Folding camping tables
A folding camping table gives you a flat surface for food, cooking and gear. Pick the size by how many people eat at it and the material by how far you carry it.
Common types
Roll-top tables have a slatted top that rolls up and a frame that folds; they pack long and thin. Folding-top tables have a solid top that folds in half and carries like a case. Small side tables are for drinks and a torch, and sit beside a chair. Kitchen tables have shelves, wind guards or stands for a stove. See also chairs with a built-in table.
Aluminium or steel
Aluminium is lighter and resists rust, which suits hiking, beaches and humid camps. Steel frames are strong and cheaper for their size but weigh more and can rust if left wet. Plastic and composite tops are easy to wipe; slatted tops let water drain but let small things fall through.
Size and height
A table for two can be small. A table for a family needs more length. Check the height too: a low table works with low chairs, and a table too high for your chair is hard to use. Adjustable legs help on uneven ground.
Using it safely
Keep hot pots on a heat-resistant surface, keep stoves on a table rated for them and away from tent walls, and keep the table level. A table that rocks is more of a hazard than a nuisance.
Care
Wipe off food and salt, let it dry before folding, and keep it out of sun when you can. Check the locks on the legs before each trip.