If you’ve ever been camping with us at Coalcracker Bushcraft, you know there’s nothing better than waking up to the sound of birds chirping, the smell of a campfire, and the sizzle of bacon on a skillet. Out here in the woods, bacon isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. Whether we’re teaching a class at the Appalachian Bushman School or just kicking back by the fire after a long day of bushcrafting, bacon always makes an appearance. But here’s the thing: everyone’s got their own way of cooking it, and let me tell you, it sparks some lively debates around the campfire. So, we thought we’d settle the score—or at least have a good laugh—by breaking down the bacon spectrum and seeing where we all land.

We came across this hilarious chart from @delish that shows the six stages of bacon doneness, from barely cooked to straight-up on fire. It got us thinking about how we like our bacon when we’re out in the wild, and we figured it’d be fun to share with all of you. So, grab a cup of campfire coffee, and let’s dive into the great bacon debate!

The Bacon Spectrum: From Floppy to Flaming

1. Level 1: Barely Cooked
   This bacon is so raw it’s practically still wiggling. It’s soft, chewy, and looks like it just took a quick spin in the pan before jumping out. Our instructor Dan is the only one brave enough to go for Level 1. He says, “I like my bacon to have a little fight left in it—it’s the bushman way!” We’re not sure if he’s joking or serious, but we respect his choice. Out in the woods, though, you’ve got to be careful with this level—make sure your bacon is from a trusted source if you’re going this route.
2. Level 2: Just Getting Started
   Now we’re talking! Level 2 bacon has a bit of color, with the fat starting to render and a slight crisp on the edges. It’s still got some chew, but it’s definitely been introduced to the heat. This is the sweet spot for a few of our instructors: Mike, Sergio, and Dave all swear by Level 2. Mike always says, “Level 2 is perfect for wrapping around a stick and roasting over the fire—it holds up without falling apart.” Sergio and Dave nod in agreement, usually while sneaking an extra strip from the skillet. It’s a solid choice for camp cooking, especially if you’re using a makeshift setup over the flames.
3. Level 3: The Classic
   Level 3 is what most folks picture when they think of bacon. It’s golden brown, with a nice balance of crispy and chewy. The fat is rendered, the edges are starting to curl, and it’s got that perfect bacon look. This is my personal favorite when I’m out in the woods—it’s great for pairing with some eggs cooked in the bacon grease. There’s nothing better than sitting by the fire, listening to the crackle of the logs, and munching on a strip of Level 3 bacon while the sun comes up.
4. Level 4: Crispy Goodness
   At Level 4, your bacon is getting seriously crispy. It’s a deep brown, and it snaps when you bite into it. This is for the folks who like a bit of crunch with their bacon—perfect for crumbling over a foil packet of potatoes cooked in the coals. Our instructor Marc is all about Level 4. He’s always saying, “If it doesn’t snap, it’s not bacon!” I’ve seen him at camp, carefully tending to his strips until they’re just right, and he’s usually the one who ends up eating the whole batch before anyone else gets a chance.
5. Level 5: Extra Crunchy
   Level 5 bacon is for the folks who like to live on the edge. It’s dark, brittle, and basically one step away from turning into charcoal. Some campers love this level because it’s easy to pack for a hike—just crumble it into a baggie, and you’ve got bacon bits for the trail. But others aren’t so sure. I heard one of our students mutter, “This isn’t bacon anymore—it’s a science experiment.” Hey, to each their own!
6. Level 6: On Fire (Literally)
   Okay, let’s be real—Level 6 isn’t bacon anymore; it’s a fire hazard. This strip is so overcooked it’s literally on fire, charred beyond recognition. We’ve all been there, though, right? You get distracted by the beauty of the woods, maybe you’re carving a spoon or setting up a tarp, and suddenly your bacon is a flaming torch. And speaking of Level 6, we’ve got to talk about our instructor Chuck. Every single time Chuck cooks bacon at the Appalachian Bushman School, it’s a guaranteed Level 6—flames and all! It’s become a running joke with everyone who joins us. As soon as Chuck pulls out the skillet, we all start chuckling, knowing we’re about to witness another bacon bonfire. Chuck just grins and says, “I like my bacon with a little extra char—it’s the bushman way!” We love you, Chuck, even if your bacon is more campfire fuel than food.

Why Bacon is a Camping Must-Have

No matter how you like your bacon—or how Chuck manages to burn it—there’s no denying it’s a camping essential. Bacon is easy to pack, doesn’t need refrigeration for short trips if you’re careful, and it’s a high-energy food that keeps you fueled for a day of hiking, fishing, or building a shelter. Plus, the smell of bacon cooking over a campfire is enough to make even the grumpiest camper smile. At Coalcracker Bushcraft, we’ve seen bacon bring people together—whether it’s sharing a strip with a new friend or trading tips on how to get that perfect sizzle over an open flame.

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the fire with your fellow bushcrafters, the sound of bacon popping in the pan, and the promise of a hearty breakfast to kick off your day in the wilderness. Some of us like to wrap our bacon around a stick and cook it like a hot dog, while others prefer the classic skillet method. One of our favorite tricks is to save the bacon grease to cook your eggs or potatoes in—it’s a game-changer for camp cooking.

Share Your Bacon Stories with Us!

So, where do you fall on the bacon spectrum? Are you a Level 1 daredevil like Dan, a Level 2 fan like Mike, Sergio, and Dave, a Level 4 crunch-lover like Marc, or do you channel your inner Chuck and go straight for Level 6? We’d love to hear your bacon stories from the woods! Drop a comment below or tag us on social media with your best bacon-cooking moments. And if you’re looking to up your camp cooking game, check out our range of bushcraft gear at Coalcracker Bushcraft—we’ve got everything you need to cook the perfect strip of bacon, no matter how you like it.

Until then, keep sizzling, keep exploring, and maybe keep a fire extinguisher handy if Chuck’s around. Happy camping, everyone!