If you've spent time in 4WD camping communities, you've probably seen the phrase "IGT table" without a clear explanation of what it actually means. This article explains the IGT system, why it's become popular in Australian camp kitchen setups, and what to look for when buying your first IGT table.
What Does IGT Stand For?
IGT stands for Integrated Gear Table. It's a modular camp kitchen system where the table surface is divided into standardised unit slots that accept compatible accessories. Think of it like a puzzle system: the table is the base, and various cooking and camp kitchen components plug into standardised slots — sitting flush with the surface for a seamless, integrated camp kitchen.
The IGT concept was developed in Japan and popularised by camp kitchen enthusiasts who wanted the functionality of a full camp kitchen with the packability of a camping table. It's spread through outdoor communities globally and is now a mainstream format in quality camp kitchen setups.
How Does the IGT System Work?
An IGT table uses standardised unit slots — typically 42cm × 28cm or similar. Compatible accessories are manufactured to fit exactly into these slots, sitting flush with the table surface.
Common IGT-compatible accessories include single and double-burner camp stoves, camp sinks with drain, cutting board inserts, storage tray inserts, and hot plate units. The result is a camp kitchen where everything is integrated at one surface height — no separate stove stand, no table with a stove precariously balanced on top, no tripping over separate legs.
Why 4WD Campers Love the IGT System
The IGT system solves a problem that 4WD campers have faced for years: how do you set up a functional camp kitchen without carrying excessive weight or volume?
A traditional camp kitchen involves a separate stove on its own stand, a separate table, separate storage, and sometimes a separate sink — each piece with its own footprint, legs, and setup process.
An IGT table replaces all of that with one system. You unpack the table, set up the legs, and all your cooking, prep, and storage accessories are integrated. Pack down is the reverse — one system, not four. For longer trips — Cape York, the Gibb River Road, Fraser Island — the daily camp efficiency difference adds up meaningfully.
What to Look for When Buying an IGT Table
Material: Aluminum alloy is the standard. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and rigid enough for camp kitchen use. Avoid chrome steel legs — they rust in coastal environments.
Weight and packed dimensions: A well-designed IGT table should pack flat and light. Check the folded dimensions against your packing space before purchasing.
Compatibility: Not all "IGT" tables use exactly the same slot dimensions. Check that the accessories you want are compatible with the specific table. The Often IGT range uses standardised dimensions across the Fusion Pro, Unity, and Roots models.
Leg height: 38–42cm is kitchen-prep height; 65–75cm is standing-work height. Some tables — like the Often Mission Tactical — offer adjustable height to cover both.
The Often IGT Table Range at NG Mobility
Often Fusion Pro — Heavy-duty anchor. 4 half-size IGT blocks, folded to 45 × 58 × 8cm. The base piece for a serious Often IGT setup.
Often Unity — Lightweight curve-profile IGT. Detachable sections for flexible configuration. Best for campers who want IGT functionality at minimum weight.
Often Roots — Roll-up aluminum + wood-look top, 5kg, stainless steel legs, packed to 81 × 15 × 10cm. The most compact and packable IGT table in the range. Best starting point.
Often Mission Tactical — Full-size adjustable table, 120kg load rating, adjustable 45/65cm height. The heavy-duty camp kitchen workhorse.
Often Craft — Compact adjustable shelf table, 2.4kg, folds to 40 × 35 × 7cm. Ideal for lightweight side-table use.
Often Mobile Kitchen Station — Full 174cm base-camp kitchen with integrated storage cabinet. For extended stationary camps.
Starting Your IGT System
If you're new to IGT tables, the Often Roots is the natural starting point: lightest weight, compact pack, IGT-compatible surface, and accessible price. Use it standalone first, then add Often IGT accessories over time as you identify what your camp kitchen actually needs.
View the full Often Outdoors IGT table range at NG Mobility. Free shipping Australia-wide.
