When you have your sleeping gear and shelter for your trip, you will need to make sure that you have some method of cooking your favorite meals. Having the best backpacking cooking gear will ensure that all your meals are sufficiently cooked. A common question we found it; “What is the best backpacking cooking gear to take on a hike?”
Cast aluminum is one of the best materials to consider when you are looking for cooking gear. However, it might also be a little bit expensive for you to buy. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should have durable cooking wear, but it should be lightweight and easy to carry around. The best gear will be durable and lightweight.
- Backpacking Stove
- Mess Kit
- Simple Meals
The article aims to introduce you to some of the most important cooking gear available. We have identified the most important components, making it possible for you to find the right gear you will need. Additionally, we will add a couple of the best products to help you find these products immediately.
What Do You Need To Look For When Buying Backpacking-Cooking Gear?
Much like anything you’re buying for the outdoors, you will need to understand some of the components that pertain to the best cooking gear. Understating some of the common features that all the gear have in common will give you a starting point. Here are a couple of the important characteristics of backpacking cooking gear:
Durability
One of the first things you will need to look at is the durability of the unit. Using standard cooking wear does not always work when you use an open fire, which means you will need to make sure the cooking wear can withstand the open fire. Cast aluminum is slightly lighter than cast iron but durable enough to withstand an open fire.
Cooking Tools
Another important thing to look for is that you have all the cooking gear you need. If you don’t feel like cooking on an open fire, you will need to make sure that you have a gas stove. The gas stove is perfect for using cooking gear and tools. However, these stoves tend to be a little heavier and harder to set up than an open fire.
Weight
We have briefly touched on the weight aspect, but you will need to make sure that you can carry some of these tools or gear. It is important to look at the gear, and you will need to make sure that you can add it to your backpack. If the components and gear are too heavy, they might hold you down and make the trip harder.
Power Sources
When we mention power sources, we refer to the gas that you will need to have for using a gas stove. Gas cylinders can be very expensive heavy to carry. You will need to do the math and determine if you have the right amount for your trip. You cannot carry more than needed due to the weight that will possibly hold you down.
Storage Space
Finally, the storage space is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind. If you do not have enough storage space for all your gear, you will not be able to backpack. The dimensions of the products are commonly indicated. However, if the product can be folded, it will be much easier to carry and take up far less space.
Top 5 Pieces Of Backpacking Cooking Gear You Need
Now that you have seen some of the most important aspects of this gear, you will need to look at the best products. We have used the above-mentioned information to help us in finding the best cooking gear for your backpacking trip. Here are some of the top options on the market today:
Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Small and portable
- Only 14.6-ounces
- FluxRing Technology
- Instant Heating
Cons:
- Petroleum Power Source
Bottom Line: The Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System is one of the best options due to the smaller size. The unit weighs 14.6-ounces. With the starting mechanism, the unit will instantly heat the components. The additional 1-year warranty will give you some peace of mind.
AOTU Portable Camping Stoves Backpacking Stove
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Affordable
- Piezo ignition
- Large stovetop
- Easy flame control
Cons:
- Lacks durability
Bottom Line: If you are strapped to a tight budget, you will need to make sure that you look at the AOTU Portable Camping Stoves Backpacking Stove. It features a solid Piezo ignition system, and a large upper part of the unit will allow you to cook bigger pots. The best feature of the entire unit is the overall price.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Gear
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Double-fusion design
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons:
- No cons
Bottom Line: The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Gear is the perfect combo of pots and utensils that any backpacker or camper will need. Easy to clean and lightweight, this 10 piece set will cover all of your needs!
GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Large interior capacity
- Affordable
- BPA-free
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Many don’t like the handle
Bottom Line: if you want to drink your coffee in style, you will need to look at the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug. It is one of the larger mugs on the market today. Since the unit is BPA-free, it is great for most people to use and safe.
Snow Peak Trek Titanium Bowl
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Titanium construction
- Durable outer shell
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line: The final bowl we have selected is the Snow Peak Trek Titanium Bowl. The bowl is one of the most durable you can find, and it might be a little more expensive than some of the others. We would recommend it for the design and the affordability of the product.
Backpacking Cooking Gear Summary
Once you have the right gear for your backpacking trip, you should be able to make the best meals that will keep you full and energized. There are many more of these products on the market today, but these are some of the best. Let us know in the comment section if we have missed any of your favorite cooking tools for camping.
Need Help Preparing for a Hike or Backpacking Trip?
Check out our Hiking Equipment Guide for Beginners. It’s a complete list of gear that every beginner should have!
