The Best Backpacking Cooking Gear Top Picks: Updated In April 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best backpacking cooking gear
Best backpacking cooking gear

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit for Backpacking Gear

This is the perfect kit for your next camping or backpacking journey. The entire mess kit collapses into a small bundle, giving you easy control and storage. This mess kit features a high-quality aluminum construction that conducts heat quickly and is built to last. It includes a pot, pan, utensil set and more. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Bisgear Camping Cookware Portable Backpacking Stove Canister

The Bisgear Camping Cookware Mess Kit is a great idea for campers and backpackers. The mess kit includes a stainless steel folding fork, spoon, knife, spork, and a backpacking stove with piezo ignition. This mess kit includes a 16oz stainless steel cup with sleeves and a carabiner. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Gold Armour 17 Pieces Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Hiking

Gold Armour 17 Pieces Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Hiking is a complete set of cookware and accessories that is perfect for outdoor adventures. It includes a folding stainless steel spork, spoon, fork, knife, mini stove with piezo ignition, and hard anodized aluminum nonstick pot. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Odoland 15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit, Non-Stick Lightweight

The Odoland Camping Mess Kit is a must-have for the avid camper. This set of cookware is made of anodized aluminum and features both pots and pans. The non-stick coating makes it easier to use, clean and store. The handles are foldable and thermally isolated, making them safe to use on hot surfaces. Read Review

When it comes to backpacking, many of us aren't great chefs. We don't bring fancy pots, pans, or anything that will make us feel like we're in a professional kitchen. But we do get some essential cooking gear. And you know what? That doesn't mean that it has to be limited, and boriFew things airings more fundamental than cooking for yourself on your next long hike.

Backpacking with only the bare basics is possible—and even enjoyable—but it does limit your choices considerably. Luckily, most of the limitations that arise from your lack cannot be blamed on the lack of kitchen supplies. Here are our top picks for the best backpacking cooking gear that make it easier for you to prepare nutritious and delicious meals over long periods out in nature.

Our team spent about hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit for Backpacking Gear with the entire 10-piece mess kit is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which equally deserve your consideration, we have compiled a help buyers guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

  • ✅ PERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: #1 Outdoor Cooking Backpacking Gear and Camping Backpack and Hiking Picnic Set for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product for the camping world or bug out bag to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love
  • ✅ EASY CLEANING & STORAGE: The entire 10-piece mess kit collapses into small bundle for easy control and storage. Keep it all clean, keep it convenient
  • ✅ ALL-IN-ONE COOKWARE MEGA BUNDLE: The 10 Piece Camping Campfire Cookware Mess Kit includes Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Pot + Pot Cover + Nonstick Pan + 2 Bowls + Folding Stainless Steel Spork + Soup Spoon + Wooden Spoon Spatula + Cleaning Sponge + Nylon Travel Bag Drawstring Pouch.
  • ✅ WORRY FREE WILDERNESS: Finally enjoy the great outdoors without second guessing if you packed everything to cook and serve your next meal with the lightweight, compact, and mobile design of the Camp Kitchen Set
  • ✅ BUILT TO LAST! Highest Quality Non-Toxic Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookset conducts heat quickly and is survival gear that is built to last and is perfect size for 1 youth scout or adult hiker backpacker.
TOP Choice #2 Bisgear Camping Cookware Portable Backpacking Stove Canister
Our Score:
9.7
Bisgear
  • PERFECT GIFT /CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVES - This Compact, Portable Campfire Cooking Equipment Set Suitable For Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Picnic, Outdoor Adventures, And Other Outdoor Activities, Buy 1 Bisgear Camping Cooking Equipment, You Get Everything That You Or Your Family Need.
  • WORRY FREE WILDERNESS - Finally Enjoy The Great Outdoors Without Second Guessing If You Packed Everything To Cook And Serve Your Next Food With The Portable, Lightweight, Compact, And Mobile Design Of The Camping Cookware Set.
  • BEST PRICE/SAVE MONEY - Bisgear 15pcs Camping Campfire Cookware Mess Kit Includes Stainless Steel Foldable Fork/Spoon/Knife/Spork + Backpacking Stove With Piezo Ignition + Stove Pocket + Medium Anodized Aluminum Pot(4.8" *4.1"(Approx.) )+ Small Anodized Aluminum Pot(2.4" * 4.5"(Approx.) ) + Canister Stand Tripod+ 16oz Stainless Steel Cup With Lids &Sleeves + Carabiner + Portable Mesh Bag.
  • HIGHEST QUALITY/EASY CLEAN - Non-Toxic Anodized Aluminum Camping Pots And Pans Set Conducts Heat Quickly And Easy To Clean, And Is Perfect Size For 1 Youth Scout Or Adult Hiker Backpacker.
  • SPACE SAVING/EASY TO CARRY- The Entire Camping Cookware Backpacking Stove In This Cooking Set Can Be Stored Together In a Mesh Bag For Space Saving And Convenient Carry.
  • BEST PRICE/BEST VALUE: 17pcs camping cookware accessories set includes FOLDING STAINLESS STEEL SPORK + SPOON + FORK + KNIFE + MINI STOVE WITH PIEZO IGNITION + Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Pot (1 Liter Capacity) + Nonstick Frying Pan + Pan Cover + 2 BPA Free Bowls + BPA Free Soup Spoon + Rice Ladle + Loofah Sponge+ Carabiner + Nylon Bag + Fire Starter
  • 10 YEARS WARRANTY: The Full Camping Gear Camping Cookware Mess Kit comes with a 10 YEARS WARRANTY included by Gold Armour, a US-Based company.
  • PERFECT GIFT for FAMILY and FRIENDS: #1 and Most Complete Outdoor Cooking Set - Great for Backpacking Gear & Camping Backpack and Hiking Picnic for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product for the camping world or bug out bag to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
  • SPACE SAVING/EASY TO CARRY: All the objects in this outdoor camping cookware set can be stored together in a mesh bag for space saving and convenient carry
  • BUILT TO LAST! HIGHEST QUALITY/EASY CLEAN CAMPING COOKWARE: Hard anodized aluminum pot and frying pan make it non-stick ,easy to clean. This is an essential camping accessories equipment gear for you, your love ones and friends
  • High Quality Pots and Pan - Both the pots pan and kettle are made from anodized aluminum which is non-toxic and lightweight. Coated with a non-stick for easier use and clean up. Each piece has handles which are foldable and thermally isolated so you don’t burn your hand.
  • Extra Stainless Steel Dinner Cutleries - You also receive several accessories - 2 sets of dinner cutleries and 1 cleaning cloth. The dinner cutleries are made from 304 stainless steel which is completely safe to use. All the forks knives spoons are foldable, convenient to storage. The cleaning cloth is safe to use on the coated surface and can be cleaned quickly after use.
  • BEST PRICE/BEST VALUE: 17pcs camping cookware accessories set includes FOLDING STAINLESS STEEL SPORK + SPOON + FORK + KNIFE + MINI STOVE WITH PIEZO IGNITION + Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Pot (1 Liter Capacity) + Nonstick Frying Pan + Pan Cover + 2 BPA Free Bowls + BPA Free Soup Spoon + Rice Ladle + Loofah Sponge+ Carabiner + Nylon Bag + Fire Starter
  • SPACE SAVING/EASY TO CARRY: All the objects in this outdoor camping cookware set can be stored together in a mesh bag for space saving and convenient carry.
  • BUILT TO LAST! HIGHEST QUALITY/EASY CLEAN CAMPING COOKWARE: Hard anodized aluminum pot and frying pan make it non-stick ,easy to clean. This is an essential camping accessories equipment gear for you, your love ones and friends
  • PERFECT GIFT for FAMILY and FRIENDS: #1 and Most Complete Outdoor Cooking Set - Great for Backpacking Gear & Camping Backpack and Hiking Picnic for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product for the camping world or bug out bag to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
  • 10 YEARS WARRANTY: The Full Camping Gear Camping Cookware Mess Kit comes with a 10 YEARS WARRANTY included by Gold Armour, a US-Based company.
  • 【17 PCS Camping Cookware Set】The stainless camping cookware set include 1 stainless steel pot approx. 1.5L; 1 stainless steel pan approx. 0.5L; 2 stainless steel Plates; 2 BPA free bowls 250ml, 500ml each one; 2 Carabiners hooks; 2 stainless steel folding knife; 2 folding fork; 2 folding spoon; 2 tableware bag; 1 carry bag.
  • 【Camping Cookware Set for 2 People】It is perfect for lovers to camping, hiking, backpacking, picnics, outdoor adventures, and other outdoor activities, The handles made of PVC, which will not burn or melt.
  • 【Premium and Safe Material Camping Cookware】The KingCamp camping cookware pots and pans are made of stainless steel, resistant to wear, corrosion, quick heat transfer.This material makes camping cookware set easy to clean. Collapsible silicone bowl is BPA Free, safe and save space.
  • 【 Quality Assurance 】If you have any issues with our stainless camping cookware, Pls feel free to contact us. The after-sales service team will answer and solve the problems within 24 hours.
  • 【All-in-1 Small Package】 The camping cookware mess kit 7.6x7.6x3.54 inches are stackled into carry bag.It weighs 1.9lbs only.Two BPA Free silicone bowls have carabiners that make you able to hang them on your backpack directly.Just go to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • The 13 pieces camping cookware kit includes 2 aluminum non-stick pots + stainless steel cup with cover & lid (500ml) + starw + camping stove with pocket + spork+ spoon + knife + spork/spoon + carabiner + cleaning cloth+ 1 Carry bag.
  • It is efficient with gas consumption (gas is not included), and this thing gets ripping if you want it to! The secondary pot can also be flipped upside down (like in the picture) and used as a lid to boil water even faster and more efficiently. The lips of each pot fit together securely, so they're plenty stable to use in unison.
  • Foldable handles on pot or stove can be folded to save space. Small size and portable, all the objects in this cooking set can be stored together in a mesh bag for convenient carry.
  • Camp Stove is made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel which can stand high temperature and weight; High-energy ceramic piezoelectric ignition system make it very convenience for outside camping or hiking. Compact and collapsible design combined with a carrying case for enhanced portability.
  • The anti-slip pot handles and the silicone cup protector are all anti-heat and can effectively protect your hands from injury. One Kit meets all your needs! You will definitely be amazed by this professional outdoor camping cookware kit!
  • 【Efficient Heat】 The camping pot kit comes with a highly efficient energy-generating ring for ultra-efficient heating, which is 30%-50% higher than similar camping cookware, making it easier and faster to cook.
  • 【Eco-friendly & Healthy】This camping cookware is made of ultra-light hard alumina and food grade silicone material that meets European and American food safety standards, which is healthy and eco-friendly, high temperature resistant, scratch resistance, oxidation resistance.
  • 【Lightweight & Portable】The compact outdoor cookware pot set is easy to fold and bundle for saving a lot of space of your backpack, making it easy to carry and store. It can be well placed in a backpack or a travel bag. It is a good helper for camping, picnic, hiking, etc.
  • 【Cleaning Easily & Satisfaction Guarantee】Camping cookware is easy to clean, you only need to wipe off grease and dirt when camping. If you are not satisfied with the camp cookware, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with a satisfactory solution.
  • 【Insulated & Non-slip】The handle of the frying pan is designed with an anti-scalding silicone sleeve for insulating effectively. A threaded design on the bottom of the pan for uniform heating and non-slip. The pot kit is non-slip, durable and adaptable to all kinds of harsh environments.
  • Complete Family Cookware Sets - Our backpacking cooking set includes 2 pots with lids,1 frying pan, 1 kettle,4 BPA -free bowls,2 BPA Free plates,1 BPA Free foldable soup spoon, 1 rice ladle, 1 cleaning sponge, 4 forks/spoon, 1 carabiner, 1 fire starter. Ideal for 2-4 person.You can enjoy delicious food with your lover anywhere.Best money ever spent.
  • Premium Material - The cooking pots and frying pan were made of non-toxic anodized aluminum, lightweight and fast thermal conductivity. It will not only save your time and fuel, but easy to clean. The bowls and soup spoon were made of food grade material, which is safe to use.
  • Lightweight & Portable - The camping cooking gear collapsible bundle design Let your compact camping Mess kit nest together and save a lot of space in your backpack. Everything is very handy. Easy to carry.
  • PERFECT GIFT for FAMILY and FRIENDS: #1 Outdoor Cooking Backpacking Gear & Camping Backpack and Hiking Picnic Set for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product for the camping world or bug out bag to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love
  • WORRY FREE WILDERNESS: Finally enjoy the great outdoors without second guessing if you packed everything to cook and serve your next meal with the lightweight, compact, and mobile design of the Bisgear Camp Kitchen Set
  • 【Save Space & Easy to Carry】This Camping Cookware can be packed into the largest pot, and the fry pan can be used as a lid to ensure that all accessories are not left behind. And it is equipped with a carry bag with hanging rope, which is very convenient to carry. When the product is fully stored, the diameter is 7.60×3.66×7.60 inches and the weight is only 1.92lbs. It takes up no space and causes no burden. It can be easily put into a backpack.
  • 【Premium Material】This Camping Cookware is made of stainless steel that has uniform heating. And it is easy to clean and durable. The handle of the pot is environmentally friendly and thickened PVC, which is heat-insulating. 2 silicone bowls is environmentally friendly and BPF free, which can withstand temperatures from -76°F to 482°F.
  • 【Perfect Outdoor Cooking Set】The compact, portable outdoor cooking set is perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnics, outdoor adventures, and other outdoor activities. The lightweight and durable stainless steel is perfect for camping backpacks. You only need to buy one set, which can meet the needs of 3-4 people.
  • 【25 PCS Outdoor Cooking Sets】The cooking set includes 2 stainless nonstick pot (1.5L) + 1 stainless nonstick pan (0.5L) + 3 stainless plate + 1 medium size folding bowl + 2 small size folding bowl + 3 carabiner + 3 folding spoon + 3 folding knife + 3 folding fork + 3 cutlery pouch + 1 carry bag.
  • 【Perfect After-sales Service】If you have any questions, please contact us through amazon. We will reply to you within 24hours and solve your problems perfectly. If you receive a damaged product, we will send you a new one directly.

What to Look For in a best backpacking cooking gear?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best backpacking cooking gear of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best backpacking cooking gear that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Weight And Size

It is important to decide whether you will be camping in an RV or a set car. You will need something lightweight, small, and compact if you are backpacking solo. You can probably size up for larger, more bulky sets if you are traveling in an RV or car. Cast iron can be used for outdoor adventures, however, it is too heavy to transport by hand.

Camping Type

It is important to take into account the camping type when looking for the right camping cookware. You want camping cookware that can be carried over large distances with a backpack, and is compact enough so you have room for your other camping essentials.
A kit can help you organize your cookware by keeping it all together in one place. However, this may not be necessary for camping where there is a campsite just steps away from the vehicle or within an RV. Car camping can use heavier pots and pans that are similar to those used at home. As long as the saucepans fit on the camp stove's burners. Large sets of camp cookware and full-size cookware can be accommodated in RVs equipped with kitchens.

Number Of Pieces

Each camping cookware set will have a unique assortment of different pots and pans. Other useful tools include a spatula or whisks, a cutting board and a colander. You might be better to buy a single set of cookware or cutlery for camping. But if you are looking for more value, it is worth considering sets with plates and utensils. You should also consider the number of people that you are cooking for during these trips. You will probably not need nearly as many pots if it is for just 1-3 people as you would if cooking for larger parties.

Extras

Although this is not a decisive factor, many of the cookware sets we tested included extras such as trivets and strainers, or even a small wooden spoon. These extras can be helpful additions or trash, depending on how you plan to outfit your camp kitchen.

Material

Your camping cookware's material will determine how durable, cleanable, and how efficient it can be used over an open flame or camp stove. Cast iron has a great durability and is easy to heat evenly. However, it can be bulky and very heavy. Nonstick and anodized aluminum are lightweight options that make it easy to clean up. You should also be aware of rubber and silicone handles as they can burn easily.

Ease Of Cleaning

A set of nonstick cookware will help you make outdoor cooking more fun. Nonstick cookware is easier to clean with less water, as the food particles stick better. A pot that requires a lot of cleaning products or scrubbing is not the right investment in your camping cookware collection.

FAQs

Is Aluminum Camping Cookware Safe?

It's safe as long as your aluminum cookware is anodized. It can react with high acidic foods if it is not coated. Make sure to check that your aluminum cookware has been anodized. Although this coating doesn't make cookware nonstick, it can make them more durable.

What Is The Best Material For Cookware For Camping?

The best camping cookware is hard anodized aluminum. Aluminum is more robust than stainless steel and anodized aluminum, while the nonstick surface makes it easier to prepare food.

Is Enamel Camping Cookware Safe?

Cast iron with enamel coated is what you would call enamelled cooking. It is well-known for its ability to distribute heat efficiently and make cleanup easy. It is very durable, so you can use any metal tools on it.

How Do You Pack A Camping Kitchen?

To save space, most camping kits have the same nesting arrangement. To save space, the biggest pot of the set holds all other parts. This is why you should start with the larger pans, saucepans, and cups. Cookware sets come in a variety of designs so it is a smart idea to keep the storage instructions and take a picture with your phone. These instructions can be engraved into cookware by some companies for your convenience.

What Cookware Items Are Essential For Camping?

Although many sets of cookware can contain more than 20 pieces each, the majority can use just one frying pan or a pot to boil water. You can make scrambled eggs or tea, or even a soup with these two pieces.

How Do You Clean Camping Cookware?

Warm water is essential for cleaning camping cookware. Warm water can be heated in a pot over a fire. If it boils, add some warm water to the kettle. Make a small camp sink, or use a cooler to do this. Handwash your items using warm soapy water. Start with the cleanest items and move on to the most soiled. It's also a good idea to have an extra sink for dishes that can be sanitized. After drying the plates, you can either discard the water in nearby facilities (if they are available at your campsite) or spread it out amongst the soil.

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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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