Camping Cookware

When cooking outdoors, it's a good idea to have camping cookware.

When you got to buy outdoor equipment, one major consideration is how long it’s going to last, and whether it’s going to be obsolete. Since the technology used in making camping cookware hasn’t changed much in the past twenty-five (and in some cases, several hundred) years, it’s a safe bet to choose the best gear you can. After all, you’re not likely to be at a disadvantage with enamelware or good old cast iron.

You’ll need to ask yourself where you’ll be camping, how long you’ll be camping, and how many you need to cook for when you choose pots and pans. You should also think about your cooking style and material preferences. Camping cookware is available in all kinds of styles and sizes, so there’s sure to be something on the market that’ll suit your needs. Just take the time to think about it so you can be sure you won’t get the wrong ones.

Aluminum is one of the most common options, since it’s inexpensive and conducts heat quickly. However, thin aluminum can cause food to burn and stick. This material also dents easily, and when combined with acid, can lead to health problems in the long run.

Stainless steel is another choice. It heats food more evenly, with fewer hot spots, and is tougher and harder to dent than aluminum. However, it’s also more expensive and heavier, and that shiny surface won’t fare well over the fire.

Titanium is even more expensive, but lighter than steel and much stronger. Consistency of cooking varies with the quality of the cookware you choose. All of the above materials are available in plain, and with nonstick coatings. These do very well if not scratched, but can be a problem if they’re scratched, since food will tend to stick.

Cast iron is one of the oldest cooking materials and an old camping favorite. Very heavy and prone to fairly even heating, cast iron offers the ability to slow cook lots of foods. It’s a popular choice for grills and dutch ovens, and if cared for properly, can last for generations. It’s cheap, but can be a nuisance to carry.

Enamelware is another old fashioned option that’s still popular for camping. Usually steel or aluminum underneath, these pieces are coated with ceramic based enamel that offers some protection against sticking and enables them to heat a little more evenly than the materials would on their own. This coating is tougher than most nonstick types, but is harder to clean.

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