Buying Guide: How To Choose Camping Cookware
Cooking in the great outdoors is one of the best parts of camping, and having the right cookware can make all the difference. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for lightweight cookware or a car camper wanting a full cooking setup, choosing the best camping cookware depends on your needs, budget, and cooking style.
Here at Outdoor Action, we’ve compiled a guide of the key factors to consider, including materials, weight, and features, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy hassle-free meals on your next adventure.
Table of contents
What to look for in camping cookware
Best cookware sets for camping
What to look for in camping cookware
Material
The material of your cookware affects the weight of your backpack, the durability of the cookware, and cooking performance.
Aluminium
Aluminium is lightweight and heats up quickly. It’s a great option for backpackers. However, it can dent easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Aluminium can react with acidic foods, changing their flavour |
| Lightweight | Dents easily |
| Conducts heat well | |
| Quick cook time |
Anodised aluminium
Anodised aluminium is treated to create a hard, non-reactive surface. This makes it more durable and resistant to corrosion and prevents aluminium from reacting with acidic foods and changing the flavour of your food. Anodised aluminium cookware is a great balance between affordability, lightweight design, and durability, making it a popular choice for campers and backpackers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Cons |
| Lightweight | It can still dent, though less easily than regular aluminium |
| Conducts heat well | More expensive than untreated aluminium |
| Quick cook time | |
| More durable and scratch-resistant than regular aluminium |
Titanium
Titanium is lightweight and strong but usually more expensive. It heats up quickly and cools down fast, making it ideal for ultralight backpackers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super lightweight | Creates hot spots due to poor heat conductivity |
| Thin walls allow pots/pans to heat quickly. | It can be expensive compared to other available options. |
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is extremely durable and scratch-resistant but tends to be heavier. It resists rust and corrosion, making it an excellent long-term option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable material Scratch-resistant, so you can use steel wool during cleaning. | Uneven cooking that is prone to hot spotsHeavier than other cookware. |
| Heavier than other cookware. |
Weight and portability
When choosing your cookware, factor in the type of camping trip you’ll be taking. Weight and portability will be a more important factor if you’ll be carrying it round as you hike.
For backpacking, you need lightweight and compact cookware that is easy to pack and lightweight to carry. Look for nesting cookware sets that stack together for easy packing.
Car campers have more flexibility to bring heavier, more versatile options.
What you can cook with it
Choose cookware that’s familiar or easy to use and suits what you enjoy making. If you prefer stews, you’ll need a pot; if you enjoy grilled food, a lightweight griddle pan or frying pan will be best.
Easy to clean and non-stick coatings
Pans with non-stick coatings are easier to clean and cook with but require careful handling to prevent scratching and can wear out over time. Uncoated pans are more durable but require more cleaning effort and oil to prevent sticking.
Additional features to consider
- Lids with strainer holes: Useful for draining pasta or rice.
- Folding or detachable handles: Improve portability.
- Multi-functionality: Some pots double as bowls, or lids double as frying pans.
Heat source compatibility
Ensure your cookware is compatible with your heat source, whether a camp stove, open fire, or grill. Some cookware is specifically designed for induction stoves or direct flame cooking.
Essential cookware items
Camping stove
- Camping stove – For cooking meals or boiling water. Learn more about how to choose a camping stove and the different types available.
Pots and pans
- Lightweight pot (1-2 litres) is perfect for boiling water and making soups.
- A small frying pan is great for cooking eggs, bacon, or stir-fries.
- A griddle works well for burgers and other quick meals.
- Camping kettle – For boiling water for coffee, tea, or dehydrated meals.
Top tip: A lightweight cookware set with a nesting pot and pan is great for easy packing.
Utensils
- Cutting board & knife – Compact, foldable, or lightweight options are ideal.
- Cooking utensils – Spatula, tongs, ladle, and a stirring spoon.
- Plates, bowls, & cups – Durable and lightweight materials like stainless steel.
- Spork or camping cutlery – A multi-use utensil for eating.
Cleaning & Storage
- Collapsible sink for washing dishes.
- Soap & sponge – For easy cleanup.
- Microfibre towels or paper towels – Quick-drying and space-saving.
- Bin bags – For waste disposal.
- Food bags – For leftover food storage.
Best cookware sets for camping
Best budget set – Easy Camp Adventure Cook Set M
Material: Aluminium
Includes:
- 2 pots (1.5L / 3.0L)
- 1 pan 21.8 cm
- 1 kettle 0.9L
- 1 gripper
This set nests together into a compact package, making it easy to transport. As the set is made from aluminium, it is lightweight to carry and on the more affordable side. However, this also means that it may be more easily dented, and it doesn’t have a non-stick coating.
Best for family camping – Vango Aluminium Cook Set
Includes:
26cm frying pan (Doubles as the lid for 2600ml Pot)
2 pot lids
1400ml pot
2000ml pot
8 plastic cups
2600ml pot
Storage bag
This all-in-one outdoor cookware set includes three non-stick pots with lids and a frying pan with a removable handle. Designed for convenience, all pieces nest together for compact storage and fit neatly into a handy carry bag.
Best for family camping – Vango Aluminium Cook Set
Material: Aluminium
Includes: Non-stick frying pan, diameter 20cm
3L pot, 20cm diameter
Aluminium kettle 1.3L
2L pot, 18cm diameter
1.5L pot, 17cm diameter
The Vango Aluminium Cook Kit is a lightweight and durable all-in-one set for outdoor cooking. The removable pot handle adds convenience, while all items nest together compactly for easy storage.
Best for backpacking – Primus Essential Pot Set 1.3L
Material: Anodised aluminium
Includes:
Anodised aluminium pots
Frying pan/pot lid with ceramic, non-stick coating
Removable pot gripper handles
Nylon storage bag
This set is a lightweight, anodised aluminium cookware solution for outdoor gatherings. It includes two nesting pots and a ceramic-coated non-stick frying pan that doubles as a lid. Designed for efficient heat distribution, it supports multi-pot cooking on two burners. The removable pot gripper ensures easy handling while all components pack neatly into a compact storage bag. Compatible with most stoves, this set is perfect for backpacking families and simple campsite cooking.
Best for car campers – Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Collapsible Pouring Pot – 1.8L
Material: BPA-free, food-grade, heat-resistant silicone and high-grade stainless steel
Includes:
Collapsible 1.8L pouring pot
Strainer lid
The Detour Stainless Collapsible 1.8L Pouring Pot is a durable and space-saving addition to any camping kitchen. Designed for use on both gas and induction cooktops, it features a collapsible BPA-free silicone and stainless steel construction. The easy-flow strainer lid, removable click-safe handle, and graded internal scale ensure convenience. It’s perfect for camping, campervans, and outdoor adventures.
Shop camping cookware from Outdoor Action
Choosing the right camping cookware can make a big difference to your camping cooking experience.
By considering factors like material, weight, durability, and the type of meals you plan to prepare, you can find the perfect set to suit your needs.
With quality options from Campingaz, Vango and MSR, shop our full range of quality cookware and stoves to prepare for your next adventure.
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