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meg whitney
Jill of All Trades, Master of Many
While more basic than what you find in a typical kitchen, camping cookware sets can still cook delicious, nutritious meals. They’re also more sustainable than plastic cookware and help keep trails and campgrounds healthier and cleaner. I’m a professional mountain guide and van-lifer, and camping cookware sets aren’t just what I cook with on weekend trips. They’re what I use almost every day, and I prefer to use durable cookware that is versatile enough to use on many different types of trips.
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My choice for the best overall camping cookware set is the GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset. It’s light and packable enough to be my go-to choice for group backpacking trips but has plenty of features for cooking delicious meals while car camping, including a nonstick surface for easy clean-up.
Our picks for the best camping cookware sets
• Best overall: GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset
• Best camping cookware set under $20: Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit
• Best stainless steel camping cookware set: Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset
• Best cookware for car camping: Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cookset
• Best cookware for solo backpackers: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II Cookset
• Best cast iron cookware for camping: Lodge 3.2 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker
• Best nonstick camping cookware: MSR Ceramic 2 Pot Set
• Best camping cookware setup for foodies: Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
The best camping cookware kits
Best overall: GSI Pinnacle Base Camper
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: I’ve tested the GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset in the Alaskan backcountry for three seasons, and it’s by far my favorite camping cookware set. The hard-anodized, nonstick set has lasted me over 100 days in the field, and the two pots and skillet can cover almost any camp cooking need.
The cookware set comes in small or large sizes, and the stuff sack doubles as a wash basin. You can also mix and match pieces; I take one pot or ditch the skillet for small groups, and I’ve cooked for up to 12 people using the large set.
Keep in mind: The pots can warp if squished, but they’re easy to bend back. The cookware set is nonstick and not suitable for campfire cooking.
Product details: Includes: 1.5L/3L pot, 2L/5L large pot, skillet, 2 lids, cutting board, pot handle | Weight: 2.3 lbs/3.5 lbs | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, Teflon
Best camping cookware set for under $20: Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: There aren’t many cookware sets for under $20, especially with as many features as the Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit. This aluminum cookware set comes with everything you need to enjoy a simple meal, including camping utensils, bowls, and a sponge for cleanup. It weighs under a pound, and everything nests together in the pot, so you can easily pack it in a backpack.
Keep in mind: Some third-party reviews mention that the handles can melt, and the pots are small and difficult to clean.
Product details: Includes: Pot, skillet, lid, 2 sporks, 2 bowls, ladle, sponge, soup spoon, tool card | Weight: 15 oz | Materials: Aluminum
Best stainless steel camping cookware set: Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY REI
Buy it now at REI
Why we like it: The Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset is a high-quality stainless steel cookware set that is light enough for backpacking and robust enough for car camping. It comes in small and large sizes and includes a pot, a saucepan, and a skillet, all of which can be used over a stove or a campfire. Leather tabs on the pot lids add a touch of elegance and make it easy to remove hot lids. The pot also has a bail handle and can easily hang over a campfire.
Keep in mind: The skillet doesn’t come with a lid. The camping cookware doesn’t nest together snugly and rattles in a backpack.
Product details: Includes: 1.8L/3L pot, 1L/1.8L saucepan, skillet, 2 lids | Weight: 2.9/3.6 lbs | Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
Best cookware for car camping: Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cookset
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY STANLEY
Buy it now at Stanley
Why we like it: When Stanely says “full kitchen,” they mean it. The 21-piece Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cookset has almost everything you need for car camping, van life, or tailgating. It comes with a pot, a skillet, camping utensils, BPA-free plates and bowls for four, a cutting board, a spatula, a serving spoon, and a drying rack. The pot is stainless steel and safe to cook with over campfires, and the skillet is 3-ply for even heating.
Keep in mind: Some third-party reviews mention that the skillet and the six-inch plates are small. The stainless steel pot isn’t even-heat.
Product details: Includes: 3.5L pot, skillet, lid, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 sporks, dish drying rack, trivet | Weight: 5.7 lbs | Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
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Best cookware for solo backpackers: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II Cookset
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BACKCOUNTRY
Buy it now at Backcountry
Why we like it: The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist was the first backpacking cookware set I bought. Twelve years later, I still use it for everything from two-week solo backpacking trips to boiling water for my morning coffee on the road. The cookware set is durable and has enough features to meet my solo backpacking needs.
The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II is made of nonstick, hard-anodized aluminum. While most solo backpacking cookware sets only include a pot, the Soloist II comes with a bowl that doubles as a mug, a straining lid, and a spork, all of which nest inside the 1.1-liter pot. If you’re interested in a stove for cooking while backpacking, check out our best backpacking stove guide.
Keep in mind: The Pinnacle Soloist II weighs almost twice as much as other solo cookware sets. It also has a Teflon coating, so don’t stick this pot in a campfire.
Product details: Includes: 1.1L pot, strainer/sip-it top, mug/bowl with insulated sleeve, spork | Weight: 10.9 oz | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, Teflon
Best cast iron cookware for camping: Lodge 3.2 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LODGE
Buy it now at Lodge
Why we like it: The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker comes with a deep skillet and a fryer that, together, creates a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens cook very evenly, allowing you to cook food like stews and baked bread. Cast iron is also one of the most long-lasting cookware materials; I’m the second generation to use my own cast iron.
The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker comes preseasoned with vegetable oil, so it's nonstick and ready to use. It’s also PTFE- and PFOA-free and can be used for campfire cooking.
Keep in mind: The Cast Iron Combo Cooker is by far the heaviest camping cookware set on the list. Cast iron also needs some simple maintenance to keep it rust-free and nonstick.
Product details: Includes: Deep skillet, fryer | Weight: 12.9 lbs | Materials: cast iron
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Best nonstick camping cookware: MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BACKCOUNTRY
Buy it now at Backcountry
Why we like it: Not only is the MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set nonstick, it’s also PFTE- and PFOA-free. MSR uses Fusion® ceramic instead of Teflon, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals while cooking over high heat or a campfire. Clean-up is as painless as it is with other nonstick materials. The ceramic pots easily nest together, with the removable handle locking the lid on top. And, at just under one pound, this camping cookware set is light enough for backpacking.
Keep in mind: This camping cookware set doesn’t come with a skillet and, given its limited features, is expensive.
Product details: Includes: 2.5L pot, 1.5L pot, lid, pot handle | Weight: 15.6 oz | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, Fusion® ceramic
Best camping cookware setup for foodies: Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY STANLEY
Buy it now at Stanley
Why we like it: The Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset was specifically designed for high-quality cooking, making it a great option for foodies. The thick, 3-ply stainless steel distributes heat evenly, and the two different-sized pots and skillet let you cook different meal components at the same time. The pots and skillet all fit together, and the collapsible, BPA-free cooking utensils and cutting board fit inside the skillet.
Keep in mind: Several reviews mention that the cutting board is flimsy and the plastic cooking utensils are prone to melting. It's also one of the heaviest and most expensive options on this list.
Product details: Includes: 4.5L pot, 1.8L saucepan, skillet, 2 lids, cutting board, spatula, spoon, 2 trivets | Weight: 8.2lbs | Materials: 18/8 stainless steel
How we chose the best camp cooking sets
We considered many different factors when choosing camp cooking sets. We looked at these qualities in particular:
Third-party reviews: We considered third-party reviews from sources other than company websites for unbiased opinions.
Brand reputation: We picked trusted brands with high-quality, durable cookware.
What the set includes: Cookware sets can be single pots or have skillets, camping utensils, and cutting boards. We chose camping cookware sets that fit different needs.
Weight: Light and packable cookware are needed for backpacking, while more complete sets are great for car camping. We made sure to include both.
Tips for buying camping cookware kits
Here’s what to consider when buying your own camping cookware:
Durability
Your cookware should last you many camping and backpacking seasons. My backpacking pot is over a decade old, and I’m the second generation to use my cast iron. Look for durable camping cookware from trusted brands to add to your camping checklist in order to get the most out of your purchase.
Nonstick surfaces
Washing camp cookware can be a chore, one that nonstick pots can make easier. But there are some risks to using most nonstick materials. If you are cooking with nonstick cookware, make sure you are using low heat and not an open fire.
Chemicals
Nonstick cookware often contains PTFE, or PFOA, which was banned in 2013 due to health concerns. When heated to high temperatures, these chemicals release polymer fumes, which are dangerous if inhaled. Only use nonstick on low-heat stoves, or look for PTFE- and PFOA-free or cast iron camping cookware.
Size
Your camp pot size depends on how many you're cooking for. A one-liter pot should suffice for one person and a two-liter pot for two. A three-liter pot should be big enough to cook for most groups over two, and I’ve cooked meals for up to 12 people in five-liter pots.
Material
Titanium and hard-anodized aluminum are great for backpacking. Titanium, while the strongest and lightest material, is expensive and doesn’t conduct heat as well. Hard-anodized aluminum is durable and affordable but heavier and often has a nonstick coating. Cast iron and stainless steel are great for car camping. Cast iron holds heat well and can be used over a campfire, but it’s very heavy. Stainless steel is durable and affordable but doesn’t conduct heat as evenly as other materials.
Extras
If you enjoy cooking something fancier than a one-pot meal or are a car camper not worried about space, look for cookware that includes a skillet or additional pots. Some sets also come with cutting boards, utensils, and plates specifically designed to nest inside the pots, making your packing and cooking experience smoother.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best material for camping cookware?
The best material depends on your own needs. Hard-anodized aluminum and titanium are great lightweight options for backpackers, while stainless steel and cast iron are durable, heavier options for car campers.
What’s the best camping cookware for an open fire?
Cast iron is the best camping cookware for an open fire. It cooks food evenly and can withstand extremely hot temperatures.
What cookware do you need for camping?
You need an appropriately sized pot for basic meals. If you want to cook meals that require more than boiling water, you’ll need multiple pots or a skillet.
References
Correia, Matthew S. and Horowitz, B. Zane. (2023) Polymer Fume Fever. StatPearls. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594276/.
Chelsey Cook is an Alaska-based mountain guide and writer, with bylines in Wide Open Spaces, Matador Network, and National Geographic. She has a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, where she specialized in nonfiction that rewrites the adventure narrative for those who have been historically excluded.