14 Best Backpacking Cookware Reviews – Updated for 2023!

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!