and biodegradable, plant-based options.
You should also think about the size of the plates. When you’re backpacking, having a full-size plate may not be that important to you, but if you’re a gourmet car camping chef, you and whoever you’re cooking for may want a full-sized dinner plate to be eating off of. Think about not only what is functional to eat from, but also how big of a plate you have space to store.
Some camping plates and camping dishware sets come with a variety of accessories, from storage bags to cutlery. It is important to consider what accessories you are actually likely to use and what is likely to clutter up your garage. If a set comes with something that is more likely to end up as clutter, maybe you should try to find a set that does not include that accessory.
Other Important Things to Consider When Buying Camping Plates
The price is an important thing to consider when investing in any camping gear. For the most part, most camping dishes are designed to last for years, assuming you clean them well and take good care of them, but some will degrade faster than others.
Think about what it is that you’re going to be paying for when you choose which plate to buy. Are you buying the cheapest option, or are you looking for an option that is a good cost for the lifespan that you are likely to get out of it? The most cost-effective way to shop is always the latter, but it can be tempting or sometimes even necessary to just get the cheapest option.
FAQ about Camping Plates
Here are some commonly asked questions about the materials used to make camping plates and why investing in a good set of camping plates is important in the first place.
What are Camping Plates Made of?
Camping plates can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and enamel. All of these materials used to make camping dishes are also scratch-resistant and hard to break, making them ideal materials to make dishes that are likely to get a little beaten up out of. The type of material you choose will depend on how much you want to spend, how long you want the dishes to last, and how heavy you can have the dishes be.
Melamine vs. Corelle: Which One’s Good for Camping?
In general, melamine is more durable, so it’s a better choice for camping dishes, but there are situations when you might want Corelle instead. Corelle tends to be nicer in appearance, so if your van, car, or camping is going to be your home, you may want to think about the overall look of your home. If this is something that is important to you, Corelle may be better for you. While melamine is the more break-proof option, it won’t last forever, so keep in mind that you will have to replace either with time.
Neither material is great backcountry dishes due to their weight, but they could both be used in a more front country setting. Backcountry dishes are typically made of plastic to help conserve weight.
Why Should You Use Camping Plates?
In most homes, your everyday dishes are likely made of ceramic or china and are likely both expensive and breakable. That style of dishes will not fair well as a camping plate, regardless of if you’re car camping, living your best life in your van, or backpacking. If you want to be able to use your breakable home dishware, the best place beside your home to do that is in a large RV with a full kitchen, but even then, you are likely to break them.
Camping plates are designed to be on the move. They are designed to be able to take some jostling around as they get moved, either in a car, van, RV, or backpack. Camping dishes are often not a huge expense, so it’s not worth it to put your nice home dishes in harm’s way when you can find a cheaper option. Besides, investing in reusable camping plates is so much more sustainable and cost-effective for the long term than using paper dishes.
Summary of the Best Camping Plates
To sum up, here are the best camping plates we looked at today:
Last update: 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overall, there’s a plate out there for anyone. If you want to move into your van or car and start a life on the road, there’s a plate for you. If you spend your summers backpacking all over, there’s a lightweight plate for you. If you have a large family who likes to car camp every now and then, there are cost-effective, durable dishware sets that may be perfect for you.
Remember that these plates are what you’re going to eat off of for three meals a day, so make sure you invest some time and energy into thinking about and then finding the best fit for you. Not all plates are created with the same goals in mind, so finding one that lines up with what you want to do is important.
If you found this post helpful, make sure to also check our reviews on the best camping gears.
> The Best Backpacking Ponchos
