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14 Best Backpacking Cookware Reviews – Updated for 2022!

The best backpacking cookware consists of pots and pans that provide the necessary materials to prepare a meal while camping or hiking.

Backpacking can be considered an extreme sport. It also forms part of other outdoor activities such as mountaineering and trekking expeditions which require one to carry all their supplies from food, shelter, cooking equipment, and cooking tools.

Depending on the length of your trip and the number of people in the group, you should also consider what type of cooking will be done (boil water for dehydrated meals or perhaps prepare fresh food that needs to be cooked over a flame). All these factors need to be considered when outfitting yourself with an appropriate set of cookware for outdoor trips.

Related: Best RV Cookware

Best Backpacking Cookware - Reviews

1. MSR PocketRocket Backpacking Cookware

MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking and Camping Stove Kit

One User Raved: “Took it in a backpack trip to grand Teton. Everything worked well. No problems at all. Look forward to having this fur a long time.” Read More

  • Price: $109.99
  • Rating: 4.8

MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking and Camping Stove Kit can easily be listed amongst the best camping cookware for the family. The package includes all the elements required to prepare a meal for two people while camping. 

The kit includes the stove itself, top quality 2-liter anodized aluminum pot with a heatproof grip, two dual-wall insulated mugs, two intense dish bowls, and a strainer cover.

The complete kit fits in the cooking pot and weighs around 732 grams making it lightweight and compact. 

The PocketRocket canister stove provides a timely process and can boil around 1 liter of water in 3.5 minutes.

Apart from that, the free utensils provided by PocketRocket ensure quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you are on an outdoor trip or hiking.

The dimensions of the complete package are 6.5×6.5 inches. It is available in only one color and the fuel required is petroleum gas (would be purchased separately). 

2. Snow Peak Multi Compact Backpacking Cookset

Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset

One User Raved: “Aluminum…exactly as ordered and wanted. Hard to find . Snow Peak quality and received with no damage. I recommend vendor and Snow Peak !” Read More

  • Price: $51.99
  • Rating: 4.6

Snow Peak multi compact cook set is amongst the best camping cookware for gas stoves and open fire.The pots are entirely made up of aluminum. The set includes two pots with covers made up of aluminum.

The handles are foldable to make it easy to carry while traveling. The rims are rounded for better heat diffusion and so that it can be cleaned easily. 

The set includes 26-fl. oz and 34 fl. oz pots along with the covers with foldable handles. The covers can be used as saucepans and fry pans as well.

The dimensions for pans are 12 fl. oz for the saucepan and 17 fl. oz for the frying pan.

The Inner nesting pot is made to carry a 250g or 110g fuel canister that you need to buy separately. 

3. GSI Outdoors Camping & Backpacking Cookware

GSI Outdoors Camping Cookware

One User Raved: “This will be a perfect cook set for me and my wife and our small camper. Very good quality and well-thought-out design. I’m really happy with this purchase.” Read More

  • Price: $129.99
  • Rating: 4.7

Gsi Outdoors, Bugaboo Camper cook set can easily assist you as your backpacking cooking gear.

GSI Outdoors cook set is for sure the best camping cookware for the family that includes a 3-liter pot, a 2-liter pot, a 9” fry pan, 2 strainer covers, four 7.5” plates, four 14 fl. oz mugs, four sips through covers, a folding pot handle, four 14 fl .oz polypropylene bowls and a welded stuff sack to keep all the items in the order and to work as a washing sink. 

The pots and pans are coated with Teflon classic. Additionally, the strainer covers are crushproof, providing required resistance while traveling. 

GSI outdoors comes with a waterproof stuff sack that also serves as a washbasin.

Plus, the nylon strainer ensures delicious meals even outdoors.

4. Timberbrother Camping Backpacking Cookware

Timberbrother Camping Cookware Mess Kit

One User Raved: “Nothing to dislike at all. I combined this product with the Boundless Voyage nonstick frying pan to complete my mess kit.” Read More

  • Price: $39.99
  • Rating: 4.3

Timberbrother Camping Cookware Mess Kit is the new substitute for your backpacking cooking gear.

These pots are extremely lightweight and easy to carry in your backpack. The pots are made with pure titanium, making them durable.

They are corrosion immune, ensuring no rust and safe food every time.

The camping pots come with being handles to make them compact when you want to store them in your backpack. 

Moreover, the pots are versatile. The titanium pot set comes with covers and volume marks, so that you can measure the amount of food or ingredients you want to add, and so that you could have exact estimations of the volume of ingredients you add.

One of the titanium pot is equipped with bail handles. This makes them usable as a hanging pot as well and a valuable cooking assistant for camping. 

5. GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Dualist II Backpacking Cookware Set

GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Set

One User Raved: “Absolutely love this set. Ive had ma years and this one works best for my situation.” Read More

  • Price: $74.99
  • Rating: 4.5

Amongst the best hiking cookware collection, GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist 2 also makes the list. The super lightweight camping cook set comes with a good capacity to store materials.

The list of the accessories this cook set includes are bowls, cooking mugs, fork-spoon hybrid utensils, sink sack, strainer cover, and a 1.8-liter boiler. Additionally, the Pinnacle Dualist 2 will still be able to carry a stove and 230g fuel cartridge inside.

The inner side of pots is enriched with scratch-resistant, outdoor exclusive Teflon for an effective cooking experience.

Two mugs and two bowls are included in the package that is both of 20oz and the mugs come with insulated sleeves. 

Moreover, GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist 2 is enriched with radiance technology non-stick that results in faster cooking and faster cleaning, making it a valuable assistant outdoors.

Apart from that, 2 folding found, 2 sit it covers, and welded sink is also part of the compact, durable Pinnacle Dualist 2 camping cook set. 

6. GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel Backpacking Cookware

GSI Outdoors Rugged Glacier Stainless Steel Bottle Cup

One User Raved: “Well built and does not need to be treated like it’s made of glass, use it and don’t worry it will break.” Read More

  • Price: $13.99
  • Rating: 4.8

Looking out for the best hiking cooking gear? GSI got you with this ultra-lightweight pot/cup. This is exclusively made for a single person travel use, ensuring less space consumption of your backpack. It is manufactured to be a convenient camping assistant.

The shape is very compact, a 1-liter water bottle can fit in or you can store a small bottle or the canister for yourself as well. 

Two models are available to choose from.

The small model comes with 20oz capacity, while the large one comes with 24-ounce fluid capacity.

The material used is Silver, which makes it more durable than any other alternative and cheaper at the same time.

The package includes the pot that could be referred to as a cup as well along with foldable handles. 

These handles are adapted to make the pot more compact so that it could be carried easily.

7. Snow Peak Trek 900 Backpacking Cookware

Snow Peak Trek 900 Cookset

One User Raved: “The more I use this the more I like it and it doesn’t take up much room in your pack. Very happy with this.” Read More

  • Price: $42.99
  • Rating: 4.5

Snow Peak Trek 900 durable cook set is entirely made up of aluminum. Note that it is not aluminum coated, it is purely made up of aluminum.

The set includes a portable aluminum fry pan that can also be used as a pot, a 30oz aluminum pot, and a storage sack as well to provide you convenience outdoors. 

Moreover, the pot and pan both come with foldable handles that will further ease your storage issues.

The edges are curvy and smooth that eases your cleaning difficulties and also improves heating capability.

Set is manufactured to store and a 110g fuel canister. 

The total weight of the package is 0.34 kg and the dimensions are 5.91×5.28×5.28 inches.

The dimensions of the product itself are 4.75×4.75×5.5 inches and its total weight is 0.58 pounds.

Snow Peak Trek 900 Cookset is amongst the most efficient hard anodized aluminum backpacking cookware. 

8. Primus All-in-one Backcountry Stove System

Primus All-in-one Backcountry Stove System

One User Raved: “This is the third generation of this stove I have purchased – not because the prior versions were bad, but because the newer versions just keep getting better.” Read More

  • Price: $174.99
  • Rating: 4.6

Primus PrimeTech Stove system is a complete package that is optimized with all in one feature that satisfies the appetite of travelers with the most stable and efficient windproof burner.

This would be your perfect backpacking cooking gear solution on journeys.

An optimized burner along with an integrated screen enhances the heat efficiency. 

Additionally, it comes with a heat intensity adjustment feature that allows you to have worry-free cooking. 

Apart from the windscreen and burner, the package includes a transparent cover, two pots, a Piezo ignitor, a pit gripper, an insulated storage bag, and a foldable heat reflector. 

The package consists of hard-anodized aluminum backpacking cookware featuring two aluminum pots amongst which one is a heat exchanger.

Other things include the weight that is 31.9.oz with dimensions of 7.1×4.3 inches.

The output is 7000 BTU at 2000W.

9. Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Cookware Stove System

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

One User Raved: “I use this to cook at home too sometimes. Fantastic, easy to use and designed to pack. Hottest “toy” ever.” Read More

  • Price: $114.99
  • Rating: 4.8

Jetboil Flash camping stove cooking system comes with fast boil technology, that boils water in just 100 seconds.

The set includes a thermochromatic heat indicator, 1-liter cooking cup, effective push-button igniter, pleasing hanging kit, and pot support.

Moreover, utensils like cooking pots, and skillets are also included. 

This stove cooking set system is compact, can set up in few minutes only. It doesn’t consist of many parts and it is easy to detach as well.

This makes it easy to carry in your backpack, helping in making your travel experience reliable and smooth. 

Jetboil cooking set promises high efficiency by providing a large surface area to the pots for better heat efficiency.

For having well-cooked dehydrated meals, soups, coffee, etc at your trips Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System is recommended. 

10. TOAKS Light Titanium Backpacking Cookware

TOAKS Light Titanium 650ml Pot

One User Raved: “Perfect size for hiking. Fits a canister, BRS stove, mini Bic and light load towel.” Read More

  • Price: $36.99
  • Rating: 4.8

TOAKS pot is amongst the best titanium backpacking cookware. This pot is entirely made up of titanium, which has 0.3mm of thickness.

The total weight of the pot is 650ml, which would be 675ml if measured from the exact top of the pot. The dimensions of the package are 4.53 x 4.45 x 4.37 inches.

Plus, TOAKS Light Titanium comes with a cover with a lockable grip, and a mash sack to ensure cleanliness. 

The cups included in the set nests together. It can also nest a 100ml canister and specific types of water bottles without a lid.

The pot also features a gradation scale in ml and the product is manufactured in China. 

11. GSI Outdoors Packable Backpacking Cookware

GSI Outdoors Packable Pot

One User Raved: “Great pot for backpacking trip. Easy clean and lightweight.” Read More

  • Price: $39.99
  • Rating: 4.8

The GSI Outdoors Halulite Bolier is extremely durable that comes with a simple and elegant design. With this pot, GSI is providing a compact lightweight solution.

The 1.1-liter Halulite boiler weighs only 8.6 ounces. The makers kept the travel challenges in mind and manufactured this lightweight king that can store your stove, that you’ll have to buy separately, and the fuel cartridge inside of 110 to 230 grams. 

Moreover, the Halulite Boiler, can be your best RV cookware, that comes with foldable handles that make it easy to pack up quickly while traveling.

Most importantly, Halulite is heat efficient and provides better heat conduction than others including Titanium.

This hard-anodized aluminum backpacking cookware is all you need if you desire strong resistance and incredible durability. 

12. Stanley Base Camp Backpacking Cookware Set

Stanley Base Camp Cook Set

One User Raved: “Glad I went with this one! It came larger than other compact sets, which was a nice surprise.” Read More

  • Price: $90.99
  • Rating: 4.7

Stanley Base Camp Camping Cook Set comes with the ability to nest 21 pieces altogether.

The range of items it consists of include 1 3.5 liter pot, 1 cover, 1 7″ 3-ply fry pan, 1 cutting board, 1 spoon, 1 spatula, 4 6″ plates, 2 22oz bowls, 4 sports, 1 trivet, 1 locking bungee and 1 drying rack that is heat resistant.

Stanley Base Camp Camping Cook Set is excellent in toughness, made with stainless steel. It is not only strong and durable, it is scratch-resistant and rust-resistant as well. 

The cook set doesn’t require any extra maintenance, just a regular wash will do the job fine. 

It comes with 21 different pieces that can be used to make heavy and lite meals.

Yet it is easy to nest all different 21/pieces all together that too without consuming much of the space.

Apart from that, the product is manufactured in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

13. Coleman Camping & Backpacking Cookware

Coleman Camping Cookware

One User Raved: “Had one before somebody borrowed it and never returned it they work great” Read More

  • Price: $10.99
  • Rating: 4.7

Coleman Camping Cookware 5-piece cook set consists of five different essentials for cooking outdoors and all nests perfectly utilizing the least storage space.

The package includes an eight-ounce cup, a 7.5-inch pan, a dish plate, and a 16-ounce bowl with cover.

Coleman Camping Cookware is designed to provide ease to the user when outdoors. All of the pieces combined can wash very easily, no extra maintenance is required. 

Coleman also provides a limited warranty against damages for this cook set, like their other products. 

Aluminum is used as the material to build this elegant Mess kit. Coleman Camping Cookware is lightweight and tough at the same time.

This hard-anodized aluminum backpacking cookware is your perfect camping assistant. 

14. Boundless Voyage Titanium Backpacking Cookware

MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking and Camping Stove Kit

One User Raved: “Great Titanium mess kit, outstanding in quality and materials. Just the thing to take with you on a camping trip or have in your RV” Read More

  • Price: $49.99
  • Rating: 4.5

Boundless Voyage Titanium Canteen Mess Kit got an elegant design. It comes with the multifunctional hanging rope that contributes to the aesthetics.

The product is manufactured using Titanium as its source. Titanium built ensures effective heat conduction, which will provide timely cooking and boiling of water.

To provide travel solutions, this canteen mess comes with foldable handles. Foldable handles ensure less storage space is occupied. 

Furthermore, the titanium properties of this mess kit ease the cleaning difficulties outdoors.

The stains and oil get off easily from Titanium.

The package also includes a multifunctional cover that works as a bowl, small pot, and one for drinks letting you cook two meals at a time. 

Moreover, it is extremely portable, it nests perfectly occupying the least storage space. 

How to choose the best backpacking cookware in 2022?

The backpacking cooking gear is an absolute necessity if you’re a frequent camper. Why? Because home-cooking cookware and utensils are not recommended & fit for outdoor use. They’re not ideal for such situations and usage.

Thus, using them will not only make camping challenging, but you might end up damaging your everyday cookware as well.

That doesn’t sound pretty, does it?

Thus, getting your hands on the best backpacking stove and cookware is essential. 

If you’re having trouble deciding which one to get, here, let this buying guide ease your problems. 

Capacity

First of all, decide how big of a pot you want. Determine how many people you usually go camping with and how much food you cook at a time. Then, buy cookware of appropriate size. Buying something unnecessarily huge can give you an extra, unneeded load to carry. Similarly, buying something too small will leave you ad your camping buddies stuck in a hungry situation!

Material 

When buying backpacking cooking gear, know that different materials are suitable for different situations. Thus, keeping the outdoor environment in mind, choose an appropriate material of cookware. The best choice would be something that is lightweight, durable and conducts heat efficiently. The following are some of the most popular and common ones you’ll find on the market. 

  • Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a primary option, and the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cookware. This type of cookware is resistant to damage and scratches. Plus, it’s tough and doesn’t break easily. Doesn’t it sound perfect for the rough, challenging outdoor environments? However, it’s a bit heavy. So, if you often go on hikes and have to walk with your stuff, these can be a pickle to carry. 

Another essential drawback to consider is that stainless steel is not a uniform conductor of heat. You’ll find hot spots in your pots and pans, which means that the food will stick and burn in certain areas. 

  • Aluminum

Most of the best camping cookware for open fire comes in aluminum. These pots and pans are lightweight and relatively inexpensive. They conduct heat efficiently, and they’re great for simmering foods. However, their drawback is that they scratch and dent easily. Plus, they do tend to react with acidic foods and break down over time.

Since they alter the food you’re cooking, they’re not the healthiest choice. 

  • Titanium

Titanium is less popular in camping cookware, mostly because it’s a bit expensive. However, it’s incredibly lightweight, long-lasting and the best material to carry with you on hiking trips.

Plus, they’re resistant to corrosion, so they’re very long-lasting. Moreover, they heat up quickly and don’t require excessive heat to cook food. However, apart from the expensiveness, even heat distribution is also a problem with these pans. 

  • Cast Iron

Cast iron is tough and durable. Plus, they have excellent conduction properties. These factors make cast iron an ideal option for outdoor cookware.

However, it’s heavy and hard to carry. You cannot travel with it, let alone backpack with it.

Also, they’re high-maintenance. They require proper care to last as long as they do. 

  • Nonstick

Non-stick pans are a godsend; there is no doubt about that! Nonstick cookware is easy to cook in and even easier to clean. The only con of using a pan with a non-stick coating is that it’s not as durable as other metal surfaces.

If you use metal utensils on these pans, you can easily scratch off the non-stick coating. 

Quality

Contrary to what most people believe, the cookware’s quality is not the same as its material. As a norm, cheaper cookware items are low-quality. (Indeed, there are exceptions everywhere, and you might be able to find good-quality camping cookware at reasonably low prices.)

Whether you want low or high-quality pans and pots, the choice depends on your usage. If you don’t go camping as frequently and want to invest in your camping gear, you have no reason to. However, it would be better to get good-quality backpacking cookware if you are an enthusiastic camper. Better quality ensures longevity and a better cooking experience. 

Safety 

As discussed earlier, some materials do have their safety issues. For example, aluminum reacts with acidic food, and the results might not be safe for long-term consumption. 

Similarly, non-stick coatings tend to emit unhealthy, toxic fumes if you overheat them. As a result, these fumes can cause mild to severe symptoms if you inhale them.

You need to be vigilant and exceptionally careful not to scratch or over-cook in non-stick pans. 

Another safety issue is BPA (Bisphenol A), a synthetic compound not ideal for cooking. Thus, if you’re buying cookware, choose one that’s BPA-free.

Individual Pieces Or Sets 

When buying the best hiking cooking gear, consider what you need. Do you need a complete kit with 12 different kinds of pots and pans? Or are you a single camper who only needs a frying pan and a few other pots? 

A lot many people make the common mistake of buying an entire cookware set just because it sounds like “a steal.” However, this approach is wrong if you don’t need all of that gear.

In fact, you’re spending more money than you needed to on pans you don’t even need.

It doesn’t sound like a steal anymore, does it? 

Thus, identify your needs and decide whether individual pieces would be a better idea than sets. 

Contents Of Kits  

If you do decide to get a full kit, consider the contents before purchasing.

Make a list of all the cookware pieces you need.

Then, match the components of your list to the members of the set. Make sure everything you need is in that kit, and only then make a purchase. 

Adjustability & Portability

The backpacking cookware’s size and weight should be easy enough to carry.

Many pots and pans are adjustable, meaning that you can adjust their handle lengths and other aspects.

This particular feature makes them more portable and easy to fit into backpacks.

Also, make sure the hiking cookware gear is light enough to take along in your backpack. Titanium wins in this aspect, while steel can be the least comfortable to carry while hiking. 

Durability

If you go camping quite frequently, you probably use outdoor cookware a lot. If yes, invest in camping cookware that lasts long and resists damage.

The pans should be durable and resistant to scratch and dents.

It is essential since you’ll be using them outdoors.

Plus, you should be able to get your money’s worth if you’re spending a generous amount on these pieces.

Ease Of Cleaning

Remember how we talked about stainless steel sticking food easily and how non-stick doesn’t have that problem?

These features make the pans easy or hard to clean.

Apart from being dishwasher-safe, hiking & camping cookware should always be a breeze to clean.

Plus, if you are going to use them outdoors, you won’t have access to dishwashers or a generous amount of water, scrubs, and soap.

It would be best if your backpacking cookware wouldn’t require so much work and equipment.

So, keep ease of cleaning in mind when choosing one. 

Maintenance & Care

Caring for and maintaining cookware is essential. But when you’re outdoors, you don’t really have clean shelves and cupboards to align your cookware and keep them safe.

Non-stick pans and glass cookware can be hard to take care of in the outdoors. They’re prone to damage, and they’re expensive as well.

Thus, choose your hiking cookware that you can pile up and use easily, without the fear of damaging it. 

Lids & Handles 

Lids, grippers, and handles are always a plus, especially if they’re silicone and cool-to-touch.

You can hold the pots and pans, move them around, and cover them, so there’s no fear of unnecessary substances falling in the food.

They make the camping cookware more usable and allow you to have a comfortable cooking experience.

Thus, it would be best if you preferred cool-to-touch lids and handles. 

Extras & Accessories

Most of the hiking pots and pans come with utensils and measurement markings.

One should always prefer these types of cookware.

This feature makes outdoor cooking easy so that you don’t have to carry extra measuring spoons and cups. While these are not a must, they’re always a preference. 

Brands

Some brands are famous for making the best backpacking cookware. They might be a little expensive, but it’s always best to go for these brands if you have the budget.

Why?

Because they have a standard, an identity they’ve created and have to maintain.

They’re the least likely to compromise on durability and performance.

Plus, most brands give you warranties and extra perks with purchase. 

Do your research, read about the brands, and go through their reviews.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Then, see which brand makes cookware you’d like to buy. 

Price & Affordability

Indeed, the price of the hiking cookware is an essential factor to consider when you are buying it.

  • The overall cost of the product has a relationship with its quality.
  • High-quality, high-end camping cookware will undoubtedly be a little on the expensive side.
  • What you spend on your purchase depends on your priorities.
  • Set aside the amount of money you are willing to spend on the cookware.
  • Then, decide what features you can get in this budget.
  • Determine what facilities you can compromise on and what are absolute essentials.
  • Then, narrow down your list of potential options and choose one. Easy peasy!

Conclusion:

Finding the Best Backpacking Cooking gear starts with proper knowledge.

Know exactly what you want in the cookware and what you are willing to spend.

Answer essential questions like how many people you camp with and how often you go backpacking.

Doing this will make the selection of a product a lot quicker and easier.

Set your priorities and generate a criterion.

See what fits the best to your budget and requirements.

This way, you’ll be able to select the perfect backpacking cookware in no time!

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