Backpacking Cookware at Thehighroute.com

What Cookware Should I Use?

To make your choice of the right Backpacking Cookware to take, you will first need to know what is available on the market for you to buy. Below is a list of the most popular types, along with their good and bad points.

ALUMINIUM.

This used to be the first choice of backpackers, lightweight campers, and hikers because it is very light. However it is not as strong or durable as some of the other materials used for cookware. Food tends to stick to it making it difficult to clean in an outdoor situation. Also Aluminium has been linked to some health problems, as it tends to breakdown over time and can contaminate the food cooked in it. Having said this, I have used Aluminium for many years with no harmful effects. (I would still rate it as a good choice as you will properly only be using it for a few weeks of any one year.)

STAINLESS STEEL.

The main drawback here is the weight, as it is a lot heavier than other types of backpacking cookware. Also it is not the best at distributing the heat evenly and the food must be stirred or moved constantly to ensure even cooking. Stainless steel is very tough and strong though, and will stand up to almost anything that can happen to it in the outdoors.

LIGHTWEIGHT STAINLESS STEEL.

The introduction of new technology has come up with a lighter weight stainless steel, it has all the durability and strength, but as its name suggests is considerably lighter.

TITANIUM.

The modern first choice. It is very light, it is also very durable and tough, and a better distributor of heat when compared to stainless steel. A good set of Titanium cookware will last a very long time. The only downside is its price, as it can be expensive when compared with the other materials.

A FEW BASIC TIPS.

(1)Are you choosing a solo backpacking set of cookware, or do you want a kit that will do for two or more people?

(2)Pots with a slightly rounded bottom will distribute heat better than flat bottomed ones.

(3)Make sure the pots have a good fitting lid, as this will cut down on your cooking times, saving you fuel.

(4)Try to buy proper Backpacking Cookware as opposed to ordinary cookware, as the former should have folding or detachable handles to make packing it into your backpack much easier.

By Mike Legg

Snow Peak Titanium Cookware

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REI

Whip up gourmet meals in the backcountry--this compact kit is perfect for the minimalist looking to shave weight without limiting the menu.

Kit includes 34-fl. oz. and 26-fl.oz. pots, plus lids that also double as a 12 fl.. sauce pan and 17 fl. oz. fry pan
Each pan has a handle that folds flat for packing
Rounded bottom edges are easy to clean and improve heating efficiency
Inner nesting pot is sized to store a Snowpeak Giga™ 110 gram fuel canister (sold separately)
Comes with a lightweight nylon mesh storage bag; stowed Dimensions 6-1/8d" x 4h"

Capacity and dimensions per piece are as follows:

34 fl. oz. pot = 2-7/8 inches (height) x 5-7/8 inches (diameter)
26 fl. oz. pot = 2-3/4 inches (height) x 5 inches (diameter)
17 fl. oz. fry pan = 1-1/4 (height) x 6-1/8 inches (diameter)
12 fl. oz. fry pan = 1-1/4 (height) x 5-3/4 inches (diameter)

MSR BlackLite Guide Cookset

MSR BlackLite Guide Cookset

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Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

MSR BlackLite Guide Cookset
Made with lightweight, nonstick aluminum to save time and water during cleanup.

Features/Benefits
- Features 3- and 4-liter pots with a snug lid and pot lifter that fits on both pots
- Grooved bottoms help pans stay put
- Perfect for camping or backpacking

Weight 1 lb 13 oz