Ultralight Camp Kitchen

Stoves are categorized by fuel type

• Canister: Screws onto canisters of isobutane or propane; easy to use and low maintenance but the fuel canisters aren't refillable

• Liquid fuel: Connects to refillable fuel bottles and burns fuels like white gas, kerosene and unleaded gas; works well in cold weather and at high elevation but requires priming

• Wood: Burns sticks and twigs and other wood; fire bans may limit use

Key features

• Integrated canister systems: Burner pairs with a fuel canister and integrated cooking pot
• Auto ignition: Push-button spark igniter (often on canister stoves) makes lighting easy
• Ultralight: Lightweight designs reduce pack weight

Do you want a cookset or individual pieces? 

You can buy a collection of pots and pans that nest together or build a set piece by piece.

Cookware materials

• Aluminum: Lightweight and affordable. Good for simmering without scorching. Dents easily.
• Hard-anodized aluminum: Resists scratches and lasts a long time.
• Stainless steel: More durable and scratch resistant than aluminum. Heavy.
• Titanium: Lightest option, heats quickly and is highly corrosion resistant. Pricy.

Other considerations

• Pot size: The largest pot in a cook set should hold about 1 pint of water per person in your party.
• Number of pots: If you plan to rehydrate food for two backpackers, one pot is sufficient. More elaborate meals require more pots.
• Lid: Adding one reduces cooking time and saves fuel. Some double as plates.