Backpacking Cookware

When planning for that big camping trip or that really long hike, it is really important to be appropriately prepared, from the right tent to the right sleeping bag. Something often overlooked, though, is backpacking cookware or cookware that will stand the tests of time on long camping trips.

Too often, people find themselves out in the wilderness with unsuitable and cumbersome cooking gear, to their detriment. Many unseasoned hikers might attempt to bring along their own kitchen cookware. Once on the beaten path, those heavy and space consuming items can begin to really wear a person down.

Countless trails across the country are littered here and there with items, once considered essential to the trip, being abandoned in favor of carrying less weight. Most often seen are damaged cookware that couldn't stand direct heat from a campfire, or heavy pans left behind out of desparation and a sore back. It doesn't have to be that way.

It is highly recommended that a person preparing to backpack or camp for long periods do some important research on what to bring and what not to bring. There are myriad websites dedicated to helping out the new hiker or camper. And getting good advice from a knowledgable hiker can make or break a good backpacking experience. Let's focus on the often overlooked cookware essential for a safe, healthy, and enjoyable experience in nature.

When considering backpacking cookware, first think of how light it is, how durable it is, how it heats, if it heats evenly, how easy to clean it is, and how much space it might take up in a pack. It's wise to stick with the basics and the functionality of the cookware. 

Will you be backpacking alone or will there be more than one person with you? You can choose sets of cookware based on that, for starters. If you are alone, you can probably get away with a simple pot/pan for cooking. For more than one person, a light weight nesting kit will do perfectly. There are usually two sets of pots and pans and lids in most kits. They all fit into each other, like a set of Russian wooden dolls. They are very convenient, easy to clean up, and light. They were made specifically with long hikers in mind.

Last but not least, please do not get wooden backpacking cookware. It is unsanitary, hard to clean up, and heavy. The best kind of cookware to have is made of titanium. It's very strong and ultra light. Aluminum is also a good choice because it's light, affordable, and versatile. Try to find nonstick cookware as well. No one wants to be scrubbing dirty pots and pans forever when they could be sitting around the campfire or resting. Go online and have some fun and take a look around at all the different choices.