Having the right equipment guarantees a more enjoyable trip with your family and friends. When you’re out for 2-3 days, it’s best to cook outdoors. That’s where the best cookware comes into play. From pots to pans, there are plenty of. These utensils are made of resistant materials like stainless steel. Not only to keep your meals warm, but they are also durable. So, if you’re planning on camping soon, get one from this list of the best cookware for camping. We guarantee you’ll find your ideal set or individual pot!
How to Choose the Best Cookware for Camping
Just like regular cookware, camping cookware varies in features, like capacity or heat resistance. Also, depending on the number of people traveling with you, you’ll need more utensils to go with them. Here are some main key features you need to consider before clicking the “Add to Cart” button!
Material
There are several common materials used to make camping cookware. The most popular are titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel. However, some pots are made of silicone, plastic, and Teflon or ceramic, too. The choice is abundant! All of them offer both advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless steel is affordable, lightweight, and durable, but doesn’t spread heat evenly. Meanwhile, aluminum distributes heat evenly, yet it’s not as durable. On the other hand, silicone is the most lightweight material and provides compact designs, but it might not resist heat as well as the other. Depending on your preferences, choose the material that works best for you and your traveling plans.
Heat Retention
Do you go camping in winter? Is rain or snow something you’ll face often? If the answer is yes, you need to consider this aspect. Heat retention is essential when cooking outdoors. If you’re camping in cold weather, your food will get cold quickly if your pot doesn’t retain heat well. Nobody wants cold noodles soup! Besides, low-quality cookware will take more time to cook your meals. Whether you’re boiling or frying, it will take more time. To us, high-quality heat retention is a must feature.
Capacity
When it comes to capacity, you need to consider how large your camping group is. Is it just a solo backpacking trip? Or are you planning a family camping trip? Or perhaps a romantic getaway? There’s an option to buy either a cookware set or single pots and pans. If you’re traveling alone or with your partner, you can get away with one pot and a frying pan. But if you’re traveling with family or friends, high-capacity cookware is ideal. This way you’ll cook your meal faster. And even better, you’ll be able to cook several meals at once.
Weight
Think about everything you’ll be carrying on a camping trip. You’ll have at least your backpacking tent and sleeping bags, not to mention clothing and other camping accessories. Therefore, buying heavier cookware might not be the best idea. It will make packing harder and walking more difficult. Depending on the materials cookware is made of, some are either lighter or heavier than most. As silicone is ultra-lightweight and compact, it’s the best option if you’re planning to carry everything in a hiking backpack. If you’re traveling by car, this won’t matter. That being said, other materials aren’t super heavy, but they will make a significant weight difference. Also, the more utensils a set includes, the heavier it’ll be.
Amount of utensils
Camping cookware comes both in single pieces and in sets that vary between 3-15 items. If you want to buy several cooking essentials, such as pots, sporks, plates, cups, and frying pans, look for a cookware set. This way you’ll save more money than buying them individually. And on a plus note, the size and style will match. It’s a win-win! Now, if you’re a light packer and want to buy only one or two cooking utensils, a single pot or pan that has a multifunctional design is your best option. For example, some pots can work as a cup too, and likewise, frying pans can work as plates.
Coleman Camping Cookware 5-piece set
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Coleman makes some of the best camping items available on the market. Therefore, the first cookware we’ll talk about is the Coleman Camping Cookware 5-Piece Set. As its name suggests, the set includes five different utensils. It comes with an 8 oz. cup and a 16-ounces pot with a lid, great for cooking soup and boiling water. It also includes a frying pan and a deep-dish plate. For your convenience, all the utensils can be packed together, providing you quick and easy storage.
Each piece is made of aluminum, and altogether they weigh only 1 pound. Despite them not having non-stick protection, they clean easily. The affordable price makes this set one of the best cookware for camping. You can find it for less than 15 USD! The compact design and number of pieces make this set ideal for camping solo or with your partner.
What We Love
A lightweight, practical set for two campers.
Pros:
- Includes 5 pieces
- Aluminum
- Easy cleaning
- Nest design for practical storage
- Lightweight
Cons:
The handles can get hot when left on the heat for a long time.
Sea to Summit X-Pot
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If you prefer to pack light, then this single pot is your option. Sea to Summit X-Pot is a silicone pot that comes in two sizes: 1.4L and 2.8L. Also, depending on the size, two different colors are available. Despite being silicone-made, it resists high temperatures up to 300°F (148°C), ideal for cooking in low heat. The pot’s base is made of hard-anodized aluminum that also enhances its heat resistance.
For your safety, the silicone is food-grade silicone and BPA free. Also, this material makes it a lightweight pot, perfect for camping. Even better, the pot features a collapsible design. When collapsed, it measures only 1-5 inches, which makes it easy to pack and carry. The X-Pot also has two side silicone handles that secure the lid not only when moving it but while cooking. It’s so simple yet practical!
What We Love
The perfect on-the-go pot for camping!
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- BPA free silicon
- Two sizes available
- Includes lid
- Collapsible design
Cons:
Pricier considering it’s only one pot.
BeGrit Camping Cookware Set
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BeGrit Camping Cookware Set is the perfect option if you’re looking for high-capacity cookware. The set contains eight practical pieces made of stainless steel. It comes with a large frying pan, two pots: one big and one small, a regular plate, two reel-edge plates, and two mugs. Perfect for a family of three! The pot’s handles feature a folding design that makes packing easier. Also, the set includes a carrying back that fits all of the utensils.
Both the frying pan and the two pots have a high heat-resistance that enhances their quality of life. It also ensures that your meals will stay warm for a long time. As mentioned, they’re stainless steel cookware, which means they are easy to clean and won’t retain odors. Also, they work for different types of cooking, such as frying, stir-frying, or boiling. Its versatility is what makes it one of the best camping cookware sets.
What We Love
It’s a practical set that will make your cooking easier when camping.
Pros:
- 8-piece set
- Includes carrying bag
- Stainless-steel
- Folding handle design
- Easy cleaning
Cons:
Not all of the pieces fit inside the pans, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Lixada Camping Titanium Cookware Set
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If you’re looking for camping pots to keep your food warm, you’ll love this set. Lixada Camping Titanium Cookware Set features three practical cooking utensils. It comes with a 750ml pot, a 420ml cup, and a folding spork. Perfect for boiling water and making soup or stew! Made of titanium, all of them are lightweight and durable. Also, this type of material is corrosion-resistant, which makes it long-lasting and prevents odor retention.
The pots feature a user-friendly design. The handles collapse, where both the cup and spork fit inside the bigger pot, which makes it a portable set. Besides, the cup and pot include a lid. And the pot has a top handle for you to hang it over the fire. And if you like, the cup can be used as a pot when needed. For your convenience, it also includes a carrying bag that easily attaches to your hiking backpack and will keep your cookware protected.
What We Love
It’s a compact, multifunctional set perfect for outdoor trips.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- 3-piece set
- Excellent heat retention
- Collapsible handle design
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons:
Pricier compared to other camping cookware sets.
Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3
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Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3 is the perfect cookware set for solo travelers. It features two pots, each with a different size, and also a regular size frying pan. For your convenience, it also includes a plate and a bowl. Enjoy dinner anywhere! Also, to enhance your comfort, it comes with a nylon carrying case that you can attach to your backpack.
Snow Peak’s Personal Cooker 2 has a compact design where the utensils stack and fold in one piece. When folded, all the set measures 5.4 x 5.4 x 6 inches and weighs 1.2lbs. Its compactness and functionality make it one of the best cookware for camping. All of the items are made of polished stainless steel that enhances their durability. Also, Snow Peak ensures the quality of its products and guarantees that they’ll endure heavy use. Even better, the utensils are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, perfect for long camping trips.
What We Love
It’s a functional, compact set that includes all the essentials you need.
Pros:
- Compact
- Includes carrying bag
- 5-piece set
- Lightweight
- Foldable handles
Cons:
It’s ideal only for one or two campers.
Stansport Stainless Steel Mess Kit
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We love when cookware sets are compact yet functional. And that’s the case of the Stansport Stainless Steel Mess Kit. This cookware set contains three utensils, which makes it ideal for short camping trips. It includes a boiling pot with lid, a frying pan, and one plate that provides you with all the essentials you need. The cookware features a stainless-steel body with copper bottoms for even heat distribution. Never worry about your meals being overcooked!
The three items nest together perfectly into one single piece. Also, the frying pan handle locks and keeps everything secure. It also includes a nylon mesh carrying bag that makes packing easier. When packed, the set has a dimension of 7 x 2.8 x 7 inches and weighs as low as 1.2lbs. Its lightweight characteristic is what makes it one of the best camping cookware available. Also, the set features a stylish, modern design that’ll match your utensils at home.
What We Love
Stylish cookware set perfect for all occasions.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy cleaning
- Includes nylon mesh cover
- 3-piece set
- Affordable
Cons:
The number of utensils might not be enough for some.
Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set
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If you’re looking for large-capacity cookware to take on a family camping trip, we got the perfect option. Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set is one of the biggest cookware sets available. It features 19 different pieces that include everything you need and much more. It includes a pot with lid, frying pan, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, and a trivet. Also, you’ll find four plates, bowls, and sporks, perfect for a nice family dinner.
This set is all about ensuring your comfort. Therefore, it also comes with a dish drying rack, and the spoon and spatula have extending handles to fit different users. All of the utensils are BPA free and made of scratch-proof stainless steel. The frying pan and pot feature a multi-layer base that provides even heating and fast cooking. If you don’t mind spending some extra money, get this set. All of the high-quality cookware included is worth it.
What We Love
It’s the most convenient camping cookware set you’ll ever buy.
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- 19-piece set
- Large-capacity pots
- BPA free
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
It’s on the pricey side.
Primus PrimeTech Stove Set
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Primus PrimeTech Stove Set is probably the most functional and practical cookware on this list. This set not only includes two pots but an integrated burner that makes everything easier. Both of the pans are the same size, but they’re made of different materials. One of them features Primus PrimeTech technology and has a ceramic non-stick coating. Meanwhile, the other one is a regular aluminum pot. However, both of them are BPA free and provide even heating.
The set conveniently folds into one piece, and the lid locks everything in place. Also, one of the pots has a heat exchanging feature, that allows you to reduce cooking times by using both pans at the same time. It’s this feature that makes it one of the best cookware for camping. When packed, it has a dimension of 7 x 7 x 4.2 inches, which makes it a portable set. To ensure easy carrying, it also includes a storage bag that fits all the items.
What We Love
It’s the perfect all-in-one set for cooking outdoors!
Pros:
- Two pot sizes available
- Lightweight
- Includes carrying bag
- BPA free
- 2-piece set
Cons:
It’s expensive compared to other camping cookware of the same capacity.
G4Free Camping Cookware Mess Kit
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G4Free Camping Cookware Mess Kit is a cookware set that provides everything you need when cooking outdoors. It includes a large pot that measures 3.1 x 5.7 inches and a small frying pan with a dimension of 1.3 x 6.1 inches. The set also comes with two non-sticky small bowls, a wooden serving spoon, and a spork. All you need to prepare a full meal! It features a compact design where all of the utensils fit inside the large pot. And for your convenience, it includes a mesh bag, which you can attach to your backpack and easily carry it.
All of the items are lightweight, and both the pot and frying pan are made of anodized aluminum that makes them durable. G4Free guarantees the quality of its camping cookware, but if you encounter any problem with your set, a warranty comes with every purchase. The set’s best feature is probable its affordable price. You can get this set online for less than 20 USD!
What We Love
It includes the most cooking utensils at an unbeatable price point.
Pros:
- 11-piece set
- Cleans easily
- Affordable
- Includes mesh bag
- Compact
Cons:
The pot and pan included are small.
RedSwing Camping Cookware Set
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If you’re a light packer and want to buy compact cookware, this is your option. RedSwing Camping Cookware Set is a 12-piece set ideal for camping trips. It includes essentials such as a camping pot, frying pan, two plastic bowls, one soup bowl, one folding spoon, and a ladle. The utensils, made of non-toxic anodized aluminum, are durable and won’t retain odor. The handles of the pot and pan are heat resistant, protecting your hands at all times.
When packed in its mesh bag, the set measures 6.4 x 6.4 x 3.7 inches and weighs less than a pound. This bag also allows you to carry it attached to your bag, convenient when backpacking. Also, it has a compact design, and all of the items snap into one single piece. All of these features make it one of the best cookware for camping.
What We Love
The best cookware set for 2-3 campers.
Pros:
- Foldable handles
- Includes storage bag
- Cleans easily
- Lightweight
- 12-piece set
Cons:
Small capacity.
HONEST OUTFITTERS Portable Camping Mess Kit
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If you’re looking for affordable cookware, we got the perfect set for you. HONEST OUTFITTERS Portable Camping Mess Kit has an unbeatable price of less than 22 USD. It includes ten pieces that provide you with all of the utensils needed to cook a full meal. The set comes with a nonstick pot and pan, a pan cover, soup spoon, bamboo spoon, folding steel pork, and two BPA free bowls.
It also includes a cleaning sponge that makes it easy to clean. That’s what the best cookware for camping should have. All of the utensils feature an anodized aluminum body that provides even and fast heat distribution. It has a compact design, and all of the items perfectly fit into one piece and inside the nylon bag included. Also, this cookware set weighs only 1.1lbs, making it one of the most lightweight kits available.
What We Love
It’s a lightweight cookware kit ideal for every type of camping.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- 10-piece set
- Foldable handles
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
Its small capacity makes it ideal only for 1-2 persons.
Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit
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Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit is a ten-piece set, perfect when camping alone or with a partner. Its best feature, and what makes it one of the best camping cookware, is the kettle included. Now you can enjoy your tea or coffee while camping! The set also includes a pot, frying pan, serving spoon, fork, knife, and two stainless steel cups. Both the pot and pan are non-stick and feature an aluminum body, which makes them easy to clean.
For your protection, the handles are heat-resistant and feature an anti-slip design that provides sturdiness. Also, the two cups included are insulated to protect your fingers from the heat. This set is also great for its compact design. All of the utensils can be stored together into one piece, making it a portable kit. And as if it weren’t enough, it comes with a carrying bag, which provides easy carrying and packing.
What We Love
It’s the most practical cookware you can buy.
Pros:
- Heat resistant handles
- Non-sticky pot
- Includes mesh bag
- 10-piece set
- Compact
Cons:
It’s a small-capacity set that might not work for larger groups.
REDCAMP Camping Cookware Mess Kit
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If you’re looking for the best of the best cookware for camping, buy this set. REDCAMP Camping Cookware Mess Kit provides you with 13 essential cook utensils that’ll make you camping experience better. It includes an aluminum frying pan and pot, a pot lid, a scouring pad, a tool card, two spoon forks, and two plastic bowls. We love the pot’s high-capacity, it’s capable of fitting up to 1200ml. Despite offering a large capacity, the set has a compact design. And everything can be packed into one!
The handles are heat resistant to protect your fingers while being foldable and sturdy. The set also includes a polyester cloth bag that easily fits everything and makes packing easier. Also, you can attach the bag to your backpack, and since it’s a lightweight set, it will fit nicely. The materials used are high-quality and durable, but if anything goes wrong, you can count on a 1-year limited warranty. Whether you like to camp alone or in larger groups, this cookware set is your best option.
What We Love
The most high-quality utensils at the best price.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Includes storage bag
- 13-piece set
- High-capacity pot
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons:
It doesn’t include a kettle.
