Sausage cooked on the open fire.

The Braai Utensil Bag

Must-Have Camping Tools for a Hassle-Free Campfire and Braai

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Ah, the joys of a campfire! There’s nothing quite like the moment you realize you’ve forgotten your trusty axe just when you need to chop wood or chip off kindling. Or the frustration of finally getting your fire going, only to find you can’t manage the coals for your “potjie.” To avoid these little camping catastrophes, we’ve found it best to keep everything together in a canvas bag that always stays with our camping gear in the trailer.

Now, a quick disclaimer: the products I mention are ones I personally use and love. No sponsorships here, just good old-fashioned recommendations.

So, in the immortal words of Gollum: “What have I got in my pocketses?”

Let’s dive into the essentials for managing wood, coals, potjies, burger patties, and, of course, meat.

Flint and Steel

Starting from the ground up (or just above it), first on our list is flint and steel. While technology has come a long way since the 11th century BC, this classic combo remains a camper’s best friend. Our “flint” is actually a nifty combo product. One side features a magnesium block, which you can scrape with a knife to create magnesium shavings. These shavings are then transferred to some kindling. Flip it around, and use the back of your knife on the flint to create sparks that ignite the magnesium. The magnesium burns at a super high temperature, giving you a fighting chance to start a fire even in the worst conditions. A bit of bushcraft skill is still required, though—just having this tool doesn’t guarantee a fire. We’ve even managed to start fires with slightly damp wood using this method. It’s our go-to when matches or a lighter just won’t cut it.

Single edged hunting knife

Alright, fellow adventurers, let’s dive into the second item in our magical camping bag: the single-sided hunting knife. Now, let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities. Got it? Good. The knife is a super versatile tool in the wild, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Everything you can do with this knife, you can also accidentally do to yourself if you’re not careful.

First up, let’s talk about flint and steel. I use the cutting edge to shave off magnesium when starting fires and the blunt side to create sparks with the flint. It’s like a mini fireworks show, but with a purpose! This knife is also perfect for cutting, whether it’s slicing up that 2kg fillet when it’s time to feast or dealing with “emergencies” like your kid getting tangled in the guy ropes while setting up the gazebo (cue unimpressed sibling stare).

This trusty blade also goes into the utensil bag because it can sharpen sticks for making delicious campfire “roosterbrood” or cooking your steak if you forgot your braai grid. Versatility at its finest!

Small hand axe

Next on the list is our small hand axe. Unless you’re hauling your own wood, you never know what kind of firewood you’ll find at your campsite. We’ve seen it all, from perfectly chopped pieces that light up easily to what can only be described as logs from a mythical forest. This is where the small hand axe shines, chopping those logs into kindling to get the fire roaring. Just keep feeding the big logs in as they burn, and you’re golden.

We haven’t camped anywhere that allows collecting firewood from the bush yet, but if you find such a place, an axe will be your best friend. Happy chopping and may your campfires always be warm and bright! 

Blade Sharpener

Campers and fellow knife aficionados, let’s talk about the unsung hero of our camping bag: the blade sharpener. This little gem is always handy and can sharpen both your knife and axe, depending on your needs and choice of sharpener. Trust me, most of my knife-related mishaps (read: accidental unintended self-harm) have been with a blunt blade. Whether you’re shaving magnesium, sharpening sticks, or slicing up the fruits of your labour, your knife’s edge will dull over time and need a good sharpening.

Coal Scoop

Now that we’ve got the fire roaring, let’s move on to item number five: the coal scoop. Think of it as a purpose-made spade for moving coals and embers. It’s perfect for scooping coals from the campfire to the braai when they’re ready, or moving coals under your potjie or Dutch oven when making pizza or bread. In short, it moves heat to where you need it most.

Braai Tongs

Next up, at number six, we have not one, but two sets of braai tongs. Each set has its own special purpose, but both can be used interchangeably. First, let’s talk about the long tongs (around 60cm). While the coal scoop is great for moving coals in bulk, these long tongs are perfect for when you need surgical precision. Whether you’re readjusting a log in the fire or moving a single coal to the lid of the Dutch oven, these tongs have got you covered.

The second set of tongs is shorter (around 40cm) and is typically used for managing meat on the braai. If you’re using an open braai grid, these tongs are perfect for turning the meat. But when using a folding braai grid, the real challenge comes when the meat is ready. This is where these shorter tongs truly shine, saving your fingers from burns while taking the meat off the grid.

Spatula

For the love of eggs, let’s talk about the final gem in our utensil bag: the trusty spatula. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill kitchen spatula. Oh no, this one has a wooden handle longer than your average kitchen utensil, making it perfect for the great outdoors.

Mostly used next to the braai, this spatula is a lifesaver for turning “braaibroodjies” on the grid or flipping those juicy hamburger patties. Trust me, tongs just don’t cut it for burgers. It’s also fantastic for removing piping hot “braaibroodjies” with cheese oozing out the sides from the braai grid, whether it’s folding or open. And when you’re making pizza on the Cadac Safari Chef or in the Dutch oven, this spatula is perfect for picking up those delicious creations. Plus, it handles the usual tasks like a pro, so scrambled eggs, here we come!

And there you have it—the contents of our braai utensil bag. I can’t count how many times we’ve been out camping with friends and family, only to find that someone forgot their braai utensils. This kitted-out utensil bag, which always stays in our trailer, has saved the day every single time. So, I highly recommend putting together a bag like this.

Happy camping and enjoy your braai! Or as we say in Afrikaans; “Bye, lekker braai!”

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