Backpacking is inherently one of the best reasons to get outside and explore. Sometimes it can feel like a long day, but you have always been rewarded with an amazing meal at the end of your journeys that just makes everything worthwhile. The hard work in preparing for dinner has never disappointed me as backcountry cuisine will make any hiker happy!
If you are looking for the best backpacking cooking gear, then this article is a must-read. We’ve found some of the most innovative and reliable pieces that will help make any camping trip enjoyable from start to finish!
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When it comes to backpacking cooking gear, how do we choose the best?
Some traits that are important in backpacking gear include durability and ease of use. Other things like size, weight, number of pieces depend more on the type you’re doing or how many people will be using it with you.
The first thing you need for backpacking is a cooking kit. They generally come with a stove, spork, and one-pot or bowl (plus other things depending on your style).
Ultralight backpackers typically travel with one titanium pot, a lightweight stove, and a titanium spoon. At the opposite end of the spectrum, they might carry 2 larger pots made out of anodized aluminum or other heavy materials that are cheaper in weight but don’t pack as small.
If you have your own tiny ultralight stoves for cooking food while on hiking trips carrying only some sporks to eat with plus 1-2 lightweight pots/cups/bowls so we can cook easily anywhere without having to bring big bulky camping supplies from home every time there are no kitchen facilities available along the way just because it saves us space when packing up at night after dinner time.
You will probably have to decide which model you want based on the size, weight, and material
- Size: Camping pots come in many sizes, but as a general rule of thumb they are designed for 1-2 people. The pot should be no more than 700 ml and it is best to go with something below a liter when heading off on your own or if you’re travelling alone.
- Weight: is a major concern for anyone heading out on the trail. The weight of your gear should be considered carefully so that you are able to carry much-needed food with ease, especially if you’re going into an area without re-supply options nearby!
- Material:The titanium is the most durable but also the heaviest and usually too expensive. Stainless steel has a good balance between durability, weight, and price while anodized aluminum tends to be inexpensive but less durable than stainless steel.
What is the best backpacking cooking Gear? There is an argument that if you’re looking for quality, a stove should not be included in your set. Alternatively, there are also lower-cost options with stoves and pots available. Let’s take a look at some of these choices!
Camping cookware for 2021: Best Picks
A list of the top backpacking pots:
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Vargo BOT - 700 | Buy Now |
 | Snow Peak Multi Compact 4 Piece Titanium Cook Set | Buy Now |
 | MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set | Buy Now |
 | MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set | Buy Now |
 | GSI Outdoors - Pinnacle Dualist, Camping Cook Set | Buy Now |
 | Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set, 10 Piece Set for Camping | Buy Now |
 | OutSmart - 3-in-1 Ultralight Titanium Camping Spork | Buy Now |
 | MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking, Camping, and Travel Stove | Buy Now |
 | Terra Hiker 3500 W Camping Gas Stove, Backpack Stove, with Convenient Piezo Ignition, Portable Burner with Carrying Case | Buy Now |
 | Odoland Camping Cookware Stove Carabiner Canister Stand Tripod and Stainless Steel Cup, Tank Bracket, Fork Spoon Kit for Backpacking | Buy Now |
 | Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware Stove Carabiner Folding Spork Set Outdoor Camping Hiking Backpacking Non-Stick Cooking Picnic Knife Spoon | Buy Now |
 | Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4 | 21 Pcs Nesting Cookware Made from Stainless Steel & BPA Free Material | Buy Now |
Vargo Bot – 700
The Vargo Bot is designed for minimalist hikers who want an all-purpose pot to make their cooking dreams come true. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and versatile–perfect for solo adventurers or group trips alike!
With a watertight screw-top lid that can also be used as a water bottle when you need it, this titanium beauty will easily become your go-to pot no matter where you roam.
Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cook Set
Snow Peak is a top-tier brand of titanium pots and pans that live up to their reputation. This pot set consists of two pieces, each with 500ml or 800ml capacity (lids also double as frying pans/plates).
The lids have long folding handles made out of the same lightweight material for easy packing; they fit together so you can pack your small one inside the larger one! These are some truly innovative camping cooking implements ideal for those who prioritize ultra-lightweight hiking.
MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set
MSR Alpine pots are the perfect choice for those looking to invest in high-quality stainless steel. These durable, long-lasting pieces will provide you with reliable service and a lifetime of cooking adventures!
MSR’s ingenious two-pot set is perfect for backpacking. The pots are made of stainless steel and the handle can be removed to allow both handles to share a lid, saving space in your backpack or making it easy when cooking with friends on an adventure!
MSR Quick 2 Pot Set – Best Backpacking Cooking Gear
Luxury is not for the faint of heart, but if you don’t mind carrying around more weight this backpacking cookware will provide.
The MSR Quick 2 Pot set includes anodized aluminum pots with 1.5L and 2.5L volumes as well as a handle to share between both pot sizes that also packs into one compact package together with two deep dish plates and two mugs each having lids attached so there’s no need to search through your food bag!
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist Camping Cook Set
This GSI Camping Cook Set includes a 1.8L Teflon coated aluminum pot and lid, 2 bowls with lids and insulated sleeves, an insulating tote bag that doubles as a dishware basin for easy cleanup on the go!
The set is surprisingly durable considering its affordable price point – it’s made of quality materials that are built to last many years no matter how often you use them. Plus, at only one pound in weight when packed up inside of its storage pouch (which also doubles as your sink), this kit is lighter than most other camping cook sets out there.
This cook set is perfect for the modern-day duo looking to go on a camping adventure without breaking their budget. Add a stove and some gas, and you’re ready!
Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set
This Winterial Cookware set consists of a 2.2 L pot and lid, 1.1L frying pan (compatible with the pot lid), and 1.1L tea kettle – all made from durable aluminum with Teflon non-stick coating for easy cooking/cleaning!
This pot set is great for people on a budget, but the heavier weight can be an issue if you’re traveling with two or fewer. It’s a perfect size and good quality at this price point though!
Stoves that are Best for Backpacking
OutSmart Ultralight Titanium Gas Stove
The OutSmart mini stove is a lightweight and easy-to-carry backpacking option for those who don’t want the weight of larger, more durable stoves. It will melt easily so you have to be careful when using it though.
The flame size can also vary depending on how far away from your pot or pan you are cooking which could cause some burnt spots if not watched carefully.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove
The most reliable mini stove on the market for backpackers, this option is not as lightweight or small as others due to its stable arms and strong flame.
The MSR Pocket collapses into a compact 2x2x3″ in size when it’s not being used but weighs only 3.6 ounces! Quickly screwing onto any standard propane gas canister you want with no need for priming, this versatile product will be the go-to stove that won’t let you down.
Terra Hiker Camping Gas Stove
This stove features extra stability and sturdiness for large pots. It can be used on uneven ground or in windy conditions, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over when cooking.
The downside is that this heavier version of the Terra Hiker backpacking stove weighs 9.8 Oz, making your pack more cumbersome with its bulkier size – perfect if traveling as a group!
Kit with Pot and Stove
Odoland Camping Cookware Kit
The Odoland is the perfect all-in-one cookware kit for beginners who are just getting into backpacking because they don’t want to spend their money on separate items.
It comes with a mug, pot, and lid combo that doubles as a stove, 3 folding utensils which can be very handy when you need some pasta sauce but end up tasting it in your tea instead of cooking it.
This set is a great investment for beginners and will last you the same amount of time as an expensive kit if well cared for.
Bisgear 12-17 Pcs Camping Cookware
Bisgear’s Cookware set is the perfect gift for those who want to start cooking but don’t know where to begin.
This cookware comes with a pot and lid, frying pan, 4 stainless steel folding utensils all in one handy pack that packs away compactly into your car or kitchen drawer when not in use!
Bonus Cooking Set:
Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four
This Stanley Base cook set is perfect for a low-key backpacking adventure with up to 4 people. It’s light and easy to share the weight around, so you can focus on enjoying your time in nature without having to spend hours cooking dinner at camp!
Stanley cookware is a perfect option for anyone who wants to live out on the trail or go camping. This set comes with basic cooking supplies, including pots and pans that you can use to prepare your favorite dishes without having to carry everything from home!
You’ll have enough space in these big bags for all of your food as well as other personal belongings thanks to their spacious interior pockets.
It’s a given that when you’re camping, cooking with your backpacking stove is the only option. And really, it can be quite enjoyable too!
Now I don’t want to go into how many different ways one could cook on their stove and all of the delicious recipes they have but what I do know is having high-quality gear makes this process so much easier.
You’ll find yourself less frustrated as well because there are going to inevitably be times where things just won’t work out – like forgetting an important ingredient or utensils (or both!), which would lead me screaming from my tent if not for my trusty kit packed full of any last-minute needs at hand.
So without further ado, we present our Best Backpacking Cooking Gear picks for backpacks.
