What to Take for Cooking on the Hiking Trail

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Backpacking is a great way to get out in nature and see the world, but one thing that people need to remember when planning a trip is that the right cookware can make or break the experience. Not all backpacking cooking gear is the same quality or is held to the same high standards. Here I cover a selection to consider.

Backpacking cookware needs to be light and compact

Not All Backpacking Cookware Is the Same

Knowing this, anyone who wants to spend time in the woods and who will be cooking over an open fire will need to make sure that they shop for the best hiking cooking gear. This will ensure that they have plenty to eat and that they don’t weigh down their pack with cooking gear that is too heavy to carry. 

Toaks Titanium Set

This is a great backpacking cooking pot because it offers a fair amount of volume without a lot of added weight, making it a great option for people who need to cook slightly larger amounts of food on the trail. It’s a 2-piece set and features heat-resistant handles that fold into the sides. 

At just 5.6 ounces, it’s a nice option for anyone looking to buy ultralight backpacking cookware that is designed to last. When unfolded the handles stay perfectly in place, and the lip around the pan prevents steam from condensing and dripping onto solid fuel tablets. 

TOAKS Titanium 1100ml Pot with Pan
TOAKS Titanium 5.6 oz (1100ml) Pot with Pan

available at Amazon

Vargo Titanium Bot

While not all backpackers are happy with a super minimalist solution to their cookware question, backpackers who are in the market for a durable backpacking cooking pot that does more than meets the eye will want to consider this option. It is a pot, bottle, and mug combined into one sleek design, making it great for solo use. 

Since the lid screws shut and doesn’t rely on friction to stay closed, this pot can be used to transport water when hiking without worrying about water leaking all over the pack. Additionally, the screw lid is flipped when cooking, preventing the thread from stopping a snug and secure fit. 

Vargo BOT - 700
Vargo BOT – 700

available at Amazon

EVERNEW Titanium deep Pot

As far as ultralight backpacking cookware goes, it can be difficult to find a larger pot that weighs less and is less functional than this option. At just 3.4 ounces, it’s incredibly light, making it ideal for storing in an already-heavy pack, and it can handle an impressive 600 ml of water. 

In addition to being light, large, and durable, this pot has graduated measurements to improve cooking when on the trail, as well as a strainer for straining pasta and allowing steam to escape. With rubberized coated handles, the chances of getting burned when using it are very low. 

Evernew Titanium UltraLight Deep Pot (Red)-0.6L
Evernew Titanium UltraLight

available at Amazon

Valtcan Titanium Pot

Ultralight hikers will love the minimalist design of this pot and the fact that it only weighs 4.3 ounces but is still durable enough to be used night after night without wearing our or breaking. It’s perfect for a single mug or to be used as a cooking pot for just one person. 

With a hanging handle built onto the pot, it can easily be hung over the fire so that food can warm up slowly without overheating. Additionally, it is designed to be non-allergenic and non-toxic, making it a great option for anyone to use when out in the woods. 

Valtcan 900ml Titanium Pot Backpacking Mug 34 oz
Titanium Pot Backpacking Mug 34 oz

available at Amazon

Aoduoer Mess Kit Cookware

Backpackers who are looking for a set and not just a single backpacking cooking pot will want to consider this durable and lightweight set. The pots are made from aluminum and come with measurements on the sides, making cooking a great meal easier than ever. 

Even though there are two pots included in this set as well as a two bowls and utensils, it’s incredibly compact and can easily be stored in a backpack without taking up too much room. The handles sit snugly around the pots and bowls when not in use to make hiking easier. 

Aoduoer Camping Cookware Mess Kit Outdoor Cooking Equipment 9 Piece Cookset Camp Pot Pan Bowls - Free Folding Utensil Set, Mess Bag | Lightweight, Compact, Durable for Backpacking, Hiking and Picnic
Aoduoer Mess Kit

available at Amazon

GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset

This set is designed for two people to be able to easily and quickly cook everything that they need when out in the woods. The cooking pot is ultralight and is made from an impressive halulite material that does a wonderful job of conducting heat quickly, cutting down on cooking time and the amount of fuel used. 

The pot and lid combo nestle easily into the stuff sack, and the bowl and mug solution means that users won’t have as much to pack. With a compact and durable design as well as great heat efficiency, it’s easy to see why this is such a great option. 

GSI Outdoors - Halulite Microdualist, Integrated Cooking + Eating Solution, 2 Person
Eating Solution, 2 Person

available at Amazon

Final Thoughts

Any of these great options will make spending time outside and on the trail more enjoyable. I wrote about the benefits of getting outdoors earlier.

Knowing what to look for before shipping will ensure that people don’t waste their money and that they get cookware that is light and easy to carry.

Every few ounces can make a difference when backpacking for longer periods of time, and all cookware needs to be durable, reliable, and easy to use. By carefully choosing the best backpacking cooking gear, adventurers can stay safe, happy, and full when on the trail.