travel kitchen kit

Travel Kitchen Set: The Essentials for Cooking While Traveling

We’ve all been there before. The times before you packed a travel kitchen set.

After going to the supermarket and picking out some local ingredients, you return to your accommodations all excited to cook up a feast.

You set everything out on the table. Then you open the cupboards to find a bent fork, a warped pan, and a butter knife so dull it wouldn’t even cut butter.

Anger and frustration set in.

How will you boil that pasta?

How are you gonna chop those veggies?

There aren’t even any plates or bowls!

You sigh in defeat and polish off that loaf of bread you bought with some wine. You vow never to cook on the road again.

Cooking while traveling doesn’t need to be this way! We have found that by traveling with a few essential items (that we tweak depending on the trip), we can prepare great meals wherever we may be.  

If, like us, you’re a long-term traveler, digital nomad, house sitter, or all of the above, unless you have unlimited funds, eating out every meal is incredibly unrealistic. Self-catering is essential for  slow traveling .

We’ve prepared food in countless kitchens in  houses we are house sitting, at campgrounds while we are road tripping , while couchsurfing, and even in budget motels. The key to successful cooking while traveling is a kick-ass travel kitchen set that’s actually mobile. We’re not talking about the surprisingly toted-as-convenient travel cooking equipment that requires a car trunk, or several baggage claims (you’d be amazed at what people insist they must travel with).

We’re talking about a portable travel kitchen that will fit into your backpack.

One would think that every kitchen comes equipped with the same essentials. But if there’s anything we’ve learned cooking in myriad kitchens, it’s that not one single home is ever alike. Whether you travel via house sitting , Airbnb, hosteling, or Couchsurfing, these items can help you budget, feel better, and enjoy quality food (like yummy produce) wherever you are.

Here’s what we usually pack in our travel kitchen kit. What you pack in yours will depend on length of trip and your food preferences/habits. Let this list guide you as you make your own travel kitchen set!

Travel Utensils

Titanium spoon/fork/knife.

Call us dweebs, but we are obsessed with this utensil. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it’s a spoon, a fork, AND a knife all in one, without being useless like most sporks. It even will get past airport security (so say the Amazon reviews, we have not had to test this yet). We literally cannot say enough good things about this handy little tool. It’s great not only when cooking and eating wherever you’re staying, but for places that’ll hand you a plastic fork or spoon with your meal. Use this guy and save some plastic!

Read thousands of reviews and pick one up here.

Not only do they double as weapons, chopsticks are lightweight and super reusable. We have ones that come in two parts, so they’re easier to pack than long chopsticks. They’re a great conversation piece and everyone loves them when we pull them out. We got ours at zero waste store Package Free in Brooklyn, New York, but these titanium two-part chopsticks are pretty much the same thing. We love all types of Asian food, so carrying chopsticks makes sense for us. If just carrying the above spork makes more sense for you, do it! Remember, this is your travel kitchen set to adapt for your needs. 

If you prefer bamboo, non-folding chopsticks, click here to check out these bamboo chopsticks. 

Read more: Eco-Friendly Packing List

Vegetable Peeler

This veggie peeler is super small, entirely stainless steel, and hardly takes up any space. This set comes with a julienne peeler, as it allows you to get those great matchstick strips without the precision knife work. I’ve had it for years and still works great.

Find the best prices here .

Garlic Press

The most important thing I did when moving out on my own? Abscond with the greatest garlic press – aka this one: 

Garlic presses are more uncommon than you’d think. And if you do find one wherever you’re staying, it’s some flimsy shit that auto disassembles during use. I use it for more than garlic – any fresh roots like ginger or turmeric, also with herbs, when you can’t be bothered to finely mince. I’ll press lemon peels in place of a zester. Get a lightweight aluminum one. I suggest the one piece, 3 movable parts, design by Zyliss, as mine still works great over 10 years later. 

Click here to grab your garlic press. 

Vegetable Grater

What for you say? So many veggies are grate-able. Some veggies, once grated, are undetectable (to the veggie-phobic) when mixed into other things like rice and couscous. A great way to sneak in some extra fiber, something that can easily go forgotten when traveling and eating out a lot.

Not only is it practically a few millimeters thick, it weighs hardly anything and has last us many years. Aluminum and flat, it’s super travel-friendly.

Click here to check out various flat graters. 

Flexible Spatula

Again, not as common as you’d think, and this one is definitely optional depending on the kind of cooking you do. But if you like preparing creams and sauces, then you want to scrape every last drop. Get one where the end and the stick can separate so that you can pack it better. Rubber and wood are super light to keep your travel cooking equipment manageable and not like a rock in your suitcase.

Click here to browse spatulas.

Swiss Army Knife

Sometimes classic is best. If you want to save even more space and weight, you could go for a Swiss army knife designed for cooking while traveling.   Getting a Swiss army knife can be quite handy as they come with a can opener, corkscrew, and other utensils. Be careful not to bring it in your carry-on though, or you’ll get it taken away as happened to us. =( 

Shop classic Swiss Army knives. 

Containers for Your Travel Kitchen Set

Collapsible salad spinner.

Whether it’s leafy greens or veggies that need washing, we (mostly Veren) find this indispensable. Not being able to wash and properly dry your greens is one reason (other than the required effort) why so many people aren’t in the habit of making a salad. Don’t make excuses – make the salad.

Bonus: doubles as a mixing bowl and the basket as a strainer. You can also use it when you’re not traveling – we’ve seen quite a few homes with these collapsible salad spinners instead of the normal giant ones that take up tons of space. 

Click here for more details on the collapsible salad spinner. 

Stasher Bags

What do you do with those leftovers? Stash ‘em! These silicone storage bags are endlessly reusable and can be used to store anything from cooked pasta to sandwiches. Bring them on the go to enjoy a snack in a newly discovered park. Shoutout to RTWGirl for telling us about these!

Read more about Stasher bags and check out different sizes/colors. 

Reusable Wrap

Another way to store leftover food is with a reusable wrap. These are best for sandwiches, cookies, and bread.

Learn more about using reusable wraps. 

Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

Produce bags are a great alternative to all the plastic bags you’d normally use grocery shopping. You can use them for much more than storing produce, such as for bulk shopping. Although my favorite use is for them is – you guessed it – storing lettuce. These bags will keep your leafy greens from rotting by allowing them to breathe.

The worst that happens is that they wilt over time – but don’t toss them greens away yet. All that means is that they have lost water content and are still perfectly edible.  Just put them in cold water (iced even better) for a bit and they’ll crisp back up. If you can’t be bothered with that and grimace at the thought of chewing wilted greens – toss them in a smoothie.

Click here for more types of reusable produce bags .

Travel Kitchen Coffee Corner

Calling all coffee drinkers! Depending on where you’re traveling, having a daily coffee out might really eat (or drink  heh) into your budget. Or maybe you just love savoring a coffee inside before greeting each day. We (Sam mostly) like coffee every morning. The ritual makes us feel at home. Whatever the case, there are a few ways you can make your own coffee while traveling.

Steel Mesh Coffee/Tea Brewing Basket

There may be portable French presses out there, but this steel basket coffee filter is perfectly tiny and fits easily into any mug. Not only is it super durable, but this size can easily accommodate two servings of coffee grounds. It’s actually a tea basket, so if you’re a tea drinker, this one is for you too!

Click here to find the best prices .

Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

We first came across the magic of the Aeropress while traveling with friends in Portland, Oregon. It makes a mean espresso, it is super-fast, it’s lightweight and easy to pack. All you have to do is boil water, pack the coffee grounds in, and press down.

If you’re an avid coffee drinker, an Aeropress is well-worth the minimal space it takes up (it packs into a little bag) as well as the price – besides, they are quite cheap, generally around the price of 10 cups of coffee out!  Bonus: morning arm workout.

Check out Aeropress models and prices here.

Reusable and Collapsible Coffee Cup

On the subject of coffee, if you’re an avid coffee drinker that travels a lot, chances are you’ll be getting your coffee to go on many occasions, whether its in an airport, train station, or coffee shop that only has takeaway cups. Takeaway cups are extremely wasteful and unnecessary when you can bring your own cup! We use a 12 oz collapsible silicone coffee cup that packs into nothing when we’re not using it.

There are also non-collapsible ones like the stylish glass KeepCup . The collapsible one does retain the taste of coffee a bit if you forget to wash it out immediately, so keep that in mind. A quick vinegar soak will take out the taste.

Bonus: sometimes you’ll get a discount of 10-20 cents off for bringing your own cup. While it doesn’t seem like that much, it adds up and eventually pays off the cost of the cup.

Click here for more info on the collapsible coffee cup and to see latest prices. 

Optional: Appliances in Your Travel Kitchen Kit

Most people won’t want to travel with appliances. But if you’re traveling long-term and are checking a bag, you might want to consider some of these depending on your food habits and preferences.

Bella Blender / Immersion Blender

We try to incorporate as much raw food into our diet as possible. Every morning we have a smoothie.

Hands down the easiest way to keep this habit is to always have a blender. In the States, the Bella Rocket Pro was our favorite. Spain has the best immersion blenders, so that’s what we use when we are there. While the personal blender is more powerful, it’s hard to beat the portability of a hand stick blender. They’re not as affordable in the U.S. (we got an 800-watt immersion blender in Spain for 30 euros, while one with the same power will cost you about three times as much in the U.S.).

**Keep in mind that blenders are checked baggage only!**

Click here to read more reviews and learn more about the Bella Rocket Extract Pro blender .

And that’s it – everything in our travel kitchen kit. Budget slow sustainable travel in a nutshell.

We make travel affordable because otherwise, we couldn’t do it. Eating out every meal just isn’t an option for us, as much as we do enjoy trying all the vegan food wherever we end up.

Read more: 11 Budget Vegan Travel Tips for a Tasty Trip!

Also, we enjoy establishing a routine. For us, home is very much rooted in routine. Being able to make that smoothie and a morning cup of a coffee gives more than satiation, but a feeling of being grounded (pun intended).

Veren Ferrera

Veren is a creative pursuit enthusiast, a self-professed reluctant traveler, and the other half of the team behind alternativetravelers.com. Reared in central California and cultivated in New York City, this blustering blogger loves to talk about eating while sharing his general disdain for consumerist travel. He used to teach, tutor, and mentor to support himself and this blog, but now the blog supports him and his partner Sam as full-time travelers via house sitting.

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This Foodie Travel Kit Makes It Easy to Cook on Vacation

With the wide availability of short-term vacation rentals, it's easier than ever to cook when you're traveling. Make the most of any destination's local ingredients with a few packable kitchen basics.

Related To:

Photo by: Derek Trimble

Derek Trimble

When you eschew the standard hotel and opt for a short-term rental when you travel, there's more opportunity to cook when you're in far-flung places. Should you find yourself in a coastal town, or at a farmer's market in some exotic location, here's everything you might need to make the most of the local abundance.

Two Decent Knives Are a Must

Chef's Knife

Paring Knife

Knife Blade Guards

It's pretty typical to show up to a vacation rental that's got a drawer full of dull, flimsy kitchen knives. Nothing will make a mess of your evening (or your fingers) quite the way shoddy knives will. Pack yourself a small chef's knife and a good paring knife, and you'll be a lot happier in any kitchen. Add a set of plastic blade guards to protect your sharp knives while they're in transit.

Things to Flip, Scoop & Stir

Kitchen Utensil Set

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a set of lightweight silicone kitchen tools. Tongs, a spatula and a pair of spoons will keep your dinner from getting stuck or dropped. You flew a long way to cook fish straight from the ocean, so make sure it lands on the plate in one piece.

Avoid a Buzzkill

Kitchen Scissors

Imagine this: You fly to Napa, buy yourself a bottle of wine, check into your vacation rental to relax and the previous tenant has removed the corkscrew. Or, maybe you've flown to the Pacific Northwest, and you want to share a nice bottle of local beer with a friend and there's no bottle opener in sight. Nothing stops a party quite like a cork, a bottle cap or an aluminum can when there's no way to open it. Throw a pair of scissors in there for good measure. You'll never be sorry that you did.

Strange But Useful Things to Have

Instant-Read Thermometer

Oyster Knife

Measuring Spoons

You'll always want to amend your tools with things you know you'll need. If you're heading to the coast, an oyster knife is going to come in handy. If you're planning on grilling, an instant-read thermometer is a lifesaver. And you'll never regret having a vegetable peeler around. Make sure to think about what you'll be shopping for in your location, and add any specialty tools to help you along the way.

Don't Forget the Spice Rack!

Stackable Plastic Storage

Canvas Pouches

Mini Tabasco Sauce

You'll almost never find a decent selection of spices in a vacation rental. If you're lucky, there will be salt and pepper. A few stackable pill cases with your favorite spices is a fantastic thing to add to your travel kit. You can also find miniature bottles of nearly every kind of olive oil, hot sauce and vinaigrette at the store. And if you can't find it, buy some small bottles and pack your own. It's also a good idea to throw in some ziplock bags and a few pieces of aluminum foil.

Roll It All Up & Pack It Away

Chef's Knife Roll Bag

The easiest way to pack all of this into your checked baggage is with a good chef's roll for your tools and a small, zippered pouch for your pantry items. Try to find a chef's roll with various-sized pockets that have a secure closure. Make sure your knives are rolled up with the blade guards securely in place. Once it's all packed away, it shouldn't be any bigger than a pair of shoes in your luggage. Now you're ready to fly somewhere special and cook like a local.

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Travel Kitchen Kit- Items You Require For Cooking While Traveling

On your vacation, live like a gypsy but eat like a king.

If you are a full-time traveler, digital nomad, or house-sitter, eating out every meal will put a hole in your pocket and take a toll on your health. The best way to deal with it and make the most of your vacation is to cook while you travel. The concept of cooking while traveling is getting popular these days. With more and more people traveling, not just for leisure but as a full-time job, it becomes essential to keep yourself fit by not eating out. 

The key to successful cooking while traveling is a kick-ass travel kitchen kit. When we talk about kitchen kits, we don’t mean the cooking equipment or utensils that require a large bag or trucks to carry. Here we are talking about a portable travel kitchen that can easily fit into your backpack. Trust us, by traveling with just a few essential items; you can prepare mouthwatering food regardless of your location. 

Must Checkout: An Ultimate Guide For Cooking On Leisure Travel

If you are planning to cook while traveling, this is the article for you. We have put together a list of essential travel kitchen kit items to make your cooking on vacation a whole new experience. Believe us; there’s nothing more annoying than getting halfway through the recipe and realizing that your travel kitchen kit is missing something important. So, be prepared and eliminate eating out or fetching takeaway without worrying about what to eat or how to cook. 

Read this article and let it guide you while packing your travel kitchen kit. Believe us, with the right tools, making food-on-the-go becomes accessible. 

Here it goes. Cooking while traveling might look like a lot of hassle, but honestly, it’s not!

1. Storage Bins/ Containers

What do you do with the leftover food while traveling? Throw ‘em? Well, no. There’s a lot that you can do with it. To save your leftover food from turning into waste, all you need is to carry storage bins or containers. Buy sturdy plastic containers because they serve a lot of purposes. This is one of the travel kitchen kit items that will take away the biggest worry of storing your leftover food. We highly recommend you to buy the ones that can collapse and are microwave-friendly. They are easy to pack and can be used for multiple purposes. 

Also Read: 7 Best Cookbooks Of All Time: Make A Purchase If You Love Cooking!

2. Sharp Chef’s Knife

Knives are one of the essential tools that are a must-have in a kitchen, whether it’s a regular home kitchen or a portable travel kitchen. It takes the top spot on the list of essential utensils. However, while you are buying one, make sure you try the chef’s knife. It is one of the knives that can literally cut everything that too quite neatly. Chef’s knives are sharp, solid, and durable. With a shadow of a doubt, it is one of the items that you must add to your travel kitchen kit.

Suggested Article: Fun Road Trip Activities To Make Your Travel More Entertaining!

3. A Multi-tool With A Peeler

Peeler is one such travel kitchen kit item you can live without, but having one makes the food prepping experience pretty simple. Investing in a good peeler will come in handy. To make it more affordable, you can go for a multi-tool peeler. It is a 12-in-1 or 6-in-1 tool that includes a grater, zester, crusher, knife, small paring knife, fork, peeler, bottle opener, corkscrew, etc., in just one tool. This makes carrying so many tools a lot easier, and you will get so many items in just one that will save you from buying everything separately. 

Checkout: No-Cook Meals For Traveling: Food Without Turning On Your Stove

4. Measuring Cups

This travel kitchen kit item is for all the serious home cooks who prefer to cook delicious meals even while traveling. For such travelers, measuring cups will be pretty helpful. Investing in this item will help you stick to the recipe without worrying about the imbalance of ingredients. Also, various sizes of measuring cups are available that are portable, traveler-friendly, and inexpensive. So, add this to your portable travel kitchen and enjoy cooking like a professional even when traveling across the globe.

Recommended Article: Wake Up, Foodies! Now You Can Stream These Food And Travel Shows

5. Spice Kit

Spices are something that makes food ready to eat. There are ample spices used in cooking, from the basic ones like salt, pepper, chillis to the spices used to add a twist to the food like cumin, garlic powder, etc. Carrying all these spices on vacation is quite a daunting task. However, with the help of a spice kit, you can easily take with you a few spices of your choice. A spice kit is a travel-friendly kit with stackable mini jars or boxes that you can fill up with spices and add to your portable travel kitchen. This travel kitchen kit item is perfect for all the foodies to enjoy a great taste even on vacation.

Suggested Read: Cooking While Traveling: Delectable Recipes for Travelers

6. Coffee/Tea Brewing Basket

The next item is a must-have for all the travelers who can’t start their morning or spend their day without having a cup of coffee and tea. There are ample options available in the market for coffee or tea making, and one of the most common tools is AeroPress. It is a great tool that will take your coffee-making experience to the next level. However, the only drawback is it is not convenient to carry. On the other hand, the coffee/tea brewing basket is portable and easy to carry. It is a steel basket that has filters and can fit perfectly into any mug or glass. Apart from its durability, this basket is perfect for serving two individuals. So, all the tea or coffee drinkers, grab this travel kitchen kit tool with you and enjoy your drink anytime, anywhere.

Checkout: Healthy Food For Traveling: Snacks For Your Next Adventure

7. Flexible Spatula

All the cooks out there must be aware of “Spatula.” However, it is not an item used in every dish you make but is ideal for preparing sauces or creams. The flexible spatula’s come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. You can pick whatever material you like, but the most preferred ones are rubber and wood. They are lightweight, can be used both in non-stick and other utensils, and are affordable too. Next time, while gathering travel kitchen kit items for your portable kitchen, make sure you look for a flexible spatula and get your hands on one that you like the most. 

Also Read: Best Travel-Inspired Cocktail Recipes: Must-To-Try At Home!

8. Reusable Wraps/Bags

You cannot underestimate the importance of reusable wraps or bags. If you are cooking while traveling, these reusable bags will come in handy. You can use these wraps to store your food or carry prepared meals with you. Having these, you can prep your food the night before you leave and keep them stored without worrying about it. These reusable wraps or bags are also perfect because they can be used multiple times with some cleaning and later be recycled. You can easily clean them with a dishwasher. They are smaller and foldable; they can be easily carried with other travel kitchen kit items. 

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Travel Immersion Beverage Heater

Heat hot water anywhere when you travel with the Dual Voltage Immersion Beverage Heater. Compact dual voltage travel size water heater - immersion coil quickly heats up water. Perfect for a cup of coffee, tea, instant soup while traveling. Immerse in water before turning it on the immersion heater.

Immersion Water Heater Features:

• Weight 0.25 lbs
• Dimensions 5" X 1" X 1"
• Approx. 5 minutes boiling
• Dual voltage

Have your afternoon tea, coffee, or hot water while in your in your hotel. Lightweight heating coil comes with its own travel pouch. Burn shield protects counters. Automatic dual 120/240 voltage for worldwide use. For safety, please be sure to quickly put heating coil directly into the liquid you are heating up right after you plug it into your wall outlet.

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Recreate Your Favorite Travel Meal at Home: The Best Kitchen and Dining Gadgets

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Still dreaming of that fresh pasta you drooled over in Bologna, the mango lassi that cooled you down in Delhi, or that Turkish coffee that woke you up after a red-eye flight? You can recreate these and other world-famous delicacies at home with these cool kitchen gadgets.

NutriBullet Blender Combo

Smoothies, soups, sauces, and more—the NutriBullet Blender Combo does it all. This small but powerful kitchen gadget can grind up everything from nuts to vegetables in seconds. The combo set lets you blend into either a 64-ounce pitcher, a 24-ounce travel cup with a handle, or a 32-ounce cup. With multiple speeds and 1200 watts of power, there’s no limit to what you can blend up.

Oxo Silicone Egg Poachers

Remember that bed and breakfast that served up the most delicious poached eggs? And then you tried to recreate them at home but ended up with a watery mess? Oxo’s Silicone Egg Poachers make it easy to make poached eggs at home—just place the gadget in boiling water and crack an egg in. The holes allow water to flow around (but not drown) the eggs. When they’re done, just pull them out using the tab. This simple tool even collapses so it won’t take much room in your kitchen.

Capresso Coffee Team Pro Plus

Coffee is always better when someone else makes it, but in the case of the Capresso Coffee Team Pro Plus , it’s almost like having a personal barista in-house. With the press of a button, this coffee maker will grind fresh beans directly into the filter and then automatically brew up to 12 cups of coffee. You can change the slow burr grind setting for different kinds of beans, and a charcoal water filter helps make your coffee taste even better.

Dual Cheese Raclette Table Grill

If you’ve ever been to Switzerland and feasted on raclette, you know how ingenious this dish is (it’s literally a plate of melted cheese served with a few token vegetables). With the Dual Cheese Raclette Table Grill , you can now have a raclette party at home (a cheese party is the best kind of party, right?). This gadget has eight raclette pans so you can experiment with different cheese and topping combinations.

Oxo Adjustable Temperature Kettle

If you want to make the perfect cup of tea, don’t make it in the microwave or even on the stovetop. The best tea comes from having the temperature right so that you don’t burn the leaves (for green tea, you want 180 degrees Fahrenheit, for mint you want 194 degrees, and so on). Oxo’s Adjustable Temperature Kettle lets you set the temperature with the twist of a dial so you get the perfect cup every time. The kettle is made from a cordless BPA-free borosilicate glass that’s safe for boiling water.

Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan

You don’t have a wood-fired pizza oven, but that’s okay. You can create a gourmet pie with this nifty Cast Iron Pizza Pan that can be used in the oven, on the stovetop, on the grill, or even over a campfire. Turn out crispy pizza crusts, roast vegetables, or even bake cookies on this tool—it’s seasoned with oil for a natural non-stick finish.

Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker

Bring back fond Disney World memories at every breakfast with the Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Electric Waffle Maker . This easy-to-use gadget serves up perfectly shaped Mickey waffles—plus it’s non-stick so you won’t be scrubbing batter out of the ears for hours each morning.

Hurom Cutting Board

Slice and dice without worrying about germs on the Hurom Cutting Board . Made from a naturally antibacterial Japanese cypress wood, the cutting board helps prevent mold and bacteria growth naturally. The wood is also good for knives, and won’t chip them. Bonus: Flip the cutting board over and the smooth side doubles as a cheeseboard.

Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker

Return to your twice-a-day gelato habit like you’re still on vacation in Italy with Cuisinart’s Ice Cream and Gelato Maker . Two different paddles let you make either ice cream or gelato, and the only limitation on flavors is your imagination.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 8 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Flying
• The 7 Best Photo Printing Sites for Travelers
• 12 Best Travel Gadgets for Any Trip in 2020

Caroline Morse Teel is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @travelwithcaroline .

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Want to pack light but don't know where to start? Let's find the perfect size bag using this quiz !

Her Packing List

Packing Light

Must haves for a traveling kitchen.

When you’re constantly on the move, dining out can quickly get expensive. Sometimes you just want a taste of home or have a special diet like a gluten intolerance or are a vegan . I always cook while traveling and find that going to the local grocery stores and markets can be an equally authentic way to experience a destination. There are a few items that I typically bring to make cooking a lot easier, particularly in hostel kitchens when a sharp knife can be hard to come by.

Cutlery, Containers and Bags

Tupperware – You can by aluminum foil or cling wrap just about anywhere, but I bought a few reusable containers at the dollar store in Australia so I could save leftover pasta for a second meal.

Reusable bag – Stuffable bags that fold down into keychain size can be used for trips to the market and to store extra snacks.

Spork – Although most places you stay will have cutlery, it’s nice to be prepared. Light My Fire makes cheap varieties in multipacks.

Pocket knife with corkscrew – While you may have to check it in your bag, depending on country rules, a pocket knife can be used to make sandwiches or chop up veggies. A corkscrew is also important for opening that cheap bottle of wine!

Collapsible and standard water bottles – You don’t always have to fill them with water, but can also take leftover wine with you to the next location.

Unless you’re camping, I don’t think you’ll need a camp stove and will prefer using hostel kitchens, even if it means waiting your turn.

Food Staples

There’s not much you need to bring from home unless you follow a strict diet or won’t be able to find your favorite items while traveling. Always think about the weight of what you’re bringing and whether or not the place you’re visiting allows you to bring food in. I know that Hawaii and Australia in particular have strict quarantine rules.

Rice, pasta and ramen noodles are easy to pack and can be used to create hundreds of meals. Microwavable rice is another easy dinner item, as most hotel rooms and hostels have the appliance.

Instant or Powdered Items

As with microwavable rice or pasta, instant or powdered items make for a good traveling kitchen. For soup bases, try bouillon cubes. Instant oatmeal (or grits for me) makes an easy breakfast and powdered drinks like Crystal Light or Starbucks Via give you a buzz on the go. Don’t forget the spices to add flavor!

Nuts and dried fruit – High protein snacks like dry roasted almonds and freeze dried strawberries don’t really go bad and can be brought with you as you go sightseeing.

Granola bars – When you get really desperate for a snack, throw a granola bar in your bag. I personally love Lara Bars , which come in tasty flavors like carrot cake.

Easy Recipes

It’s difficult to find recipes that are both healthy and easy , but I have a few standbys that aren’t too gluttonous.

Peanut butter noodles – I found this recipe from Martha Stewart’s website, so you know it’s good. You take one packet of ramen noodles, drain most of the liquid, add peanut butter, soy sauce and hot sauce for a tasty meal.

Spaghetti bolognese – This was my go-to while traveling in Australia. I typically substituted beef for whatever meat was cheapest that day, either pork or lamb. I saved it for multiple meals.

Pizza bagels or sandwiches – Throw some tomato sauce and cheese onto a bagel or piece of bread and you’ve got yourself a pizza for lunch.

• Our Traveling Kitchen , Beers and Beans

Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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Reader Interactions

July 23, 2013 at 12:59 pm

For the pizza idea, you could also try it with a tortilla. My sister-in-law showed me this: in a frying pan, in-between two tortillas (or one, folded), spooning on tomato sauce, cheese, and whatever other “toppings” you want and cooking until both tortillas are crispy and the insides gooey. It can be a little messy, depending on how much sauce is in it, or cheese, but I’ve also packed it up in foil for us to take to lunch somewhere else and it does really well when it’s chilled out, too. 😀

I was just wondering if most hostel kitchens come stocked with olive oil, salt, and whatnot, or is it another thing to buy while there if you want to cook?

July 23, 2013 at 4:08 pm

Some do come with communal seasonings and oil… or other people leave them behind for others to use. Varies by hostel. If you’re lucky you can find someone else who has some and give them some change for a bit.

July 23, 2013 at 2:19 pm

Excellent write up! I can personally attest to a lot of the items you mentioned here. 🙂 Thanks for the shout out too!

July 24, 2013 at 6:12 am

Couscous is a good one to cook. I found it was quick and easy, all you need is boiling water. It can be a bit bland though, so semi-dried tomatoes and other little things you can add will make it a bit more exciting. It is also very filling and cheap!

July 30, 2013 at 7:10 pm

I tend to make a big batch of something like veggie stew or bean chili – providing you have access to a big pan and divide it up into containers. It can last me a week and means I only have to source a microwave the majority of the time but can enjoy some home cooking too.

August 11, 2013 at 2:51 pm

I always have garlic powder and chili flakes for meals that are served bit bland. I always swear by the cooler bag.

August 13, 2013 at 10:03 am

A tube of vegemite is always handy, use it as a spread or in stews, gravy, even in hot water for soup.

August 22, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Fellow southerner here and… Grits! yes! I had my mom send me a box of instant grits when I lived in Korea and I rationed those suckers out like they were made of gold haha. I never thought about alot of these things because I usually eat out when traveling in hostels but I may have to reconsider now. I am going to be basically living in a hostel for at least a couple weeks probably when I head to NZ next month for my working holiday so these are great tips!

[…] Are you staying in luxury hotels or saving on hostels? This will determine whether you need to bring your own towels, hairdryers and sheets. Do you prefer to keep it thrifty, enjoying as many free activities as possible or do you splurge for unique experiences? If you’ll be going scuba diving, you’ll need to pack your certification book and dive log. If you’re trying to save money, you might want to bring items to help you cook meals. […]

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Create a Road Trip Travel “Kitchen” to Easily Pack Your Food

• Packing Organization

Planning a road trip but want to minimize or eliminate eating out? Even if you’re staying in hotels on a road trip, a “kitchen” organized in packing cubes keeps food and gear easy to access, making cooking on the road a breeze. And if you plan to camp along the way? This packing cube “kitchen” works well for that too! 

Road trips have never been as popular as they are right now. And for good reason. They help you  conveniently explore your own state or region , staying footloose and fancy-free. Even if you will stay in hotels, however, packing and organizing your own travel “kitchen” will allow you to easily cook on the road, thus eliminating eating out or fetching take-out.

With  packing cubes as your travel organization tool , bags won’t end up topsy-turvy in a trunk or on a back seat, they won’t tip and spill, they won’t tear with use, and you can even color code your supplies, snacks, and gear, then just pop it all into a  wheeled duffel  to get in and out of hotel rooms easily, or a convertible backpack duffel if you’re heading to a campsite.

How Many Travelers Need Food?

To get started with your own travel kitchen—one that works for  road trips ,  camping , and more— consider what food you need based on how many travelers will need to be supplied. Also consider if this is a  family road trip  or camping vacation. This will help you pick out the cubes, sacs, and duffel that will best accommodate your travel kitchen needs for cooking, meal preparation, and eating.

How to Pack Your Travel Kitchen for Cooking Ease

With enough cubes and sacs, you can separate personal utensils, from cooking and serving utensils, from non-perishables, from perishable food items—color-coded naturally—so when tummies announce the arrival of mealtime, you can easily find what you need in your well-organized travel kitchen. 

Organizing Cooking Gear: 

The  Pack-It Gear line  is ideal for much of your road trip “kitchen” because it’s water-resistant, has an exterior that can be easily wiped clean, and  holds its shape with its sturdier materials . Particularly, the larger  Gear Cube MX3  is superior for stacking your (hopefully  eco-friendly ) plates, bowls, mugs, a small cutting board, and other heavier or bulkier items such as a can opener. Use the mesh zipper pocket inside of the lid to hold smaller accessories, such as a bottle opener, a small basic kitchen knife (be sure to put a cork on the tip to avoid any inadvertent owies!), or even a few storage bags. You can even consider using an extra small or small  Pack-It Isolate cube  to add additional organization inside your Gear Cube for spices, or in addition to your Gear Cube for example, for napkins.

For a travel kitchen that works for camping, also bring a portable and collapsible fabric camping sink, so you can fill it with water when you need to wash dishes, but fold it up when you’re done. For clean up, pack biodegradable soap and a  travel towel . Throw all your gear in a roll-top sac (this  shoe sac  actually does a great job) that you can easily cinch it onto the outside of your backpack, or put in the trunk of your vehicle. 

In addition to your main travel kitchen gear, be sure to pack a tarp when camping (in case of rain, you can avoid cooking and eating on a wet, muddy ground), resealable bags (for leftovers), trash bags, and aluminum foil. Add in a few carabiners, which you can use to clip items on your bag or hang up your bear bag. For any larger items that won’t fit in your backpack (like a travel stove), consider putting them in a plastic storage bin or their own  wheeled duffel  that you can easily carry or roll to and from your campsite. 

Organizing Travel Food:

An additional  Gear Cube MX3  (or whatever size or shape suits you) can hold items like cans or soup or chili, shelf-stable tuna packs, packages of pasta, boxes of crackers or other non-perishable goods. If you have a larger quantity of non-breakable, non-perishable items (maybe a traveling companion is a big  road trip snacker  and can’t do without plenty of chips or cookies), consider a lightweight  Packable Duffel  that can be carried separately and easily accessed when cravings hit. 

For smaller perishable items—such as apples, yogurt or cheese—that may need to get transferred into a hotel fridge from your car ice chest, another  larger Isolate Cube  will do the trick for easy in, easy out—with their advantage of containing odors, too.

If you’re creating a camping kitchen, consider this: When it comes to cooking meals while camping, the simpler, the better. You can easily pack into your cubes freeze-dried fruits, oatmeal, jerky, and other food that you might find at an outdoor supply store. Bring plenty of clean water for drinking, as well as cooking and cleaning. If you want beverage options aside from water—like tea, coffee, or flavored drinks—pack powders and instant mixes that you can easily add to your water. Store drinks and drink mixes in a  sealable packing sac  or  roll-top sac  that will keep out insects.

Organizing Kitchen Utensils:

Now, what about utensils? For your personal knives, forks, and spoons, try the  PACK-IT Gear Quick Trip  or a  PACK-IT Gear Pouch , depending on your tastes or size and quantity of items. You will love the Quick Trip because it has a roomy inside zipper pocket for smaller items, such as measuring spoons or a corkscrew. 

Then there are all those cooking or serving utensils that may be required for your safe road trip, for example, if you cook up basics in a hotel microwave or have your own hot plate for in-room meals. For those, the longer  PACK-IT ISOLATE Slim Cube  will be your best friend since at more than 14 inches it can easily hold non-breakable spatulas, serving spoons, a vegetable peeler, or ladle. 

Now that you have made Marie Kondo proud of your travel kitchen organization, it’s time to pack it all up for getting into and out of hotel rooms or over to picnic tables easily. For that, you’ll need a duffel that opens wide, is wheeled, and is super sturdy, like the  Migrate Wheeled Duffel . 

Next up after all that organization? Fun!  Road trip adventures  that help you feel good, remain independent, see something new, AND stay safe with your new packing cube travel kitchen.

By Therese Iknoian * With additional reporting by Caroline Eubanks

Every step of traveling is a thrill for Therese Iknoian. From dreaming and planning, to seeking local gems unseen by most travelers, to finding time to get to know locals, all in search of a great story for the  HI Travel Tales blog  she runs with her husband.  Join the Subscriber Club  to track her travel adventures and advice and get a look at her award-winning photographs.

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"I received my compact trail kitchen and it is absolutely remarkable. Great quality and build. Looks amazing, sharp and clean. I am beyond ecstatic for this purchase. You guys do it right! Will send photos when I go camping next week. So glad I found you guys! BRAVO!"

— Matt S, Happy Customer

"Driving to the campsite? Take everything—including the kitchen sink—with you, even if you’re just traveling in a small SUV... Makes cooking and cleanup at the campsite a breeze."

— Adam Ruggerio, Gear Junkie

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Travel Spice Kit - Portable Spice Containers great for Camping, Traveling, Bushcraft & RV - Seasoning Kit with 8 Jars, 2 Salt & Pepper Grinders, 1 Oil Spray and Waterproof Cover (Camo)

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About this item.

• TAKE YOUR OUTDOOR COOKING TO THE NEXT LEVEL! Cook like a gourmet chef whilst in the great outdoors! Our handy travel spice containers lets you take along all your favourite herbs, spices, seasonings, and oils on your adventure.
• FRESHLY GROUND SALT AND PEPPER ON DEMAND! Our mini one-handed salt and pepper grinders let you take fresh salt crystals and peppercorns into the wilderness, and grind them with ease and style.
• COMPACT, TOUGH AND WATERPROOF! Our camping spice kit is compact, so easy to carry in a rucksack. The tough canvas is waxed to keep the canvas waterproof. When folded our kit measures 6 inches x 4.5 inches x 1.5 inches in size.
• IDEAL GIFT FOR OUTDOORS LOVER! Our portable camping spice organizer set can be used on any adventure: camping, travelling, RV, hiking, backpacking, fishing, BBQ, hunting or any other expedition.
• INCLUDES: 2 mini one-handed salt and pepper grinders; 1 oil spray; 4 glass spice bottles with cork tops; 4 glass bottles with silicone sealed screw tops; 1 waterproof canvas; 2 mini ropes (e.g. to tie the kit to a tree).

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PLANET KITCHEN Camping Spice Kit - Travel Spice Containers with 8 Jars, 2 Salt & Pepper Grinders, 1 Oil Spray and Waterproof Cover - Ideal seasoning storage gadget for camping, travel & bushcraft

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Customers like the quality of the food shaker, saying it's perfect for bringing along favorite spices. They also appreciate the two interesting spice grinders. However, some customers have reported issues with stability, saying the corks wouldn't stay in place and the threads on the salt/pepper shaker didn't provide a secure hold. Opinions are mixed on sturdiness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the spice kit. They mention that it's perfect for bringing along their favorite spices, and is a great traveling spice kit that includes two interesting spice grinders. They also say that the salt and pepper grinders are an added bonus. Overall, customers find the set to be a cool portable little kit that lets them take their favorite spice with them.

"...It's a cool portable little kit that lets you take your favorite spices with you . We've taken it out multiple times camping without any issue...." Read more

"This kit is a great way to spice up your campout . It contains 8 jars that measure 4 inches long by 1 inch in diameter, larger than expected...." Read more

"...Overall this is a great travel set with a lot of options . If you love to cook and travel, this is the set for you." Read more

" Great spice kit ..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the sturdiness of the food shaker. Some mention that the containers are thick and sturdy, while others say that they break easily in camping and travel.

"...The glass bottles that come with it are thick and sturdy and have not leaked thus far...." Read more

" Sturdy ! Holds lots of spices. Very happy with the quality of the whole unit." Read more

" Plastic threads aren't durable !..." Read more

"It’s beautiful and made well , except for glass containers. These will shatter easily in camping/travel...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the stability of the food shaker. They mention that the corks would not stay in place, and the threads on the Salt/Pepper shaker don't provide a secure hold.

"...to find that the cork lids just fell right out of the bottle and would not stay in ...." Read more

"The plastic threads on the Salt/Pepper shaker don't provide a secure hold . Especially if you are using salts with bigger grain like Sea Salt...." Read more

"...in the jars with the corks and no matter what we tried the corks would not stay in place ." Read more

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Best Backpacking Cookware of 2024

One of life’s greatest enjoyments is to kick back after a hard day on the trail and fire up some delicious food. Considered to be one of the most essential pieces of gear to own, your investment in having one of the best backpacking cookware sets will go a long way in providing creature comforts on the rugged trail.

There aren’t too many details that you’ll have to sweat over, making this purchase a relatively straightforward one. But with literally hundreds of options to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 best backpacking cookware sets to make your choice as simple as possible.

For more of our top backpacking gear recommendations, check out the Best Backpacking Stoves . 

Quick Answer - The Best Backpacking Cookware

• GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper View at REI
• MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set View at Backcountry
• TOAKS Titanium 750ml View at REI
• Primus PrimeTech 2.3 L Pot System View at Backcountry
• Stanley Adventure Base Camp Set View at REI
• MSR Quick 2 System View at REI
• Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact View at REI
• Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo View at REI
• GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II View at REI
• Toaks Titanium 1600ml Pot With Pan View at REI

Comparison Table - Best Backpacking Cookware

Reviews - the best cookware for backpacking, gsi outdoors pinnacle camper.

• Best Use : Family/Group Backpacking
• Weight : 3 lbs. 10 oz.
• Cookware Material : Aluminum
• Nonstick Surface : Yes
• Pot Gripper Attaches Externally To Avoid Internal Scratches
• Nonstick Surface Is Scratch Resistant And Heats Food Evenly
• Color Coded Dinnerware Helps Each Person Keep Track Of What’s Theirs

BEST COOKSET OVERALL

Looking for a fully loaded cookset that has pots, pans, plates, and cups galore? Then the GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset is your perfect match for a truly cushy camping experience. 

This cookset features 2 pots (3 Liters & 2 Liters) each with their own lid that has a built-in strainer for pasta, a frying pan, 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 insulated mugs with sippable lids, and an external pot gripper that won’t scratch the interior of your pots. The dinnerware is color coded so that no one mixes up whose is whose.  The set also features a welded sink basin that doubles as a carry bag.

MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set

• Best Use : Budget Backpacking
• Weight : 1 lb
• Two lightweight pots for easy cooking while backpacking
• Lightweight aluminum construction
• Strainer lid and handle accommodate differently sized pots

BEST FOR: BACKPACKERS ON A BUDGET

MSR designed this 2-pot system from environmentally AND health-friendly ceramic materials. The system includes two pots and a pair of plier-like potholders designed to nest together and take up the least amount of space possible. The non-stick ceramic coating is also scratch resistant, which is a nice feature if you enjoy using metal utensils.

What we like most about this cookware system is that it can be used for simply boiling water and also serves to cook meals more evenly than most other options on the market. You’d be hard pressed to burn even the stickiest of foods.

TOAKS Titanium 750ml

• Best Use : Ultralight Backpacking
• Weight : 3.9 oz
• Cookware Material : Titanium
• Nonstick Surface : No
• Corrosion resistant, pure titanium construction
• Ounce and millimeter marks enable precise measurements
• Lid with lockable grip & vent holes
• Includes mesh storage sack

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING

From solo overnight missions to extended multi-day adventures, this pot does it all. At 750mL, there’s plenty of space for boiling water — no matter what you plan on rehydrating. This extremely durable pot is a great choice for an ultralight pot that still gets the job done. It features folding handles and a lid with a wire tab that makes it easy to check on your food or water. The seal formed by the tight-fitting lid also creates for unmatched heat retention.

What we love most about this pot — besides its feather light weight — is that it’s compact enough for stashing into your backpack’s side pocket AND big enough that you can stash a 4oz fuel canister inside.

Primus PrimeTech 2.3 L Pot System

• Best Use : Backcountry chefs
• Weight : 1.6 lbs
• Cookware Material : Aluminum, ceramic
• Quick cooking and low fuel demand
• Self-locking ceramic tongs
• Top lid turns into strainer

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY CHEFS

If you’re looking for something simple, hearty, and built to last, this 2.3L Pot System is sure to fit the bill. This all in one system not only allows you to whip a delicious meal, but also save loads of fuel thanks to its highly efficient design. The set includes two pots, a lid, a handle, non-stick coating, and heat exchanger rings. The accessory pot nestles perfectly inside the main pot — and everything fits nicely in the included insulated carry bag.

What I covet most about this cookware set is just how efficient it really is — in part due to the inclusion of heat exchanger rings. The main pot’s thick aluminum bottom and Teflon coating makes cooking scrambled eggs — which notoriously tend to overcook on most cookware sets I’ve tested — a delicious-tasting backcountry possibility.

Stanley Adventure Base Camp Set

• Best Use : Basecamp Cooking
• Weight : 5 lbs. 9.6 oz.
• Cookware Material : Stainless Steel
• Stainless steel pot and frying pan
• Four 6-inch plates & four bowls
• Four sporks, Spatula, Serving spoon
• Cutting board
• Drying rack

BEST FOR: BASECAMP COOKING

If you’re looking for a full-kitchen experience in a camp-friendly package, look no further. The Stanley Adventure Base Camp cookware set includes a stainless steel pot and frying pan, four 6-inch plates, four bowls, four sporks, a cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, and drying rack. It’s essentially designed to match the performance and design of your kitchen at home.

What we like most about this cookware set is the intuitive vented lid design and how affordable it is for such a comprehensive kit.

MSR Quick 2 System

• Best Use : Backpacking
• Weight : 1 lbs. 12 oz.
• Cookware Material : Hard-Anodized Aluminum
• Color Coded Plates/Mugs Prevent Mixups
• Entire Set Nests Within 2.5L Pot For Efficient Packing
• Pieces Can Be Left At Home To Create An Even Lighter Set

BEST FOR: COMPACT COOKING FOR 2

Perfect for any backpacking duo, the MSR Quick 2 System is a light and versatile cookset that covers all your bases and can be stripped down to the essentials for an even lighter load. 

Boasting two of (almost) everything for a complete meal set for each backpacker, this cookset features 2 insulated mugs with lids, 2 “DeepDish” plates (for either soup or solid food – it’s essentially a bowl-plate), and 2 pots (1.5 Liter & 2.5 Liter). It also sports a lid with a built-in strainer and a detachable pot lifter that won’t scratch the interior. 

This set can also be stripped down for a single backpacker or if both you and your partner already have water bottles, you can remove the cups to create room inside the pot to store your stove!

Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact

• Weight : 11.6 oz.
• Extremely Lightweight And Durable
• Handles Pack Flat For Easy Storage
• Includes A Lightweight Nylon Mesh Storage Bag

BEST FOR: HIGH-QUALITY, MINIMAL DESIGN FOR SMALL GROUPS

Small backpacking groups of 2-3 people looking to invest in the most durable and longest lasting cookware set ought to consider the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact cookset. Sporting the lightest, most durable, and longest lasting material (Titanium), you’ll get the absolute best bang for your buck. 

The set features 2 pots (34 oz. & 26 oz.), a 17 oz. frying pan, and a 12 oz. saucepan, the latter two which can double as lids for the pots. The handles on each pot and pan fold down for easy storage and all four pieces nest within each other for the most efficient use of space and can also store a 100/110g fuel canister inside (sold seperately).

Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo

• Weight : 6.38 oz.
• 100g Fuel Canisters Can Fit Inside The 30 oz. Pot
• Pot Nests Snuggly Inside The Cup For Compact Storage
• Rounded Bottom Edges Are Easy To Clean And Improve Heating Efficiency

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT SOLO BACKPACKERS

The lightest of the lightest available cooksets, the Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo cookset is streamlined and efficient for your most rugged outdoor adventures. 

Made from Titanium, the lightest and most durable material for a cookset, the Mini Solo resists corrosion and heats food evenly. It’s also extremely efficient meaning you’ll use less fuel for each cook. The taller 30 oz pot fits snugly inside the shorter 18.3 oz. cup thanks to a slight difference in circumference size, allowing you to nest the two pieces for the ultimate packdown. 

The lid for the pot also has a silicone tab for burn-free removal! No need to cover your hand first.

GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II

• Weight : 1 lbs. 7 oz.
• Hard-Anodized Aluminum Heats Food Evenly
• Welded Stuff Sack Protects Cookware And Doubles As Wash Basin
• Pot Lid Is Crushproof And Heat Resistant, Also Includes Built-In Strainer

BEST FOR: TWO-PERSON OUTINGS

Having a complete cookset for two doesn’t have to be bulky, heavy and expensive. The GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II shatters all of those conventions in favor of a streamlined, lightweight, affordable cookset that sports all the features of a fully-loaded set. 

Nesting all of its pieces within a 1.4L pot, this cookset features two 14 oz. bowls, two 14 oz. mugs with sippable lids, two folding foons (fork-spoons), and a lid for your pot with a built-in strainer. 

The folding foons collapse to just 3.7” inches from it’s fully extended 6.1” inch length, making it small enough to fit inside the nesting system.

Toaks Titanium 1600ml Pot With Pan

• Weight : 8.2 oz.
• Includes A Mesh Storage Sack
• No Metallic Aftertaste With Titanium
• Ounce And Liter Marks Allow For Precise Measurement

BEST FOR: EXPANDING YOUR EXISTING MINIMAL SET

If you have a minimalist solo set or an ultralight cookware set for two, then the TOAKS Titanium 1600ml Pot with Pan is a perfect addition to expand your set. Able to hold 1.6 Liters (1600ml), this sizeable pot is still super lightweight and has a lid that doubles as a fry pan (or vise versa). 

The entire set weighs just 8.2 oz., making this expansion set the best ultralight add-on. It’s also large enough to store a 220g fuel canister and small stove inside itself. The handles even feature a nifty fold-down mechanism for compact storage.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BACKPACKING COOKSETS

There are a wide variety of materials that cooksets are offered in. Below, we detail the pros and cons of each and rate them for backpacking and car camping. 

• Backpacking: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
• Car Camping: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒

Lightweight and affordable, aluminum is a fantastic material for a cookset. Food is cooked evenly and efficiently on aluminum cookware since it’s such a great conductor of heat. While it’s pretty durable, over time it will eventually break down and need replacing, especially if you cook highly acidic foods such as tomato sauce. Aluminum is also softer than other metals, meaning it will get banged up, taking both scratches and dents with heavy use. 

Hard-Anodized Aluminum  

• Backpacking: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
• Car Camping: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

A more durable, albeit pricer, option to aluminum is hard-anodized aluminum. It provides all the benefits of standard aluminum without any of the downsides – just cook away! 

Stainless Steel

• Backpacking: ⭑⭒⭒⭒⭒
• Car Camping: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒

While it is an option, stainless steel offers little benefit to backpackers and campers. Although it’s way more durable than aluminum, it’s also much more expensive yet doesn’t heat food as evenly. It’s also really heavy which can be quite the drawback when you’re trying to save weight. For the high price tag, you’re better off investing in titanium or hard-anodized aluminum. 

If you’re not constrained by a budget, this is your absolute best option! Titanium is the lightest material possible which makes it ideal for backpackers looking to shave weight. While it is more expensive than some other options, it’s extremely efficient which translates into fuel cost savings. Last but not least, titanium is highly corrosion-resistant meaning it will outlast and outperform any other cookset material. 

Non-Stick Coating

• Backpacking: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
• Car Camping: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒

Non-stick coatings are really easy to clean, making your post-meal chores a breeze. However, the coating is much less durable than aluminum or titanium. It’s important to use only plastic utensils while cooking with non-stick or you will likely scratch and degrade the non-stick surface. 

• Backpacking: ⭒⭒⭒⭒⭒

Best for car camping, cast iron skillets hold seasoning really well and make some amazingly delicious campfire dinners. They’re crazy durable but also extremely heavy, which makes them a no-go for backpacking. 

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Number of pots/pans.

When choosing a cookware set , it’s best to consider how many people you usually backpack or camp with. A rough estimate is 1 pot for every 1 to 2 people in your group, but that largely depends on what you’re cooking. 

For dehydrated meals that simply need boiled water to be added, or can-ready meals that need warming like chili, then 1 pot per 2 backpackers will be enough. But if you’re cooking a more standard meal from scratch with multiple ingredients, then each backpacker will likely need a dedicated pot/pan. 

The size of your chosen pots and pans also plays a critical role in determining the best cookware set. Larger pots are more efficient for space and resources since you won’t need as many burners as you would with multiple smaller pots. Ideally, the largest pot in your set should hold 1 pint per person in your group. So if you’re a hiking group of 4 people, then you’ll need a pot than can hold at least 4 pints, if not a little more. 

Lids and Handles

While completely optional, and usually ditched by ultralight enthusiasts, lids can help food cook faster and achieve results such as melting cheese atop a burger pattie. Some cookware sets are super efficient, and double their pans as lids.

Handles are also really important to consider. Many sets offer collapsible handles to help save space in your pack while other sets completely ditch them in favor of a single pot lifter/gripper than can be used for multiple pots/pans. This can help save weight for ounce-conscious hikers.  

OPTIONAL GADGETS

Those who can’t bear to go a morning without coffee may want to invest in a french press. You can find compact and durable ones made specifically for backpacking! Coffee while camping may seem like a luxury to some, but it’s a necessity for many! Car campers may enjoy a dutch oven as it increases your dinner options and makes large meals easy to cook.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Bisphenol A – a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics that is not food safe. When choosing plastic containers for food and water, make sure they’re BPA-free. 

Many of the pots and pans on the list above are measured in liters, which is roughly 4 cups of water. 

A style of backpacking that focuses on reducing unnecessary weight to make travel lighter. Many ultralight backpackers obsess over ounces and have been known to snap toothbrushes in half and shave them down to create the most minimalist design possible. Their theory is that each ounce saved ends up equalling pounds, and each pound saved over a mile is less energy spent.  

For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Best Hiking Backpacks

Best Backpacking Tents

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Best Backpacking Stoves

Best Hiking Boots For Men ( and Women )

Best Hiking Shoes For Men ( and Women )

2 Responses

Wow, Great post. I’m enjoying reading this article. These are looking cool cookware sets, I like to try MSR Quick 2 System cookware sets. BTW Thanks for sharing this valuable information.

Thanks for mentioning that aluminum is affordable for camping cookware. You also said that it is very lightweight. I think it’s a good idea to choose camping cooking supplies that are compact for travel.