How to Choose Camping Cookware

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A complete cookset for a group of 4, the MSR Flex 4 System includes a full selection of nesting components that let you create and enjoy campsite delicacies.
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View all MSR CooksetsBest Use | Camping |
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Dimensions | 12 x 6.25 inches |
Cookware Material | Aluminum |
Material(s) | Hard-anodized aluminum/polypropylene/stainless steel |
Nonstick Surface | Yes |
Includes | 5.3L pot with stainer lid; 3.2L pot with stainer lid; 4 plates; 4 mugs with sip-it lids; pot gripper |
Weight | 3 lbs. 10.8 oz. |
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This is a great system which will accommodate four people on the trail. It's pretty large so you'll def. need gear sharing out on the trail. The pros: 1. Lots of good things in one small spot that all collapse together nicely. It's all there for four (minus the frying pan, as noted in cons below.) 2. Typical MSR quality. I love this company. Yes, on the $$$ side but you get what you pay for. 3. Closes up tightly and securely when everything is put away. Comes in a nice bag in order to protect it. 4. Big pieces that can accommodate food for 4. 5. The plates function just fine as plates but can also function as bowls because they are deep. The cons: 1. WHY DOESN'T THIS THING COME WITH THE FRYING PAN!? If this thing came with the frying pan it would get 5 stars...hands down. The frying pan fits tightly inside the unit and is indespensible. If you are looking at buying this...buy the frying pan as well. Note more $$$ though. 2. Not to be used on a super hot open campfire. The lids have rubber 'tabs' on them that could not take well to super heat. 2. The mug/cups are kinda wonky. They did a nice job of maximizing volume for 4 cups that rest together with their shape...but I don't care much for the design. I find they are a little awkward to hold but that is my personal preference only. It's not a design killer by any means. So that's it. I hope you find this helpful.
So don’t use the cups. We use the plates and pots, and we added a ceramic skillet. Keeping a towel in between to not ruin it with metal to metal contact while packing. This set takes up a whole lower section of an older Dana Design pack, but we have four packers so food, then cookware, sleep and clothes. (With fishing gear sprinkled throughout) using over two Optimus Nova stoves. Love this set. Light, non-stick, fast cooking, easy cleaning. And it has been enough cooking surfaces to feed 11& 13 year old boys and two adults. After a day of hiking or fishing or climbing. The frying pan can be integrated with the set! Huge, when making dehydrated eggs and bacon.
I bought this specifically for car camping and use with my gas stove. I also have the frying pan as well - best for eggs and bacon and NONSTICK. I used the pots to boil water for past and to make the sauce, I felt like I was at home. It dispersed the heat perfectly and was amazing. my friends were impressed. I highly recommend this product for car camping. I have yet to use it for back packing, but maybe to big. Also, super easy to store, and the cups to the plates worked amazing. The only con is that with the frying pan, only one pot/pan handle can fit...I wish they would fix this, then I wouldn't have to keep switching the handle which is tough when the surfaces are hot.
It looks big to begin with but you have to understand - this is not to be used for cooking for a couple of people on a weekend away. This is for cooking for the masses - imagine at least a couple of stoves going, a big pan of Scrambled Egg freshly cooked, Beans and Mushrooms in another pan and Sausages and Bacon sizzling in the compatible Skillet. And behind you a queue of waiting outdoors folk numbering five, six, seven or more with plates in their hands ready to begin the day. And its just the beginning of your expedition. That night. They will be coming back to basecamp hungering for yet another stomach filling dish. And not a scrap of food will be left. Only the dishes...
I bought this a few years ago and it's still going strong. I've used it on multiple camping trips and I couldn't be happier. We just recently went on a trip and I was telling my wife how well these have held up. It's like they're still brand new. I only use plastic utensils and cooking tools, so there are no scratches on the pots nor the plates/bowls. I have to say, this set is probably the best cooking items I've ever purchased.
I got the Flex 4 as gift for car camping/ short hikes with my son. Have only used it couple times but seems great. The insulated cups work well at keeping things hot and with 2 people the other 2 cups can be used as bowls. My only concern is the possibility of some of the plastic parts warping/ melting from the heat over time. The quality seems good - held up to campfire use. Too bad it is made in Thailand.
We received the MSR Flex 4 System as a gift a few years ago and have used it frequently. We love to cook, and we love to camp, and this system allows us to eat well. We use it primarily for car camping, although we'll pair it down to essentials (large pot, two plates and two cups) for backpacking. Some of my favorite features: - the deep sides to the dishes - locking handles - strainer lids on the pots
Our family of 4 has used this kit for a couple of years camping and it has been great. We love that it stacks up so we don't have random plates, mugs etc floating around our action packers. They're also light and have have held up well in terms of durability. We camp approximately 4 times/year for a few days each time and use this set for every meal.
Overall very good, well built product, just not for long term use. Definitely camping gear, not for use over the long haul. For that look for something like nesting sailors' galley-type cookware. Good buy for the money, just not a day-to-day run of the mill, usually abuse it type of cookset meant for an everyday kitchen.
I purchased this set a few years ago and it works great. The set nests really well saving pack space and I found that it has room to fit the MSR quick skillet in side it as well. The deep plates keep food from slipping off your plate while eating in a rugged site where tables are not to be found.