Behind every delicious camping meal is a trusty companion – a versatile camping cookware set. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or a novice camper eager to try out some al fresco cooking, there are some excellent choices available to help hone your creativity in the outdoor kitchen.
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In this guide, we have looked at outdoor cookware sets of all shapes and sizes. We’ve narrowed down our selection based on packability and durability, which are important features to look for when you’re searching for cooking equipment.
Our top pick for the best camping cookware set is the Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4. Lightweight and simple, the compact combination of useful items will help to feed lots of hungry hikers and campers at once.
Read on to find out what other considerations to look for, and finally, we answer some frequently asked questions about camping cookware sets.
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The Best Camping Cookware Sets for 2024
- Best Overall: Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4
- Best Non-Stick: GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Large
- Best for Backpacking: Snow Peak Trek 900
- Best For Solo Campers: Sea to Summit X-Set 21
- Best for Couples: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS
- Best Budget: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo
Best Overall: Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4
Take your kitchen on the road with the Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cookset 4. Elevate your outdoor meals with this endlessly useful stainless steel camping cookware set.
This 19-piece cookware set includes a pot with a vented lid, a frying pan, four plates, four bowls, a cutting board, a spatula, a serving spoon, a drying rack, and several other useful kitchen items.
All of the items pack neatly into the pot which secures with a locking bungee for easy storage and transportation. The set is dishwasher safe, so you can run it through when you get home.
Specs:
- Weight: 5 lbs 9.6 oz
- Material: Stainless steel
Best Non-Stick: GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Large
The GSI Bugaboo Base Camper cook set is an attractive camp cookware set made from durable materials, perfect for cooking up a storm on your next camping trip.
This set includes two pots with lids, one three-liter and one five-liter. It also has a frying pan, cutting board, a folding pot gripper, and a stuff sack for easy transportation.
The cookware features Teflon-coated non-stick cooking surfaces, which makes cleaning up super quick, and keeps the pots and pans scratch-free. It weighs just over three pounds, so it’s ideal for taking on camping trips or car camping.
Specs:
- Weight: 3lbs 4 oz
- Material: Aluminum
Best for Backpacking: Snow Peak Trek 900
The Snow Peak Trek 900 is a lightweight cookware set, made entirely from titanium. Perfect for any ultralight backpacker, it leaves no metallic smell or taste, and it does not rust.
The set includes a pot and a small frying pan which also works as the pot lid. Both have handles which can fold down for packing into the included storage sack.
If you need to shed a few pounds for a long trek, this set is the right choice. Versatile and easy to carry, the items are quick to clean. The set can be used with the Snow Peak Giga Power stove and fuel canister, which are sold separately.
Specs:
- Weight: 6 oz
- Material: Titanium
Best For Solo Campers: Sea to Summit X-Set 21
If you are cooking for one on your next trip, the Sea to Summit X-Pot has everything you require to create culinary goodness on the go.
It features a 1.4-liter pot, bowl, and a mug, made from a combination of heat-resistant silicone and lightweight aluminum. The whole set collapses and folds into a nest that measures just 1.6 inches (40 mm) thick.
Please note that the pot can only be used for water-based cooking, not for frying or sautéing.
Specs:
- Weight: 14.7 oz
- Material: Aluminum
Best for Couples: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS
It’s easy to cook up a romantic meal for two on the road with the Pinnacle Dualist from GSI Outdoors. Built from strong, light hard-anodized aluminum, the 1.8-litre pot has a Teflon coating which allows for non-stick performance and quick cooking.
Easy to clean and store, the cookware set features a pair of mugs, lids, bowls, two folding sporks (also known as “foons”), and a carry bag that can convert into a sink.
The integrated nesting design allows ultralight stoves and fuel canisters to be stored within the set, too.
Specs:
- Weight: 1.4 lb
- Material: Aluminum
Best Budget: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo
If you’re looking to spend under $50, the Soto Amicus provides everything you will need to prepare hot meals in your camp kitchen or backpacking trip.
It includes a stove with an igniter, one large and one small pot, and a mesh sack for storage. The small pot acts as a lid for the larger pot. The fuel canister is sold separately, and the stove has a stealth igniter which lets you light the stove without a match or lighter.
Reviewers love the value of this set and its ease of use, but some people questioned the durability of the pots. Still, it’s a great budget option.
Specs:
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Material: Aluminum
How To Find The Best Camping Cookware
When you are searching, look out for sets that include a mixture of all the essentials. Keep the following tips in mind when you are looking for new camping cookware.
Materials
The best camping cookware will be made from lightweight and durable materials, such as aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel. Titanium is popular for ultralight backpacking as it is the lightest and most durable, but it can be expensive.
Aluminum is another lightweight choice. Stainless steel is robust and durable but tends to be heavier.
Learn more about the differences between ultralight vs lightweight backpacking.
Items Included
For outdoor cooking, you will need a few key items to help you recreate some of your favorite meals. Look for sets that include pots, pans, lids, mugs, tableware, ladles, spatulas, and other accessories that can be used for simple cooking tasks like boiling water, frying, and simmering.
Weight and Packability
Cookware that doesn’t take up too much space is ideal if you are planning to carry it with you for miles and miles. Look for nesting cookware sets or compact items that can be stacked to save space. Always check for heat-resistant handles that can fold down or be removed for storage.
Heat Distribution
You always want even heat distribution when you are cooking up any type of feast so that your food cooks evenly throughout. Some cookware sets have aluminum or copper cores in the base which will help to conduct heat better. Also, check that the lid fits securely to trap heat and prevent spills.
Versatility
Some cookware sets have multiple uses, such as frying pans that can act as pot lids, pots that can turn into mugs, and stuff sacks that can be used as sinks or drying racks. A versatile set can be very handy while you’re on the go.
Non-Stick Coating
Non-stick coatings can make cooking and cleaning easier but they may not be as durable for outdoor use. If you prefer non-stick cookware, look for high-quality coatings that can withstand outdoor conditions.
Durability
Look for cookware that can withstand outdoor conditions, including high heat, cold temperatures, and rough handling. Reinforced edges and sturdy construction can enhance durability.
Budget
The camping cookware sets on this list are priced between $50 and $150. Your budget will depend on several factors, including how many people you need to cook for and how many meals you are planning to cook.
If it is your first time cooking outdoors, you might want to start with a budget-friendly option before you commit to an expensive set.
User Reviews
Before making a purchase, read user reviews from other campers to learn about their experiences testing camping cookware sets to see how they perform in the real world. Recommendations from friends or online review sites can also help you make an informed decision.
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Established outdoor cookware brands, such as Stanley or GSI Outdoors have a history of producing reliable products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cookware set compatible with my camping stove?
Yes, most camping cookware sets are designed to be compatible with various types of camping stoves, including canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, and solid fuel stoves.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for both the cookware set and your camping stove to ensure compatibility.
Look for features like attachment mechanisms or dimensions that indicate compatibility. Just make sure that the cookware is stable and fits securely on the stove.
Here are our recommendations for the best ultralight camping stoves.
Are camping cookware sets easy to clean?
It’s important to choose a set that is easy to clean while you’re outdoors. You might have limited access to water at times, so it is worth choosing cookware with smooth surfaces and non-stick coatings, which are generally easier to clean.
Many camping cookware sets are dishwasher safe, but you might want to stick to hand washing with mild soap and water to prolong the life of the coatings. If the items are dishwasher safe, a quick wash cycle in the dishwasher after your trip is a good way to keep everything clean before storing.
Always dry the cookware set thoroughly to prevent rust, particularly if the components are made from stainless steel.
How do I choose the right size cookware set for my needs?
Think about the number of people you’ll be cooking for and the types of meals you plan to prepare. A basic set with one pot and one pan may be sufficient for solo camping or small groups, but for larger groups, you might need a set with multiple pots and pans.
The Best Camping Cookware
Cooking while you’re out in nature might seem a little tricky at first, but once you have the right equipment, you’ll find it’s a breeze. It can bring some of the joys and comforts of home to your new surroundings.
Our top pick for the best camping cookware set is the Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4. This set is our favorite because it is lightweight, compact, and it includes everything you need to create a delicious feast.
From large gatherings to solo adventures, there’s a cookware set to suit any kind of outdoor experience. See you on the trail.
