Cookware for Outdoor Cooking and Camping: Pots and Pans made from Aluminum, Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, and Non-Stick Materials

Utensils

Brunton, Chinook, Coghlans, Jaccard, Optimus, Stansport

Non-Stick Pots and Pans

Chinook, Open Country, Optimus, Stansport

Pots and Pans

If you plan to buy cookware for camping, the first pieces of equipment you will need are a good set of pots and pans. As there are several sizes and styles of pots and pans available from which to choose, you will need to consider several key factors before determining what set of camping pots and pans will work best for you.

One consideration is the number of people for which you will be cooking. If you will be camping with few people, cooking outdoors will require only two small pots, a 1.5- and 2-liter pot. If you plan to cook for a large number of people when camping, you will need more of the larger pots and pans.

Another factor to consider is the material from which you will want your pots to be made. Each material has its own pluses and minuses. However, as a general rule of thumb backpackers should go for the lightweight pots and pans, which often come in smaller sized sets. The following provides background information on some of the types of camping pots and pans that we have available to buy at low prices. Our selection of cookware from premium manufactures is sturdy enough to withstand the abuse that will occur during outdoor cooking.

Aluminum Pots and Pans

Aluminum camping pots and pans are ideal for a backpacker because they are very lightweight and easy to carry. Aluminum cookware is also relatively inexpensive to buy. However, there are several downsides to buying aluminum pots and pans for camping as well. For example, aluminum is reactive, so cooking highly acidic meals in aluminum pans or pots can alter the taste. In addition, aluminum is a soft metal so it is not practical for long trips because it can easily become dented or misshapen.

Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Stainless steel is a very popular material used for making all types of cookware for both camping and use in the home. Stainless steel pots are sturdy and can withstand abuse. In addition, stainless steel has a slick surface, which is ideal for easy clean up on a hiking or camping trip. A downside to stainless steel pots and pans is that this metal is not a good conductor of heat. Therefore, when cooking with outdoor stainless steel cookware, the pan may take a while to heat up. A solution that has remedied the poor conductivity of stainless steel is the addition of copper to the bottom of a stainless pot. Composite, or copper-bottom stainless pots and pans are very common for use at home and outdoors. The copper is highly conductive so it will heat quickly, and disperse heat evenly around the pan.

Non-stick Pots and Pans

Non-stick pots and pans are a good cookware for camping because they are easy to clean. Since when on a camping trip, you will be far from a dishwasher and even the kitchen sink, non-stick cookware that can easily be rinsed and wiped clean with minimal water and scrubbing, works well for camp cooking. Therefore, non-stick cookware makes for easy clean up when cooking outdoors. A downside to non-stick pots and pans is that this surface tends to be more sensitive than other materials for cookware. The non-stick coating can easily become scratched and ruined when used outdoors. In addition, as it is often difficult to control the temperature on camp stoves, non-stick pans are easily over-heated when used outdoors. When non-stick cookware is scorched, the chemical makeup of the pan is permanently changed and the pan can be essentially useless.

Cast Iron Pots and Pans

Cast iron cookware is a traditional favorite among campers. For many campers using cast iron pots and pans brings back memories from childhood camp cooking. In addition, others prefer the use of cast iron cookware when cooking outdoors because of the unique way cast iron pots and pans can flavor your food. Ultimately, cast iron cookware works best for outdoor cooking because of its durability. Cast iron pots, pans, and griddles can stand up to the high heat of fires with our burning your dinner.

The major downside to cast iron cookware is its weight. Cast iron pots and pans are very heavy, which makes them a bad choice for cooking equipment for backpackers. However, if you plan on RV or drive-up camping, the traditional cast iron cookware can be a wonderful choice.

Utensils

For cooking when camping you will generally be able to do with a large serving spoon, spatula, and knife. Each camper will also need a sturdy fork, knife, and spoon set. We sell many stainless steel and titanium cutlery sets, stainless cooking utensils, salt and pepper shakers, and many other cooking utensils for your next camping, hunting, fishing, or hiking trip.

Other Cooking Items

Other outdoor cooking items available at discount prices on Hunting Fishing Camping Gear include:

Camping Appliances: Crock-Pots, Portable Coffee Makers, and Battery Powered Margaritaville Blenders
Mugs, Cups, and Thermoses
Other Camping Dishes: Coffee Percolators, Flasks, Plates, and Egg Holders.