Are you getting ready for your next backpacking adventure? There is nothing better than heading out on a trip into the Great Outdoors and discovering new things. However, for a true backpacking experience, you will want to be as self-sufficient as possible.
The best backpacking cooking sets are designed to make it easy to create delicious and nutritious meals while on the road or off it. These special sets come in a wide range of different styles to suit various needs. So let’s take a closer look at some of the leading cookware sets for backpacking and find the perfect one for you…
Top 10 Best Backpacking Cookware Sets Reviews
1. GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Complete Camp Cook Set
Are you looking for a backpacking cookware set that is especially versatile? You will want to make sure that you are ready for every type of dining eventuality. As the name suggests, the GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Complete Camp Cook Set provides everything that you need.
The main components in this set are made from anodized aluminum, which is especially light yet very durable. In fact, the whole set weighs just over one pound. This helps to enable you to travel light while supplying everything you need.
All kitted out…
With the GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Complete Camp Cook Set, you are provided with everything you need to enjoy tasty meals. In addition to a pot with a strainer lid, there are two insulated mugs and two bowls. There are even two durable sporks (a cross between a spoon and a fork) so that you can enjoy your meal with ease once it is ready.
It should be noted the pots and pans included in this set cannot be placed over a campfire. However, you are provided with your own Pinnacle Canister Stove as part of the package. This canister stove comes complete with a windscreen to enable outdoor cooking in any weather condition.
As an added bonus, the special cooking canister works especially quickly and efficiently. In fact, it can bring water to the boil in as little as three minutes. When you are hungry at the end of a long hike, you won’t have to wait long for a tasty treat.
Pros
- Made of highly conductive, yet lightweight material.
- Comes with crush-proof nylon lids.
- Weighs just over one pound.
- Ideal for one or two people.
- Includes bowls, mugs, and eating utensils.
Cons
- Not campfire compatible.
2. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper 4-Person Camping Cook Set
If you are planning a camping trip with friends or family, you will need a large cookware set. You will need plenty of pots and pans so that you can put together a full meal for everyone to enjoy together. Fortunately, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper 4-Person Camping Cook Set provides you with everything that you need.
But is it really any good?
With the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper 4 Person Camping Cook Set you get four color-coded plates and matching bowls/cups. There are also additional cups as well as a frying pan and a cooking pot. This helps to make it especially easy to create delicious and nutritious family meals while on the move.
The handle of the frying pan is designed to detach and fold to help save space. The cooking pot also comes with a tight-fitting lid and special drainage holes. The whole set is designed to be especially durable while also being very versatile and convenient.
Not for traveling light…
It should be noted that the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper 4 Person Camping Cook Set weighs 3.7 pounds. If you like to travel light, you may find that this set is a little too heavy to meet your needs. However, it is possible to be selective and only take the items that you really need with you.
Pros
- Ideal for families.
- Features folding gripper locks.
- Comes with crushproof, heat-resistant strainer lids.
- Designed to be especially durable.
- Pieces fit together for easy storage.
Cons
- The pot handles tend to get rather hot.
- The Teflon coating tends to flake off.
3. Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set
One of the main issues with a lot of camping equipment is the handles. While the rest of the design may be sturdy, the handles tend to be rather thin and flimsy. This can be quite dangerous when lifting pans of boiling water and other liquids.
Fortunately, this will not be an issue with the Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set. The handles on the pot, frying pan, and other items have been reinforced and are heat resistant. However, they can also fold down when you need to pack up your kit.
Time for tea…
If you enjoy unwinding with a cup of tea at the end of a trek, you will love the kettle that comes with this set. This will help to provide you with a little extra comfort during your hike. The kettle in the Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set is especially durable and comes with a special handle.
However, it should be noted that the kettle is not strictly necessary as you could use a pot to boil water. If you are finding the set a bit heavy, you may prefer to leave the kettle at home.
While there are no plates, virtually everything else you need is included in this set. You are even treated to a cleaning sponge and cooking utensils. When you are ready to move, all the pieces fit together to make it easy to carry.
Pros
- Includes 11 pieces of cookware.
- Comes complete with a carrying bag.
- Features non-stick Teflon coatings.
- All the pieces fit snugly together.
- Weighs just 1.8 pounds.
Cons
- The bowls are rather small.
- A bit bulky for solo backpackers.
4. Jetboil MiniMo Camping Stove Cooking System
Are you looking for a simple cooking solution? If you are not exactly a Master Chef, you might want to tackle mealtimes as quickly and easily. Breaking out a large number of pots and pans for solo dining could be a real chore.
Easy does it…
One of the great things about Jetboil MiniMo Camping Stove Cooking System is that it is so quick and easy. This set consists of a special pot, a fuel canister, and a stove. The whole thing takes just a couple of minutes to set up.
Simply fill the pot with water, and your ingredients of choice and a stew will be ready in next to no time. A wide range of other types of dishes can also be cooked in this way. If you prefer to make things really easy on yourself, this is also a great way to heat tins of food.
Some like it hot…
Water can be brought to the boil in less than three minutes. The pot is specially insulated to help keep the water and food inside piping hot. In fact, anything that is inside the pot can keep hot for more than an hour.
The special strainer lid that comes with this model is a great touch. This allows you to remove excess water easily and safely. This helps to eliminate the risk of spills or scalding yourself.
Pros
- Powered by Fluxing technology.
- Features a sideways burner storage design.
- Made of durable anodized aluminum.
- Very quick and easy to use.
- Provides a versatile cooking solution.
Cons
- Only suitable for solo travelers.
5. MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set
Are you ready to add a touch of style to your backpacking experience? With their smart dark grey and red items, the MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set really stands out. Couples are treated to two cool mugs and two bowls that are made from high-quality anodized aluminum.
But that’s not all…
With this special set, you are treated to two large and durable cooking pots. This allows you to prepare two types of food at the same time. The largest pot in the set has a 2.5-liter capacity, while the other is 1.5 liters.
A strainer is also supplied to help make draining excess liquids safe and easy. The set also boasts a tough lid with a large handle to provide an easy grip. All of the pieces in this set are designed together inside the largest pot to make them especially portable.
Durable and lightweight…
Even if other people rock up to your campfire, you will have enough space inside your pots to cook for them. Not only is the material of the pots very tough, but it is also designed to be as light as possible. Therefore you can be sure that this set will be able to withstand plenty of knocks and shocks.
Unfortunately, the items in this set do not feature non-stick coatings. This is likely to mean that the cleanup process takes a little longer. However, the pots, bowls, and mugs are all designed to be especially durable.
Pros
- Ideal for couples.
- All the pieces fit together.
- Comes complete with a saucepot.
- Includes two travel mugs.
- Made of durable anodized aluminum.
Cons
- The five-liter pot is quite large for backpacking.
- This set is quite heavy.
6. MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Gear
When you are backpacking, you are sure to have limited space. The only things that you will be able to take with you are those that fit into your backpack. This means that you will need to find a cookware set that is especially compact.
Despite the fact that it consists of ten durable pieces, this backpacking cookware set features a very small profile. All of the pieces in the MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Gear are designed to fit easily together. This helps to make this set very easy to carry.
Where style meets substance…
There will be no need to settle for plastic cutlery when you choose this stylish cooking set. The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Gear comes complete with two stainless steel sporks. Both of these items fold on a hinge to make them easier to store.
In addition to a durable cooking pot, you are also provided with a frying pan. The handles on both items fold and lock in place for enhanced portability. There is even a special carrying bag that you can simply sling over your shoulder when you want to move.
Just so romantic…
If you are looking for the perfect present for the couple who likes to travel, this set is sure to satisfy. The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Gear features everything that couples need. Cooking and eating together underneath the stars is the perfect way for couples to make some lasting memories.
Pros
- Features a very compact design.
- Easy to store and carry.
- Made of anodized aluminum.
- Consists of ten different pieces.
- Includes two stainless steel sporks.
Cons
- The pots are quite small.
7. Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four – Best Backpacking Cookware Sets for Families
Just because you want to be able to cook in the Great Outdoors, it doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Cooking meals for the whole family when you are camping can be a real joy. Of course, you will need to make sure that you have everything you need before you leave home.
From camping to glamping…
This will not be a problem when you choose the Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four. This special set comes complete with a frying pan, a cutting board, a spatula, and even a serving spoon. There are four stylish grey plates and bowls and four matching sporks to make eating easy.
The 3.5-liter pot that comes to this set is large enough to create stews and other meals. Like the rest of the items, it is designed to be especially durable. All items are BPA-free and feature scratch-resistant coatings.
Dine in style…
At a weight of nearly five pounds, you are likely to find that this set is a little heavy for backpacking. However, the Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four is ideal if you are traveling by RV. Families are sure to find that they are provided with everything they need.
If you are looking for an easy way to recreate your home-based domestic bliss, this is an excellent option. In fact, the Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four is probably one of the best backpacking cookware sets for families. With a total of nineteen pieces of kit, the whole family will be able to dine in style.
Pros
- Comes complete with a drying rack.
- Includes four plates.
- Boasts a stylish design.
- Made of scratch-resistant stainless steel.
- The prep kit makes outdoor cooking easy.
Cons
- Takes up quite a bit of space.
- Weighs nearly five pounds.
8. Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset
If you struggle to carry heavy loads when on the trail, the weight of your cooking set is especially important. You will need to choose a model that is as light as possible. However, the backpacking cookware set also needs to be tough enough to withstand knocks and shocks.
Light and breezy…
With a weight of just 11.6 ounces, the Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset is one of the lightest models around. Despite this, each piece in the set is very strong and durable. This is due to the fact that the cookware set is made of top quality titanium.
One of the things that sets this model apart is the fact that it is so versatile. Each of the pot lids comes with a long handle so that they can serve as frying pans. They also make ideal dishes to eat your culinary creations out of.
So easy to clean…
Although the titanium structures don’t come with non-stick surfaces, this should pose a problem. Each piece in the Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset is designed to be very easy to clean. This helps to save a lot and time and trouble after you have finished eating.
This set folds up very small so that it can easily fit into your backpack. It also comes complete with its own drawstring net bag. This makes it possible to attach it to the outside of your backpack if you prefer.
Pros
- Made of pure Grade A Titanium.
- The handles fold flat for easy storage.
- Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
- The lids double as frying pans and plates.
- Extremely lightweight and portable.
Cons
- The pot bottom is prone to burning.
9. Msr Ceramic 2-Pot Set
Are you concerned about eating healthily while out on the trail? With its fully non-toxic construction, the Msr Ceramic 2-Pot Set is very safe to use. The set is light and versatile to help make it very easy to carry long distances.
As the name suggests, this set provides you with two large and durable pots. One of the pots fits perfectly inside the other to make the overall design very compact. Not only is this cookware set lightweight, but it will also fit very easily inside your backpack.
Getting a good grip…
The pot gripper on the Msr Ceramic 2-Pot Set is designed for comfort and safety. There will be no risk of accidentally burning your hands on the sides of the pot. Because the gripper is especially large, it will be easy to carry pots that are full of food.
Water will boil very quickly when placed inside one of these pots. This means that there will be no waiting around for your meal to cook. Although the pots do not retain heat very well, it is quick and easy to heat the water up again.
Once you have finished eating, you will find the cleanup very easy thanks to the durable non-stick coating. As mentioned, you can place one pot inside the other to make the set compact to carry. And the special handles can also be detached and placed inside the smallest pot before you pop on the lid.
Pros
- Comes with a tough non-stick coating.
- Weighs just 16.2 ounces.
- Boasts a compact design for easy stacking.
- Features two cooking pots.
- Supplied with a durable lid.
Cons
- Does not come with any accessories.
10. Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
Are you looking for a cookware set that will really go the distance? It is no secret that stainless steel is one of the most durable materials around. This means that it is the material of choice if durability is your main concern.
Made to last…
Both the pot and pan in the Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit are made of solid stainless steel. This means that they will be both durable and easy to clean. They come with detachable handles that are large and provide a comfortable grip.
Another benefit of stainless steel is that it conducts heat remarkably well. Bringing water to the boil takes as little as three minutes. Once the water is hot, it should retain most of its heat for around an hour.
Enjoy a feast…
The capacity of the pot is around two liters, which means you’ll have plenty of space to cook for friends. Any hungry backpackers that you meet on the trail can join you for a feast at the end of the day.
With the Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit, you are treated to a blue bowl and matching blue cup. They are designed to be very durable and large enough for all types of uses. When the meal is done, the set packs up small and can be fitted inside its net drawstring bag.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe bowl and mug.
- Ideal for solo travelers.
- Features a 1.9-liter capacity.
- Retains heat exceptionally well.
- Made of durable stainless steel.
Cons
- The set is rather heavy.
Best Backpacking Cookware Sets Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best backpacking cooking sets, it is important to consider your needs carefully. While larger sets come with more equipment, they are likely to be heavier and bulkier than more basic sets. Here are some key factors that you should think about when checking out the options.
- The Material
Generally speaking, backpacking cooking sets tend to be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. Each of these materials has Pros and Cons. So let’s take a closer look…
While stainless steel is the most durable option, it is also the heaviest. If you are carrying your cookware set on your back for several hours, it is likely to weigh you down.
Cookware that is aluminum coated with a non-stick surface or hard-anodized aluminum is significantly lighter than stainless steel. However, this material tends to be less durable than stainless steel.
Although it comes with a higher price tag, titanium is the lightest material of all. Titanium is very safe to cook with and is designed to be especially durable. If you are happy to make the investment, titanium is without a doubt the backpacking cookware material of choice.
However, a little extra care needs to be taken when using titanium cookware. This material has a low melting point and tends to burn easily. You are likely to need a little more cooking oil and care when using these pots and pans.
- A Weighty Issue
While the difference of a few pounds might not seem like much, it can be a real issue when on the trail. As you trek mile after mile, everything in your backpack will end up weighing you down. If your cookware set is too heavy, it is likely to make you feel miserable.
- Non-stick
This is always a bonus when it comes to cooking as trying to remove baked on food can be a nightmare. Neither stainless steel nor aluminum are typically non-stick. If you choose a cookware set that is made from these materials, make sure that it comes with a non-stick coating.
- All Kitted Out
Some cookware sets come with everything you need, such as plates, mugs, cutlery, and much more. However, other sets simply provide the pots and pans. In terms of pure ease of use, you are likely to prefer a set that includes everything you need to cook and eat.
However, check the volume of the cookware set carefully to make sure that it meets your needs. Solo travelers and couples are likely only to need a few pots and pans. However, backpacking families are sure to appreciate a much larger set.
So what’s the Best Backpacking Cookware Sets?
One key element that the best backpacking cooking sets have in common is that they are very durable. However, the set should be light enough so that you can carry it on your back without issues. It will also be a real bonus if you have everything that you need to cook and eat delicious meals.
Therefore our recommendation would be the…
GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Complete Camp Cook Set
Which even comes complete with its own cooking source. This eliminates the time and trouble of having to make a campfire. Even if you are on the side of a mountain, you and a friend will be able to enjoy a memorable meal.