Overland Kitchen: Back in the Volvo

This past weekend I pulled the overland kitchen cabinet out of storage — the one I built last summer — and brought it back to life.

It needed a once-over after being dropped and collecting the usual off-season scars. A few small repairs, some sanding, and then a fresh coat of Fusion Mineral Paint in “Soapstone.” The soft tone is a perfect contrast against the dark grey and black interior of the Volvo. Clean. Simple. Purposeful.

After letting the paint cure for three days, I installed new tie-down loops and straps to secure it properly in the cargo area. Solid. No movement. Exactly how it should be.

Then came the fun part — restocking.

What Lives in the Kitchen Unit

Loaded and ready for off-grid meals:

• Dinnerware for two
  
  

• Ultralight stove and cookset (easy to grab for bikepacking or backpacking)
  
  

• Coffee press and hand grinder
  
  

• Medium roast and dark roast coffee
  
  

• Standard food seasonings
  
  

• Pancake mix
  
  

• Cutting board
  
  

It’s everything needed for simple, real meals — not just “camp food,” but proper off-grid cooking.

What Stays in the Separate Tote

Some things deserve their own space.

• CampMaid Dutch oven cook trivet (love this thing)
  
  

• Cast iron pan
  
  

• Cast iron griddle
  
  

• Folding rack
  
  

This setup gives me options:

• Charcoal
  
  

• Fire coals
  
  

• Butane
  
  

• Propane (new stove on order)
  
  

Yes, cast iron is heavy.
But it’s worth the weight.

I’m still downsizing from the Explorer days and figuring out how to make everything lighter and more efficient in the Volvo. The goal isn’t to carry less capability — it’s to carry it smarter.

What’s Next

I’ll be adding a slide-out table beneath the kitchen unit.

Still sorting out the design. Still figuring out how I want it to function. More on that once it’s built and tested.

For now, the base system works. It worked well on last year’s trip, and I don’t see any major changes needed.

The 20L fridge is cleaned up and ready to keep steaks frozen and beverages cold.

And honestly?
I’m pleased with how it all fits.

Lighter.
More intentional.
Still capable.

Looking forward to the first camp of the season.

A full video will be in the works soon, watch this space for updates.