| If you think about it for just a few minutes, your | | | | You do not want cookware that is too big |
| outdoor cooking equipment is pretty important. It | | | | for your stove. This effects balance, stove |
| does you no good to plan a great menu and then | | | | performance and takes up valuable weight and |
| leave the pots, pans or utensils at home. Let's | | | | space. |
| take a look at what you have available and if it's | | | | Several manufacturers make backpacking |
| practical to carry on your back. | | | | cookware for their stoves. |
| What do you absolutely need? | | | | Buy a kit that has matching lids and pots. The |
| 1. Pot and/or Pan? Check your menu. | | | | lids should also be able to serve as a skillet. |
| 2. What size? | | | | 3. Look for non-stick when possible. |
| 3. Do you have lightweight gear or just something | | | | Not all cookware comes with a non-stick |
| from the kitchen? | | | | surface. So be sure to read the description before |
| 4. Is it non-stick, aluminum, titanium, etc.? | | | | buying. |
| Definitely not cast iron. (That's a joke for the | | | | Also, keep in mind to use non-metal utensils |
| newbies). | | | | to cook with. |
| 5. What utensils are needed? Again, check your | | | | 4. Some stoves are difficult to put on simmer or |
| menu. | | | | not at all. Make sure the cookware will stand high |
| As you can see, it's not difficult, but it does take | | | | temperatures. |
| some thought and planning on your part. | | | | Aluminum will warp on the bottom when it |
| I can't begin to tell you how many backpacking | | | | gets too hot. If your stove does not simmer, |
| trips I've been on in Boy Scouts, where the boys | | | | think about making a lightweight device that will |
| (usually the younger ones) didn't bring any cooking | | | | elevate the pot higher from the flame such has a |
| equipment, because they didn't want to carry it | | | | heat exchanger. |
| or have room for it. Not to mention that they | | | | 5. Get a kit that has both a pot and skillet. |
| just plane forgot. | | | | You never want to buy a pot without a lid. |
| Weight and size are very important when | | | | To make things packs lighter and smaller get a kit |
| selecting your backpacking cookware. | | | | where the lid can also be used as a skillet. |
| Keep these points in mind: | | | | You can also find a stove/cookware |
| 1. Find the lightest and strongest cookware and | | | | combination where the stove fits inside the cook |
| utensils. | | | | kit. The fuel is not placed inside the kit. |
| Cookware comes in aluminum, non-stick | | | | 6. Cups and Plates |
| titanium and titanium alloy. | | | | I do not recommend metal cups, bowls or |
| Cups, plates and utensils can be aluminum | | | | plates. As you know, metal conducts heat and |
| (not recommended), titanium, polypropylene, | | | | makes it very difficult to touch when drinking or |
| food-grade nylon/silicone, co-polyester, stainless | | | | eating hot meals. |
| steel and more. | | | | With that said; if your items are of a thermal |
| 2. Keep in mind the volume and capacity of the | | | | nature, then knock your socks off and use them. |
| cookware. | | | | |