To cook, or not to cook?

We are in car camping, so there is no need to go lean. I like the stove for a few things, the most significant of which is coffee.

Hey good idea.

I am in car camping as well - but before I get in that car, I will be on a plane, hence the "lean and mean" packing approach.

And I wasn't sure how to describe the stove I have - it's not as big as a "Coleman camp stove", but not necessarily "backpacking" size either.

And it isn't necessarily "just the stove" - there would also be a pot and pan, and associated utensils as well, to cook in/with.

I'm not looking at paring things down to "minimalist" levels - I already know that my gear is going to take up 3x "cases", so I know I'll have to check one of them (and I will likely have some items that may not be "carry on friendly" anyway - all legal, just not kosher to bring in carry on). Just looking for thoughts about whether there is something else that might be better to bring - even though all the cookware likely is only going to take up a square foot (if that), that means one less square foot of other gear.

I did a similar thing for Mountain Jam a few years ago, but I had airline "perks" then where I didn't have to pay for checked baggage, so I had 4x cases of gear (2x carry on, 2x checked) - unfortunately, I don't have those perks anymore. I did bring a lot more on that trip than I really needed, so I figure I can scale down to 3x cases, and I'll "only" have to cough up $50 or so in bag fees, which isn't too painful.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to bring the stove and stuff, but it made more sense to me to ask for advice now while other folks are at the same stage of assembling their gear. Not sure how many replies I'd get next Tuesday.

if you find yourself without a place to cook and you find my smiley face flag in car camping, you're welcome to my stove, utensils, etc

 This is what I love about the people on this board, always willing to share like Sneake, Worf & Suebhunny & the list goes on & on. You see it so much of if I can help or direct you & at the meetup last year everyone bringing more than what we could all handle. I get a little sappy but I love you people.  The rest of the world could learn from this board.

Did I see there's going to be a Farmer's Market at Lockn'? I plan on "vegging out" all weekend.

After several years of packing way too much food and cooking very little of it at festivals, we've pretty much decided light is the way to go. Especially for a fest like Lockn, where everything is centrally located, and the music doesn't stop. I just haven't been willing to skip a whole set (or two) to trek back to camp for a meal (though that may change this year since forest camping is closer).

Usually, we just bring some granola/snacks, a loaf of bread and tomatoes/bananas for sandwiches. We try to choose items that will do double duty for both the brunchy stuff and the late night munchies. Then we'll have a real meal at the venue each evening. There are some pretty decent menu options, many of which are both veg/vegan and wallet friendly.

Also, If you're a big breakfast kind of person or need that caffeine fix, they do have early and late vendors set up near the camp sites, so you shouldn't have to walk too far.

i pack big for breakfast, light for snacks/dinner. i ALWAYS end up making breakfast for my neighbors. i make big ass, greasy, salty, spicy, starchy breakfast burritos. it's the bee's knees

I found the same thing, breakfast was the main meal for cooking and something to do in the morning--and my daughter advised it makes up for bothering the neighbors with my snoring.

At most I fixed a sandwich during shower/cocktail hour (Wilco sets). A tub of pimento cheese is good for this b/c it's good grilled or at breakfast, too. (hint: buy cheapo and stir in shredded quality sharp cheddar)

Just finished planning our menu for Lockn. Breakfast and lunch everyday at camp. Some dinner options and definitely some late night snacks, I always like to make things that are easy, but good quality.

Bring $.50. :-)

I know where I'll be in the morning.


Beats the pricey coffee i bought from the coffee vendor last year.