GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot Review

Bottom Line

We evaluated the GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler in a lab-like setting as well as on trips through the Rocky Mountains. We were impressed by its cooking performance and durability, considering it comes in such a lightweight and affordable package.

The anodized aluminum is thicker and slightly more predictable to cook with than ultralight titanium, offering better heat dispersion and manageable non-stick properties. This wide-bottom pot, best suited for medium to large stoves, makes for easy stirring and scraping. It’s the perfect size for couples and big eaters. 

For a 1-liter pot, the Halulite Boiler is surprisingly lightweight (weighs 8.1 oz) and packable. Although it will take more space than most ultralight cook sets, it is thoughtfully designed to accommodate medium-sized fuel canisters along with a stove and plenty of cooking accessories.

This cook set features a streamlined design targeted at user-friendliness and durability. Consequently, it lacks features that backcountry gourmets might consider critical, but most thru-hikers will appreciate the resulting affordability. For more capable cook sets, check out our full guide to backpacking cookware.

How We Tested

We’ve relied on this pot in the foothills and high alpine of the Rocky Mountains, cooking a variety of meals in changing conditions. Additionally, we’ve evaluated each feature at home using quantitative, lab-like testing.

Cooking Performance

The ultralight titanium construction of the Mini Solo combo prioritizes weight savings and compactibility while sacrificing some cooking performance. Out of the three most common cookware materials – titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel – titanium is the most fickle to cook with.

The thin, titanium pots of the Mini Solo heat up quicker than other materials and less evenly. The relatively small diameter of the Mini Solo however mitigates this flaw surprisingly well, especially if paired with a stove of similar diameter.

This pot can be a bummer to clean. It doesn’t have a non-stick coating and has a moderate potential to create hot spots. So if you are the “set it and forget it” type of cook, you’ll probably get a good burn layer at some point. At that point, the Mini Solo needs hot water soaking and some elbow grease to clean.

Ultimately, this cook set is best suited for boiling water or cooking watery meals that aren’t likely to burn on the bottom of the pot. For more involved cooking, be sure to keep a watchful eye on your meal, periodically removing it from the flame and stirring often.

Weight & Packability

The Halulite Boiler, despite being one of the larger and more robust pots, holds its own against ultralight options. Among the cook sets we tested, it has an average overall weight of 8.1 ounces and a slightly below-average capacity-to-weight ratio of 175mL per ounce.

The inside of the pot is wide enough to fit an 8-ounce fuel canister with plenty of extra space for a medium-sized stove and a lighter. With a 4-ounce canister, one can fit plenty of cooking accessories, such as a cleaning utensil and a small spork.

The lid has a foldable handle to streamline packing, while the robust pot handle folds over to hold the lid in place. Everything nests neatly into a snugly fitting mesh stuff sack that minimizes pot rattle. Although it’s impressively lightweight for its size, the Halulite Boiler is a little bulkier than other ultralight options.

Usability

Its streamlined feature set makes the Halulite Boiler perfect for beginner and expert backpackers alike. The folding pot handle locks securely in place to provide a stable, non-squeeze-dependent grip and is insulated with rubber for safe handling. The pot lid also features a foldable handle that stays well away from heat.

The pot’s interior features easy-to-read graduation markings in both milliliters and ounces, making measuring a no-brainer.

Unlike other comparable pots, the Halulite Boiler lacks common additional features like a pour spout, drain holes, and a pressure release valve. While these features aren’t crucial, and the lack of them contributes to its remarkable affordability, the pot does suffer a slight reduction in overall usability.

Durability

The GSI Halulite Boiler features a simple construction that is built to last. The aluminum, although not as bulletproof as stainless steel, is hard-anodized to increase its heat and scratch resistance. The material is slightly thicker than that of ultralight pots, making it much less susceptible to warping over time.

Even though it’s lightweight, the Halulite Boiler feels incredibly durable in hand. Even the handle, most prone to breaking due to its moving parts, feels exceptionally sturdy. It locks into place when in use with virtually no wobble.

We had to really stretch to criticize the Halulite’s durability. The only thing we found is in its stuff sack. Made entirely of mesh without any reinforced sides, it’s potentially vulnerable to snags, rips, and tears. Although the stuff sack plays a critical role in holding everything together, this is a minor issue.

Should You Buy the GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot?

For backpackers, bikepackers, and thru-hikers, the Halulite Boiler offers a simple, streamlined design for a very affordable price. Its simple design includes everything needed for basic cooking but lacks anything that would increase cost or decrease durability.

The aluminum pot performs better than most ultralight titanium kits, offering better heat distribution and greater predictability. The large diameter makes cooking more enjoyable, and the 1-liter capacity is perfect for couples and big eaters. Easy-to-read graduation markers make measuring easy, whether you prefer metric or imperial units.

GSI has even managed to compete with ultralight cook sets despite its ample size. Even with its robust, insulated handle and solid lid, the Halulite impressed us with its lightweight and secure packability. 

The simple design lacks features that some may consider crucial for involved cooking. It doesn’t have any drain holes, a pour spout, or a pressure release. However, the absence of these features keeps the cost down as the Halulite Boiler focuses on simplicity and durability.

What Other Backpacking Cookware Should You Consider?

Check out our full guide to backpacking cookware for family sized, ultralight, and fully featured kits.

Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot 1L Review: This 1-liter pot features an ultralight titanium construction with more chef-friendly components like a pour spout and drain holes. Due to its thin material, its cooking performance is less predictable and the pot is overall less durable.

Toaks Titanium 750mL Review: The Toaks Titanium is our favorite ultralight budget buy. Although smaller in size and best suited for boiling and rehydrating, it is featherlight and even has a lid with drain holes. 

MSR Trail Mini Solo Cook Set Review: Like the Halulite,  the Trail Mini Solo is made from heavy-duty, anodized aluminum, so it will cook similarly and have good longevity. Although the pot is only 750mL, it includes practical add-ons like a separate measuring cup and a fully featured plastic lid.