Outdoor cooking can be challenging at times. It is not as easy as cooking indoors, but it can be fun. Once you get a feel for the types of cookware you need and gain a little experience at outdoor cooking, it really isn't that bad.
The most popular backpacking cookware is made from one of three different materials - aluminum, stainless steel or titanium.
- Aluminum used to be the material of choice because it is lightweight. However, it has started to be passed over for other materials because it is not very durable and food sticks to it easily. Also new findings show aluminum has been linked to health problems because it breaks down overtime and this effects food cooked in it. There is new coated aluminum that does not pose the health issues and is non-stick, but it is heavier.
- Stainless steel used to be quite heavy, but new technology has introduced lightweight versions. It is durable, too. Stainless steel is not the best at distributing heat, though, so attention must be paid when using to ensure food is evenly cooked.
- Titanium is an extremely light material. It is also durable and distributes heat good. It has all the good qualities of the other types of materials. The only down side to titanium is the cost, but if you are a regular backpacker then you will not be let down by paying for this quality.
You want to look for certain features in cookware that you will be using outside. Consider cookware with the following features as the best choices:
- Rounded bottom: A rounded bottom is easy to clean and distributes heat better than a flat bottomed piece.
- Black outside: There are not many pieces of cookware that are sold with a black outside, but you can paint it yourself with stove paint. The black makes the piece absorb heat faster.
- Tight lid: A tight lid makes for more efficient cooking. It will heat faster and retain the heat longer.
- Folding handles: While folding handles really have nothing to do with how well the piece cooks, it does make it easier to pack.
Choosing cookware is going to involve first choosing what type of material you prefer then looking for cookware that has the features you desire. Do not just grab any old thing off the shelf. Take time to really shop for your cookware. You will be glad you did.
