No matter how you experience outdoor adventure, refueling after a long day outside is crucial. Food is basic to life, and when you’re out on the trail it’s even more important. If you want to eat more than trail mix, hot dogs, and Clif bars, you’re going to need a good set of camping cookware.
There are a few things to consider when choosing cookware for that next backcountry excursion. Like all outdoor gear; not all camping cookware is created equal. Neither are people’s budgets, requirements, or ideal camping experiences. Here is some basic information that will help you pick the best camping cookware set to meet your outdoor cooking needs.
Material. Camp cookware comes in a variety of materials. There is no “perfect” material, however. You’ll need to consider your camping needs and your budget when shopping for a new set.
Stainless steel is a popular choice because of its durability. Unfortunately, it is one of the heaviest options, and therefore isn’t a great choice for backpackers trying keep their gear weight low. But, it is great for vehicle camping.
Aluminum is a good lightweight choice, but it often changes food flavor and doesn’t hold up well to rough usage. However, aluminum conducts heat more evenly and efficiently than Titanium. If you do go with aluminum make sure it’s anodized or coated.
Titanium may be the perfect material for backpacking cookware since it is both strong and incredibly lightweight. It also conducts heat very well, but thin walls may create hot spots. Also, it is often quite expensive, so many budget-conscious adventurers shy away from it.
Set Size. If you’re embarking on a long solo backpacking trip, you can probably get by with just one good multi-purpose pot. If you’re taking the whole family, that just isn’t going to cut it. Instead, you’ll need a larger set. Some sets include different size pots and pans, as well as plates and cups for multiple people.
There are a lot of wonderful camping cookware sets out there. And, it can seem like a daunting task to choose just the right one, especially when you can’t exactly give each one a field test. To help you narrow things down, here are four of our favorites .
HealthPro 3-Piece Titanium Camping Cookware Set
Made from titanium and weighing in at just over 9 ounces, this cookware set is a great option for backpacking. It’s so light, that it’s easy to forget it’s even in your pack.
Also, since this cookware is made from titanium, it won’t leave a funny taste or odd smell in your food like some other materials. This set makes cooking on the trail easier than you expect. The pans nest together to form a sort of double boiler. Cooking this way helps prevent your food from scorching and sticking to the pan, a major bonus when trying to clean up after your meal when there isn’t a convenient kitchen sink nearby.
One small complaint is that the pans don’t fit together snugly. This can cause quite a commotion as they rattle around in your pack. The noise is pretty easily remedied however by stuffing your camp towel in between the pans. It fills the space and stops the rattle. Problem solved.
MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
Made from stainless steel, the MSR Stowaway pot comes in several sizes ranging from as small as 475 milliliters up to a generous 1600 milliliters. They nest like Russian dolls, so you can carry several with you on the trail without eating up too much pack space. However, if one is all you need, one pot makes a handy storage space for rations or even a small camp stove / fuel.
While these pots may not take up a lot of space, they do have some heft to them. They are made of sturdy, yet weighty, stainless steel. The benefit is that they can stand up to some serious abuse. The drawback is the extra pounds in your pack. We think they’re better suited to vehicle-based adventures.
Sea to Summit X Set 31
The most appealing feature of the Sea to Summit X set is its compact size. It is a little heavier than a comparable aluminum set, but features collapsible silicone sides to save a ton of room. The two bowls and two mugs sit perfectly inside of the pot when all five pieces are collapsed.
The pot features a hard anodized aluminum base which is compatible with small camp stove cooking. Some care needs to be taken, however, a direct flame can damage the silicone sides. So don’t use this set to cook over an open campfire.
While the set is almost perfect for family camping, the collapsible silicone can be difficult for small children to manage. When the mugs are full, you’ll want to make sure they use both hands to prevent accidental spills. Some people also notice that cooking in silicone imparts a taste on food or water.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
This set includes everything you need to prepare and enjoy a gourmet meal in camp, on the road, or on the trail. The set includes a 3 liter pot, a 2 liter pot, a lid that doubles as a fry pan, 2 heat resistant nylon strainers, four insulated mugs, four bowls, four plates, and a welded seam stuff sack that doubles as a wash basin. If you need to pack the whole kitchen, this camp cook set fits the bill.
While everything fits inside and packs up into a cozy bundle, this set still weighs in at over two pounds. It works best for car camping trips with the family or a short group trail trip where everyone shares the weight burden of their equipment.
Cleanup is easy with the set’s featured Pinnacle non-stick coating. And if you’re wanting to eat more than simple ramen and rehydrated trail food, this set rocks when it comes to preparing a nice family-style meal.
Whichever camping cook set you choose, make sure you take the time to really enjoy a meal shared in the great outdoors. May it nourish your soul as well as your body. Bon appétit.