Camp tables might be the best addition to an overland camp site’s kitchen. Camping tables serve as a prep station, a place to cook, a wilderness buffet, and maybe even an adventure bar. Best of all, just like an island in your home they become a place to congregate, relax, and share stories. Even if you have a table built into a drawer system or tailgate, we highly recommend adding a freestanding unit to your arsenal.
As is the case with other pieces of camp furniture; the best camping table for your adventures will be cost effective, lightweight, and durable. You will want something large enough to meet your needs, but packs away small so you aren’t stuck packing around it. Or even worse trying to decide if it’s even worth bringing. We definitely have a favorite in this category (the Alps Mountaineering Guide Table), but scroll down the list to see an epic little table… and a bit farther to see what we think is the Rolls Royce of camp tables.
1. SnowPeak Iron Grill Table
If you’re into wellbuilt modular gear… here’s your table. Like anything Snowpeak is ultra high quality and packed to the brim with innovative features. You can go plain Jane and go with the frame, legs and a couple bamboo table top inserts. Or, you can go full into full expedition animal mode and connect multiple frames, pop in a two burner stove insert, and maybe even a bbq box. But, this awesomeness and flexibility doesn’t come cheap.
The lowest price items come in under fifty bucks or so… but that gets you things like shorter legs or a small bamboo table top insert. From there prices rise. But, not unreasonably the price for a two burner insert is on par with something from Partner Steel. And, what’s really cool… most of the inserts can be used without the table frame. For example the full bbq grill has legs so you can cook up some chicken without setting up the whole table. Same with their GIGAPOWER LI STOVE and Baja Burner.
Everytime we see this table on SnowPeak’s Instagram we spend a good 30 seconds drooling over the possibilities this table brings. Is it for everyone… probably not. But, for those who are spend a lot of time in the backcountry and love to cook it totally makes sense.
2. Alps Mountaineering Guide Table
High prices aren’t for everyone. And, in many cases there are better things to spend your hard earned dollars on, especially when you’re just getting started. Don’t fool yourself there are some tradeoffs any time you prioritize price over quality and innovation, but there are good values out there. This table is one of those values.
The Guide Table from Alps Mountaineering is the camp table you’ll find in our adventure vehicles. Packed away in its 8″x9″x31″ carry bag this folding table is not overly cumbersome and its heft (under 25 lbs.) is enough to inspire confidence without fear of throwing out your back. It’s not the smallest or lightest, but that’s what you’re trading off for the really low price.
It has adjustable legs that raise the camp table to a perfect height for standing around while preparing a meal. The legs are also short enough to sit comfortably for a card game. We love it and think it’s an excellent bargain.
3. Helinox One Table (hardtop)
helinox.com
This hard top camp table from Helinox is perfect for small table duty. Especially when you take into consideration two of its weight specifications. First, this table weighs an incredibly scant two pounds. Second, (the stat that blew our minds) this tiny table boasts capacity of 110 lbs. We think it’s perfect between two camp chairs or in the center of a picnic blanket. It stands just over 15″ tall and packs neatly into a small package (roughly 15″x5″x5″).
You’re not going to use this to prepare a backcountry banquet. It’s more of a medium to high table where to or so people can dine or prep a small meal. It’s more suited to a couple exploring the wilderness in a Jeep. Grab one of the other tables in the list if you want to prepare meals for a larger group of likeminded adventures.
4. Stainless Steel Camp Table by Front Runner
This camp table is an impressive piece of gear. It’s robust, well-constructed, and looks amazing. Heck it even fits snugly between your vehicle and a Front Runner roof rack (with optional brackets). The downside… all of that awesomeness comes with hefty MSRP (almost $400). However, if you already have a Front Runner rack, a fat wallet, and a forgiving spouse – we say go for it. This table will not disappoint.
When we’re ready to upgrade from our budget friendly Alps table we will either grab one of these… or go with the Snowpeak modular table above.
5. TemboTusk Camp Table
Image Courtesy: TemboTusk
Buy it: from TemboTusk
TemboTusk crafts a handful of premium overland products. We first saw TemboTusk while searching for fridge slides years ago. But, now the California-based family-owned business is probably better known for the Skottle; a clever cooking disc.
Listed on their site alongside the Skottle and fridge slide you’ll find an awesome camping table. It’s incredibly sturdy, well made, and sports a beautiful bamboo top. If you’ve ever been to Overland Expo; you’ve seen their table supporting delicious sample and a Skottle or two. It’s a great piece of kit and should last a lifetime if you take care of it.
