Being in the woods doesn't mean you have to eat only canned food. Instead of relying on cans, you can prepare, heat up, and serve meals using lightweight camping cookware, so you and your friends can enjoy warm food that tastes great out in nature. On the market, you can find many types of camping cookware designed for all kinds of backpackers. There are solo cooking pots as well as group cooking pots. What should you pay attention to when choosing one for yourself?
What Should You Have When You Go Camping?
No matter if you prepare your meals in the backcountry or are just enjoying a relaxing trip, it’s good to have the ability to eat warm food. It not only gives more pleasure, but is also better for your health. Luckily, there are many solutions to cook your food just as well as you can at home. Here’s what you should take when you go camping:
Backpacking Pots and Pans
Lightweight and durable, these backpacking pots and pans are essential for cooking meals on the trail. Look for pots and pans that are easy to carry and clean, but still big enough to prepare a satisfying meal. Pay attention to functionality. You can find some backpacking pots and pans that can also be used as a plate, bowl, or even a strainer, which helps save space and reduces the amount of gear you need to carry.
Compact Camping Utensils
Small and multi-functional compact camping utensils save space and weight in your pack. Opt for items that can serve multiple purposes, like a spork or a folding knife.They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for minimalist backpacking.
Cooking Gear for Hikers
From portable stoves to fuel canisters, having reliable cooking gear is a must. Choose gear that works well in different weather conditions and is easy to set up quickly.It should also be compact enough to fit easily into your backpack without adding unnecessary bulk.
Tips for minimalist cooking setups
It’s easy to carry too much baggage on your trip, and it’s also quite easy to buy too many cooking setups. As you can guess, that’s not practical, and cooking setups should be functional. So when you think about which one is worth buying, pay attention to their features. The more functions, the better. Because you can have just one setup that you use to heat up food, such as a cutting board, strainer, plate, or bowl and it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
What’s the Best Lightweight Camping Cookware?
The best lightweight camping cookware should be made of high-quality materials, such as hard-anodized aluminum alloy, so you can cook wherever you are. Make sure your choice has a non-stick coating. It makes cooking and cleaning much easier. A removable Click-Safe handle is a great bonus, as it allows for secure handling.
If you value versatility, you should choose kits with multiple functions.Some lightweight camping cookware can be used as a cutting board, strainer, plate, or bowl. Others prefer backcountry boiling essentials. Of course, it’s great to have both. You can easily find compact camping stoves that can boil water in just 120 seconds.
Top Cookware Sets
Appalachian Outfitters offers a wide assortment of lightweight camping cookware.
Katadyn Crux Weekend Cook System w/Black Canister Stand
A pot with a pour spout and a tough-as-nails fry pan is exactly what you need on outdoor adventures. The package weighs only 372 g, making it super light. The Katadyn Crux Weekend Cook System includes both pieces of cookware.The cookware set has a non-stick coating, making it easy to clean. It's hard-anodized aluminum construction, including a durable fry pan, ensures long-lasting durability.
Sea To Summit Frontier UL Pot
Sea To Summit Frontier UL Pot is made of the highest quality hard-anodized aluminium alloy. That’s why you can heat up your food everywhere. The ceramic non-stick coating also makes it easy to clean. The pot also has a Click-Safe handle, which provides a solid grip. You can get the pot in three different sizes: 1.3L, 2L, and 3L (weighing 7.5 oz, 9 oz, and 11 oz).
MSR WindBurner Group Stove System
Another option you need to try is the MSR WindBurner Group Stove System. This system delivers a quality cooking experience even in windy and cold conditions. It's a windproof solution. A meal prepared in this 2.5 L pot can easily feed 2-4 people, and the ceramic-coated surface makes cooking enjoyable and cleanup simple. The weight is 1 lb 5 oz.
With the right backpacking pots and pans, compact camping utensils, and reliable cooking gear for hikers, you can turn every campsite into a cozy kitchen. Choose wisely, and your next outdoor adventure will be both delicious and hassle-free.