Like the gear you select to use during your trip, the cookware is also considered according to weight, which remains a critical factor in hiking.
Outdoor Cook Sets Designed to Nest Together
When it comes to cookware outdoor sports enthusiasts can either invest in a complete set or purchase loose items to cater for their individual requirements and preferences. The sets feature a collection of different size pots and pans with lids that can nest together, which is important in the space it takes up. Several of the larger outdoor cook sets also includes plates and mugs and again the whole set can then be nest together within the largest pot.
Individual Pieces of Cookware for Outdoors
By purchasing individual cookware pieces, hikers have the freedom to build up a unique set that best caters for their personal preferences. With pots or pans that are available in different sizes, buying individual pieces ensure you only take what you’ll use on the hike. The biggest advantages of buying individual pieces are that it is more budget-friendly, and you get to slowly build up a set that is versatile and shaped around your outdoor cooking habits.
Materials Used for Outdoor Cookware
While both weight and size play an important role in selecting the perfect cookware, the materials used need to be good heat conductors and long-lasting.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminium cookware is affordable, lightweight and great heat conductors, which makes these a good option for simmering foods. Although aluminium pots and pans scratch and dents easily.
Hard Anodized Aluminum Outdoor Cookware
Hard Anodized Aluminum is an oxidized material that is long lasting while it also resists abrasion and scratches.
Stainless Steel Cookware for Outdoor Use
Stainless steel is more scratch-resistant and tougher compared to aluminium cookware, although it is also heavier than the cookware produced from aluminium. The stainless-steel cookware is not great heat conductors, which often causes hot spots.
Titanium Outdoors Cookware
Cookware in titanium is lightweight, its super light weight makes it the lightest option when it comes to cookware that is also strong. The titanium cookware does not need maximum heat as it heats up exceptionally fast. The only drawbacks are that titanium pots and pans can be expensive and it does not spread the heat as evenly as pots made from stainless steel.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast Iron cookware is ideal for cooking and baking since the pots and pans are tough, unfortunately, it is heavy, requires proper care and not ideal for hiking.
Outdoor Cookware with Non-stick Coatings
Non-stick coated cookware is great in the sense that it is easy to clean, although these can easily be scratched when metal utensils are used as well as less durable.
Plastic Outdoor Cookware
Plastic utensils and containers are light, non-abrasive and most cost-effective, although it is not as heat-resistant or durable as metal and can retain food odours or flavours.
Camp Gadgets Less Needed but Such A Treat When You Are Outdoors
There is no reason to rough it out and if you want to impress your partner during the hiking expedition make sure to pack a Dutch oven, perfect for stews and slow cooking, a cooking iron to make hot sandwiches, a French press backpacker sized coffee maker, popcorn popper or extension forks to roast hot dogs or marshmallows.