Best Backpacking Grill

If you are someone who enjoys backpacking and traveling, or even just for camping and picnics outdoors, a Backpacking Grill is a perfect tool that will make a quick BBQ simple and easy anywhere you go.

There are many varieties and options from a plain and simple grill, too many additional features to make the experience much more enjoyable.



What Exactly Constitutes a Backpacking Grill

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Backpacking, camping, or even Picnics can be fun and adventurous outdoor activities, which can be enjoyed anywhere you desire.
Either way, the time will come when you get hungry, and it may not always be possible to visit a food store or restaurant, or maybe you want something more natural and home-cooked.

This is where a good backpacker’s grill will come in quite handy and can be loads of fun to add to that.

The main features of any good portable or backpacking grill are that it needs to be THIN, LIGHTWEIGHT, and FOLDABLE.

Most backpacking BBQ grills are ultra-lightweight and can fold up quite small and compact to fit into your backpack smoothly while still sturdy and large enough for you to use and enjoy a good barbecue.


How To Grill When Backpacking

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Here are a few considerations and etiquettes to follow when you decide to barbecue in a camp, picnic, or any other outdoor area;

  • Check for Fire Bans – when planning your trip or deciding on an area, make sure that no fire restrictions or permits are required to make a fire. Likewise, ensure that the area is safe to start a fire and that no dry grass or materials could spread the fire.
  • Prepare Your Meat and Foods – It is a good idea always to trim extra fat from your meat to prevent flare-ups in the fire and to have a bottle of water at hand to control large flames. Also, pre all your foods beforehand and marinate your meats for tasting so that you can barbecue easily in an area where you will not have the convenience and space for food preparation.
  • Freeze Meats – When going on your trip, ensure that your meat is frozen for the day before your trip, or go to your camping site so that it can defrost and not become spoiled in the heat. Likewise, never refreeze meat that has become completely thawed.
  • Pack The Right Tools – Pack in a lightweight and foldable Grill that is clean, with clean tools such as tongues and a fork, and a grill brush, which you will need to cook your food with. Also, remember spices and condiments to flavor your meal with.
  • Area – make sure that the spot where you will make your fire is safe and that there are no trees above or dry grass and branches that can ignite, causing the fire to spread. If an existing fire pit or ring is visible, it is safe and should be your first option.
  • Prep Your Fire – You can start and prep your fire; make sure that the wood or coals are red hot and that all flames are down before placing your grill over the fire. You can use wood or rocks to place your grill on if you do not have a grill with a stand. Although always avoid river rocks as they may explode with heat.
  • Don’t Forget a Lighter – Matches are vital as the rubbing together of rocks for a spark is not always effective or everyone’s forte, so instead, bring a backup.
  • Oil the Grill – Ensure that your grill is cleaned and thoroughly oiled before using it so that meats and foods do not stick to the grill.
  • Clean Up – always leave the area as you found it or in a better condition. Ensure that your damper and the coals are completely out and spread the ashes. Clean up all foods, wrappers, papers, and rubbish you left before leaving the area.

Features of a Good Backpacking Grill

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  • Lightweight – Your Backpacking grill will be carried in your backpack for the entire trip so any good portable gas grill for RV needs to be very lightweight.
  • Durable – Durability and good quality is essential if you want a grill that will not break with the first few uses and that will last. Stainless steel and aluminum are suitable materials to consider in this regard.
  • Stand – Some Backpacking grills come with an additional or built-in stand, which I would say is highly recommended and required so that you do not need to use rocks or wood pieces to hold up your grill.
  • Extras – A few models of backpacking grills come with their own fire pit or stove design for different cooking methods and keep the coals and wood of the fire in one spot.
  • Foldable – Just as important is that your grill can fold up into a small and compact size that easily fits in your backpack.
  • Storage – Most Backpacking and portable grill models will come with their easy storage bag or holder for traveling.

How We Test and Score Backpacking Grills

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These reviews are based on intense research, analysis, and feedback from our experts and real users from different digital platforms.

We spent 23 hours trying, testing, and scoring these Backpacking Grills, for different key parameters and then shortlisted the best products in the market, saving you time and effort.

We used the following parameters for our tests and analysis.

  • Durability – We researched how long users are able to use these grills without any reported changes in their quality or design.
  • Weight – We compared the grills’ weight and looked for strong and lightweight materials.
  • Space-Saving – We checked whether the dimension of the grill is just adequate for its function.
  • Rust-Resistant – We analyzed how effectively the grill material resists rust.
  • Maintenance – We researched how long users are able to use the grill without any reported changes in the quality and how easy it was to clean.

Reviews: The Best Backpacking Grill

Here are some lightweight and compact options in Grill for Backpacking;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
Just so you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


1
Reviewed by: John Max Score: 96.75

This excellent two-in Fire Pit and grill from UCO, the Flatpack, is very popular and of superb quality.
  • The grill consists of durable stainless steel, so it won’t rust and will last you long.
  • You can fold it into a 1.5-inch compact size that will not take up too much space in your backpack.
  • The fire pit comes in regular and mini-size options and folds very small, so you can make a large meal with just a coffee or grill.
  • It has a very stable base for grilling.
  • It is very easy to set up in less than one minute.
  • It contains fire safety, and the fire pit is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
  • Available in a mini or regular size option.


Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Durability25%100
Weight25%100
Space-Saving20%95
Rust-Resistant15%95
Maintenance15%90
Total Score100%96.75


2
The Bushcraft Grill is a heavy-duty welded stainless steel grill with a mesh platform to place all foods on.
  • This backpacking grill is very durable that can last for many years.
  • It is extremely lightweight, so you can carry it everywhere you go.
  • It is foldable and space-saving, so you can put other accessories on your backpack that you will need for your grilling.
  • It comes with a nylon bag, so you won’t lose any pieces when you pack it.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Durability25%100
Weight25%100
Space-Saving20%90
Rust-Resistant15%95
Maintenance15%90
Total Score100%95.75


3
The Wolf Grizzly grill is lightweight and compact, perfect for camping, picnics, and backpacking.
  • Collapses to the size of a water bottle for convenient space-saving storage in your backpack.
  • Adjustable height stands to accommodate any fuel source.
  • It has a carry case, fire starter, cleaning tool, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
  • Made from 100% stainless steel for rustproof durability.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Durability25%100
Weight25%95
Space-Saving20%90
Rust-Resistant15%95
Maintenance15%90
Total Score100%94.5


4
The Nashrio is a portable Camping and backpacking grill made from tough and rustproof stainless steel.
  • Easily collapsible with a hanging option for storage.
  • Very easy to clean and comes with a convenient carry tube.
  • Lightweight and compact enough to carry in your backpack.
  • Excellent design and assembly within minutes.


5
  • This camping stove grill is made of pure Stainless Steel to ensure it lasts even in the harshest conditions.
  • It boasts a large burning chamber of 7x6x4 inches.
  • The stove can work with wood, twigs, leaves, or even branches, as a fuel source while camping.
  • It is designed to perform well in higher and lower temperature extremes.


6
Basic and easy foldable design Grill and Wood Burner from RedCamp is lightweight, easily portable, and compact, not to mention an affordable price.
The Folding Burner and Grill are small, lightweight, and compact enough for your backpack with everything you need for your outdoor barbecue.
  • The grill folds down very flat for easy storage.
  • Almost no assembly is required, and it is very quick and easy to unfold.
  • A stable and sturdy bracket that can even hold skillets and pots.
  • Stainless steel design that will not rust or corrode.


7
  • This compact grill is designed to fit inside a backpack easily.
  • It allows you to heat a meal, water, or coffee over a simple campfire.
  • It measures 12.5 x 6.5 inches in size and stands almost 7 inches tall.
  • This affordable grill is sturdy, with chrome-plated steel construction.


8
  • This is a stable and durable stove grill designed for rugged backpacking.
  • It is made with stainless steel in an ultra-compact foldable design for easy carrying.
  • The grill can take the weight of many kinds of pots, water, and food items.
  • It allows wood burning, spirit burner, coal, gas, and solid fuel tablets.


9
  • This pack grill is made with heavy gauge chrome-plated steel.
  • It is designed for durability and stability on rough ground.
  • You can use the portable grill for campfire cooking, boiling water, brewing coffee, etc.
  • It measures a grill surface of 12 x 6.25 inches.


Index Table: Top Rated Backpacking Grills

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1UCO Flatpack - Foldable Backpacking Grill and Fire Pit
  • Compact
  • Stable
UCO96.75
2Expedition Research Bushcraft - Hiking Grill
  • Campfire Rated
  • Carry Bag Included
Expedition Research95.75
3Wolf Grizzly WG - Backpacking Grill and Fire Set
  • Adjustable Height
  • Carry Case
Wolf Grizzly94.5
4Nashrio Portable - Compact Backpacking Grill
  • Stainless Steel
  • Sturdy
Nashrio98
5kampMATE WoodFlame - Camping Stove
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
kampMATE95.7
6RedCamp Folding - Backpacking Grill & Wood Burner
  • Stable Bracket
  • Flat Storage
RedCamp98
7Coghlan's Silver - Pack Grill
  • Steel
  • 12 x 6.9 x 6.9 Inches
Coghlan's97.6
8Unigear Folding - Backpacking Charcoal Grill
  • Wood Burning
  • Stainless Steel
Unigear96.5
9Stansport Foldable - Pack Grill
  • Chrome Plated
  • 12 x 6.25 Inch
Stansport96.1


About the Author

John Max

John Max is a registered dietitian and certified strength and conditioning specialist based out of Manhattan, NY. He has worked with people of all age groups. In addition, John also has years of practical food knowledge, and hands-on cooking led John to create this website and contribute his knowledge on healthy grilling techniques. John also regularly tests and analyzes the benefits and features of as many grills as possible. Without a surprise, many of our readers love his reviews and testing style for how thorough and straightforward they are.