Camping cookware

[Mgcprep1]

I have learned the value of cast iron cookware but for camping and on the go purposes which is better the aluminum or titanium?  The titanium is certainly more expensive but is it worth the cost?  Would welcome any advise. 

[cheryl1]

I wish I could help, but I use my cast iron while camping.

[ttubravesrock]

I've never had trouble with aluminum, and I've always purchased mine second hand at thrift stores.  I've heard people say that aluminum ruins tomato-based foods, but I almost always include tomato-based foods, and they always turn out awesome. 

[Thox Spuddy]

It depends upon what kind of camping you're doing. We pull a pop-up and cook over a Coleman camp stove and use cast iron frying pans. We also have 3-legged Dutch ovens, 2-2quart size for the two of us. If we were to back pack camping you'd want to go with light weight aluminum or such as you can afford. I think you can rent the titanium from outfitters if you don't plan on doing much backpacking. If you Kayak camp, the heavy cast iron actually makes your vessel more stable.

The great thing about cast iron is that it never fails, you can use it over the fire/coals and cleans up with no soap.

Cast iron.

[nelson96]

The simple answer is titanium will always be a better cookware (at home or camping).  But I personally wouldn't use it for camping due to the cost alone.  Other than my cast iron (used at home and camp) is use what's cheap and will get me by.

[fritz_monroe]

All my camping is in a popup camper, so the cast iron goes with me.  I use some cast iron skillets, and have a 12" and 10" dutch oven that I do a lot of cooking in.

But I certainly wouldn't want to carry those on my back.  Personally, I can't justify the cost of titanium cookware.  Granted, I haven't used it, but have no issues with aluminum for the limited amount of cooking that I do with non-cast iron cooking.


When you get the chance, please stop over at the Intro Thread and introduce yourself.

[danzak44]

If you're car camping then the cast iron is great, but if you're hiking that stuff around I would go with aluminum, but if you're really concerned with weight, then use the titanium. We personally use aluminum and they work great. We have a gsi set and a large 2 liter pan from rei that was a great price with a built in strainer in the lid and a mesh bag to pack it in.

[Nate]

I do a lot of backpacking and canoe camping.  I have never used titanium because of the cost.  It is marketed to folks who are into extreme ultralight camping.  Aluminum is fine.  I use stainless myself.  I picked up a texsport stainless cook set about 10 years ago for $20 and it is still serving me today.  Came with 2 pots, fry pan and 2 plastic cups.  The fry pan is too thin and I lost the cups but I still use the pots.

If I do any baking for frying on the trail I use a Banks Fry Bake. http://frybake.com/  I used these on my NOLS course and finally broke down and bought one.  Nothing is better than fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast on the trail!

[Nomad, 2nd]

I was with everyone on Ti being too expensive...

Then I was deployed to Iraq. (cost is relative, money means little when your going to get shot at)

My 2 Ti pots weigh less than a canteen cup.

Means I could carry more ammo and water.

Also: it's not that the Al ruins the tomato, it's that the acid of the tomato causes you to ingest the Al.


If your first starting out... Use an old coffee can or whatever works.

If our on the fence: get the Ti

[Elex23]

Assuming that you're positively concerned with weight, then utilize the titanium. We independently utilize aluminum and they work foremost. We have a gsi set and a huge 2 liter dish from rei that was an imperative cost with a fabricated in strainer in the cover and a lattice pack to pack it in.

[chezrad]

Backpacking -> titanium if possible, aluminum next, then steel. Be aware that stuff will stick to all, especially if using the uneven heat of a campfire. Most of my backpacking / hiking cooking centers around boiling water. because of this, if cost is an issue any metal container will work.

Any form of camping where I don't have to carry the cookware -> cast iron, cast iron, and last choice...cast iron. I've used all other types over the yars but for ease of both cooking and cleanup, cast iron wins. It's durable, long lasting and typically inexpensive.

My 2 cents anyhow. Cheers.

[Garandman]

Car camping, or backpacking?

[WildlifeMan]

This is my first post so I will keep it brief!:

I have upgraded all of my cookware to titanium. I focus mostly on backpacking (and putting in miles) so I prefer the light-weight gear. That being said, I have also downsized all of my cookware to one 0.8L titanium pot and a spoon from my house!

When car-camping I go back to my extensive bundles of aluminum mess-kits complete with spatulas and the works. I guess the important thing is getting in the woods!

[Cedar]

I use Stainless Steel I got at Goodwill for my backpack. I take a cast iron pan and a cast iron dutch oven when I do other camping (and house).

Cedar

[nelson96]

Backpack shmackpack, why do that when you can sit on the back of a horse and use more/better cookware.  Or better yet, pull up in your A/C capable trailer with a cushion bed

[Nicodemus]

This is my first post so I will keep it brief!:

WildlifeMan, When you have a moment please drop by The Intro Thread and say hello to the other forum members.

[Cryptozoic]

I have been using the same stainless steel pot with copper bottom since the 80s. The lid is a frying pan.
Lately I have obtained http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtSoKaZ3Qxk
Have not used the fuel canister but that pack stove ring works well in a small campfire, basically to replace the need for a grill.  It allows air to get to the coals under what you are cooking and provides a platform upon which to put your pot or cup.  The water bottle can also be put on it in the fire to purify water.