Camp Champ

The chuck box is as brilliant piece of camping history. This wooden wonder has carried every piece of equipment necessary to feed a family of four over a long weekend. It’s packed with a stove, pots and pans, bowls, silverware, paper towels and spare propane tanks. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors based on the whims of the builder. They are simple, ubiquitous and endlessly customizable. Like most things, wait long enough and someone will come along and create a better one. Camp Champ has done just this. The price point makes it a bit of an exotic, and that can make it difficult for some people to swallow. I get it. However, this kit is worth every penny. This chuck box is better described as a mobile kitchen and the quality is exceptional in every way.

LARGE guy cooking by seaLARGE open on deck

This is the Mercedes Benz of chuck boxes, no doubt about it. I recently had a chance to witness a demonstration of the Camp Champ while at Overland Expo (West) this year, and I have to say this thing is absolutely beautiful! As an amateur woodworker, I marveled at the amount of detail that went into producing what can only be described as the ultimate chuck box. Every corner was packed with cooking essentials leaving very little wasted space. Each high quality item is arranged with first order access in mind. The entire kit is built around the (included) high quality pots, pans, knives, utensils, 4 burner gas stove, etc.. Due to the sheer amount of items packed inside, the overall unit is fairly heavy, as such, transporting the Camp Champ will require two people. Once placed on the ground, setup is fairly simple. Release two latches and lift the outer box off of the kitchenette, hoist the kitchenette up and place it on top of the outer box. Flat items such as a plastic bag or hand towel are stored under the lids -which fold out to increase prep space. Place the stove on top and plumb in the propane and you are ready to cook. It’s that simple. A video at the bottom of this page shows the unpack/repack process.

CLOSED packed awayCLOSED trash bag
OPEN nothing on topOPEN no stove
Most of us can appreciate handmade products that are intended to last a lifetime (often longer). The sad news is that this type of quality is no longer the status quo. Instead, we are faced with countless isles of poor quality junk -items of planned obsolescence. The good news is that craftsmanship is enjoying a resurgence. It’s on us to support these craftsman if we are to beat back the tide of cheap junk that we all lambaste. The Camp Champ is undoubtedly on the higher end of things, but built with an increasingly rare amount of detail and consideration for the end user. So before you attack the comment section below, consider the amount of courage and sacrifice it takes to start a small company in the face of the big box stores, and consider the important role that the craftsman plays in America and abroad.

Details

  • Price: $5519 USD
  • Complete kitchen equipment for up to six people
  • Dimensions -Closed: 600 mm x 540 mm x 570 mm (roughly 26” x 21 ¼” x 22 ½”)
  • Dimensions -Opened: 1250 mm x 550 mm x 1100 mm (roughly 49 ¼” x 22 ½” x 43 ¼”)
  • Loaded weight: 65 kg (143.3 lbs) Dry weight: 35 kg (77.16 lbs)
  • AW100 marine grade plywood
  • Sealed with heavy duty PUR paint
  • Base is constructed of HDPE
  • Stainless steel hinges
  • Galvanized steel handles and corner guards
  • Aluminum edge protection
  • Covermaster fabric rain cover

LARGE open on deck

Equipment

  • 4 burner gas stove
  • Salt and pepper mill
  • Stainless steel sieve
  • Waterproof cover
  • Chopping board
  • Spice glass set
  • Set of knives
  • Bottle screw
  • Soup plates
  • Big plates
  • Grill pan
  • Percolator coffee maker
  • Coffee cups
  • Cutlery set in holder
  • Pots and pan set
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Kitchen scissors
  • Dessert plates
  • Muesli bowls
  • Whetstone
  • Cushion
  • Grater

 

For 8 years, Brandon cut his teeth building and maintaining high-end Porsche race cars for Autometrics Motorsports, provided track support for NASA, PCA, American Le Mans and Grand-Am events, and competed at PCA-sanctioned autocrosses. During this time, he worked as a mechanic and tire changer at prestigious races such as the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, and helped AMS achieve third place overall in the NASCAR-owned, Grand-Am racing series—the highest of any independent team at that time. For the past 9 years, the skills acquired from his racing background have been directed toward planning and modifying vehicles for overland travel, and organizing trips. When he isn’t traveling, Brandon can be found seeking zen in his workshop or planning his next outdoor adventure.