6 Ultralight Backpacking Cookwares of 2024

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2023-07-20

Whether you want to rehydrate freezer meals, craft elaborate meals, or make a hot drink, the right cookware set can make cooking time the highlight of your day spent on the trail.

But how can you find out the greatest one for meal-preparing convenience without adding any pounds to your pack? Check out our list of the best ultralight backpacking cookware below to save much time shopping around!

Here are the ultralight backpacking cookwares (Mar 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall: MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen
  • Runner Up: TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan
  • Most Versatile: MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
  • Best for Soloists: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set
  • Most Portable: BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle
  • Best for Minimalists: GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist
Top 6 Ultralight Backpacking Cookwares
Best Overall
MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen
    Read Our Review
    Runner Up
    TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan
      Read Our Review
      Most Versatile
      MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
        Read Our Review
        Best for Soloists
        GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set
          Read Our Review
          Most Portable
          BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle
            Read Our Review
            Best for Minimalists
            GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen

              Top Pick
              MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen
              MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen
              Pros
              • Built to last

              • Collapsible into small bundle for ease of storage

              • A lot of items included in the kit

              • Easy to clean

              • No smells or bad tastes transferring from the cookware to your dishes

              • Unsophisticated yet suitable function and performance for some small & simple meals

              Cons
              • Too small for a big group

              • Not perfect to work over an open campfire

              MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen is a budget-friendly and compact cookware boasting almost everything required by a solo camper.

              Also, two light eaters or survival adventurers could make this camping cook and dining set work with a lot of items included in the kit.

              Ten different pieces of cookware mean that there is no need to bring any other pans and pots with you when going camping and hiking.

              Aside from a nonstick pan used for boiling or frying, you will also get a spork, a spoon, and two bowls for serving and eating food. Another thing that we love is 10 recipes Ebook for roasted s’more and marshmallow lovers.

              Though you can use the MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen over a controlled flame, its size and relative durability can make it troublesome to use this unit over an open campfire.

              MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              1-liter pot

              Material

              Non-Toxic Anodized Aluminum, wood, and BPA free plastic materials

              Dimensions

              6.6 x 6.3 x 3.8 inches

              Weight

              1.17 pounds

              In the box

              1L aluminum pot, pot cover, nonstick pan, 2 BPA-free bowls, folding stainless steel spork, BPA-free soup spoon, wooden spatula, cleaning sponge, and nylon travel bag.

              Highlight features

              10 pieces of cookware

              A solo camper and two light eaters will find the MalloMe Camping Cookware CC1LiterGreen a top-notch all-around solution for different camping situations they can encounter.

              Runner Up: TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan

              TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan
              TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan
              Pros
              • Designed in California

              • Corrosion-resistant

              • Compact storage

              • Easy to operate

              • Last for many years to come

              Cons
              • Small pan/lid

              A few more volumes without adding some extra pounds, the TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan is made with those who are not interested in a double-boiler unit in mind.

              What makes this great 2-piece cook set truly an awesome improvement over other smaller pots and cups by the same manufacturer is the coated wire handles that remain cool to touch and the rounded bottom edges which not only allow for easy cleaning but also improve heating efficiency.

              What users complain most about is the 1-inch deep lid/pan with which you can cook only one sunny–side up fried egg.

              TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              1100ml pot and 280ml pan

              Material

              Titanium (Grade 1 or 2, no coating)

              Dimensions

              Pot: 4 1/2" (115mm) (Dia) x 4 3/8" (110mm)

              Pan: 4 3/8" (110mm) x 1" (30mm)

              Weight

              159g

              In the box

              Gradation marks in liter, a mesh sack, TOAKS Titanium Wood Stove (STV-11), TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot, 200g gas canister, TOAKS Titanium 1600ml Pot with Pan (CKW-1600), and TOAKS Titanium 550ml D118mm Bowl (BWL-550-D118).

              Highlight features

              Inside marked with ml and oz. graduations and foldable handles.

              Durable and high-quality cookware at an affordable price, the TOAKS Titanium Pot with Pan ticks all the boxes of excellent features found in a runner-up.

              Most Versatile: MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot

              MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
              MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot
              Pros
              • Great for storing food items or gear when you have done cooking

              • Scratch- and dent-resistant materials withstand the most rugged conditions

              • Easy to wash

              • Guaranteed odor and taste free

              Cons
              • Small handles

              Easy and simple cooking without much clean-up job, the advantages of any one-pot meal are irrefragable. The MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot lets home cooks bring that approach to the backcountry.

              Made of stainless steel, the 1,600-milliliter kit weighs 19.5 ounces and comes with a detachable bail handle and a locking lid that can snap down and lock in place/on the side during transport. That way, you can lift the pot up with confidence whenever you want.

              All you have to do is tell your team of four or five backpackers to pack a few ingredients from freeze-dried meat to fresh vegetables and toss them all in to make a mouthwatering stew that even those with little cooking experience can master.

              The only downside is these small handles which is the location of the locking mechanism.

              MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              54.1 oz.

              Material

              Stainless steel

              Dimensions

              1 x 1 x 1 inches

              Weight

              19.5 oz.

              In the box

              1.6L pot with handle and fitted lid

              Highlight features

              Hinged and easy-lift handle flips over the fitted lid and rounded corners.

              MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot is a top non-titanium unit for backcountry hiking, car camping, backpacking camping trip, and climbing expeditions with scouts.

              Best for Soloists: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set

              GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set
              GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set
              Pros
              • Easy to clean and store

              • Spill-proof

              • Affordable

              Cons
              • Not suitable to use over direct flames

              When it comes to the best ultralight backpacking cookware for soloists, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set will, without a doubt, put skin in the game.

              The lightweight & super-compact cook set packs everything campers going on their own need to cook and enjoy every single vital carb while pushing themselves to the extremes in the wild.

              This kit comes with the 1.1-liter hard-anodized pot & a 14-fluid-ounce bowl/mug/cup along with a sip-it lid with enough space inside the pot to stash a 220g isobutane fuel canister.

              Though the Pinnacle Soloist camping cookware is built to handle the harshest weather conditions and ideal for a camp stove, for campers’ safety, it is not highly recommended to directly expose the handle to flames.

              GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Camping Cook Set Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              1.1-liter pot & 14 fl. oz. insulated mug/bowl

              Material

              Aluminum, Non-Stick Coated, Hard Anodized Aluminum, Clear Polypropylene, Nylon 6-6

              Dimensions

              5 x 5.4 x 5.5 inches

              Weight

              10.8 ounces

              In the box

              A 1.1-liter pot, a nylon strainer/sip through lid, a 14 fl. oz. insulated mug/bowl, telescoping foon, and a waterproof welded stuff sack

              Highlight features

              Teflon coating with Radiance Technology, unique mug and bowl solution with a low center of gravity and sip through lid, and a three-layer coating

              GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist is a full camping cook set perfect for a solo backpacker.

              Most Portable: BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle

              BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle
              BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle
              Pros
              • Compatible with BioLite Wood Burning CampStove, CampStove 2, and CookStove

              • Ultra-thin & ultra-light material for optimal portability

              • No metallic odor or taste

              • Durable & scratch-resistant

              Cons
              • A limited number of utensils included in the kit

              For a crew of up to four campers wanting to squeeze in an urgent camping trip before the end of summer should check the BioLite Kettlepot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle.

              This kit coming with two handy accessories with a capacity of 1.5 liters can cook like a pot and pour like a kettle.

              BioLite uses ultra-thin & ultra-light food-safe stainless steel to make this appliance last longer than any other anodized aluminum models out there. As a plus, non-stick surfaces save you from worrying about scratching any coating off.

              Chicken sausage and freshly-caught fish lovers would love smokeless wood-burning fires while coffee drinkers often add a customized coffee press for a well-brewed coffee cup in the backcountry.

              This blissfully simple kit could be much better if it came with more utensils for meals-in-a-bag.

              BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              1.5 liter

              Material

              Stainless steel

              Dimensions

              5 x 5.4 x 5.5 inches

              Weight

              1 pound

              In the box

              Stainless Steel Pot, Kettle Lid, Bowl, Stuff Sack

              Highlight features

              Instant carry case, heat shield on the bottom, and silicone-coated fold-out handles

              BioLite KettlePot Outdoor Cooking Pot and Kettle is the best grab-and-go option for campers with urgent plans taking their adventure to the next level.

              Best for Minimalists: GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist

              GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist
              GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist
              Pros
              • Compact

              • Save on fuel

              • Pot can turn into a travel mug lid for food on the go once you have finished cooking

              • Double as tea/coffee mug

              • Heat & corrosion resistance & improved wear

              Cons
              • Flimsy foon

              The GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist is an ultra-light cooking and eating solution integrating everything a solo camper needs to rehydrate freezer bags and cook-in-the-pouch food or make a hot drink without the hassle of a complicated set.

              Aside from some serious weight dropped and a ton of bulk reduced, this little kit is also popular among backpackers/hikers for its simplicity yet exceptional functionality at a budget-friendly price point.

              GSI Outdoors designs this 0.6-liter pot to sit on a micro-sized oven so that it can fulfill all of backpackers’ cooking without swallowing up a lot of room in their pack.

              The minor issue reported is flimsy foon which is easy to reassemble but comes with a handle easily accidentally pulling off the spoon part.

              GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist Specifications

              Cooking capacity

              0.6 liter

              Material

              Proprietary, Hard Anodized Alloy

              Dimensions

              4.20 in x 4.20 in x 4.60 in

              Weight

              6.3 oz.

              In the box

              0.6 L Pot/Mug, Sip-It Lid, Insulated Sleeve, Silicone Pot Gripper, Telescoping Foon

              Highlight features

              Unique 0.6 liter pot and lid combo

              GSI Outdoors - Halulite Minimalist is a lightweight and budget-friendly one-person cook set, especially for 1- or 2-day hikes or on a short weekend.

              How To Choose The Ultralight Backpacking Cookware?

              Material

              • Severe abuse is the nature of any outdoor activity, and camping is not an exception. So, those spending any time at all camping should look for a set of well-made high-quality material camping cookware with a protective coating.

              • Fortunately, thanks to advanced technologies and manufacturing techniques, now available on the market are various lightweight yet sturdy and high-quality metal such as steel or aluminum.

              • Some brands might make use of plastic, but it has to be heat-proof and BPA-free because some food and liquids temporarily kept in them might be hot.

              Weight

              • Typically, backpacking/camping/hiking does not last more than 7 days. However, as backpackers and campers have to walk a lot, the cook set to carry should be lightweight.

              • Rule of thumb: Select a cook set based on the size of your crew, however, never go for a kit weighing more than 10lbs. Soloists or two light eaters should choose a unit weighing only a few ounces while a bigger group of 4-6 folks can opt for a set as high as 7lbs.

              Cooking capacity

              • Those with little experience backpacking and serving food right on the trail might think that ultralight backpacking cookware is not large enough for any real cooking.

              • In fact, it has much more to offer than what you’ve thought. Anything over 750ml is unnecessary for those going backpacking on their own while a 1L set unless effectively works for a group of at least 3 people.

              Which Brands Make The Ultralight Backpacking Cookware?

              TOAKS Outdoor

              • With 18 years’ experience in the industry, TOAKS Outdoor is now rapidly growing to become the best manufacturer specializing in top-rated titanium backpacking gear.

              • Founded under the simple ambition of excellence, this Southern California-based specialty adventure brand is committed to offering high-quality & sturdy cookware at an affordable price for family camping and backpacking/hiking with scouts

              GSI Outdoors

              • Despite still being a small, privately run company, GSI Outdoors which was established in 1985 is among the most reliable names among backpackers for the creation found in its wide collection of unique, fun, and efficient outdoor cookware, tableware, and accessories for your adventures.

              FAQs

              Can you boil water in a titanium cup?

              You can use a titanium pan, pot, or cups to boil water over a campfire, but it is not wise to leave it on over open flames.

              How long does backpacking cookware last?

              Your backpacking cookware can last you a lifetime as long as you treat them with regular maintenance, special care, and re-seasoning.

              What can I cook on fire?

              From canned beans, hotdogs, and scrambled eggs to cheesy garlic fries and Nutella s’mores bars, you can make campfire food more appealing than any meals cooked at home.

              Conclusion

              Since all of the ultralight backpacking cookware above are the best sets in the business, they will definitely suit your need. Expect to have an unforgettable adventure with them!


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