(Part 2) Best camping cookwear according to redditors
We found 292 Reddit comments discussing the best camping cookwear. We ranked the 115 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
I'd highly recommend going with a Soto Amicus ($40) or Windmaster ($65) instead. The Amicus is really nice and the Windmaster is more deluxe with nicer performance specs. I have an Amicus and love it. It's reliable, wind resistant, efficient, simmers pretty well, light, compact.
Some people here are fans of the BRS-3000 stove but be aware that even though it's even lighter and cheaper, it has terrible wind performance, bad efficiency, takes longer to boil, doesn't simmer very well, has lots of reports of collapsing or just crapping out completely.
Getting one of those stoves along with a nice titanium pot, you'll be much lighter and more compact than a Jetboil. You can choose the size and shape of pot you want rather than being locked into a heavy proprietary one, and you can switch pots which would be nice if you're sharing your stove with other people who have their own mug or pot.
For pots I'd recommend the Toaks 550 Light or 650 Light for their light weight and convenient shape and handles. But there are lots of other great pots to choose from depending on your cooking style.
To give you an idea of weight: my Amicus is 2.54oz, my 550 pot and lid is 2.52oz, for a total of 5.06oz. Compared to the lightest Jetboil which is 12oz.
Get you're self one these super light and solid stoves only $17. I've had one going for over a year now with no issues, I know folks who have had them for longer. Then find a titanium pot and spork. I really like this one. There are cheaper ones but titanium is the way to go. Save money with the cheap stove and get the light weight pot instead. This set up is all you need and will save you weight and allow you to carry more camera gear.
Snow Peak Trek Combo Titanium set.
Titanium is more scratch resistant and will survive high heat - melting point is 1,668°C versus 660°C for aluminum - but if you want to save money, Snow Peak makes an aluminum version of the Trek cookset for about half the price.
EDIT - there are a tonne of high-quality off-brand/knock-offs floating around if you're on a budget.
Check these out:
)
I found the latter on sale for $3.08 shipped (!!!)...hasn't arrived but will review it when it gets here.
Oh fun! $500 is a good amount to work with. I am going to assume he has absolutely nothing as you said full kit.
This folding saw is just awesome, and on sale! I've had one for many years. About $22.
This Knife is a lot more heavy duty than the Moras people will inevitably recommend (not that there is anything wrong with them). It's also a lot more expensive. I think it would make a nice gift. Also on sale. $104.
A pot $15.
A Silnylon tarp $63.
Gotta have paracord $10
There are a lot of firesteels out there but this one was uber cheap and looks just like the one I've had for years. >$2.
I would HIGHLY recommend a small forest of Hultafors, Wetterlings, or Gransfors Bruks make. I couldn't find a good link for them on Amazon. They'll be about $150
All told that list(including and axe) is about $360 before tax and shipping) Obviously a pack to put it would top it all off and bring you pretty close to $500 mark. It's just too personal a choice and I can't begin recommend one.
What stuff if any does he have already? A blanket or sleeping bag could be a good choice. A small alcohol stove too.
Cast Iron Pie Cooker Campfire Sandwich Maker
Do you have the regular planet fitness membership or the black one?
http://www.planetfitness.com/membership-types
If you have the black one you're golden ;)
Other than that, get a good portable stove so you can make some food and boil water for tea or coffee.
Buy a jerrycan for water with a little tap on it, fill it up regularly, it also means you can wash yourself even if you don't have access to showers etc.
A small camping spade is good for number 2s in the woods :)
Get a mosquito net hammock, and maybe a cheap tent it means you can sleep outside or on campsites on hot nights.
Your biggest expense will be gas for the car.
Planet fitness is a good idea, but it's urban areas, I would do some (wild) camping more often.
I have no idea what campsites cost in the US per night, but if you do that every other night, or even once in 3 nights, it beats sleeping in a car park, and is cheaper than a hotel.
Have a look at some of the national parks, some of them have basic (cheap) camp grounds too. Campgrounds are really cool places to meet people, much better than a Walmart car park ;)
Shopping list:
Solar shower
Water carrier
Folding spade
Hammock
Cookware
Camping canister stoves are cheap, between $10 and $50
Cheap tent is around $50
Total expenses before hand, around $150-200 max.
I just went for the first items I found on amazon, there are probably cheaper or better products out there.
Source, I did a 6 month trip by bicycle through Europe, so not the same, but the basics are the same. You have the advantage of not being restricted by weight or size of items, which makes it cheaper.
If you need more ideas, packing tips or anything else, I'll gladly help ;)
Have fun, explore and enjoy, it's fun!
I was dead-set on a JetBoil MiniMo. Walked into REI with a more experienced buddy and we put this setup together...its smaller and lighter than a mini-mo and way more flexible for the future:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BKJNYchiEo
parts list:
Snow Peak 700 - https://smile.amazon.com/Snow-Peak-Trek-Titanium-Cookset/dp/B000AR2N7Q
4oz fuel - https://smile.amazon.com/Jetboil-Jetpower-4-Season-Fuel-Blend/dp/B000NMAMOO
jetboil base - https://smile.amazon.com/Jetboil-Fuel-Can-Stabilizer-Size/dp/B00MUYUDC4
BRS stove - https://smile.amazon.com/BRS-3000T-Outdoor-Camping-Cooking-Ultra-light/dp/B072N82R83
bic mini lighter - https://smile.amazon.com/Lot-Mini-Ebony-Black-Lighters/dp/B00863W71I
MSR french press - https://smile.amazon.com/MSR-Windburner-Coffee-Press-Kit/dp/B00YOBML2Q
Vargo folding spork - https://smile.amazon.com/Vargo-T-217-Titanium-Folding-Spork/dp/B004R1LYEO
PackTowel UL face towel - https://smile.amazon.com/Packtowl-UltraLite-Face-Towel-Clay/dp/B017W4M7N4
dish soap - https://smile.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Wilderness-Ounce-250ml/dp/B0029W1394
I'm a fan of This Open Country Aluminum Kettle - http://www.amazon.com/Open-Country-Aluminum-Covered-Kettle/dp/B001OPHFJO/
It is lightweight, it packs well, and it includes a bail handle and a cover. I combine this with 1 or 2 MSR nesting bowls, a metal cup, a metal nalgene sized water bottle and a spork and almost all of my cooking needs are taken care of.
Over the past year I've been piecing together camping gear. I ultimately plan on doing backpacking trips once I become a more experienced camper, and graduate college. Growing up, I went camping frequently but never really did any backpacking or primitive camping where you have to hike to the campsite - my dad always took us to the campsites you can drive up to. My friend, who boasts about the camping etiquette and survival skills he learned in boy scouts, justly criticizes my experience camping - which is limited to campsites that don't require you to pack light and have easy access to water (and restrooms). For example, I've never had the opportunity of digging a hole to shit in. Do I just dig a hole with my hands? Do I need to bring a shovel? How much toilet paper do I need to bring for a 2-3 day trip? I know I have to bring the used paper with me, so how do you recommend carrying trash in general?
Things like this I figure I'd learn overtime. And I do plan on pacing myself; I'm going to work my way up from 1-2 day trips to 2-3 day trips to 4-5 day trips, and ultimately something like the Appalachian Trail. My favorite place to go camping is Big Bend National Park, and there's a 2-3 day trip I'd like to do sometime this year.
I guess my main questions are:
Here's a list of my gear:
Also, I plan on getting a pair of hiking boots this summer. Any suggestions?
edit: grammar
Have you been tent camping before? This may seem like the cheapest way to go, but if you don't already have your camping equipment already this can be an expensive way to go.
Using amazon:
I'm leaving some stuff out, but you're looking at about another $209 added to the cost of staying at Fort Wilderness.
Let's not forget that if you aren't sure about being comfortable with tent camping, It rains like you've rarely ever seen every day in Florida. Usually for short periods of time, but are you willing to tent camp in a tropical rainstorm over night?
I am a huge advocate of Fort Wilderness. I've loved the place since my parents took me there as a child (with a pull behind RV) in the mid 1970's. I suggest you go to the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long, and Movies Under The Stars while you are there. If you can afford it go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue as well. However, tent camping in Florida is quite different than tent camping anywhere else. Maybe wait a little longer until you can afford to stay at one of the All-Star resorts.
Don't listen to the guy that eats out of catfood cans.
This is all you need (and a can of gas that costs $5 and lasts foreverrrr)
https://www.amazon.com/Carabiner-Bisgear-Backpacking-Non-stick-Dishcloth/dp/B01FE07VYS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486924680&sr=8-2&keywords=backpack%2Bstove&th=1
> Would it be better to get a smaller pot and heat up water separately? Or a bigger pot and heat all of the water up at the same time?
A smaller pot has a better surface area (ie, heats up better) ratio:
Take what you will from that....there's a convenience and cost tied to each as well.
It really just depends on your goals...I end up just bringing a 2nd cookset for these situations because I rarely have a hiking partner that wants to go as fast and far as I do...so that changes my UL goals a lot and I'll opt for convenience/comfort over weight.
Depends on how big of a pot you need. When I'm with my gf and/or kids I bring a Solo Stove 1.8L stainless steel pot. When I'm solo it's a Toaks 750 mL titanium pot. Both versatile and can be used on a camping stove, suspended on a tripod, or just set into the fire.
none of the pots in the article had a bail handle like this.
I have found it to be a very functional way to go for my ultralight kitchen... and the lid is not a huge weight penalty over tinfoil.
Also, if you are cooking (instead of going with a no-cook method) you may not like titanium. I actually prefer a stainless pot for better heat distribution... i.e. stuff cooks better.
I use a pocket rocket 2 (big fan, the Deluxe looks good too) with an Optimus Terra Weekend HE cookset. The Terra is still a two piece and non-stick like the Vango, but also has these Heat Exchange fins that supposedly reduce boil time by like 20%. I haven't tested that claim but I have cooked in it and I would recommend it to others.
But I would also second the recommendation to just get a single light pot, which gets way more use than the pan for me. i've got a [Toaks 650ml] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMFNAZW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) that i like a lot for when i don't need to share food (which is why i usually bring the pan part of the Terra)
However, if both options here are more expensive wherever you are due to international shipping or whatever, the Vango set is probably fine. Nothing looks terribly off about it
A buttered sandwich, or pizza sandwich, or anything sandwich related really, in a special cast iron cooking device
That Jetboil system -- which works beautifully -- combines a heat exchanger on the bottom of the pot, with an insulating neoprene sleeve. It's brilliant, and I wish someone made an equivalent one for Esbit tabs or alcohol stoves.
It's made me consider making a neoprene sleeve for the Olicamp XTS pot, or possibly for the Esbit CS985H-EX.
​
A simple / popular / high quality / light setup would be:
A simple / popular / cheap / light setup would be:
​
If you are planning to seriously cook you'll want to upgrade. These setups are optimized to boil water quickly, not much more. Since many backpackers prepare dehydrated meals - this works for the majority.
Thank you so much for the detailed answer! The link is not working though. I am assuming you mean these ones? Edit: Saw it.
I didn't pay attention to the weight of the tent. I figured if I was gonna get one, might as well get a bigger one but you're right. I don't think I'll ever need a 2+ person tent, perhaps this one. Also, just checked my sleeping bag and it's rated for 40F which is no good. Think I'm going with this one. I dropped the lanterns and the torches as you suggested. A headlamp and my phone should be enough.
I didn't put in a stove just to be on the safe side since I'm going through an airport. I added this cooking set with one stove, and I'll just get the fuel from a nearby Walmart once I'm there. I'm lost when it comes to the sleeping pad. Suggestions?
Not sure if you want the pot to have that volume or if the combo pot+lid can have, but I've liked this AMG set and its pretty cheap at $40USD
I'll go a little off kilter here. If I'm on a more fishing oriented trip, I'll pack ~2/3 of my normal food allotment. At worst this puts me in a caloric deficit, but not starving. At best, I may end up packing out some of my food. I absolutely only do this for shorter (<4 day trips). Let your dog bring his own food in his usual proportions, big diet changes are a no go on trail, which can already be stressful for them.
Cookware, I have a pot/lid setup (around 6" diameter), where I'll cook the instant grain in the pot and saute the fish in the lid afterwards, and one stove.
For cooking, I like to take some soy sauce powder and add mustard powder for a mix, japanese seven spice , couscous or rice, and some olive oil. The premise is I'll either have protein with my grain, or I won't. Start the rice while dressing the fish (Opinel 6). I'm a fan of bone in, skin on, but you'll have time to fillet or skin if you like. Once the rice is done, switch to the lid, add oil, bloom the seven spice, add the fish and cook, finish with water and soy+mustard powder (this emulsifies for a nice sauce). Pour the sauce over the rice, and finished. If you didn't have any luck, its still pretty damn tasty rice. If you're worried about calories, bringing some extra oil and nuts (pine or peanuts are my preference) can go a long way in making the meal more satiating, but adds weight. Obviously share with your pup so he'll love you more.
The right fly can be important, but I have yet to be let down by generic sekasa kebari (on western and tenkara setups). To the point that I don't even bother with flotant anymore, if it sinks I jig, if it floats I let it. At most I'll add a tungsten bead to a couple in case the fish are really deep.
There are a lot of really cool camping things! I'll be back to edit this post on my computer with some things that we like / are unique /cool
EDIT - these are things that we use that we love. These things all range in price, so hopefully you can find one or two to fit whatever budget you have.
Other general items that are useful: Climbing/heavy duty carabiners (to clip stuff to other stuff. you can even get locking ones); water filters (if you get a Lifestraw, I recommend the water bottle. The actual Lifestraw is an interesting idea, but we've found in practice it's a little awkward); hammocks with nice straps; base layers; battery-operated lights of any kind (especially ones that clip or are hands-free); a set of waterproof cards (to pass the time on a break); nice, wicking socks; hiking poles; a camping knife.
I haven't tried Cairn (the camping sub box) but they always look interesting.
Hello! Wondering about these two stoves mess kits. I am absolutely brand new and having trouble seeing the difference and pros/ cons. mostly just using it for regular camping.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071S31CGN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_llqlDbZVSZ65A
Or
https://www.rei.com/product/106902/msr-pocketrocket-stove-kit?CAWELAID=120217890002917817&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=15724606000&amp;CATCI=pla-451935995021&amp;cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C404_168449%7C1069020001%7Cnone%7C_kenshoo_clickid_%7Cpla-451935995021&amp;lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA%7C404_168449%7C1069020001%7Cnone%7C_kenshoo_clickid_&amp;kclid=_kenshoo_clickid_&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxfb-woC44wIVgcBkCh3fRQ26EAQYASABEgLPLPD_BwE
It's expensive for what it is, because the odds and ends aren't worth anything. Heck, for not much more, you could get a Toaks Titanium 1100 pot with bail handle and the nesting titanium wood stove. You've already got water bottles and cups.
Cheap would be lixada stove and Zebra Pot and a Nalgene with a steel nesting cup from Walmart. If you want the alcohol backup, learn to make a cat-food can stove. You could assemble that whole setup for about $55 and it would still be lighter than Dangerous Dave's stuff.
How about the Evernew 1L Pasta Pot?
Weighs 116g /4.1oz.
You could go a bit lighter with another (carbon fiber etc) lid, but I personally really like this lid and the handles.
I also have this. The pot it comes with is great, but I upgraded to the Optimus Terra which is better quality in my opinion, and the heat exchanger is a bit better!
I have the [GSI Microdualist Hallulite] (http://www.amazon.com/GSI-50145-Halulite-Microdualist/dp/B0037DD3R4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1348588722&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=microdualist) and absolutely love it. It cleans up in a snap. Has 2 insulated bowls with cups and included utensils. Also you can fit your fuel and stove inside, granted its small enough. also it only weighs 20 oz. Which isnt bad for a two man cook set. It was a bit pricey, but Im glad I spent the extra money. I used to go through a coleman set every two seasons or so. This cookset has lasted me 3 and still looks brand new.
$48.44 for an Olicamp set up:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007S3MNCK/
$52.79 for an integrated Primus set up: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HQLGV0Y/
$79.94 for a JetBoil Flash:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004R9YT9S/
Heh, it's been a bit but...
I ended up getting a SnowPeak Lite Max and Optimus Terra HE Cookset.
Sort of a make your own jetboil kit. Two reasons for this... First, I don't like being tied to one thing so the idea that the jetboil stove only works with the jetboil pots bothers me (and I've heard the pot support doesn't work nearly as well as their own heavy skillet). Having another pot I can use with my alcohol stove is great. Secondly, I wanted a pot/fry pan combo which the terra HE has. I'm one of those rare people that uses the tiny skillet lids to make pancakes or eggs (or, use it as a coffee mug).
I plan to check out how well the HE pot works with the alcohol stove, too, and see what a wind shield/heat reflector will do for it. I like the alcohol stove. I'm tempted to order Trail Designs alcohol stove too, my only gripe with the trangia is that it's heavy (the tradeoff being you could run over it with no damage, and it can be capped with unused fuel still inside).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TYYRCK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_jNl1AbM2WAEGF
Pretty decent set for being so cheap. The stove works just as well as my MSR stove so far.
While you’re still unsure about actual needs (you seem to have lots of ideas), something like this gives you a pan and a pot and a stove and more... just don’t use on a fire. Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware Stove Carabiner Canister Stand Tripod Folding Spork Set Outdoor Camping Hiking Backpacking Non-Stick Cooking Picnic Knife Spoon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TYYRCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KsKrDb4H4T92D
Thanks! I’ll check out that trail. I’m hoping to do a few hikes through the spring/summer to prep for the hike and go from there to see if I’ll be confident in doing the hike.
I plan on doing at least 2 over night hikes to test my gear... which I have yet to buy but will purchase the things I need in the new year (you never know I may change my mind and that’s a lot of gear to buy)... I found the following online...
sleeping bag, pillow, tent, cook set, backpack , and cooking stove
Of course I’ll have my clothing, food and toiletries. I’m hoping to be as lightweight as possible. Any gear suggestions would be great, I’m also ok with crossing the boarder to get a good deal... I’m a Winnipeger after all, I’m cheap! Lol
I use this mug for hot beverages and sometimes meals. I've used odd pieces of cloth as a hot pot holder,
I'm building a coozie out of reflectex for this mug, a larger pot i use when i have to simmer meals, and another one for "cook in bag" meals.
GSI Outdoors makes a pretty handy kit. Expensive, though.
I have this Mallome set. So far pretty good, but only really big enough for 1-2 people. I picked it up after deciding to downsize my cook kit.
I almost never take cast iron with me, as I find it really heavy and bulky to bring along, even car camping, and it seems like a lot for 2 people.
I see people talking about picking up one of these Pot Pan Set 4 Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit.
I think something like the large pot wouldn't be great for pancakes. it would be hard to get a spatula under to flip it, probably get it splattered on the side. It's 5" wide, but the flat bottom is about 3.5"- that's a little small for pancakes. You'll probably spend more time and fuel cooking up a dozen little pancakes over a few larger ones in a 6" pan.
The other cookset i posted has a decent sized pan. If you're not cooking you could leave the pan at home and just bring the pot and lid for heating water. Would be nice if the lid worked for the frying pan though.
You can search for "camping cookset" on Amazon, might find something that suits your needs. Avoid the $150 12-piece cooksets... they're nice, but as you go on you find you don't use half the parts, and most of the other bits you find better alternatives as time goes on.
Anyway, hope that gives you some ideas.
If you want the same exact design, here are two brands who make the same thing.
NuoYa001 or the Optimus Terra Weekend HE .95L Pot
For a tent I have the Ledge Scorpion 2. It's light, small, freestanding, has an optional tarp for when it rains, and good ventilation.
You can get a decent sleeping bag at Academy. I have a No Limits 32 degree tent. I wouldn't get anything rated colder than that because they'll be too big. Mine is basically as big as you should ever get. I'd recommend smaller.
For bed roll I I have the Alps Comfort Series. It rolls real flat and is inflatable by mouth.
For cooking system I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004U8CP88/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1. It's extremely light and small. Works great with this for cookware: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037DD3R4/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1.
Don't forget about a good backpack and a good water purification equipment.
Outdoor or hunting stores would have headphones for this purpose. You can still hear people next to you talking but loud noises are blocked out. They're made so you can hear your partner/footsteps/etc but protect your ears from gunshots.
https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Defenders-filtered-Earplugs-reusable/dp/B004DH0YEI/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1540303808&amp;sr=8-17&amp;keywords=hunting%2Bearplugs&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1
Stuff that looks like this^^
If you’re looking for more durable reusable tips, I use these with my clarity aloft set:
SureFire EP3 Sonic Defenders Filtered Earplugs, Double flanged Design, Reusable, Black, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DH0YEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lGz7CbZE140XM