With so many different models and so many factors to consider, choosing your backpacking cookware can be daunting. So, we went ahead and tested the recommended backpacking cookware models out there. Read on to see what model is for you and receive some buying advice to help you choose.
Table of Contents
Best Backpacking Cookware
The best backpacking cookware is:
- Best Titanium Pot For One: TOAKS TITANIUM
- Best Overall Backpacking Cookware For Two: MSR TRAIL POT
- Best Backpacking Cookware Set: TOAKS TITANIUM SET
- Best Budget Backpacking Cookware Set: G4FREE 2 PIECE
- Lightest Backpacking Pot: EVERNEW TITANIUM PASTA POT
- Most Durable Backpacking Pot: SNOW PEAK TREK 700 TITANIUM
| Model | Type | Capacity | Weight | PRICE | Material | Serves | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MSR Trail Pot | Single Pot | 1300 ml | 7.1 oz | $34.95 | Hard-anodized aluminum | 2 | 8/10 |
| 2. Toaks Titanium Set | 2 piece set | Pot: 1100 ml Pan: 250 ml |
5.6 oz | $54.95 | Titanium | 2 | 8/10 |
| 3. GSI Outdoors Halulite Pot | Single pot | 1100 ml | 8.6 oz | $39.95 | Hard-anodized aluminum | 1 | 8/10 |
| 4. Toaks Titanium | Single pot | 750 ml | 3.6 oz | $34.95 | Titanium | 1 | 8/10 |
| 5. Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot | Single pot | 750 ml | 3.4 oz | $97.74 | Titanium | 1 | 8/10 |
| 6. MSR Titan Kettle | Single pot | 850 ml | 4.2 oz | $69.95 | Titanium | 1 | 8/10 |
| 7. Snow Peak Trek 700 Titanium | Single pot | 700 ml | 4.8 oz | $49.95 | Titanium | 1 | 8/10 |
| 8. Sea to Summit Alpha Pot - 1.2 Liters | Single Pot | 1200 ml | 6.6 oz | $42.95 | Hard-anodized aluminum | 1 | 8/10 |
| 9. G4Free 2 Piece | 2 piece set | Large pot: 1200 ml Small pot: 600 ml |
8.5 oz | $17.99 | Anodized Aluminum | 2 | 8/10 |
| 10. Olicamp XTS | Single pot | 1000 ml | 6.7 oz | $32.99 | Hard-anodized aluminum | 1 | 8/10 |
| 11. Vargo BOT 700ml | Single pot | 700 ml | 4.8 oz | $99.95 | Titanium | 1 | 8/10 |
| 12. SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo | 2-piece set with stove | Large pot: 1000 ml Small pot: 500 ml |
11.2 oz | $44.95 | Hard anodized aluminum | 2 | 8/10 |
| 13. Vargo Titanium Ti-Boiler | 2 piece set | Pot: 900 ml Pan: 400 ml |
6.6 oz | $69.95 | Titanium | 2 | 7/10 |
PROS:
✅ Ultralight
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Full-featured
CONS:
❌ Durability
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 750 ml
- Weight: 3.6 oz (0.225 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: One
The Toaks Titanium is an outstanding value, making this our best overall backpacking cookware for single use. We found this pot to be well-made and were impressed that it’s a fraction of the price of other titanium pots. At 3.6 ounces it’s the second lightest on our list. We did find that the thin design needed a bit of extra care to avoid denting. Other features we liked were the foldaway handles, steam holes, and internal gradation. The 750ml version is the perfect size for a small fuel canister, pocket stove, matches/lighter, and even a collapsible mug that you can store at the top instead of the lid. The volume is a little less than we’d prefer but the flip side is it makes this pot extremely packable.
Best Overall Backpacking Cookware For Two:
MSR TRAIL POT
Price: $34.95
See on MSR Gear See on Amazon
PROS:
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Largest pot volume on our list
✅ Best 2-person option
CONS:
❌ Packability
❌ Weight
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single Pot
- Capacity: 1300 ml
- Weight: 7.2 oz (0.45 lbs)
- Material: Anodized aluminum pot, plastic lid
- Serves: Two
At 1.3 liters the MSR Trail Pot is our top pick for 2-person-sized backpacking cookware. We love that the clear plastic strainer lid lets us watch while we cooked. No need to lift the lid to monitor. The handle locks over the lid when closed keeping the contents securely inside. We like the aluminum construction for keeping the cost lower and providing better heat distribution, which allows for better cooking performance. The larger size meant we were able to fit a stove and cooking utensils inside without a problem.
PROS:
✅ Lightest 2-piece cook set on our list
CONS:
❌ Pot and pan do not nest
KEY SPECS
- Type: 2-piece set
- Capacity: Pot 1100ml, pan 280ml
- Weight: 5.6 oz (0.35 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: Two
We’re impressed with the Toaks Titanium 2-piece cook set. We found it to be a great mid-size ultralight backpacking cookware set striking a nice balance between capacity and weight. It offers a little more volume than a standalone pot without adding too much extra weight. Unlike the other two-piece cook sets on our list, the Toaks Titanium cannot be used as a double boiler because it doesn’t nest. The price is higher but still reasonable compared to other models we reviewed. Especially for such a lightweight option. The Toaks Titanium Set is our top pick for best backpacking cookware set.
PROS:
✅ Cheapest set on our list
✅ Highest volume set
CONS:
❌ Non-stick coating prone to scratching
❌ Durability
KEY SPECS
- Type: 2-piece set
- Capacity: Large pot 1200 ml, small pot 600 ml
- Weight: 8.5 oz (0.53lbs)
- Material: Anodized Aluminum
- Serves: Two
If budget is your ultimate concern G4Free offers two pots for less than the cost of one, making this our top budget pick. With a 1.2 liter and .6 liter capacity, we had plenty of room to cook for two people. Durability is a concern for us with the G4Free. The silicon-coated handles can melt over high heat and the non-stick coating scratches easily. But for weekend trips, light use, or those looking to make the jump to ultralight without a big price tag we found the G4Free does the job nicely.
PROS:
✅ Ultralight
✅ Rubberized handles
✅ Strainer
CONS:
❌ Expensive
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 750 ml
- Weight: 3.4 oz (0.21 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: One
The Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot is a super light, compact, and strong pot. For you noodle lovers out there we especially love the built-in strainer in the lid. We found this to be an exceptionally well-made pot. It felt solid in our hands while still being ultralight. It comes complete with graduated measurements in both milliliters and ounces. However, we didn’t like that they were in non-standard backpacking meal measurement sizes. When not cooking, the fuel canister and a pocket stove fit nicely inside the pot. The price of this pot is our biggest con. It’s the second most expensive on our list. Still, if weight is your ultimate concern this is the lightest pot on our list.
PROS:
✅ Durability
✅ Lightweight
CONS:
❌ Volume
❌ Loose lid
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 700 ml
- Weight: 4.8 oz (0.3 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: One
We found the Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700 achieves a good balance between weight and usability. At 4.8 ounces it’s not as lightweight as other titanium options, but the thicker titanium construction makes it extra durable. The Trek 700 has a lid with a drain hole/strainer and can fit a stove and canister. The cover sits flush but does not snap into the pot. Be careful if carrying around camp and when storing in your pack and the lid may come off. It has the least amount of volume of any of the cookware we reviewed. Due to the solid construction, we vote the Snow Peak Trek 700 our most durable backpacking cookware.
The Other Noteworthy Models
PROS:
✅ Durable handle
✅ Inexpensive option for two
✅ Great cooking performance
CONS:
❌ Heavy
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 1100 ml
- Weight: 8.6 oz (0.54 lbs)
- Material: Anodized aluminum
- Serves: Two
To us, the standout feature of the GSI Halulite pot is the locking handle. This keeps the pot from popping open in your pack and makes it super sturdy to carry around camp when full. At 1.1 liters in size, we found it can easily fit an 8-ounce fuel canister and a small stove. The anodized aluminum keeps the cost of this pot down and conducts heat more evenly than titanium, making it a great option for more labor-intensive meals.
PROS:
✅ Ultralight
✅ Larger capacity
✅ Easy pour spout
CONS:
❌ Expensive
❌ Doesn’t fit some fuel canisters
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 850 ml
- Weight: 4.2 oz (0.26 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: One
Just a few fractions of an ounce heavier than the Evernew, the MSR Titan Kettle is a great ultralight backpacking pot with extra cooking capacity. We like that it’s a sturdy pot with handles that provide a solid grip especially when the pot is full. Another feature we like is the drip-free spout, making pouring water easy. We loved this for pouring into backpacking meal pouches. The top-lid handle is insulated but the side handles are not making this a good option for cooking over a fire. Our biggest gripe with the Titan Kettle is its height. The kettle is a tad too short to fit some fuel canisters.
Sea to Summit Alpha Pot - 1.2 Liters
Price: $42.95
See on Sea to Summit See on REI See on Moosejaw See on Amazon
PROS:
✅ Lightweight two-person option
✅ Cooking performance
CONS:
❌ Packability
❌ More expensive than similar models
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 1200 ml
- Weight: 6.6 oz (0.41 lbs)
- Material: Anodized aluminum
- Serves: Two
The Sea to Summit Alpha Pot boasts an impressive 1.2-liter capacity at just 6.6 ounces. It is also packed with features like a strainer, etched measuring marks, and silicone grips. The pivoting handle secures the lid in place when stored and provides a sturdy grip while cooking. The size makes it just big enough to cook for two and has plenty of room to store your stove and fuel inside. Like all pots with silicon grips, they are prone to melting if cooking over a fire or under very high heat.
PROS:
✅ Built-in heat-sink
✅ Inexpensive
CONS:
❌ Best for boiling water only
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 1000 ml
- Weight: 6.7 oz (0.42 lbs)
- Material: Anodized aluminum
- Serves: One
Our favorite feature of the Olicamp XTS’s is the built-in heat transfer system on the bottom of the pot. This reduces your boil time by up to 40% saving time and fuel. We found it great for rehydrating freeze-dried meals. By prioritizing a fast boil it didn’t perform as well for us when trying to cook slow and low. The 1-liter anodized aluminum pot easily fits an 8-ounce fuel canister along with a small stove. While slightly heavier than other models we reviewed, the need for less fuel can balance out the weight difference. Plus, the inexpensive price point makes this a great value pot.
PROS:
✅ Versatile screw lid
✅ Fits gas can and stove
CONS:
❌ Expensive
❌ Lower volume-to-weight ratio
KEY SPECS
- Type: Single pot
- Capacity: 700 ml
- Weight: 4.8 oz (0.3 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: One
The titanium Vargo BOT’s most notable feature is the screw lid. We think this is a clever design making the pot versatile for both hot and cold meal prep. We found the water tight lid to be excellent for cold-soaking while on the move. The screw lid can also be used for cooking, but make sure it’s not threaded too tightly otherwise the pressure build-up can cause the lid to stick. The pot includes graduated measurements and foldaway handles. It's also big enough to hold a small gas cylinder, a stove, and a lighter. We don’t love the price, this is the most expensive backpacking cookware on our list.
PROS:
✅ All-in-one package including stove
✅ Inexpensive
CONS:
❌ Basic construction
❌ Durability
KEY SPECS
- Type: 2-piece set with stove
- Capacity: Large pot 1000 ml, small pot 500 ml
- Weight: 11.2 oz (0.7 lbs)
- Material: Aluminum
- Serves: Two
If you need a lightweight bundle the SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo has you covered, even providing the stove. We found the two aluminum pots are basic and durability to be a drawback. But they are fully functional if you don’t need all the bells and whistles. The smaller pot makes a great cup or serves as the lid for the larger pot. Weight wise this is the heaviest set on our list. For less than $50 for the entire set, this is a bargain for those looking to upgrade a camp kitchen in one go.
PROS:
✅ Multiple cooking configurations
CONS:
❌ Most expensive and smallest volume pot set on our list
KEY SPECS
- Type: 2-piece set
- Capacity: Pot 900ml, pan 400 ml
- Weight: 6.6 oz (0.41 lbs)
- Material: Titanium
- Serves: Two
Vargo Titanium Ti-Boiler is a two-piece cooking kit with a larger pot and a lid that functions as a small pan. What stood out to us was the Ti-Boiler lid that is uniquely designed to nest on top of the mug. We were able to use it as a double boiler too. We found the lid to be versatile and were able to use it as separately as a pan, which is handy if you want to cook something quickly. The cup and lid fit snugly and have a sleek and seamless ultralight titanium construction. Both the pot and the lid/pan have foldaway handles without any rubber insulation.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
PRICE
Material is the biggest factor when it comes to price. Titanium is light but expensive. Stainless steel is heavy but inexpensive. Aluminum falls in the middle. Features also can add to the price. Simple, single pots are generally less expensive than multi-pot sets or single pots with all the bells and whistles. Premium options are made of titanium and are extremely lightweight. They also can include extra features like a screw top lid, pasta strainer, or graduated measurements.
Backpacking Cookware that provides the greatest value:
Affordable Backpacking Cookware:
Premium Backpacking Cookware (Most Expensive):
WEIGHT
Like price, materials are the biggest factor affecting weight. Titanium is the lightest, followed by aluminum, and stainless steel ranks last. For a single pot, our recommendation is 5 ounces or less. For a two-person pot we recommend under 9 ounces.
The Lightest Single Pot: Vargo BOT 700ml
The Lightest Two Person Pot: Sea to Summit Alpha Pot
The Lightest Pot Set: Toaks Titanium Set
COOKING PERFORMANCE
Many factors affect the cooking performance of your cookware. Even heat distribution is key to preventing burning if you want to do more than just boiling water. Aluminum distributes heat the most evenly. Titanium and stainless steel are prone to hotspots. Durability is important so your pot holds up to cooking night after night. Like your cookware at-home features like handles, non-stick coating, and measuring marks will help you achieve your backcountry chef aspirations.
The best performing backpacking cookware:
The best budget performer: G4Free 2 Piece
CAPACITY/ VOLUME
Pot size is measured in milliliters (ml) or liters. For one person, 600ml is the minimum capacity to consider. This will give you enough to boil water for a simple backpacking meal - a dehydrated or freeze-dried meal, a cup of noodles, etc. Anything over 1,000 ml (1 liter) is overkill. For two people 1100 ml (1.1 liters) is as small as you should go, ideally, at least 1200ml (1.2 liters). If you plan on cooking more complex or larger meals you’ll want to size up.
The Largest Backpacking Cookware for one person: Olicamp XTS
The Largest Backpacking Cookware for two people: MSR Trail Pot
The Most Versatile Sized Backpacking Cookware: GSI Outdoors Halulite Pot
Other Things to Consider
Cookware Materials
Just like the pots in your kitchen, backpacking cookware is available in a variety of different metals. Some are heavy, some are light. Some are cheap and some are expensive. Below we breakdown the materials most commonly used for backcountry cooking:
TITANIUM: LIGHTWEIGHT, STRONG, FUEL EFFICIENT AND EXPENSIVE
Titanium cookware is the most popular for ultralight backpacking and my personal favorite. As a raw material, is one of the lightest of all the material options. Despite being super light, it is extremely strong (on par with steel) and is known for being highly corrosion-resistant.
Because the material is so thin, it can transfer heat efficiently without using too much fuel. This efficient heat transfer makes titanium perfect for boiling water, but it is not ideal for "slow-cooking" as it tends to distribute heat unevenly. You can burn your food before you even realize it. Titanium’s other Achilles heel is its cost. Titanium cookware tends to be the more expensive option.
In general, titanium is considered safe for cooking. It's non-porous and does not tend to leach. It also does not corrode and is durable so you don't have to worry about it flaking off into your food.
ALUMINUM: USUALLY LARGER AND LIGHTER BUT LESS DURABLE
Anodized Aluminum is actually *slightly* lighter than titanium. It is the best for actual cooking as it distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface. This even distribution is why anodized aluminum is the first choice among household pots and pans. It is the least durable option though and can require a little more maintenance, especially if it has a non-stick surface.
Aluminum pots typically are larger than titanium which is important if you need to heat water or simmer food for a group. There’s also concern that aluminum may leach out into the food. This only happens when the pot is not anodized. Anodizing hardens the cookware and makes it more durable. It also makes it non-reactive so it will not leach into foods.
STAINLESS STEEL: AFFORDABLE AND DURABLE, BUT HEAVY
The strongest and heaviest option for cookware. Steel is able to take a beating with minimal, or no, scratching. It’s also the most affordable material with some pots costing less than $10.
There is little to no evidence that stainless steel is harmful for cooking. It does contain elements like iron, nickel and chromium that can leach into your food. The amount that can leach into your food is minuscule unless you damage the cooking vessel. Wash it gently with water and a mild soap if possible. Don't use abrasive steel wool or harsh chemicals and you'll be fine.
NON-STICK COATINGS: NOT DURABLE, POTENTIALLY UNSAFE
Some pots add a non-stick coating like Teflon to prevent food from sticking to the inside of the cooking vessel. It also makes it easier to clean. As convenient as it is, we recommend avoiding any non-stick coatings. They shorten the life-span of the pot. Your pot can be perfect on the outside, but once the non-stick coating starts to flake, you need to throw away the pot.
There’s also the question of safety as perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA used to make the non-stick layer is a suspected carcinogen. Mot manufacturers, though, no longer use this chemical.
CAST IRON: NO WAY!
This is not the 1800's. Don’t bring it any cast iron cookware. It is way too heavy. Save your cast iron for car camping or van life.
Types of Cookware
There are several types of cookware options for backpackers. There is no right or wrong choice. What you pick to throw in your pack depends on what you plan to eat on your trip.
A. Kettle: If you are only boiling water, then you should consider a kettle. Just like your household teapot, a backpacking kettle is designed to boil water rapidly and pour it without spilling into another vessel. It has a wide base, a small pout, and a lid to help hold in heat. They tend to be relatively small in size holding 1.5L or less of water. Kettle’s heat water quickly but they can be bulky to pack and difficult to clean.
B. Pot (Cup): You also can choose a pot, which people also call a pot. A backpacking cook pot looks more like an oversized mug than a typical kitchen pot. Most people heat water in their pot, but you also can use it to simmer food that needs some cooking time. It has a wide opening at the top so you can eat from it and then easily clean it. Best of all, many pots are big enough to hold your fuel canister. Being able to nest the two together can save some significant space in your pack.
C. Pan: Pans are great if you are frying or sauteing food, but they are not as versatile as a pot/cup. Because they are flat and wide, you can't boil a lot of water in them. They also are usually heavy to carry and take up a lot of room in your pack.
D. Cookset: There are a ton of multi-piece cooksets on the market, but we did not include the larger kits in this roundup. Many of those kits are too heavy for backpacking and are really meant for camping. Some of our pot choices may have multiple parts like a lid or a cup, but these items add value to the pot without adding too much weight.
PACKABILITY
When thinking about packability, there are two primary concerns. The first is the overall shape of the pot and how it fits into your pack. Small, compact pots are the best. Larger, flatter pans are more awkward to pack. The second is if your fuel canister and stove can fit inside. This not only saves space but makes it easy to organize your camp kitchen in one handy spot.
DURABILITY
Durability is crucial for any gear taken into the backcountry, pots are no exception. Stainless steel is almost impossible to dent or scratch. But it is heavy. Titanium is much lighter while still being very strong, though it comes at a higher price. Most aluminum pots come with a non-stick coating, which is easily scratched by metal utensils and abrasive cleaners.
NON-STICK COATING
Non-stick coatings give your pot extra protection against food sticking and burning. Teflon is the most common coating but it is very easily scratched. When scratched the coating will flake off. There are concerns that these flakes are toxic to ingest. Ceramic coatings are relatively new on backcountry pots. They are becoming increasingly popular because they are more durable and non-toxic.
LIDS
A well-designed lid should fit your pot snugly both for cooking and so you don't lose it on the trail. A snug lid also lets you store items inside the pot and not worry about them falling out into your pack. Keep in mind that the lid will be hot most of the time you want to lift it. Therefore, a small knob or tassel to easily lift it is essential. If you are a pasta or ramen fan, a lid with a built-in strainer can be a helpful feature to have as well.
HANDLES
Most backpacking pots have hinged handles that fold away when not in use. Make sure these hinge and swing without much resistance. Also, make sure they are rugged as you will be using them when you remove the pot off of your stove or pour out the hot water. Some pots add rubber coatings to prevent you from burning your fingers. If cooking over a fire these can melt off. If using bare-metal handles grab a small cloth (bandanna, towel, sock, etc) to hold the handles when they are hot.
MEASUREMENT GRADIENTS
Marks on the inside of your pot can be super helpful to quickly eyeball measurements for cooking. Measuring a little more accurately can prevent your noodles from turning into a watery sludge or a dry and crunchy paste. Try to find gradient lines that are etched into the pot itself and not painted. Lines that are painted eventually wash off, leaving you to guess where you should fill your water.
HEAT CONDUCTION AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
Aluminum is the best conductor of heat, making it the most efficient. If you want maximum conduction and efficiency look for features like metal heat sinks on the bottom of pots. This extra material more evenly distributes the heat and gets water up to a boil faster, saving you fuel.
FAQs
What's the best cookware for backpacking?
The best cookware for backpacking is Toaks Titanium according to our research.
How do I choose a backpacking Cookset?
To choose a backpacking cookset, think first about what your needs are. The most important consideration is volume. Is it for one or two people? Then decide on weight. Buy the lightest pot you can afford. The next important consideration is intended use. If you plan on using it to heat water only a simple, no-frills model will do. If you want to be a backcountry chef you’ll want more features. Other important considerations are durability, packability, lid and handle design, and fuel efficiency.
What pans for backpacking?
Pans for backpacking are often part of a backpacking cookset. For the best cooking performance choose pans made from aluminum.
📸 Some photos in this post were taken by Ross Enlow (@rossaenlow)
650-Calorie Fuel
