Camping Cookware

The cook set, for cooking at camp

A cook set brings together a walker's kitchen vessels: pots, sometimes a frying pan and bowl, designed for heating water and preparing a meal at camp. Compact and nestable, it packs down to a minimal size, often fitting neatly around the stove canister. It's the essential companion for self-sufficient cooking, from your morning coffee to a freeze-dried dinner.

Material, weight and cooking efficiency

Aluminum is lightweight and conducts heat well; stainless steel is tougher but heavier; titanium, ultralight and sturdy, is aimed at gram-counters willing to pay a premium. A good cook set heats up quickly and saves on fuel. Ultralight sets strip weight down to the essentials, while more complete models add a frying pan and strainer lid for extra versatility when camping.

Capacity and number of people

Capacity should be chosen according to the number of people and the type of meal: a small pot is enough for boiling water solo, while a larger set will feed a group. Folding or removable handles and clever nesting make for easy, compact storage. Make sure you've got the right cutlery to eat with, too.

Gearing up properly

Cook set, stove, cutlery and water bottle make up your camp kitchen kit. To bring it all together and cook light out in the wild, browse our hiking accessories and equipment. A well-chosen camping cook set makes cooking on the trail easy: whether in summer or at camp, it also doubles as a bowl and all-purpose container, an easy and versatile tool for everyday use.