Best Camping Cookware in 2022 – For All Budget and Sizes

Choosing a camping cooking set can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time doing it. You’ll need to know how many people you’ll feed during your trip, the type of food you’re going to cook, and the accessories you’ll need to do so.

With so many things to consider and too many products on the market, we have summarized our top 5 recommended cookware sets that you can choose from depending on your budget. These cookware sets were tested by our team, from their cooking performance to their durability, packability, and overall weight.

 

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Best Overall Camping Cookware

1. GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set

Dimensions: 9.1” x 9.1” x 5.8”

Weight: 3.62 pounds

Material: Non-Stick Coated, Hard Anodized Aluminum, Clear polypropylene, Nylon 6-6, Silicone

Inclusions: 3L Pot, 2L Pot, 2 Strainer Lids, 9” Fry Pan, 4 14 fl. oz. Mugs w/ insulated sleeves, 4 14 fl. oz. Bowls, 4 7.5” Plates, 4 Sip-it Tops, Folding Pot Gripper, and Welded Sink

We’ve chosen the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper as the best overall camping cooking set because it has everything you need to prepare your hiking gourmet meals. The material is made with the highest quality Teflon, which gives it superior performance. It recently received the Editor’s Choice Award as the best-integrated set for camping trips.

What We Like

GSI has made the Pinnacle Camper their top-of-the-line cooking set. The materials are durable, non-stick, high-quality, and very versatile. If you’re looking for a complete set with an amount of weight and space on your mind, then you definitely need to check this product out.

First off, the frypan and pots are made with scratch-proof, hard-anodized cookware that efficiently delivers even heating across the area. It’s also bending- and denting-resistant, which is perfect for those who are constantly on the move.

They matched this with PFOA-free Teflon with Radiance technology, which gives it its high-quality non-stick performance. This Radiance technology has a three-layer coating that can reach the desired temperature 25% faster than other materials.

You should remember not to use wooden or plastic utensils while cooking or cleaning the pots and pans because this will degrade the non-stick coating and, eventually, scratch the surfaces of the items. The lids on the pots and pans can be fitted tightly, hold their shapes, and can be lifted easily. Plus, they feature strainer holes to steam vegetables or drain pasta.

In terms of packability, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s almost no metal-to-metal sound while you’re traveling because of the smart packaging. The value for money on the GSI Pinnacle Camper is well worth it. Although it’s more expensive than its competitors, you’ll find all the items complement each other.

What We Don’t Like

This particular set of camping cookware is very heavy, which is why we recommend you buy this if you prefer to go on a car camping trip or distribute it within your group. Since there were four of us, what our group did was divide the items between all members so that it wouldn’t be too heavy.

Overall, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper cooking set is the complete package that any campers could dream of. The materials used are high-quality so you don’t have to worry about dents and scratches. Plus, the coating provides even and efficient heating to make your cooking faster and easier.

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If you want you camping cookware to last, you will need to take care of them properly. Each kind of cookware requires a specific cleaning method that will clean and preserve the equipment at the same time. Read our article to learn how to clean your camping cookware properly. 

 

Best Under $200 Camping Cookware

2. GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper

Dimensions: 9.1” X 9.1” X 5.8”

Weight: 3.69 pounds

Material: Non-stick Coated Aluminum, Polypropylene, Nylon 6-6, Silicone

Inclusions: 3L Pot, 2L Pot, 2 Strainer Lids, 9” Fry Pan, 4 14 fl. oz. Mugs w/ Insulated Sleeves, 4 14 fl. oz. Bowls, 4 7.5” Plates, 4 Sip-It Tops, Folding Pot Gripper, Welded Sink

One of the best performing camping cookware under $200 is the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper. Made with non-stick coated aluminum, you’ll be happy to know that you can cook anything you want without worrying about your food sticking to the pan.

We’re very happy with the way the fan pry cooks the food evenly. Plus, both pots perform well when boiling water or cooking your food, just like a home pot. However, you need to keep in mind that the skillet has a raised center so you have to constantly check if your food slides to the edges.

When it comes to durability, you have to make sure that you don’t stack your dishes or pots on the skillet because the Teflon coating can be scratched easily with hard or metallic materials. Based on our experience, once you scratch a non-stick coating, the item quickly deteriorates.

Packing-wise, almost all GSI Outdoors camping cooking sets have an innovative design that allows you to pack all the items in an easy and compact way. However, you have to be careful about storing all the items in the right places to ensure that you don’t scratch them.

What we don’t like about the Bugaboo Camper is the weight. It’s heavier than its competitors within the same price range, so we don’t recommend it if you’re planning a lightweight camping trip.

Like the previous product, we suggest you buy the Bugaboo Camper if you’re going on a car camping adventure or if you can divide all the items amongst group members. That way, you can each carry an item that’s not too heavy to avoid putting stress on your backs.

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3. Trangia 27-3 Ultralightweight Hard-Anodized Stove Kit

Dimensions: 7.7” X 7.4” 4.2”

Weight: 1.9 pounds

Material: Non-stick, Hard-Anodized Ultralightweight Aluminum

Inclusions: 1L Inner Hard-anodized Saucepan, 1L Outer Hard-anodized Saucepan, 180mm Non-stick Frypan, Lower and Upper Windshields Hard-anodized, Gas Burner /or Spirit Burner with Simmer Ring Lid, 61cm Strap, and Handle

The second set on our list of the best camping cooking sets is the Trangia 27-3 Ultralightweight Hard-anodized Stove Kit. You can never go wrong with this camping set because everything was put together in order to accommodate all the things that you need while you’re out in the wild.

What we like about this product is the ultra-lightweight aluminum that makes this set easy to carry around while on the hike. The hard-anodized coating makes the pots and pans more durable, without adding weight. Even though we went out for a couple of days and used the pans often, we didn’t notice any dents nor scratches.

Thanks to the non-stick finish and hard-anodized cookware, the pans cooled down quickly, allowing us to wash and store them away rapidly. Plus, the burner was fast to evenly heat thanks to the bronze material. Although, it’s worth noting that the rubber O-ring inside also heats quickly, so you need to let the handle cool before handling it.

It boiled .5 liters of water in just 11 minutes without creating any loud hissing sounds. We also noticed that while we were cooking and boiling, even if there was wind, the flame performed well and was contained.

We didn’t really find any faults with the Trangia 27-3. Some people may find it heavy, but this is only natural since there are a lot of items included in this set. Although, we suggest that you pack an extra wrap on the windscreen to avoid unnecessary scratches and dents.

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4. Sea to Summit X Series Pot Set

Dimensions: 8.4” X 8.4” X 4.7”

Weight: 1.84 pounds

Material: Silicon walls with Hard-Anodized Aluminum base

Inclusions: 2.8L X-Pot, 1.3L X-Kettle and 8” X-Pan

If you’re looking to bring a compact and lightweight cooking set on your hike, you should definitely check out the Sea to Summit X Series Pot Set.

What we like about this particular set is that it gets the job done. Indeed, boiling water is fast and easy, and so is cooking your meals in these pots and pans. Although, while you’re cooking, you need to constantly move your dish around because the pan doesn’t heat evenly and the metal is somewhat thin.

In terms of performance, you need to remember that this set of items does not feature a non-stick coating, so eggs or sticky meals might get stuck. Thankfully, you can avoid this if you cook carefully. Overall, you can cook whatever you want with this set.

We especially love how compact it is. Because of the silicone sidewalls, you can collapse the set and create a flat pack. This is perfect for hikers who like to go on an adventure without worrying about the bulk on their backs.

When it comes to weight, even if the items are collapsible, we can’t call it one of the lightest packs. Nonetheless, it’s still one of the best choices, but if you’re traveling with a couple of people, we suggest you divide the products.

What we don’t like about the X Series Pot Set is that the structure of the silicone panhandles is not stable enough for you not to hold it while you’re stirring your meal. Also, the handles tend to flop down if pressed too hard, which can result in spills and even burns if you’re not careful enough.

There’s also an issue of durability. Because the cookware is not coated with a non-stick feature, scratches are almost unavoidable. Plus, as previously mentioned, the metal is thin, so constant use of this is not really recommended. We also find it kind of expensive considering the set’s features and the materials used.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-carry kettle, pot, and pan to bring on your next adventure, this Sea to Summit X Series Pot Set should be at the top of your list.

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5. Bruntmore Pre-Seasoned 7 Piece Heavy Duty Cast Iron Camping Cooking Set with Box

Dimensions: 23.19” X 14.49” X 10.79”

Weight: 41.5 pounds

Material: Cast Iron and Pre-Seasoned

Inclusions: Pre-Seasoned 12” Cast Iron Skillet, 4.5qt Dutch Oven Pot, 2.5qt Saucepot, 20” x 9” Heavy-duty Reversible Cast Iron Griddle, 8.6” Trivet, and Dutch Oven Lid Lifter

If you’re one of the people who are conscious about their health and overall well-being, you should consider the Bruntmore 7-Piece Cast iron Camping Cooking Set. Built with cast iron material that’s already pre-seasoned, you can never go wrong with this set.

What we like about this particular set is that you can cook almost anything in the skillet and pots. You’ll notice that all the surfaces are heated evenly. Once your cast iron is pre-seasoned to perfection, you can rest assured that no food will ever stick to the surface.

We conducted a boiling test on the pot and had the water boiling in around 13 minutes. We also cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, and soup in the skillet and saucepan and were very satisfied with the set’s cooking performance.

Cast iron materials are slow to heat because of the dense metal, but once they heat up, they will remain hot for a long time. This is very convenient, especially if you’re having a bonfire with your family and friends and spending time together while you’re eating.

The wooden box comes with ropes for handling so we only recommend that you bring this set if you’re on a car camping or boat trip. The trivet and oven lid lifter is a great addition to this particular set because all you will need to bring are your plates, mugs, and utensils.

There’s really nothing wrong with the Bruntmore Pre-Seasoned 7-Piece Cast Iron Camping cooking set, except for the wooden box. We believe that it’s not sturdy enough and may break after a couple of trips. So, make sure that you take care of the box when you’re lifting it in and out of your car.

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6. Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Combo 2.0

Dimensions: 4.3” X 4.3” X 5.1”

Weight: 5.5 oz

Material: Titanium

Inclusions: Pot: D 4.25” H 5.1” and Cup: D 4.3” H 2.8”

Unlike the previous camping sets that come with pots, pans, and kettles, the Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo only comes with a pot and a cup. But don’t let this fool you, even if it only has these two items, you can still cook a full meal on the pot.

What we like about this particular combo camping set is its ability to transfer heat evenly and fast. Since the material used is titanium, the pot and cup can quickly heat up and cool down. This is perfect for solo backpackers who are looking for a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use cooking set.

In terms of packability, considering its size, you can put this combo inside your hiking backpack without it taking too much space. Also, these items can be attached together and you don’t have to worry about dents because they’re sturdy enough to last a couple of years.

The only downside that we found on this product is that it’s somewhat expensive. A lot of products in this price range offer multiple items that you can use during your camping trip.

Overall, if you’re a solo backpacker looking to cook quick and easy meals during your trip, then we definitely recommend the Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Camping Set for you. It’s lightweight, compact, easy to use, and durable.

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Best Under $100 Camping Cookware

7. MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Backpacking Cook Set with Fusion Coating

Dimensions: 7.2” X 7.7” X 5”

Weight: 15.6 oz

Material: Ceramic-Coated Aluminum, Aluminum Lid, Stainless Steel, Nylon, and EPDM

Inclusions: 2.5L Non-Stick, Hard-Anodized Aluminum Pot, 1.5L Non-Stick, Hard-Anodized Aluminum Pot, Aluminum Strainer Lid, and Talon Pot Handle

The MSR Ceramic 2-Pot cooking set is one of the best camping cookware on the market for under $100. It’s perfect for backpackers who are health-conscious and prefer to carry lightweight materials. With an aluminum base, the ceramic coating provides added protection and performs like a Teflon coating.

We were very happy with how these materials evenly spread out the heat and can cook meals fast. The pot can boil water in as fast as 4 minutes. We also cooked scrambled eggs and sticky meals, and nothing burned on the pots.

Durability is not an issue either with this set because the ceramic coating is almost the same as a Teflon coating. But unlike Teflon that can deteriorate once it has scratches, a ceramic coating will still perform well. Although, we can never say that ceramic coating is sturdier than Teflon since everything will depend on how you take care of the items.

When it comes to packability, you can put small items inside the pots to cover the extra space. For example, we were able to put our lighters, sponge, and other small items in them. The entire concept of MSR products is simple and reliable, and the ceramic 2-pots set is no exception. The pots can be packed quietly and securely in any backpack.

This MSR set is quite light so you can carry it around in your bag. We didn’t find any issue in using the pots and the handles either. Besides, everything can be cleaned easily, which is a big plus to us. No additional features come with these pots, but you can still bring more equipment if you want a full camping kitchen on your trip.

What we don’t like about the MSR Ceramic 2-Pot is that you have to be extra careful when handling the pots because they are fragile and easy to dent. But overall, we recommend this product to anyone who likes to cook in a pot.

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8. Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset

Dimensions: 7” X 5” X 5”

Weight: 13 oz

Material: Titanium

Inclusions: 1L Pot, 0.8L Pot, 6” Lid/Frypan, and 5.3” Lid/Frypan

The Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset is perfect for backpackers who are serious about taking a super lightweight camping cooking set. They used pure titanium cookware in the items, which explains this set’s size and weight.

With all honesty, there’s not much you can cook with the pots and pans. Indeed, there’s no non-stick coating and the titanium material does not conduct heat well, which is why these pots are only good for boiling water and cooking non-sticky ingredients. We tried cooking scrambled eggs and almost all the surface of the frypan was covered with sticking eggs.

However, packability is not an issue since this cooking set is small and lightweight. Although, we find the titanium too loud during our hike, which is why we recommend that you put a paper towel or a cloth between each item.

Even if titanium cookware is lightweight, it’s known for its sturdiness. It’s stronger than aluminum and lighter than metal. While we were testing the pots, we noticed that they were sturdy enough to handle high heat and multiple trips. However, you have to be careful with the handle since it’s one of this product’s weakest points.

What we don’t like about the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset is that you don’t have a choice but to cook meals that can be made just by boiling water. Also, the rattling sound of the pots and lids while hiking can be annoying to some people, which is why we recommend you to put a soft barrier in between the pots.

Overall, if you’re looking for a super lightweight cooking set that can cook your meals by boiling some water, then this particular set is for you. It may be quite expensive considering that multiple brands offer more products within the same price range, but the convenience of carrying a couple of ounces of metal in your backpack can make a big difference if your trip is quick and requires to pack light.

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9. Stanley Adventure Base 4x Camp Cook Set

Dimensions: 11.1” X 10.9” X 6.1”

Weight: 7 oz

Material: Stainless Steel

Inclusions: 21-piece set; 1 18/8 stainless steel pot, Vented Lid, 3-Ply Frying Pan, Cutting Board, Spatula with extended handle, Serving spoon with extended handle, 4 Plates, 4 Bowls, 4 Sporks, Dish drying rack, Trivet, Locking bungee

One of the heaviest products in this list is the Stanley Adventure Base Camp cooking set because almost all the big items included in this set are made with stainless steel. It’s also one of the camping cooking sets that can almost replicate home-style cooking.

What we like about the Stanley Adventure Base 4x Camp is its cooking performance. We testes almost all of the pots and pans while we were out camping and none of them disappoint us one bit. Make sure that you use a wide burner camping stove to ensure that the heat covers all the area of the pan since steel doesn’t spread heat evenly.

What’s great about stainless steel cookware is that you can be sure that the quality of the steel doesn’t fade easily. Even though there is no non-stick or Teflon coating in this cooking set, your food won’t stick to the cookware.

Stanley is best known for its insulated drink containers, which are rugged and sturdy. So if you’re looking for a camping cooking set that can last for years with hundreds of adventures, you should definitely check this product out.

Another great thing about this Stanley Adventure Cook Set is that you can pack everything together by following the instructions etched inside the lid, and by sealing the items with the bungee lid keepers. Even if while riding a Jeep, we didn’t hear any rattling sound.

Although, in terms of weight, we recommend that you use this cooking set if you’re going on a car camping adventure. We’ve mentioned earlier that it’s one of the heaviest products on this list and we weren’t joking—even the frying pan alone was quite heavy for one person.

Overall, the Stanley Adventure Base 4x Camp Cook Set is one of the best performing and heaviest camping sets. The stainless steel ensures that you’ll have an excelling meal ahead of you and it can last many years. We recommend that you purchase this set if you plan to have a car camping adventure or if you’re with a large group.

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10. Primus PrimeTech 2.3L Pot Set

Dimensions: 7.9” X 7.9” X 5.4”

Weight: 2.05lb

Material: Anodized Aluminum with Teflon Coating

Inclusions: 2 2.3L Pots, 1 Lid, Pot Tongs, Insulated/Padded Storage Bag

If you’re one of those hikers who can do all the cooking in a pot, this is your go-to cooking set. The Primus PrimeTech Pot Set has ensured that all your cooking can be done without a frying pan. With their anodized aluminum, you can be sure that all your meals will be cooked in a breeze.

What we like about this camping cookware is that all the items are sturdy. Plus, it can spread out the heat evenly. We tried all the tests in our books, from boiling water to scrambling eggs and cooking a full meal, and the pot didn’t disappoint.

The heat exchanging ring at the bottom of the pot saves you some simmering fuel and reduces the boiling time. Meanwhile, the Teflon coating ensures that everything will be cooked without any food sticking to the bottom of the surface.

Since these Prime pots are made with aluminum and coated with Teflon, you can expect dents every now and then. Aluminum is one of the easiest metals to dent and Teflon, once scratched, breaks down easily. Nevertheless, if you take care of your cooking set, it will last a long time.

Putting everything together is not a problem at all. You won’t hear any metallic sound while you’re hiking, and there’s no issue with putting small items inside the pot either. Just make sure that you put a paper towel in between each item.

What we don’t like about the Primus PrimeTech 2.3L Pot Set is its weight. With two pots, lids, and other extra features, it’s somewhat heavy as cookware with an aluminum base. The storage bag isn’t much help either since you’ll also put it inside your bag.

Overall, this camping cookware set shows one of the best performances on this list. If you choose to buy this product, you need to be aware of the overall weight that you’re going to carry.

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Best Camping Cookware Sets Under $50

11. MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Dimensions: 6.6” X 6.3” 3.8”

Weight: 1lb.

Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum

Inclusions: 1L Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Pot, Pot Cover, Non-stick Pan, 2 BPA Free Bowls, Folding Stainless Steel, BPA Free Soup Spoon, Wooden Spoon Spatula, Cleaning Sponge, and Nylon Travel Bag Drawstring Pouch

If you’re looking for a compact cookware set that has everything you need to cook and eat for under $50, then you should definitely check the Mallome Camping Cookware Mess Kit.

From pots to spoons and a sponge, MalloMe has got you covered. A word of advice though, prepare to cook the smallest amount of food.

The pots and pans cook as expected. Our scrambled eggs were cooked, but not to perfection—it was average to say the least. Although, we were able to boil water in an average time of 3 minutes and 44 seconds.

Packing everything together is no problem at all. Once you put the accessories together, it can easily fit into the bag. Plus, if you want to bring a fuel canister, you can do so by replacing some of the accessories you have. The one thing that puts us off though is that all the items inside the bag knock against each other. Therefore, you should prepare for rattling sounds while you’re hiking.

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12. Gold Armour 17-Pieces Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Dimensions: 3.8” X 6.8” X 6.3”

Weight: 14.4 oz

Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum

Inclusions: Mini Stove with Piezo Ignition, 1 Pot with Lid, 1 Skillet, 1 of each: folding spork, spoon, fork and knife, 2 Bowls, 1 Soup Spoon, 1 Ride Ladle, 1 Cleaning Loofah, Carabiner, Fire Starter, and Nylon Carry Bag

The next set on our list of best camping cookware set under $50 is the Gold Armour 17-Pieces Mess Kit. First off, we would like to reiterate that you get all 17 accessories and tools for under $50. Yes, you heard that right, all 17 pieces!

What we like about this Gold Armour set is that it got you covered with everything, from a fire starter to a gas stove, skillet, spoons, and more. You won’t need to buy anything else besides the food that you’re going to eat.

There’s nothing to worry about regarding cleaning the accessories either since the pots and pans are non-stick, and the set already comes with a sponge that works well and doesn’t scratch the surfaces of the cookware. Another thing that we like about this set is that it’s lightweight. Considering everything that’s included in it, you can strap it on the strings of your bag so as not to be bulky.

What we don’t like about this mess kit is that the pots and pans can be scratched if you use a metallic utensil. Plus, the handles included in this set are made of plastic, which can melt if you leave them above the stove or pan.

Overall, if you’re looking for a camping cookware set that’s complete and can sustain all your cooking, then this one is all that you’ll ever need. Make sure to be careful with the utensils that you use so that you won’t cause any scratches that may deteriorate your pots and pans.

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13. Terra Hiker Camping Cookware

Dimensions: 7.2” X 7.2” X 5.1”

Weight: 1.34 pounds

Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum

Inclusions: 1L Frying Pan, 2L Boiling Pot, 1L Teapot, 1 Lid, 1 Serving Ladle, 1 Bamboo Spoon, 3 Bowl, and 1 Cleaning Sponge

This Terra Hiker camping cooking set sets the bar high when it comes to cooking on a tight budget. Even though this set has everything that you’ll need to prepare a gourmet camping meal under $50, you’ll be surprised to know that the performance was not sacrificed.

What we like about this cookware is that it’s cheap and can cook very well. The pots and pans feature an anodized coating that protects the accessories from scratches and improves the durability of the aluminum.

We were very pleased with how fast the pot could boil the water, in approximately 2 mins and 30 seconds for 400mL of water. We also cooked our usual scrambled eggs, and the anodized coating worked perfectly. Although, while cooking, we noticed that the pot had fold-down handles, which was a big help.

We also liked how everything is compact once we put it away. We didn’t need to split the accessories amongst the group because the set is already lightweight considering all the things included in it.

There are only two things that we don’t like about the Terra Hiker Camping Cookware. First, we noticed that the handles can get hot while you’re cooking so you should use a paper towel while you’re handling them. Second, the kettle lid is of somewhat poor quality as it can be dented in a couple of trips.

Overall, the Terra Hiker camping cookware has everything that you need if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable cooking set. It performs well, can be carried around since it’s lightweight, and is compact.

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14. Bulin 27/13/11/8/3 PCS Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Dimensions: 9.12” X 9.12” X 7.7”

Weight: 1.58 pounds

Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum

Inclusions: 1 Hanging Pot, 1 Boiling Pot, 1 Frying Pan, 1 Kettle, 6 BPA Free Bowls, 4 BPA Free Small Plates, 3 BPA Free Big Plates, 1 BPA Free Foldable Soup Spoon, 1 Rice Ladle, and 1 Cleaning Sponge

When you’re surfing the internet searching for the best camping cooking set under $50, you’ll come across the Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit in many reviews. Even though it belongs to the affordable range of cookware, you’ll be happy to know that cooking with this set is superb as it doesn’t have many flaws.

What we like about this Bulin cooking set is that the hard-anodized aluminum performs well as a non-stick coating. We cooked a lot of meals in pots and pans and nothing got stuck on the surface. It was also very easy for us to clean the accessories with the sponge that was provided.

We also like that this cooking set can be packed and store away in your hiking backpack. It is indeed light enough for one person to carry it around throughout the journey. Although, you need to be mindful of how many heads you’ll feed since the accessories included in this set are small, which means it’s only suitable for a limited amount of people.

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15. G4Free Camping Cookware Mess Kit 4/13

Dimensions: 6.7” X 6.7” X 5.5”

Weight: 1.2 pounds

Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum

Inclusions: 2 Pieces Pot, 2 Pieces Pan

The G4Free Camping Cookware Mess Kit is one of the cheapest sets on our list. For under $25, you’ll get two pots and two pans that can sustain all the cooking that you need while you’re on a camp.

If you’re one of those hikers who love to travel on a tight budget, then this set should be one of your options. The pots and pans are made with aluminum that conducts the heat, and the anodized coating prevents your food from sticking to your pan.

What we like about this mess kit is that the accessories are versatile, which means you can cook whatever you want with just pots and pans. There’s also enough room inside the pots, which means you can put small items like lighters, utensils, and more.

What we don’t like about this set, on the other hand, is that the pots and pans have silicone handles that easily melt. Plus, unlike the other products we have mentioned, it only includes two pots and two pans. Nevertheless, you get what you pay for. But you can rest assured that if treated well, this set can accompany you for a few hikes.

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Best Camping Cookware Sets: Comparison Table

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When you’re out camping, it’s always a good practice to wash your dishes immediately after you used them. But without a sink or a dishwasher, sometimes even running water, washing your dishes while you’re out camping can be a bit challenging. To do this chore properly, we have a few tips and tricks on how to wash your dishes while camping that you can follow. 

 

What Is the best metal for camping cookware?

Many different materials are used by manufacturers to create camping cookware. By experimenting with the effects of each material and matching them with a non-stick coating, these companies have created their signature marks in this industry.

The materials commonly used are aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and cast iron. But which of these materials is the best and what are each one’s pros and cons? Let’s dive a little deeper into this area.

 

Is aluminum camping cookware safe?

Some people think that Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological problems are related to aluminum, but research shows that the aluminum present in cookware is not absorbed by our digestive tract. This means that there’s little to no correlation at all between the disease and aluminum cookware.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Good heat conductor

Cons:

• Can break down fast when exposed to acidic food
• Can easily be scratched and dented

 

Is stainless steel camping cookware safe?

Stainless steel is a lot heavier than aluminum. In terms of cooking performance, it does not conduct heat very well so you may be faced with burnt food through the hot spots it creates. Durability-wise, it’s tough enough for backcountry travelers or clumsy people.

Pros:

• Tough
• Better scratch-resistance than aluminum

Cons:

• Heavier than aluminum
• Doesn’t conduct heat well

 

Is it safe to cook with titanium cookware?

If you’re worried about safety, then you should choose cookware made of titanium as no cases nor allegations are stating that titanium is dangerous when used for cooking. As for cooking performance, it’s not really good at conducting heat, which can be a bit troublesome if the wind constantly changes direction in your hiking area, as this can result in burnt food.

Pros:

• Corrosion-resistant
• Heats up quickly, which can save you on fuel
• Super lightweight

Cons:

• More expensive than aluminum and stainless steel
• Doesn’t heat evenly

 

Is cast iron best for camping cookware?

Cast iron is considered one of the best materials for camping cookware, especially if it’s pre-seasoned properly. Indeed, it conducts heat very well, distributes it evenly throughout the surface, and is durable enough to handle high temperatures. It’s also very easy to clean and can be pre-seasoned again if needed.

Pros:

• Tough
• Most ideal for cooking
• Best for a car camping trip

Cons:

• Heaviest material used
• Not ideal for backpacking
• Requires proper care

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a camping cookware set, you must know what type of hiker chef you are. Indeed, some sets only include pots and pans if you have a boiling-water kind of cook, while some other sets come with everything to ensure a complete gourmet meal.

If you’re not sure what cookware set to choose, the following questions will help you narrow down your options:

1. How much cookware weight can you carry?
2. How many people will there be during your trip?
3. Will you be backpacking or car camping?
4. Do you need a lot of accessories?
5. What is your budget?