Best Backpacking Cookware of 2024

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Closeup of a backpacker peaking under the lid of the TOAKS Titanium 750ML backpacking pot
TOAKS Titanium 750ml – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

If you’re in the market for new backpacking cookware, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of outdoor experts has used dozens of cooksets to make thousands – yes, thousands – of trail meals. To create this list, we thoroughly researched and field-tested the very best backpacking cookware on the market. Our recommendations are fully independent, and our number one goal is to help you find products you’ll love for many years of backcountry use.

And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Backpacking Cookware

Take a look at our list of favorites or keep reading to see our in-depth reviews of the best backpacking cookware.

Best Backpacking Cookware Overall: TOAKS Titanium 750ml ($27)

Best Ultralight Backpacking Cookware & Cup Combo: Snow Peak Mini Solo ($80)

Best Value Stove & Cookware Kit: MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini ($105 stove + cookware / $50 cookware only)

Best Budget Stove & Pot Kit: SOTO Amicus Combo ($50)

Super Fast & Convenient Cookware System: Jetboil Flash ($130)

Large, Versatile Titanium Cookware that Doubles as Water Bottle: Vargo Bot ($100)

Versatile Ultralight Cookware with Great Heat Retention: SOTO Thermostack Combo ($75)

Best Budget Backpacking Cookware: Stanley Adventure Set ($25)

Large-Capacity Cookware for Base Camp Cooking: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS ($95)

Most Compact Cookware: Sea to Summit X-Set 11 ($70)

What’s new

We’ve been cooking up a storm in the backcountry with ramen and dehydrated meals galore to test which cook sets are up for the task:

  • The TOAKS Titanium 750ml hold on to the top spot for its unparalleled combo of performance and price.

  • The SOTO Amicus Combo continues to impress with additional testing. It’s an unbeatable deal if you’re looking for an all-in-one stove/cookset package.

  • We’ve added the Vargo Bot – a unique cookpot that can double as a water bottle. 

TOAKS Titanium 750ml

Best Backpacking Cookware Overall

Price: $27

Weight: 3.9 oz.

Includes: Titanium pot (.75 L), lid, stuff sack

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Ultralight
  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Secure handles

Cons

  • Small/average capacity

If you’re looking for the best balance of low weight and durability for backpacking, you can’t beat a basic titanium pot. The TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot is a long-time favorite in the outdoor community for its excellent value and compact size.

Titanium can be expensive because it’s rarer than other metals and it’s more difficult to process, but this TOAKS pot comes in at about half the cost of many other titanium pots. It isn’t all-inclusive (with a cup and stove) like some kits, but the 750ml Pot is a great building block for an efficient, ultralight cook system.

You can easily fit a fuel canister, a small backpacking stove, and a lighter inside. The 750ml pot is the most popular size, but there are larger and smaller sizes available.

Snow Peak Mini Solo

Best Ultralight Backpacking Cookware & Cup Combo

Price: $80

Weight: 6.4 oz. / 4.1 oz.(All parts/Pot and Lid Only)

Includes: Titanium pot (.9L), lid, cup

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Above-average capacity
  • Includes nesing cup
  • Handy lid tab
  • Secure handles

Cons

  • Expensive

The Snow Peak Mini Solo has been one of our go-tocooksets for ultralight backpacking for years. We like it because it’s simple, streamlined, and very lightweight – especially for the functionality.

The Mini Solo’s capacity is a bit larger than other backpacking pots on the market. And it’s one of the few pot sets that includes a titanium cup, which adds a ton of value and justifies the price. The cup nests on the outside of the pot, so you can store a small fuel canister, a stove, and some accessories inside.

This set is also great if you’re hiking with a partner – all they’ll need to carry is an additional lightweight cup. With that, you’ll have three vessels – one to boil hot water for food and two for sipping drinks while you wait. The Mini Solo Cookset has a great balance of efficiency and convenience for big-mile trips and will last for many years of adventures.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Kit

Best Value Stove & Cookware Kit

Price: $105 (stove + cookset bundle) / $50 (cookset only)

Weight: 10 oz. / 6.6 oz.(Set/Cook Set Only)

Includes: Stove, aluminum pot (.75L), lid, cup, pot grip

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Ultralight
  • Compact
  • Clear lid makes it easy to monitor contents

Cons

  • Small/average capacity

The MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit bundles one of our all-time favorite backpacking stoves with an ultralight pot and convenient accessories for backcountry cooking.

The PocketRocket 2 is the top canister stove overall on our Best Backpacking Stoves list because it’s ultralight, durable, and has excellent simmer control. The pot is thoughtfully designed with a silicone grip to make it easier to handle when hot and a clear lid with a handy strainer. The simple cup makes measuring the perfect amount of water easy and allows you to eat and drink simultaneously without adding much weight or bulk.

The Mini Stove Kit is an efficient way to cook in the backcountry and a great value for the money. If you already have a backpacking stove, you can also buy the Mini Solo (.75L) and Mini Duo (1.2L) cooksets separately.

Soto Amicus Cookset Combo

Best Budget Stove & Cookset Bundle

CleverHiker Rating: 69/100

Price: $50

Weight: 11.2 oz. / 2.7 oz.(Stove & Pot/Stove Only)

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 4m 20s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 90m

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Affordable
  • Two pots included
  • Simmer control
  • Stable pot support
  • Performs well in wind

Cons

  • Pots don’t have measurement marks

The SOTO Amicus Stove Cookset Combo is a super affordable bundle that includes both an ultralight stove and a pot. The Amicus stove has good simmer control, four locking legs that provide solid pot support, a push-button igniter, and a recessed burner for increased performance in the wind.

The cookware that comes with this set is somewhat basic, but it’s lightweight and gets the job done efficiently. We like that the pot has a generous capacity so we can heat enough water for everything at once, and the deep lid can be used as a separate cup.

We recommend the Amicus Combo to anyone on a budget who needs a complete, lightweight cook system for backpacking.

SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo Full Review

Jetboil Flash

Best Value Integrated Stove System

CleverHiker Rating: 77.5/100

Price: $130

Weight: 13.1 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 2m 40s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 50m

Pros

  • Convenient
  • Fast boil time
  • Pot included
  • Push-button igniter
  • Performs well in wind

Cons

  • Expensive (but comes with pot)
  • No simmer control
  • Heavy & bulky for backpacking

Among this stove type, the Jetboil Flash is one of the most affordable and dependable integrated stove options out there. Its fast and convenient performance is best suited just for boiling water quickly since it doesn’t have the best simmer control, but that’s all a backpacker needs for dehydrated meals and morning coffee.

Integrated stove systems are perfect for beginners because of their simplicity. There’s no need to figure out and purchase separate cookware, and the burner ignites with the push of a button.

Hikers who prefer a stove with simmer control can still enjoy the convenience of an integrated stove system with the Jetboil MiniMo listed below. It costs more than the Flash, but it gives you the ability to get more creative with your meals since you can control the flame.

Jetboil Flash Full Review

Vargo Bot

Large, Versatile Titanium Cookware that Doubles as a Water Bottle

Price: $100

Weight: 5.2 oz.

Includes: Titanium pot (1L), screw-on lid

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Versatile
  • Sealable/leakproof
  • Large capacity
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive for a single pot
  • No handles (version with handles costs more)

The Vargo Bot is pretty unique for backpacking cookware since it includes a watertight screw-on lid that allows it to act as both a water bottle and a cookpot. It can also be used to cold soak your meals while on the go if that’s your thing. We love dual-purpose backpacking gear because it can save you weight and space in your pack.

We have found the water bottle function particularly useful in areas with intermittent dry stretches or where we have to dry camp. Instead of carrying a separate water vessel (like a Platy Bottle) that we may only use once on a trip, the Bot – which we were already carrying to cook with – can be used for extra water storage when needed.

We also love the large capacity – especially since the Bot is one of the lightest cook pots on our list (weighing less even than most pots with lower volumes). One liter is generally plenty big enough to boil water for two hikers at once, so there’s no need for both people to carry separate pots and stoves.

The largest drawback is certainly the high price, but we think the Bot is well worth the cost for its low weight and highly functional design. We were skeptical of this slightly odd design at first, but it has quickly become a staple on our lightweight adventures.

SOTO Thermostack Combo

Versatile Ultralight Cookware with Great Heat Retention

Price: $75

Weight: 11.3 oz. / 4.5 oz.(All Pieces/Pot, Lid, and Cozy Only)

Includes: Titanium pot (.75L), titanium cup, stainless steel cup, 2 lids, pot grip, insulated cozy

Pros

  • Great value
  • Durable
  • Excellent heat retention
  • Main pot is ultralight/compact

Cons

  • Small/average capacity
  • Heavier than some (w/ all pieces)
  • Lids are a bit difficult to lift when pot is hot

The SOTO Thermostack Combo is all about versatility and efficient heat retention. It comes with three vessels that can be used in various combinations for different needs on different trips.

The larger titanium pot, lid, and insulated cozy can be used alone on ultralight trips when you want a fuel canister and stove to fit inside. The two cups can be slipped together to form a double-wall mug, or separated for individual use when traveling as a pair.

The Thermostack is a great buy for anyone who appreciates quality, efficiency, and having options. We like to pair it with the SOTO Windmaster, a highly efficient stove that performs beautifully in windy conditions.

Stanley Adventure Set

Best Budget Backpacking Cookware

Price: $25

Weight: 14.4 oz. / 8 oz.(Set/Pot and Lid Only)

Includes: Stainless steel pot (.85 L), lid, 2 cups

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Slightly heavier/bulkier than some

 If you’re looking for maximum durability at a minimum price, you can’t beat the Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cook Set. The pot and lid are a little heavier than a titanium cookset, weighing in at 8 oz., but that’s not bad, especially considering the low cost.

The included cups are insulated and a great size to split a meal or sip a beverage, but they weigh 3.2 oz. each and take up most of the space inside the pot when stored. If you want to be able to stash a small fuel canister, a backpacking stove, and a lighter inside, we recommend ditching the cups.

No matter how you plan to use the Stanley Adventure Cookset, it’s an incredible bargain for the price and it will last for a very long time.

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS

Large-Capacity Cookware for Base Camp Cooking

Price: $95

Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz. / 12.2 oz.(Set/Pot and Lid Only)

Includes: Aluminum pot (1.8L), lid, 2 bowls, 2 insulated mugs w/ lids, 2 folding sporks, stuff sack

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Versatile (also works for car camping)
  • Heats water efficiently
  • Utensils included
  • Stuff sack doubles as wash basin

Cons

  • Slightly expensive
  • Heavy/bulky for backpacking
  • Bowl-like mugs are a bit awkward

If you’re on a budget and want a cookset that’s great for both backpacking and camping, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS is an excellent option. The coils at the base of the pot help speed up the water boiling process by 30%, so you can get to eating faster.

We love how all the components nest neatly together in the pot with room for a large fuel canister as well. The Dualist set is very compact for car camping, but pretty bulky for backpacking unless you’re hiking as a group. It’d be a great option for a backpacking family of four with the addition of 2 more sporks (and possibly some extra ultralight mugs).

The Dualist is neither the lightest for backpacking nor the most luxurious for camping, but it’s a great value for what you get and great for anyone who needs a single set that can pull double duty.

Sea to Summit X-Set 11

Most Compact Cookware

Price: $70

Weight: 12 oz. / 6.5 oz.(Set/Pot and Lid Only)

Includes: Silicone/aluminum pot (1.3 L), lid, 2 cups

Pros

  • Good value
  • Very compact
  • Above-average capacity
  • Clear lid makes it easy to monitor contents

Cons

  • A bit heavy for backpacking
  • Not as durable as some
  • Tougher to clean than some
  • Doesn't hold a fuel canister

The Sea to Summit X-Set 11 Cookset takes packability to a whole new level. Both the pot and two mugs collapse down as flat as a pancake and nest for easy storage and transport.

The lid is translucent so you can see what’s happening inside the pot, and the cups are a great size for drinks or splitting a meal. The cups also have measurement marks to make adding the perfect amount of water easy. You do have to be mindful about how you set the kettle on your stove to make sure it doesn’t get damaged since the flames shouldn’t come into direct contact with the silicone sides.

The X-Set is also a tad on the heavy side for backpacking compared to a titanium setup. That said, we love the innovation of the X-Set 11, and it’s a good value since it’s useful for both backpacking and camping trips.

SOTO Thermostack Combo – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Product Comparison Table

Product Price Weight Includes
TOAKS Titanium 750ml
View at REI View at Amazon
Editor's Pick
$27 3.9 oz. Titanium pot (.75 L), lid, stuff sack
Snow Peak Mini Solo
View at REI View at Amazon
$80 6.4 oz. / 4.1 oz. (All parts/Pot and Lid Only) Titanium pot (.9L), lid, cup
MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Kit
View at REI View at Amazon
Editor's Pick
$105 (stove + cookset bundle) / $50 (cookset only) 10 oz. / 6.6 oz. (Set/Cook Set Only) Stove, aluminum pot (.75L), lid, cup, pot grip
SOTO Amicus Combo
View at REI
$50 11.2 oz. / 8.5 oz. (With Stove/Cookset Only) Stove, aluminum pot (1L), lid/cup
Jetboil Flash
View at REI View at Amazon
$130 (stove + cookware bundle) 13 oz. (all parts) Stove, aluminum pot (1 L), insulated sleeve, lid, cup, stabilizer
Vargo Bot
View at Amazon View at Garage Grown Gear
$100 5.2 oz. Titanium pot (1L), screw-on lid
SOTO Thermostack Combo
View at Amazon
$75 11.3 oz. / 4.5 oz. (All Pieces/Pot, Lid, and Cozy Only) Titanium pot (.75L), titanium cup, stainless steel cup, 2 lids, pot grip, insulated cozy
Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4
View at Amazon View at REI
Editor's Pick
$90 4 lb. 13 oz. Stainless steel pot with lid (3.7 qt.), small frying pan, 4 plates, 4 bowls, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, 4 sporks, drying rack, spoon rest
GSI Pinnacle Dualist HS
View at GSI View at Amazon
$95 1 lb. 7 oz. / 12 oz. (Set/Pot and Lid Only) Aluminum pot (1.9 qt.), lid, 2 bowls, 2 insulated mugs w/ lids, 2 folding sporks, stuff sack
Sea to Summit X-Set 11
View at Sea to Summit View at Amazon
$70 12 oz. / 6.5 oz. (Set/Pot and Lid Only) Silicone/aluminum pot (1.3 L), lid, 2 cups
Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cookset – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

What’s Most Important to You in a Backpacking Stove?

PRICE

Some backpacking cookware comes as a bundle with a backpacking stove which can save you some money if you need both anyway. If you already have some items that you like (a cup, stove, or pot), it might make more sense to purchase pieces individually to build a customized cookset.

Best budget cookware

Best mid-range cookware

Best luxury cook system

WEIGHT / SIZE

Keeping backpacking cookware as lightweight and compact as possible is pretty important, especially if you’ll be hiking lots of miles or tackling big elevation changes.

A simple pot with a lid, a cup, and a spoon is generally all we carry in the backcountry. We prefer cookware that nests together in a compact package and can fit a stove, lighter, and a small fuel canister inside. Bonus points if the pot can hold a spoon and other accessories.

However, if you’re looking for larger cookware with more conveniences for front-country camping, check out our Best Camping Cookware list.

Best ultralight cookware

Best lightweight cookware

Heavier cookware

VOLUME

Compact cookware will conserve space in your backpack, but the tradeoff is pot volume. The most common trail meals – freeze-dried meals, ramen, etc. – use about two cups of water.

For solo hikers who don’t cook a lot of food at once, a small pot is the most space and energy efficient. If you’ll be cooking for multiple people or you like to heat water for a hot drink and a meal at the same time, a larger pot (around one liter) will be more convenient.

Best small/compact pots

Best medium pots

Best large pots

MATERIAL

Titanium is ideal for ultralight backpacking because it’s super lightweight and highly durable. That said, it’s better for boiling water rather than for cooking solid food. Aluminum is very lightweight, affordable, and it distributes heat well. It’s strong but not as durable as steel. Stainless steel is the most durable, but it’s heavier and prone to hot spots, so it’s best for attentive cooks.

Best titanium cookware

Best aluminum cookware

Best stainless steel cookware

How to Choose Backpacking Cookware

COMPLETING YOUR CAMP KITCHEN

Great cookware is at the heart of every delicious outdoor meal, but it takes a few more things to make a camp kitchen truly hum. Here are our favorites for other backcountry kitchen essentials:

For a complete list, check out our Ultimate Backpacking Checklist.

BACKPACKING FOOD IDEAS

Food weight adds up really quickly in your backpack, but it’s obviously important to carry enough calories to keep you moving and thriving on trail. Take a look at our food guides for more info and inspiration on how to knock it out of the culinary park on your next adventure:

Vargo Bot – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)