After 12+ Years of Camping, I Regret Not Getting This One Piece of Gear Sooner

You’d think that after camping for over 12 years, I’d have all the camping gear I could ever need. My trusty cast iron skillet and my favorite camp stove are hand-me-downs that have lasted through generations, but I’ve always lacked one essential I can’t believe I’m only getting now. Before my next trip, I’m grabbing the REI Co-Op camp table so I can finally achieve my dream outdoor kitchen setup. It’s sturdy, sets up quickly, and is our top camping table pick to boot — gone will be the days of balancing my stove on uneven terrain.

REI Co-Op Camp Prep Table

When we reviewed camping tables, this one stood out as an all-around reliable piece of equipment that will endure years of outdoor use. Its aluminum surface and steel construction are designed to withstand rugged environments. The legs are individually extendable, so you can maintain a level cooktop no matter how uneven the ground is. Its adjustable height makes it great for standing up to meal prep or for sitting down to enjoy a meal. When you’re ready to pack up, it folds in half and fits into a travel case for easy transport.

The 24- x 49-inch surface provides plenty of prep space, ideal for keeping mixing bowls and cutting boards next to your stove. In all my years of outdoor adventures, I’ve spent more than a handful of them hunched over a stove on the ground or cooking out of my car’s trunk (not recommended). Even when there’s a campground table available, they’re hard to move if the weather turns and I need the cover of a nearby tree while I slice vegetables. This table will be the perfect solution to my camp kitchen woes.

I’m especially convinced after seeing REI shoppers rave about the table, too. They appreciate that the aluminum surface holds up to camp stove heat and marvel at how easy it is to adjust the height from counter level to dining table. It’s exactly what I need, so I’m adding one to my cart immediately.

Shop More Camping Essentials at REI

Gsi Outdoors Carbon Steel 8-Inch Fry Pan

Uco Set of 2 Roasting Forks

Hydro Flask 32-Ounce All Around Travel Tumbler

Alps Mountaineering Camp Chair

Uco Eco 4-Piece Mess Kit

At the time of publishing, the price was $104.