In the grand scheme of backpacking, every ounce counts, and every tool must justify its weight. But, when it comes to dining in the wilderness, the spork, a clever hybrid of a spoon and fork (and occasionally a knife), has become a culinary workhorse, and with an overwhelming array of choices, how do you dig out the best backpacking spork?
Let’s dive in and unearth the top 10 sporks, dissecting their features, materials, weights, and the pros and cons of each to help you choose your ultimate trail companion.
What is a Backpacking Spork?
A backpacking spork is a smart combo of a spoon and a fork, designed to make chowing down during outdoor adventures a breeze. Imagine having the ultimate eating tool that won’t take up much space in your gear. It is like a versatile sidekick for campers.
Whether you’re scooping up chili or digging into a salad, or on a climbing adventure Yosemite, this little wonder handles it all.
Built to be tough as nails and lightweight, it’s made to survive the great outdoors. So, as you’re out exploring nature’s wonders, let the backpacking spork and the best mess kit be your trusty mealtime companion – it’s the camper’s essential meal hack!
Table of contents
- What is a Backpacking Spork?
- 10 Best Backpacking Sporks in 2023
- 1. Best Ultralight Option: Sea to Summit AlphaLight Long Spork
- 2. Best Titanium Contender: Snow Peak Suku Titanium Spork or Foon
- 3. Best All-in-One Solution: Light My Fire Original BPA-Free Tritan Spork
- 4. Ka-Bar Tactical Spork
- 5. Best Foldable Design: MSR Folding Spork
- 6. Most Unique: GSI Outdoors – Kung Foon Spork
- 7. Most Durable: Toaks Titanium Spork
- 8. Best 3-in-1 Utensil: UCO Utility Spork
- 9. Best Solution for Mess-Free Camping : morsel Spork Standard 5-in 1
- 10. humangear gobites duo spork
- What to Look for When Buying a Backpacking Spork
- Conclusion
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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10 Best Backpacking Sporks in 2023
Sporks are an important invention for backpacking. This is a wonder because using multifunction, plastic utensils, is such an effective way to eliminate plastic waste which pollutes waterways and urban landscapes.
Moreover, maybe more astonishing is the creativity and innovation used by manufacturers to make various varieties/styles of fire plastic spork to suit a range of requirements or preferences. Is that true? It’ll surprise you.
They are divided according to functional capacities, length, and strength, material prices, etc. All this reaches the surface.
1. Best Ultralight Option: Sea to Summit AlphaLight Long Spork
Features:
- Lightweight, weighs only 0.48 oz
- Spork length: 6.5 inches | Knife length: 7 inches
- Hard anodized aluminum
- Mini Carabiner holds set together
Weighing just a smidge over a feather at 0.03 lbs, the Sea to Summit alphalight is made hard-anodized aluminum, making it tough as nails. Its mini carabiner helps keep it tethered, reducing the odds of it being lost in the abyss of your backpack.
The Sea to Summit AlphaLight utensil set is ridiculously light and easy to clean, but also boasts an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip. Furthermore, the knife serrated edge is sharp enough to cut through a thick cooked steak.
This alphalight long spork works well too. Even though it’s not super deep, it’s perfect no matter what you’re eating and deep enough to be good for eating soup. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and feels more like regular silverware.
The spork’s nice round spoon and minimalist appearance can be used for camping or use it every day for lunch at work. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual camper, or a backpacking gourmet enthusiast, this versatile and long handle spork is an essential companion for your outdoor gear collection.
Bottom line, this Sea to Summit alphalight long spork set is worth the splurge since, it’s durable and will last the miles. But, if you’re a serious backpacker, have the money to spare, and are taking weight limits seriously, then splurge on this one. You may need to cough up those extra few dollars when your fellow camping mates steal your set.
Pros:
- It’s the definition of ultralight.
- Durable and comes with a carabiner.
- Easy to Clean
- Ergonomic
- Long handled spork great for deeper canteens
Cons:
- The aluminum can conduct heat making it a bit hot to handle with boiling meals.
- Pricey
- Fork tines may bend easily
2. Best Titanium Contender: Snow Peak Suku Titanium Spork or Foon
Features:
- Lightweight at 0.317 ounces
- Long tine and great for eating noodles
- Doesn’t get hot easily
Whether you like to camp or just crave efficiency, this Snow Peak titanium spork is for you, weighing in at 0.317 ounces. This titanium “foon” marvel from Snow Peak offers an impressive balance of strength and weight.
If you’re looking for a smaller bowl and longer tine, then this one is a bit more forky and less spoon. Even more, it’s perfect for grabbing a chunk and a scoop of the meal. It’s easier to eat noodles than a normal spork while also easier to eat rice than with a normal fork.
The Snow Peak spork is not just your average camping utensil. Since it’s made out of titanium, it doesn’t get hot so easily and is super light as a feather. You’ll appreciate the longer handle when you scoop out that last bit of noodle out of your 25 oz canteen cup.
Whether you’re enjoying a warm bowl of soup or savoring a hearty meal, this snow peak spork has got you covered.
The knife edge and compact spork come in handy for cutting soft food items or spreading condiments, adding to its multifunctional charm. Invest in this Snow Peak titanium spork for an eco-friendly and space-saving solution to enhance your winter camping adventures.
Pros:
- Corrosion-resistant
- lightweight
- Robust due to its titanium construction.
Cons:
- A bit pricier compared to other options.
3. Best All-in-One Solution: Light My Fire Original BPA-Free Tritan Spork
Are you looking for a versatile and feather-light dining companion for your winter escapades? The Light My Fire spork is your answer!
Crafted from heat-resistant Tritan, this spork is designed to withstand the rigors of cold weather camping. Furthermore, not only that it weigh only 0.03 lbs and it won’t burden your backpack but also it’s BPA-free, ensuring safe and healthy meals during your winter adventures.
With a built-in knife edge, this spork has all the ingredients to make your outdoor dining experience delightful and hassle-free. Add the Light My Fire spork to your camping cookware, and prepare for a feast of convenience and enjoyment amidst snowy landscapes.
Pros:
- BPA-free
- heat-resistant
- integrates three tools into one.
Cons:
- Some users have reported the knife edge isn’t as sharp as they’d like.
4. Ka-Bar Tactical Spork
The Ka-Bar Tactical is one of the most durable sporks you’ll find. It’s crafted from polymer plastic material plastic. Though heavier compared to the others listed, this weighs in at 1.41oz and is 7″ long.
One of the best features of a camping combined spoon fork is its ability to be separated in half, making it multifunctional. The spoon is big enough to heap up a good bite of solid foods though, even for a grown-up.
Nonetheless, the spoon is insufficient in size. It resembles a baby spoon designed for young children. The spoon’s contour does not align with adult lips, unlike a typical spoon. Additionally, the tines on the backpacking spork make it challenging to eat any liquid-based foods such as broth or soup. Each sporkful will yield only a few droplets of liquid, leaving you no choice but to resort to drinking your broth straight from the bowl. (Mom, manners go out the door when camping!)
However, if you are eating ramen noodles, you need to get a good bite of the meat, noodles, and vegetables, just not a whole lot of broth along with it, due to the size, and the leakage and dribbling issues.
One of the best features of this camping plastic utensils is the knife’s ability to be separated in half, making it multifunctional. The KaBar spork’s knife outshines plastic disposable knives in terms of performance. Although it’s made of plastic and requires significant effort to cut through food, the pointed tip and serrated blade make it efficient in cutting meat or other food items.
The knife’s sharpness is noteworthy and surpasses that of throwaway knives, which are flimsy and often insufficient for cutting. While it may require a bit of elbow grease, the KaBar spork’s knife is a great tool for outdoor activities and eating on the go.
And this plastic spork can be used as a deadly defense weapon if really needed (the knife), this tool is more than capable.
Get this durable save your life by transferring life-giving sustenance to your craw Ka-Bar on Amazon for For $7.95
Pros:
- Knife is decently sharp
- serves in a pinch as emergency utensil
- great value for money
Cons:
- Rattles a bit between connecting parts
5. Best Foldable Design: MSR Folding Spork
Features:
- Weight 0.09 pounds
- Folded: 5.5 inches, Open: 10 inches
The MSR Folding Spork offers a lightweight, compact, and unique design that collapses for easy storage. Crafted from BPA-free nylon and weighing a mere 0.02 lbs, it’s a dream for those counting every ounce. Constructed from lightweight and durable materials, it fits seamlessly into your gear.
The compact folding mechanism optimizes space, while the spoon-fork combination tackles any meal with ease. Its smooth edges ensure comfort, even during extended use.
All in all, the MSR Folding Spork’s durability makes it a reliable companion through countless adventures. Elevate your outdoor dining with this space-saving marvel – an essential tool that adds practicality and finesse to your hiking gear arsenal.
Pros:
- Compact
- foldable design
- BPA-free
Cons:
- May not be as durable as metal options.
6. Most Unique: GSI Outdoors – Kung Foon Spork
Features:
- Material: Wood, Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.58 ounces
- chopsticks insert into spork handle
This GSI Kung Foon offers a distinctive feature: a combination of long-handled utensils and chopsticks, perfect for noodle dishes. Weighing 0.05 lbs, it’s a statement piece with both a smooth bowl and wood chopsticks, which works well reaching down into a MRE or deep canteens on the trail.
This bad boy is like a fusion of chopsticks, a fork, and a spoon, making it perfect for any kind of cuisine you’re craving on the trail. It comes with tin case, but this container is a total waste of space and not worth it for the weight penalty. Ditch it. Put the backpacking spork in the bowl and stash the chopsticks in your pack pocket.
What could be improved? The chopsticks are flimsy and no other chopsticks will fit in their place. They could be sturdier. That said, its a really good spork though. Very comfortable in the hand.
Overall, the spoon bowl is a good shape and the fork actually works. The chopsticks are basic bamboo but nicely executed.
Pros:
- Chopsticks are perfect to reach into deep MRE’s
- Sturdy spork
- versatile use
Cons:
- thin chopsticks and can’t be switched out
7. Most Durable: Toaks Titanium Spork
If you’re in search of a backpacking spork that offers even more functionality, the FinessCity Titanium Spork with Bottle Opener might be the perfect choice. Moreover, they are made from lightweight titanium, this spork weighs 0.7 ounces, is not only durable but also features a built-in bottle opener for added convenience.
Because it’s titanium, so you’ll have no doubts or concerns when running it across a hot cast iron that would other sporks.
The spoon is of a good size, unlike other camping sporks that compromise size for lightweight design, resulting in food falling off before reaching your mouth. Also, the bottle opener functions well, but what intrigued me most was its ability to attach the spork to a pot or cup, preventing it from getting lost..
Its compact size and affordable price make it a great option for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the only con (which I have with every spork), is the stabbing ability of an actual fork. Had to pick up sausage from the grate via spoon method. I would certainly do without the fork part of the spork in favor of tongs…. Spongs!
Upgrade your camping utensils with the FinessCity Titanium Spork at Amazon for
Pros:
- High strength
- lightweight.
Cons:
- The prongs are somewhat short, which might not be ideal for spearing certain foods.
8. Best 3-in-1 Utensil: UCO Utility Spork
Features:
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 0.5 ounces
- Length: 7 inches
- 2 holes for attachment points to fasten to pack
A three-in-one utensil, the UCO Utility Spork features a spoon, fork, and a serrated fork edge for basic cutting. It’s heat and corrosion-resistant, and at 0.5 ounces, it’s ready to tackle any meal. Crafted with precision, it combines the power of a spoon, fork, and knife in one sleek design. Since it’s lightweight titanium, as a result, it’s built for the trail without weighing you down.
In fact, whether you’re digging into a hearty stew or slicing through a piece of fruit, this spork has you covered. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, and the compact size fits perfectly in your gear.
Elevate your camping cuisine with the UCO Titanium Spork – the versatile, space-saving tool every hiker needs.
Pros:
Get ECO Utility 3-in-1 on Amazon for $5.99
- 3-in-1 utensil
- heat
- corrosion-resistant.
Cons:
- The serrated edge might not be sharp enough for all cutting needs.
9. Best Solution for Mess-Free Camping: morsel Spork Standard 5-in 1
Features:
- 5-in-1 combo cutlery set: Spoon, fork, knife edge, spatula, and gear scraper all in one.
- Weight: 0.598 ounces
- Length: 7.5 inches
- A flexible rubber edge ensures no food is left behind, minimizing waste.
- Crafted with a strong knife edge for precision cutting, no more struggling with your camping food.
One end is a fork, the other a spoon and spatula with a strong knife edge for cutting -Picture this: a single utensil that combines the finesse of a spoon, the piercing precision of a fork, the cutting prowess of a knife, and the convenience of a spatula. That’s the Morsel Standard Spork for you.
The serrations on the outer fork tine might not be ideal for cutting due to their shallow angle. However, this utensil is thoughtfully designed to prioritize handling comfort.
The real standout feature is the silicone-edged ‘spoon’ end. Its offset bowl offers a continuous silicone scraper on one side, making it exceptionally versatile. Also, the deep spoon bowl near the handle easily scoops up generous portions of soup or food. When used with a smooth silicone bowl or plastic plate, it excels at cleaning up every last bit, simplifying post-meal cleanup.
Beyond dining, the silicone edge proves handy for campfire cooking, effortlessly stirring various camp foods in a backpacker’s fry pan. This spork has proven its worth during breakfasts with oatmeal, BBQ pulled pork, and hearty chili.
While it may not match the lightweight and heat-resistant properties of a Titanium Long Spoon, the Morsel Spork earns its place in my backpacking meal kit. It’s a reliable companion that handles its share of the load.
Get the morsel Spork Standard on Amazon for $8.95
Pros:
- Super long handle
- Flexible rubber edge maximizes food retrieval and minimizes waste.
- Precision knife edge for efficient cutting.
- Easy to clean
- Feels good in the hand
- Bright and easy to see
Cons:
- Not great for soups since the “bowl” of the spoon is really shallow.
- Fork it is super hard to stab things with- you’ll need to scoop instead
- Hole in the center of the handle on the fork side that can collect food.
Get Esbit Titanium Spork on Amazon for $27.80
10. humangear gobites duo spork
Features:
- Weight: 1.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.0 inches long, 2.5 inches wide
- Material: BPA-free Tritan plastic
- Two-piece design with a locking mechanism
The GoBites Duo performs very well as a backpacking spork. It is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for carrying on long hikes. It is also compact and easy to pack, which is important for backpackers who are trying to save space. The GoBites Duo is also versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as eating soup, cereal, and trail mix. The unique two-piece design with a locking mechanism makes it easy to use and clean.
One potential improvement for the GoBites Duo is to make the spork head more durable. Some users have reported that the spork head can break if it is dropped or used to cut through hard foods. Another potential improvement is to make the locking mechanism more secure. Also, some users have reported that the locking mechanism can come undone if the spork is dropped or jostled around in a backpack.
Overall, the Humangear GoBites Duo is a great backpacking spork. It is lightweight, durable, compact, and versatile. Also, it has a unique two-piece design with a locking mechanism that makes it easy to use and clean. However, it is important to note that the spork head may not be durable enough to withstand hard foods, and the locking mechanism may not be secure enough to prevent the spork from coming undone.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Compact and easy to pack
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks
- Unique two-piece design with a locking mechanism makes it easy to use and clean
Cons
- Spork head may not be durable enough to withstand hard foods
- Locking mechanism may not be secure enough to prevent the spork from coming undone
Get it on Amazon for $8.49
What to Look for When Buying a Backpacking Spork
Recommended reading: Best Backpacking Saw – Cutting Edge Reviews
Consider the following factors to ensure you make the right choice for your outdoor adventures before investing in a backpacking spork
Weight:
Every ounce counts when you’re backpacking, so you want a spork that’s as lightweight as possible. Look for a spork made from a durable but lightweight material, such as titanium or plastic.
Durability:
Your spork is going to be taking a beating on the trail, so it needs to be durable enough to withstand the elements. Avoid flimsy plastic sporks that are likely to break easily. Instead, look for a spork made from a strong material, such as titanium or stainless steel.
Function:
A good spork should be able to handle a variety of tasks, from eating soup to cutting cheese. Make sure to choose a spork with a serrated edge, so you can easily cut through tough foods. And look for a spork with a deep bowl, so you can slurp up soup and cereal without spilling.
Ergonomics:
You’re going to be using your spork a lot on the trail, so it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable to hold and use. So, look for a spork with a handle that’s the right size for your hand and that has a non-slip grip.
Price:
Backpacking sporks can range in price from a few dollars to over $20. It’s important to find a spork that fits your budget, but don’t skimp on quality. Most importantly, a good spork will last for years, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! From the ultralight Sea to Summit spork to the durable Toaks Titanium Spork, this list of the best backpacking sporks provides a versatile selection catering to a range of outdoor culinary needs.
Remember, the best spork for you will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s weight, multi-functionality, or material. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to select the spork that will best serve your wilderness gourmet experience.
In the wild outdoors, these petite tools punch above their weight. The humble spork, often overlooked, can truly transform your outdoor dining experience. Choose wisely, and this little utensil might just become your most valued trail buddy! Bon appétit, backpackers!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Most backpacking sporks are dishwasher-safe. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your spork in the dishwasher. If hand washing, simply wash the spork with warm water and dish soap. Be sure to rinse the spork thoroughly and dry it completely before storing it.
Yes, many sporks are heat-resistant and suitable for use with hot foods. However, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure.
Titanium sporks are worth the investment for weight-conscious backpackers who prioritize durability and minimalism.
Backpacking sporks are typically made of plastic, titanium, or stainless steel. Furthermore, plastic sporks are the lightest and least expensive, but they are also the least durable. Titanium sporks are more durable and lightweight than stainless steel sporks, but they are also more expensive.
There are two main types of backpacking sporks: folding sporks and solid sporks. Folding sporks are designed to be compact and easy to pack, while solid sporks are more durable and can be used to cut through harder foods.
When choosing a backpacking spork, consider the following factors:
Weight: How important is weight to you? If you are backpacking, you will want to choose a spork that is as lightweight as possible.
Durability: How durable do you need your spork to be? If you are planning on using your spork to cut through hard foods, then you will need a more durable spork.
Price: How much are you willing to spend on a backpacking spork? Backpacking sporks can range in price from a few dollars to over $20.
Here are some tips for using a backpacking spork:
Use the spork to eat a variety of foods. Backpacking sporks can be used to eat soup, cereal, trail mix, and other foods.
Cut tough foods with a knife. If you are trying to cut through tough foods, such as steak or carrots, use a knife instead of your spork.
Clean your spork after each use. It is important to clean your spork after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.
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Last update on 2024-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
