You cannot get around it: ultralight backpacking means purchasing titanium cookware.
Quite simply, titanium pans weigh less than aluminum camping pans, conduct heat better and will last longer.
Bottom line: even if you are not an ultralight backpacker, it pays to invest in titanium cookware.
But honestly, titanium camping utensils are comparable in price to aluminum camping utensils.
For example, let's compare two different models of camping cookware: MSR's Aluminum Cookware and Snowpeak's Titanium Pans.
The MSR Quick 2 Pot Set
is aluminum, costs 70 bucks and has a combined weight of 15.9 ounces.
On the other hand, we have the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset
. Benefits include:
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Allyson using a titanium pan |
All this for only 5 dollars more!
. Yup. 5 bucks more gives you 2 additional titanium pans, which are more efficient AND weigh less.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself here. Let's get back to the basics of titanium cookware...
So, what is titanium, you ask (and why are titanium pans the best ultralight backpacking/camping utensil)? Good question.
Titanium is the strongest metal in terms of strength relative to weight. This means that it is both ultralightweight for backpacking and titanium pans are more durable than any other camping utensils.
In addition to durability, titanium pans have other advantages:
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Cooking with our titanium cookware |
Best Titanium Cookware and Pans
Now, it's time to share my reviews of titanium pans designed for backpacking and camping.
I already suggested the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset
. In my opinion, that is the best when it come to purchasing a full set of camping utensils.
However, to be perfectly honest, you probably don't need ALL the pots and pans that come with the Multi Compact Cookset.
In my ultralight backpacking experiences, usually one or two pieces of cookware suffice.
Then again, I only go backpacking with Allyson, my girlfriend. If you are like me and generally only backpack with one other person, then the best titanium pans to purchase are the Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset
.
You save yourself 15 bucks and cut down the weight to 5.5 ounces. However, if you camp with a family or are expecting one, then you may be better off with the multi compact cookset.
If you are indecisive about how many pieces of titanium cookware would best suit your ultralight backpacking needs, why not try the Snow Peak 3 Piece Titanium Cook Set
?
You can never go wrong with the middle of the road... especially when the middle of the road costs less than both other options.
Ultralight Backpacking Gear - General information on Ultralight Backpacking Gear. Start here if you don't know where to begin.
Ultralight Backpacks - One of the best ways to cut down on pack weight is buy purchasing a lightweight backpack. Read my reviews of Ultralight Backpacks and determine the best oen for you.
Solo Tent - Do you backpack alone? In that case, you need an ultralight solo tent to meet your needs.
Ultralight Backpacking Tents - For the rest of us, lightweight backpacking tents for 2-3 people is necessary to become ultralight.
Sleeping Bag - Although expensive, an ultralight sleeping bag reduces your pack weight by a number of pounds.
Alcohol Stoves - Although these are not necessary, alcohol stoves are lightweight and lower your pack weight in both necessary fuel and stove weight
Ultralight Fishing - If you like fishing, you don't need to sacrifice your love to become an ultralight backpacker. Learn about ultralight fishing, including lightweight tackle and fishing rod reviews.
Clothing - Lightweight outdoor clothing keeps you safe and reduces the need for extra clothing in your pack
Lightweight Tripod - For the photo enthusiasts out there (ME ME!!), a lightweight tripod is essential to capturing the light during early morning sunrises and sunsets in the backcountry.
Return home from
Titanium Cookware to Glacier National Park Travel Guide