Top 5 Ultralight Backpacking Cookware of 2023

Hiker at a winter campsite melting snow in ultralight backpacking cookware

In this post, we'll take a look at:

Our guide is here to empower you in making the best decision for your ultralight backpacking cookware. We’ve gathered essential insights on weight, durability, capacity, and more.

With our help, you can confidently navigate the choices and select cookware that perfectly aligns with your ultralight outdoor needs.

Top Ultralight Backpacking Cookware Picks

  1. Most Ultralight: TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 550ml Pot (2.54oz/72g)
  2. Best Overall: Alpkit Mytimug 600 (4.23oz/120g)
  3. Best Value: Paria Titanium Cooking Pots 750 (4.80oz/136g)
  4. Kit Option: Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 (6.7oz/190g)
  5. Budget Option: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup (8oz/227g)

1. Most Ultralight
TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 550ml Pot

Ultralight Backpacking Cookware: TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 550ml Pot

Key Specs


Weight: 2.54 ounces (72 grams)
Capacity: 18.6 fl. oz. (550ml)
Price: $$

PROS


✅ Ultralight

✅ High quality

CONS


❌ Not the largest option

The TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 550ml Pot is a fantastic choice for lightweight backpacking cooking. With its compact size and ultra-lightweight design, it’s perfect for solo adventurers or as an addition to a larger cooking setup. Weighing just 2.54 oz with the lid, it’s easy to carry and use.

The pot’s smart dimensions provide stability on various stoves, and its versatility shines through whether you’re boiling water for yourself or sharing a cup with a companion. The lid’s practical features ensure safe handling, while its holes help monitor boiling.

And for those seeking more options, a simple modification can enable hanging over a fire. All in all, this pot’s durability and adaptability make it a top choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.


2. Best Overall
Alpkit Mytimug 600

Ultralight Backpacking Cookware: Alpkit Mytimug 600

Key Specs


Weight: 4.23 ounces (120 grams)
Capacity: 20.28 fl. oz. (600ml)
Price: $$

PROS


✅ High quality

✅ Fits a small gas canister inside

CONS


❌ Might be hard to source

The MytiMug 600 from Alpkit stands out as an excellent option for those seeking lightweight backpacking and bikepacking experiences. Crafted from a blend of robust yet lightweight titanium, it holds the perfect size for solitary journeys. Boasting a capacity of 20.28 fl. oz. (600ml), it excels at heating water for dehydrated meals, and it can even accommodate a gas canister.

Its collapsible handles and pragmatic features, such as the lid vent and measuring lines, contribute to its intelligent and user-friendly design. Alpkit’s titanium cookware has consistently demonstrated its resilience and effectiveness over our years of use. This choice is unparalleled for open-air cuisine, characterized by its absence of metallic aftertastes, and supported by Alpkit’s 3-year Alpine Bond guarantee.


3. Best Value
Paria Titanium Cooking Pots 750

Ultralight Backpacking Cookware: Paria Titanium Cooking Pots 750

Key Specs


Weight: 4.80 ounces (136 grams)
Capacity: 25.36 fl. oz. (750ml)
Price: $$

PROS


✅ High quality

✅ Double-wall insulation

CONS


❌ Handles can get hot

The titanium pots from Paria Outdoors provide a wonderful start to your camping and backpacking mornings with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their double-wall insulation keeps your drink cozy, and the pot itself stays comfortably warm to touch.

These pots bring a pleasant surprise with their smart lid design and secure fit. The lid, which fits snugly, is compact and secure, and you can even use the included stuff sack to keep things neat.

Just a heads-up, though: the handles can get quite hot when you’re using them. With these pots, Paria shows their dedication to making outdoor gear that enhances your adventures.


4. Kit Option
Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0

Ultralight Backpacking Cookware: Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0

Key Specs


Weight: 6.7 ounces (190 grams)
Capacity: 17.58 fl. oz. + 28.74 fl. oz. (520ml + 850ml)
Price: $$$

PROS


✅ High quality materials

✅ Larger size

CONS


❌ Expensive

The Snow Peak T-Mini Solo Combo provides an excellent answer for cooking while backpacking light. Made from strong Japanese titanium, it features a camping cup and pot that neatly fit inside each other for simple storage.

We can admire its compactness and lightweight design. It securely accommodates a double-wall cup and stove, giving you a tidy arrangement. While the cost might make you think, the usefulness makes it worth the expense.


5. Budget Option
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup

Ultralight Backpacking Cookware: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup

Key Specs


Weight: 8 ounces (226.8 grams)
Capacity: 24 fl. oz. (710ml)
Price: $

PROS


✅ Extremely affordable

✅ Smaller size avaliable (4.9oz/139g)

✅ Great warranty

CONS


❌ Not the fastest boiling option

The GSI Outdoors Stainless Bottle is a versatile choice for your outdoor escapades. This stainless steel cup pulls double duty as a cooking pot, perfect for preparing meals and sipping hot drinks.

Our tests highlight that its sturdy stainless steel build guarantees extended durability. While it might not be the quickest at boiling water because of its material, it still performs well.

All in all, GSI Outdoors offers a reliable and budget-friendly option for ultralight backpacking cookware. This underscores their commitment to providing quality and lasting gear for your outdoor journeys.

How to Buy the Right Backpacking Cookware

Selecting the right backpacking cookware can simplify your outdoor adventures and lighten your load.

There are three main types to consider: backpacking pots, ideal for solo or small group trips due to their compact and lightweight design; versatile backpacking pans for cooking and easy cleanup; and Jetboil-style systems, which are efficient but bulky. Consider your meal plans and backpack size when deciding.

Also, think about the material: titanium is super lightweight but pricier; aluminum is budget-friendly and conducts heat well but might lack durability; hard-anodized aluminum is sturdier but more expensive; stainless steel is durable and distributes heat evenly but heavier and pricier. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose based on your priorities and cooking needs.

The right backpacking cookware is a vital part of backpacking, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience. If you’re keen on learning more about selecting backpacking cookware, explore our in-depth post to become an expert.

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