Overland Kitchen Guide Galley Systems for Camp Cooking

THE OVERLAND KITCHEN: EXPLORING GALLEY SYSTEMS FOR BETTER CAMP COOKING!

by Sibtain Azhar

You’ve built your overland rig with care—big tires, upgraded suspension, a rooftop tent, maybe even a winch for sticky situations. But here’s the real question: is your overland kitchen ready for the adventure? 

A good overland galley system transforms your camp experience from survival mode to culinary delight. Sure, you can get by with a single-burner stove, a spork, and a stash of freeze-dried meals. But if you want to thrive on the trail, share unforgettable meals, and enjoy cooking as part of the journey, then a proper camp kitchen setup is essential. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the pillars of a functional overland galley—from water systems and food storage to camp stoves, cookware, and galley tables—so you can cook with confidence wherever the road (or dirt track) takes you. 



WEEKEND ADVENTURER VS. OVERLANDER 

Your camp kitchen setup depends on your style of travel. 

  • Weekend camping: Toss in a cooler, a two-burner stove, some firewood, and paper plates. Spread out at the campsite, enjoy your meals, then sort out the mess back at home. 

  • True overlanding: You’re on the road for weeks, months, or even years—crossing borders, sourcing food locally, and adapting to new environments. In this case, your overland galley needs to be reliable, organized, and versatile enough to handle long-term travel. 

A well-built galley serves both purposes—perfect for short camping trips, but also tough enough for international expeditions. 

WATER SYSTEMS FOR OVERLAND COOKING 

Every great kitchen starts with clean, drinkable water. On the trail, that means: 

  • Purification: Invest in a reputable water filtration system to ensure safe, good-tasting water for cooking and drinking. 

  • Storage: Military-grade water cans are the gold standard. Choose blue colored containers to avoid mix-ups with fuel. 

  • Dispensing: Make sure your setup allows easy access—whether via a pump, spigot, or gravity-fed system. 

Pro Tip: Protect your water from sun exposure, rough roads, and leaks. Without water, there is no camp cooking. 

FOOD STORAGE IN YOUR OVERLAND GALLEY 

A successful camp kitchen system keeps food organized and protected in two categories: 

Dry Storage 

For staples like coffee, pasta, nuts, and snacks, use a durable, water-tight container (like an Alubox or Drawer system). This keeps bugs, moisture, and crushing at bay. 

Pro Tip: Label containers and add dividers so you don’t spend precious daylight rummaging for granola bars. 

Cold Storage 

For fresh ingredients, you’ll need either: 

  • Rotomolded Cooler (rugged, affordable, bear-proof, but requires ice), or 

If you’re serious about long-term overland travel, a fridge paired with a power system (auxiliary battery, solar, charge controller) is worth every penny. 

Pro Tip: Pre-chill your fridge or cooler before departure. Freeze meat and other perishables ahead of time to extend freshness.  

CAMP STOVES FOR OVERLAND BUILDS 

The camp stove is the heart of your galley. Choose wisely based on your travel style: 

  • Propane/Isobutane Stoves – Easy, efficient, and perfect for domestic trips. 

  • Dual-Fuel Stoves – Run on liquid fuel or even unleaded gasoline—ideal for international overlanding where propane refills aren’t guaranteed. 

Pro Tip: Carry a compact backup stove (like a Jetboil or isobutane burner) with freeze-dried meals for emergencies. 

Cookware, Utensils & Dishwashing 

A well-stocked camp kitchen kit should include: 

  • Lightweight pots, pans, and a skillet 

  • Cutting board + quality knife set 

  • Spatula, tongs, and multi-use utensils (hello, spork!) 

  • Plates, bowls, and cups 

  • Dishwashing bins, eco-friendly soap, and a microfiber towel 

Pro Tip: Collapsible buckets save space and double as dish tubs, water carriers, or even emergency fire extinguishers. 

COFFEE IN CAMP: THE MORNING ESSENTIAL 

For many overlanders, good coffee is as important as good tires. Options include: 

  • French Press – Great for groups 

  • Pour-Over Kits – Perfect for solo cups and easy cleanup 

  • Pre-packed single-serve pour-overs – Lightweight and reliable for backup mornings 

Pro Tip: Store coffee gear in its own pouch so it’s always ready to deploy first thing in the morning and read our article about the Best Coffee Brewing Methods For Overland Travel.  

THE GALLEY TABLE & SHELTER 

Every overland galley needs a stable cooking surface. The best camp tables are: 

  • Lightweight 

  • Collapsible 

  • Easy to clean 

  • Quick to stow 

We love the Eezi-Awn K9 Camp Table, which slides under a roof rack when not in use. Pair your table with a vehicle-mounted awning (like the Alu-Cab Shadow Awning) for shelter from sun and rain. 



MANAGING FOOD WASTE ON THE TRAIL 

Keep your kitchen clean and wildlife-safe by: 

  • Using heavy-duty trash bags inside a secure container (Alubox). 

  • Following local bear country regulations. 

  • Practicing Leave No Trace principles to protect wild spaces. 

FINAL PRO TIPS FOR YOUR OVERLAND KITCHEN 

  • Test at home first. Do a backyard shakedown before hitting the trail. 

  • Redundancy matters. Two stoves? Great. Two dish kits? Overkill. Plan smart. 

  • Stay safe. Always carry a fire extinguisher and follow local fire restrictions. 

  • Light it up. Good camp lighting makes cooking easier and creates a great camp vibe. Discover our range of utility lights and rechargeable lights. 

CONCLUSION: BON APPÉTIT ON THE TRAIL 

A well-equipped overland kitchen setup isn’t just about food—it’s about connection. With a solid galley system, you can cook memorable meals, share stories with fellow travellers, and even invite locals to join your table. After all, food always tastes better when cooked outdoors in the places your overland rig takes you. 

So build your galley, pack your gear, and get ready: the next adventure—and the next meal—is waiting. 

SHARE YOUR JOURNEY 

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, we’d love to hear your story! 

Tag your adventures with @STARSOverland to be featured on our social platforms (Instagram and YouTube). 

Until next time, stay curious, stay inspired! 

STARS Overland Tribe.

by Sibtain Azhar

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