camping cookware
You might be surprised at how much more relaxing good camping cookware makes the end of a long day. Fighting with dented, tippy cookware that sticks burnt food to the bottom of the pan can really take the shine out of the sunset. So here are some things to look for when choosing cookware for your next adventure:
Most important, make sure to choose cookware that's compatible with your camp stove. Many camping stoves require specific pot sizes and shapes to work properly, so it's important to choose cookware that will work with your stove.
When it comes to backcountry camping, weight matters. You don't want to be lugging around heavy pots and pans when you're trekking. Look for cookware that's made from lightweight materials such as titanium or aluminum.
When space is at a premium, it's important to choose cookware that can be used for multiple purposes. Consider nesting pots or a pot or pan that can double as a plate or bowl to save on space.
While lightweight materials are important, you also need cookware that's built to last. The last thing you want is for your pots and pans to get dented or damaged on the first trip. Look for cookware with strong materials and reinforced handles.
You also want cookware that distributes heat evenly to prevent hot spots that can burn your food. A non-stick surface will make cooking and clean-up a lot easier, especially when you're in the backcountry and all you have is water.
camp cookware reviews
MSR Alpinist 2 Camping Cook Set
MSR calls this a "single pot, 2-person cook system," which comes with a 2.4L hard anodized aluminum pot, a strainer lid, deep dish plates, a pot handle, and insulated mugs.
This cook set easily boils water, simmers, and handles basic cooking. It has efficient heat distribution and quick boiling time. The pot lid doubles as a strainer. Frying and sauteing are not so much on the menu and large meals should be planned as courses or seat-times if you have more than a couple campers.
The nesting design packs down to 7.75 x 4.75 in (19.7 x 12.1 cm) and weighs 1 lbs 7 oz (640 g). They're resistant to dents and scratches, although the non-stick coating can start to wear off with longtime use.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
This is a four-person set that includes: a 3 L pot, 2 L pot, 2 strainer lids, 9-inch (23 cm) fry pan, four mugs with insulated sleeves, four bowls, four plates, four sip-it tops, folding pot gripper, and welded sink/stuff sack.
Everything fits neatly inside each other, saving space in your backpack. The whole thing packs down to 9.1 x 5.8 inches (23 x 15 cm) and weigh 3.63 pounds (1 kg 646 grams). This is relatively heavy if you're watching your pack weight. We typically divide overall weight between trekkers so we can easily get the convenience of one cookset.
Made of anodized aluminum and coated with Teflon Radiance, it withstands outdoor use and is resistant to scratches and dents. All of the components nest together perfectly into the storage bag that doubles as a camp sink. And take it from me, standing up to wash your dishes is a hell of a lot easier on the back than crouching at the water's edge the whole time you're scrubbing.
With two pots and a fry pan, you have good options for various meals. The insulated sleeves keep drinks hot or cold. The mugs, sleeves, lids, bowls and plates are color-coded so there’s no mix ups. Great for late night "poker games."
Caution: the handles get hot during cooking. They're straight metal, no protective sheath so have some clothes handy to use as oven mitts!
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Backpacker
With this durable, 2-person cookset, you get 2 L pot, an 8-inch fry pan, a strainer lid, two 14 fl. oz. (397 grams) mugs with insulated sleeves, two 14 fl. oz. (397 grams) bowls, 2 sip-it tops, a folding pot gripper, and a welded sink/stuff sack.
The nesting design allows for compact storage, saving valuable space in backpacks. Condensed, the cookset measures 8.2 x 8.2 x 5.4 inches (21 x 21 x 14 cm) and weighs 3.6 pounds (1.6 kg).
Lightweight hard-anodized aluminum construction is resistant to scratches and dents. The pots distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of burning your food. Added bonus with "his" and "her" colour-coded mugs, sip tops and bowls, and a stuff sack that doubles as a sink.
Caution: the handles get hot during cooking. They're straight metal, no protective sheath so have some clothes handy to use as oven mitts!
Sometimes the lids don't fit snugly, leading to heat loss and potential spills. And like all pots, the non-stick coating tends to wear off over time.
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used a cooking set I reviewed and you have something to add that could help other campers, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a set you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll pass it on.
Your fellow campers thank you!
