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food

Best Backpacking Mess Kit

Last updated: August 17, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Imagine this:

You just reached your campground after a 8 hour hike with a 40-lbs pack, you're hungry and just want to fry up some food. You want your pan to be quick to heat and cook evenly and clean easily. I’ve had experiences with some rubbish pans that were okay to cook with but a pain in the a** to clean.

Having a good mess kit (or a cook set) is a lifesaver. Whether you’re on the trail or on a camping trip with a group of friends, what you eat determines your mood, which can be the most fun or the most dreaded part of camping - depending on your equipment.

Table of Contents
GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset
GSI Pinnacle vs Bugaboo
MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set
GSI Pinnacle Backpacker Cookset
Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset
Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set
How to choose the right mess kit for you?
Do you really need a mess kit?
What are the criteria for choosing?
What’s in it?
Versatility
Material
Compactness and Weight
Caring and Cleaning
References

In this article we take a look at 5 different mess kits and compare them on their materials, size and what they include.

But before we get to the bolts and nuts of mess kits, here's a quick summary:

The best overall option is the complete GSI Pinnacle Camper set, which has everything you could ever need. Best one for 2 backpackers is MSR Quick 2 System Cookset because of its versatility, it’s a great set that will last you many years of backpacking and camping. Next is the backpacking version of Pinnacle Camper, that is, GSI Pinnacle Backpacker, while this set has the same high quality materials and design, I'd prefer to get the Camper and leave a few items at home. Snow Peak Titanium Cookset is the ultralight hikers dream with only 11.2 oz weight. Finally Winterial Camping Cookware | $39.99 is a great beginners option that has a durable pot and pan with lots of small accessories.

GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set for Camping and...
310 Reviews
GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set for Camping and...
  • Cooking & mess kit: The Pinnacle Camper is a...
  • All in one: Includes 4 plates, 4 insulated mugs...
  • Non-stick cookware: The durable, anodized aluminum...
  • Durable dish set: Plates, bowls and mugs made from...
  • Smart design: Folding, removable handle locks...
$159.95
Buy on Amazon
 

For their details and best uses, check out the chart below. If you're only looking for a backpacking frying pan, check out this article of mine.

  • Cool info but I wish I didn't have to cook man...

I've got you covered! Check out my article for no cook, no refrigeration camping foods.

After this chart, you'll find everything I've laid out in detail which I think can be important when you're considering buying one.

Turn your phone sideways for a much better table display!

GSI Pinnacle Camper

MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set

GSI Pinnacle Backpacker

Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set

Overall Score

88/100
87/100
82/100
78/100
68/100

GSI Pinnacle Camper

MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set

GSI Pinnacle Backpacker

Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set

Best for

...those who are looking for a complete backpacking mess kit

...two backpackers

Cell

...ultralighters

...beginners

GSI Pinnacle Camper

MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set

GSI Pinnacle Backpacker

Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set

Pros

Has everything, high quality nonstick, durable

Versatile, no metal-to-metal contact, durable

Alternative to Pinnacle Camper: High quality nonstick and durable

Extremely light, compact, simple

Includes kettle, lightweight

Cons

Bulky and heavy

Not the best for more than 2, a bit heavy for backpacking

For most, there's no reason to buy this one instead of Pinnacle Camper

Need to be treated gently, can be small for some

Accessories unnecessary, low quality nonstick (may scratch)

GSI Pinnacle Camper

MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set

GSI Pinnacle Backpacker

Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set

What's in it?

  • 3L Pot
  • 2L Pot
  • 9” Fry Pan
  • 2 Strainer lids
  • 4 Plates
  • 4 Bowls
  • 4 Mugs with sippy tops
  • Wash Basin
  • 1.5L non-stick pot
  • 2.5L pot
  • Strainer lid
  • Plates
  • 2 Mugs with sippy tops
  • Pot Handle
    • 2L Pot
    • 8” Fry Pan
    • Strainer Lid
    • 2 Bowls
    • 2 Mugs with sippy tops
    • Wash Basin
    • 1L Pot
    • 0.78L Pot
    • 17 oz Fry Pan
    • 12 oz Fry Pan
    • 1.9L Pot
    • Fry Pan
    • Tea kettle
    • Bowl
    • Serving spoon
    • Spatula
    • Cleaning sponge
    • Carry bag

    Material

    Hard Anodized Aluminum & PolyPropylene

    Hard Anodized Aluminum & PolyPropylene

    Hard Anodized Aluminum & PolyPropylene

    Titanium

    Aluminum Oxide with Teflon Coating

    Now let's get to the individual reviews.

    GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset

    • Weight: 3.63 lbs 
    • Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 5.8 in
    • Includes: 3-liter pot, 2-liter pot, 9" frypan, 2 nylon strainer lids, four 14 fl. oz. insulated mugs, four 14 fl. oz. bowls, four 7.5" plates, 4 sip through lids, a folding pot handle, and a stuff sack/welded sink

    All of these items fit inside the large pot.

    GSI Pinnacle Camper is perfect for up to groups of 4 and it has everything you could need. The set has almost everything, so you can cook anything.

    Volume wise, the two 3L and 2L pots are great for cooking for 4. There are plates, bowls and mugs with sippy tops for everyone and they are all color coded. No more mixing mugs or eating from the wrong plate.

    When the set is packed everything fits neatly into the 3L pot and can be stowed in the stuff sack. Even the stuff sack doubles as a wash basin. The coating of the sack allows you to fill it up with water and a little bit of soap to easily wash your set without wasting water.

    What I really like about this set is that the quality of each of the products. The pots and pan are made of hard anodized aluminum that is more durable and efficient than regular aluminum. The fry pan also has Teflon Radiance non stick coating that is scratch resistant and durable.

    The handle can attach securely to each of these items. The plates and bowls are made of polypropylene that is heat resistant and is even dishwasher safe!

    This set definitely offers the most versatility for your cooking. You could cook almost everything you would be able to cook at home with test set. My only concern would be that once you fill up the 3L pot it gets quite heavy and lifting it with a single handle is challenging.

    Of course the other downside of this set is that it’s quite heavy but it’s not designed for anyone to take to a solo backpacking trip! If you’re with less than 4 people you can leave few items at home and decrease the weight.

    This set is very versatile as you can use it with a group of friends (up to 4, or even 5) on a comfortable camping trip while having a great meal or having a small cocktail after dinner while playing my top verbal campfire games in the night!

    GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set for Camping and...
    310 Reviews
    GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set for Camping and...
    • Cooking & mess kit: The Pinnacle Camper is a...
    • All in one: Includes 4 plates, 4 insulated mugs...
    • Non-stick cookware: The durable, anodized aluminum...
    • Durable dish set: Plates, bowls and mugs made from...
    • Smart design: Folding, removable handle locks...
    $159.95
    Buy on Amazon

    GSI Pinnacle vs Bugaboo

    One of the most common comparison is made between Pinnacle and Bugaboo models of GSI.

    GSI Bugaboo Camper has the exact same appearance and design as the GSI Pinnacle Camper but the quality of the materials are slightly different. Both the pot and especially the fry pan of Pinnacle has a better quality. The non-stick material used in Bugaboo is regular teflon whereas the coating on Pinnacle is teflon radiance. 

    While both of them perform quite well at the beginning, the increased technology of the Pinnacle series makes it the better choice for long term. Also, the pot from Pinnacle boils water much faster. The other materials of the set are identical. For these reasons I think GSI Pinnacle Camper is the much better set and that is why I included that one in the review.

    MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set

    • Weight: 1 lbs 12 oz
    • Size: 7.75 x 7.75 x 5 in
    • Includes: 1.5L hard-anodized non-stick aluminum pot, 2.5L hard-anodized aluminum pot, strainer lid, 2 deep dish plates, 2 insulated mugs, pot handle

    All of these items fit inside the large pot.

    This beautiful set by MSR is perfect for two both for backpacking or car-camping. The set contains two pots: one 1.5L hard-anodized non-stick aluminum pot and one 2.5L hard-anodized aluminum pot. There are also two 0.3L mugs and two 0.75L deep plates that double as bowls.

    The lid of the pots doubles as a strainer and it even has a small latch that prevents the lid from falling off during straining. The talon pot handle folds on top two secure the packed pot and it can also detach to be used with the smaller pot.

    The non-stick 1.5L pot can also be used to fry things without going crazy trying to clean the surface. The plates of this set also double as bowls due to how deep they are. I think this versatility of this set is the best part.

    At first glance you might be wondering why are the plates plastic, doesn’t that make them less durable? However, I realized that there is really cool reason behind this. Besides decreasing the overall weight, the plastic plates protect the two pans from scratching each other. None of the metal parts in this set touch each other making the overall set pretty long lasting.

    All of the items in this set nest perfectly. The only thing missing I would say are two sets of cutlery. But if you have foldable sporks, they could easily fit inside the mugs. Another great news, if you think this set lacks a frying pan, it can nest in the inside of MSR Quick Skillet that I reviewed here.

    This great set is my top choice for 2 because of its ease of use and versatility. Almost all of the items serve dual purposes and everything packs into the 2.5L pot super compactly. For people who can’t choose between backpacking and luxury camping MSR Quick 2 System is the perfect sweet spot.

    SALE
    MSR Quick 2 Camping Cook Set
    285 Reviews
    MSR Quick 2 Camping Cook Set
    • Two-person backpacking cookset is lightweight (1...
    • Includes 1.5L hard-anodized non-stick aluminum...
    • Camp cookware features a smaller non-stick coated...
    • Polypropylene deep-dish plates can accommodate any...
    • All cook set components nest within the 2.5L pot...
    −$28.22 $96.73
    Buy on Amazon

    GSI Pinnacle Backpacker Cookset

    • Weight: 1.8 lbs
    • Size: 8.2 x 8.2 x 5.4 in
    • Includes: 2-liter pot, 8” frypan, a nylon strainer lid, 2 insulated mugs, 2 sip through lids, 2 nesting bowls, a folding pot handle, and stuff/sink sack

    In the “backpacker” version of GSI Pinnacle, you get the same quality items as the “camper” version but you get a more compact and lightweight set. This set only has the 2L pot and a smaller 8 inch version of the Teflon Radiance coated non-stick fry pan. 

    It also has two bowls, two insulated mugs with sippy tops and a lid that functions as a strainer. The lid has the orange tab to easily pick it up and silicone sides that protect the sides of the pot.

    While this set is smaller and almost half the weight of GSI Pinnacle Camper it’s still borderline heavy for backpacking. Just like MSR Quick 2 System, this set transitions easily from car camping to backpacking. For the added weight, you definitely get a lot of comfort. Having a luxurious set allows you to cook faster, eat better and clean easier after a long hike.

    If you’re interested, this set has just enough space to also fit the GSI Crossover Kitchen Kit, which is available on Amazon. For an extra 6 lbs you get a cutting board, towel, soap bottle, scrubby pad, tongs, spoon, spatula, spicer, oil bottle and a tote bag that fits all of these. In my opinion none of these are necessities for backpacking but they’re very convenient luxuries while car camping.

    You could also use the leftover space to your liking, it’s a bit oddly shaped so you wouldn’t be able to fit a canister there but other stove accessories might fit.

    While this set is also pretty great, I'd go for GSI Pinnacle Camper and just create my own set for backpacking. Of course, it doesn’t pack as compactly as the backpacker does but it gives you more options. My suggestion would be to go with the camper if you frequently camp with 4 people and go with this one if you exclusively camp with 2.

    GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Backpacker, Nesting Cook Set,...
    46 Reviews
    GSI Outdoors, Pinnacle Backpacker, Nesting Cook Set,...
    • Tested technology: The Pinnacle Backpacker coating...
    • Perfect for two: An ideal set to cook for two....
    • Easy to store and clean: All ingeniously designed...
    • Cook with confidence: Folding gripper locks on to...
    • It's all about the outdoors: In 1985 three...
    $99.95
    Buy on Amazon

    Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact Cookset

    • Weight: 11.6 oz
    • Size: 6.2 x 4 in
    • Includes: A 47 fl. oz. (1.4 liter) titanium pot, a small titanium fry pan and a nylon mesh storage sack

    It’s unbelievable how lightweight this set is! With only 0.75 lbs extra in your pack you get two pots and two lids that double as fry pans and plates. If you’re an ultralight hiker that doesn’t want to eat trail mix for a week this is your set.

    A quick warning before we get into the details: this set isn’t for beginners. There is no non-stick coating on this set. While the titanium is super lightweight and you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching into your food, you have to be careful not to burn your food. You have to be quite gentle during cooking and cleaning. I would also recommend using a generous amount of oil during frying things.

    Titanium really excels when you boil things because of how fast it conducts heat. However, it also forms hot spots making it not the best choice for frying. However, if you’re an ultralight hiker you’re probably not preparing super fancy meals so it still works out nicely. Another plus this set has is that you can fit a small canister (110g) inside the small pot while you pack. You might also want to include a set of cutlery and it should fit inside small pot. 

    I don’t love the handles of these pans because they are also made of metal but it’s neat that each item has its own handle. I understand that these simple handles are for decreasing the weight and bulk. If the pot handle gets too hot you can use a rag to hold it.

    One last thing that might become a problem is that this set is quite small. If you're with more than two people it will definitely be too small. So maybe just consider this set for a solo or duo trip. For a short solo trip you can also just take the small pot and fry pan for an even lighter set!

    Best option out there for ultralighter folks.

    Snow Peak Trek 1400 Camping Cook Set - Durable & Ultralight...
    809 Reviews
    Snow Peak Trek 1400 Camping Cook Set - Durable & Ultralight...
    • Versatile Camping Cookware: Use in your outdoor...
    • Essential Cookware Piece: Ultralight camping pot...
    • Includes Frying Pan: Non-stick frying pan doubles...
    • Outdoor Dining Bliss: Enjoy the outdoors with our...
    • Snow Peak: Our backpacking and camping products...
    $59.70
    Buy on Amazon

    Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set

    • Weight: 1.5 lbs
    • Size: 6.75 x 6.75 x 3.5 in
    • Includes: 1.9L pot, fry pan, tea kettle, bowl, serving spoon, spatula, cleaning sponge, carry bag

    This set contains a bunch of interesting items. It has the classics like a 1.9L pot with a lid and a high-walled fry pan. It also has a convenient teapot, soup ladle, bowl, spoon, spatula, cleaning sponge and a carry bag. While the main items of the set are of a durable aluminum oxide with teflon coating, the quality of the accessories are questionable.

    As a serious tea and coffee drinker I love the addition of a teapot. I know that you can also boil water in pot with a lid but this is so much more convenient. Boiling water in a kettle is both faster than a pot and pouring the water into your cup is easier. However, I would have liked it more if the set had an insulated mug instead of the other random stuff.

    Honestly, some of the accessories this set comes with are a bit unnecessary. What am I supposed to use that tiny bowl for? I would get rid of the cheap plastic ladle, spoon, cup etc. and use the space inside the kettle to store a small stove. However, you can take the full set on your first trip and see what you use for yourself. Even though I enjoyed the tea kettle, you could make a much lighter set without it.

    Overall I think this is a great set for beginners to try out cooking outdoors and see what they use and what they don’t. Starting out with a decent set is much better than getting a cheap plastic set that will fall apart in the middle of a trip.

    SALE
    Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set 10 Piece Set For...
    619 Reviews
    Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set 10 Piece Set For...
    • ONLY 1.5lbs: this lightweight camping cookware set...
    • PACKS UP SMALL AND COMPACT: All of the pieces of...
    • 10 PIECE SET: The Open Fire Cookware pot, frying...
    • NON-STICK COATING: Each piece of our cookware set...
    • TOP THIRD PARTY RATED: OutdoorGearLab consumers...
    −$20.00 $39.99
    Buy on Amazon

    How to choose the right mess kit for you?

    Do you really need a mess kit?

    Okay, this is the main question you should ask yourself and there are a few others. How long will you be camping for? Are you hiking or just camping? How many people are you with? How important is having a good meal?

    If you’re hiking an intense trail by yourself, carrying a mess kit might feel like too much. You could always just eat dried or canned foods. I have an in-depth article on no cook foods on the trail foods on the trail.

    No cook doesn’t just mean crackers and trail mix, there are many different types of cheeses and meats you could take without refrigeration. Of course there is also the hiking classic: peanut butter, energy and happiness in a bite.

    Of course you could also opt to eat less and try out some techniques to feel fuller on the trail but having a good snack and meal is what keeps me going on long days of hiking. Eating a warm cooked meal after a long day of activities is definitely more satisfying. Especially if you’re with a group cooking becomes one of the main social activities.

    What are the criteria for choosing?

    What’s in it?

    There is no clear definition on what a mess kit should include but they usually have pot, some of fry pan and/or bowls, plates, mugs etc. You could also choose to collect these items on their own and build your own mess kit but there is no guarantee that they will pack perfectly as pre-arranged ones. I’m still amazed at how GSI Pinnacle Camper packs the way it does.

    Buying a pre-made mess kit can also be cheaper than buying individual items. However, if you know that you only need a fry pan for a good meal go for that instead. A pre-made mess kit is also great for beginners that have no experience cooking outdoors. This way you can test out what you actually use.

    There is also the customizing option. You take out or add things to your mess kit. For example depending on how many people you’re with you might not need all 4 of those mugs or that extra pot. You could also fit butane canisters or stoves inside the sets if there is space left.

    There is also such a thing as too much when it comes to mess kits. Winterial Camping Cookware has many small accessories that are not essential. Even though the set is already pretty lightweight you could make it lighter by taking them out.

    None of these sets come with cutlery, you can add a spork for versatility. You might also want 1-2 water bottles and a thermos depending on the season. You can check out my review of water bottles.

    Versatility

    While specialized items are sometimes surprisingly useful like the tea kettle of Winterial Camping Cookware, it’s very important to have multi-use tools while camping. The models from GSI and MSR have lids that double as strainers. The small pot from MSR Quick 2 System has a non-stick surface so it doubles as a fry pan. The fry pans from Snow Peak Cookset double as the lids for the pots. And the most surprising of them all the stuff sack from GSI Pinnacle Camper doubles as a wash basin!

    In terms of versatility my favourite is MSR Quick 2 System because almost every item serves multiple purposes. The lid is a strainer. The small pot is also a fry pan. The plates have very deep walls that allow them to be used as plates. The handle can attach to both the pots and the mugs can be used to store extra food. In my opinion this set is also the best at transitioning from backpacking to car camping.

    It’s all about hitting that sweet spot between comfort and weight. The more functions a single item serves the less you have to carry. That’s why a swiss army knife is the best tool for campers.

    Material

    There are three main materials used in cookware: aluminum, titanium and stainless steel. The accents may be different types of plastic or silicone. They each have their perks.

    Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset is made of titanium which is the highest quality material on the market. It’s extremely lightweight and you don’t get a metallic flavor in your food after you’ve used it. Titanium is also a quite durable material because doesn’t rust!

    Stainless steel is the most durable and there are no health concerns. However, it’s also the heaviest so it’s not the best idea to take a full stainless steel set backpacking. Another perk of stainless steel is that you can probably use it over open fires like a campfire. If you won't use them on the open fire though, check out my backpacking stove comparison articles, especially Jetboil Minimo vs Flash and Jetboil Minimo vs MSR Pocket Rocket.

    Aluminum is the most frequently used material in cooksets. Most modern aluminum sets are made of hard anodized aluminum which is 3 times more durable than regular. In frying pans, aluminum is usually coated with high-tech teflon coating. For example the MSR Pinnacle series has Teflon Radiance coating that is scratch resistant and very durable. This is the best choice for the perfect scrambled egg.

    Compactness and Weight

    Comparing GSI Pinnacle Camper and Snow Peak Cookset feels like comparing apples and oranges. One is a 3.63 lbs set that has almost everything you could need and more, and one is a minimalist set that only adds 11.6 oz more to your pack.

    Depending on whether you go on long backpacking trips or camp out of car more often the correct mess kit for you changes. If you do all sorts of activities and want a mess kit that will be suitable for all of them, I would recommend MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set. I think it’s the most versatile and useful. It has enough parts to make you feel comfortable camping but not so bulky that will weight down your pack. You could also always remove a few items from the set to make it more minimalist.

    If you exclusively do backpacking and would like to keep your pack weight to a minimum without sacrificing a warm meal, I'd recommend Snow Peak Cookset. The weight - value ratio is amazing!

    Caring and Cleaning

    It’s a no brainer that taking good care of your gear extends its lifetime. Most of these items are not dishwasher safe except the polypropylene bowls and plates. It’s best not to use hard detergents and steel wool while cleaning. Especially for the ones with non-stick coatings it’s best to stick to water and mild soap.

    Hard-anodized aluminum with teflon coating is quite easy to clean with the wipe of a sponge. However, you should always be careful with non-stick products as they are more likely to scratch. Especially if the set packs metal-on-metal this might damage the set while carrying. That’s why I really like MSR Quick 2 the packing is arranged in such a way that metal only touches plastic. This is definitely a design feature that extends the lifetime of your set.

    The more small parts a set has, the harder it’s to clean and more likely they’re to get lost. For example, it’s very unlikely that you’ll lose any of Snow Peak’s parts but the bowls from Winterial look like they’ll blow away in the next wind.

    Filed Under: Cookware Tagged With: backpacking, camping, camping kitchen, cooking, cookware, CookwareFoodsDrinks, food, hiking, kit

    5 Best Backpacking Fishing Rods: Things I Like & Don’t

    Last updated: August 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

    Keep in mind that the type of fish you are aiming to catch and the environment are two important things to consider when you're looking for a backpacking fishing rod.

    There are essentially three types of popular environments for us backpackers: sea, lake and river.

    ...and there isn't a rod out there that works perfect in every single one of them. Especially if you're a beginner fishing enthusiast.

    Table of Contents
    What to look for in a fishing rod for backpacking?
    Size and Weight
    Compactness & How to Carry
    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod Review
    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod Review
    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Review
    Okuma Voyager Review
    Ronco Pocket Fisherman Review
    References

    But before we get to the bolts and nuts of them, here's a quick summary:

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod is the best choice for beginners because of its compact set and versatility. Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod is a more durable alternative to it and can be good for more experienced traveling fly fishermen. Besides the fly fishing rods, Okuma Voyager Travel Kit is a great, easy-to-use spinning travel rod but with a bulkier case. For those who want to catch larger fish, Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod is a bait-cast rod that is very durable but can be a bit harder to use. Also as an alternative to these, Ronco Pocket Fisherman is a 8-inch rod that isn't as great at catching fish but ridiculously compact. 

    Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit, 5 or 6...
    2,332 Reviews
    Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit, 5 or 6...
    • FLY ROD COMPONENTS: Weighing just 4.4 ounces, this...
    • DURABLE FLY REEL: This fly fishing package...
    • WATERPROOF FLY BOX WITH NINE FLIES: As any angler...
    • PROTECTIVE ROD CASE AND REEL BAG: The Wild Water...
    • BEST PLACES TO USE: This fly fishing rod and reel...
    $99.00
    Buy on Amazon

    I compared these backpacking rods in terms of:

    • Weight & compactness,
    • Performance,
    • Ease of use.

    But put more weight on the first and third one because you probably aren't an expert in fishing and all the 5 rods I chose are more than enough in terms of performance.

    • Buying rods online:

    We've been shopping online for years and never had any problems. Before you buy, do make sure to check the seller's return policy, but you can almost always return an unused rod within a certain time frame. If you don't like it after trying it at home, you can always return.

    Also, you might need a license to go fishing in the US[1], so check before you go. Also, while our subject is specifically the rods, when available, I’ll give links to complete starter packs as well - which can save you time if you're trying to build a balanced set...

    • "Cool info but I wish I didn't have to cook man..."

    I've got you covered! Check out my article no cook, no refrigeration camping foods.

    Before we get to the bolts and nuts, let me lay out the information I've gathered in a table real quick.

    Turn your phone sideways for a better table display.

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Cell
    Cell
    Cell
    Cell
    Cell

    Overall Score

    87/100
    86/100
    82/100
    73/100
    72/100

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Best for

    Beginners and intermediates who want to start/get better at fishing while backpacking

    Bait-cast use

    Buy it for life

    Lighter but less compact alternative to Wild Water

    Less serious hikers that might go fishing on the next trails

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Pros

    Hard shell case, good for saltwater AND freshwater, easy to use & simple, compact, durable

    Great for hunting big fish, durable

    25 year warranty, extremely durable, lightweight and versatile

    Easy to use, durable

    Ridiculously compact, versatile

    Cons

    Not the best choice for advanced

    Requires more fishing experience

    No case for the reel, needs to be detached for packing, is overkill for most

    Bulkier case,
    line may twist,
    not for saltwater, short, not for big fish

    Not for big fish, 
    shorter range, the reel is much harder to use, much more limited performance than others

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Material

    Aluminum and stainless steel with cork accents

    Graphite

    Aluminum Reel

    Composite with Ceramic accents and Cork handle

    Plastic

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Weight

    2.1 lbs

    1.3 lbs

    0.6 lbs

    0.95 lbs

    1.4 lbs

    Size

    Rod: 9 feet

    Case: 32 in

    Rod: 7 feet

    Case: 3x3x35 in

    Rod: 9 feet

    Case: 31.5"

    Long, 2.5" diameter 

    Rod: 6 feet

    Case: 3x9x17 in

    Rod: 8 in (!)

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod

    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

    Okuma Voyager Travel Kit

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman

    Compact-ness

    Comes in 4 pieces

    Comes in 3 pieces

    Comes in 4 pieces

    Comes in 5 pieces

    Everything fits into the handle!

    Ease of use

    Once you learn fly fishing a little: Easy

    More for at least intermediates

    Medium

    Easy

    Easy

    Accessories

    Hard rod case, rod bag, fly box with 9 flies

    Semi-hard travel case

    Carrying tube, aluminum fly reel

    Size 20 spinning reel, tackle box and case

    Comes with two lures

    Table of Contents
    What to look for in a fishing rod for backpacking?
    Size and Weight
    Compactness & How to Carry
    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod Review
    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod Review
    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Review
    Okuma Voyager Review
    Ronco Pocket Fisherman Review
    References

    What to look for in a fishing rod for backpacking?

    The rods we're talking about and comparing are actually very different from each other. There are many types of fishing and I’ve included fly fishing, spinning and baitcasting rods in this review.

    • There are different benefits and shortcomings to each type, so determining your needs is really the most important part

    ...but if you're either of users I've laid out in the "Best For" row of introduction table, you'd probably be perfectly fine going after that rod.

    First of all the models from Wild Water and Orvis are fly fishing rods. Fly fishing is a different method of fishing where you don’t use a lure but an artificial fly as bait. Instead of the heavy lure you have the weight of the line when casting your fly.

    It’s perfect for fishing in rivers and streams - which is where you'll likely be fishing when hiking.

    • That's why although this type of fishing requires more skill, it's actually very compatible to backpacking

    Many backpackers prefer fly fishing sets because they are overall much lighter than spin or baitcasting sets. Fly fishing is generally considered to be harder than the alternatives but it’s also emotionally more rewarding. If your goal is catching lots of fish for a feast and you're a beginner - maybe then don’t go for the fly fishing sets.

    Another time when a fly fishing rod while backpacking wouldn't probably be a good idea is if your goal is to catch lots of fish, impress your camp-mates and have a fish-feast at night.

    In that case, your best bet is choosing bait or spin fishing rods - either Daiwa Ardito TR or Okuma Voyager respectively - which are lighter but less compact compared to fly rods Wild Water and Orvis.

    Spin fishing is easier and has a higher chance of catching fish. If you want an easier tool, go for Okuma Voyager which is a spinning rod. On the flip-side, a bait-cast rod would allow you to catch much heavier fish and the model from Daiwa is quite durable bait-cast option.

    Both these models are much lighter and portable than traditional fishing gear - which come in a single rod with bulkier carrying cases, whereas these models all split into pieces and fit neatly into your pack. Still, they aren't as superior as fly fishing rods Wild Water and Orvis when it comes to size.

    The one on the left is a bait-cast reel and the one on the right is a spinning reel. Okuma Voyager comes with the reel, whereas for Daiwa Ardito you'll need to find a suitable bait-cast reel [2][3].

    I know Ronco Pocket Fisherman sounds and looks like a joke haha, but it's an actual fishing rod that uses lures. You'll see less success with it than the others, but it takes up significantly less space and weight.

    Regardless, if you're planning to cook the fish you catch, my best backpacking frying pans and Jetboil Minimo vs MSR Pocket Rocket (1 & 2) articles can be good reads for you.

    Size and Weight

    Normally I'd say the lighter the better but for fishing rods it’s not that simple! Weight of the rod determines the weight of the fish you can pull. The heavier your rod is the heavier fish you can pull.

    It’s not possible to catch larger fish with a small rod and it’s not fun to catch smaller fish with large rods (not to even mention it’s an overkill to use a size 10 fly rod on sea trout...).

    The lengths of the rods range from 6-9 feet. This is the optimal range for beginners that aim to catch small to medium fish. Both fly rods from Wild Water and Orvis are 9 feet - longer than the others. However, they require less accessories and fancy baits. What they weigh in terms of lines and rods they make up by not having baits and lures.

    Even though Wild Water is the heaviest, it’s the most compact. Ironically enough, Okuma Voyager is as light as its bulky!

    In my opinion, compactness and size is more important than the weight - which is why I'd recommend most backpackers a fly rod.

    The weights aren’t THAT much different unless you aren’t an ultralighter - and if you have a fishing rod and reel in your pack, you probably aren't... 

    All the rods except Ronco Pocket Fisherman come in multiple pieces and can be assembled easily when you want to use them. They also come with their own cases which increases the size but is very important for protection - and you still get to choose packing it or not.

    Ronco Pocket Fisherman is super-tiny (8 inches!), so there's no need to disassemble it. However, it's still 1.5 lbs which means that it isn't the lightest (heavier than Okuma Voyager).

    Compactness & How to Carry

    OutdoorCrunch is all about backpacking, so all the models in this list are way more compact than your average rod.

    Wild Water, Orvis, Daiwa and Okuma all disassemble into pieces to fit into their cases. Obviously, Ronco Pocket Fisherman is in its own league in terms of compactness. At 6 feet, Okuma Voyager is the shortest of the rods and it disassembles to 5 pieces - making it also the shortest when packed.

    • Don’t leave your rod sticking out of your bag without a case!

    You'll likely damage or even break it.

    If we compare the cases of the rods and sets, Wild Water is very compact and fits everything neatly into a 32 inch case with a larger bottom to fit the reel and the accessories. The case is actually very protective, so you might even be able to hang it outside your pack if the inside is already up to its brim.

    Daiwa and Orvis Clearwater come with rod tubes to only fit the rod. They're very compact and could easily fit inside your pack. Daiwa can also be attached externally. Even though Orvis Clearwater Fly Outfit is sold with the reel and line, there's no place for them in the casing and you'd have to find a place for them inside your pack and try not to lose them.

    However, this is actually the better option because as we see in Okuma Voyager, the case can get very bulky when everything is together. It’s case a foam filling that increases the volume unnecessarily.

    The case is still relatively small at only 3 x 9 x 17 inches, but you might consider separating the pieces and storing them in your pack without the case.

    The sleek semi-hard travel case for Daiwa Ardito.

    On the extreme end of the compactness spectrum is Ronco Pocket Fisherman.

    Its rod is only 8 inches long and it folds into the handle itself. Similarly, the reel closes into the handle and there is a storage compartment that stores the lures.


    Now the reviews.

    Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod Review

    The Wild Water Fly Fishing Set is more geared towards beginners and intermediates and our top pick.

    The rod is a slow action rod, meaning that it bends more [4]. This type of rods are more forgiving and won’t damage the fish even if you use it improperly.

    • The reel and accents are made of stainless steel and aluminum

    ...which is great for both saltwater and freshwater.

    The 5/6 in the name refers to the weight of the lines the rod can support: It's good for 5 or 6 weight lines - which translates to average to low numbers. This means that it’s great for angling for small to above-average sized fish.

    Even though the full length of the rod is 9’, the rod separates into 4 pieces that are 28.75 inches each and compactly fits into its case. By the way, the hard shell case offers great protection if you want to hang the set on the outside of your pack. The case is 32 inches, which is on the long side but you can easily attach it externally to the side.

    • The reel and accents are made of stainless steel and aluminum

    ...which is great for both saltwater and freshwater.

    You see the full set with all the accessories in the above picture. Even though the set comes with lots of extras, the case is very compact. 

    The set features the aluminum reel with the line, fly box with 9 flies including winged black ants, ribbed hare’s ears and parachute adams. These flies won’t last you forever but you can easily replace them and store them in the waterproof fly box.

    The set also has mono-filament leader, line nipper tool and retractable zinger. There's also a guide which you can take with you to the trip or leave at home to shed some ounces. Overall, the case is a little bit heavy without being bulky.

    This set is the winner because of how compact and easy to use it is. But you might still want to check out the others if you're looking for a more advanced and durable fly rod (Orvis) or other types (Okuma Voyager or Daiwa Ardito).

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    Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod Review

    Daiwa Travel Trigger Rod is for the more experienced fishermen looking for a durable and compact rod. 

    The rod is 7 feet long and comes in 3 pieces. It’s also a fast action rod, meaning that it doesn’t bend as much and bends only at the end ⅓ of the rod. They’re more sensitive than slow or moderate rods but they also require more skill to use. This rod is perfect for catching large fish as it provides more power and durability to pull the fish out of the water.

    Its sleek semi-hard case is perfect for an already full pack. You’ll have to combine this rod with a reel and a line. If you’re looking for a reel that would fit this rod, you might want to check out the bait cast reels from Daiwa such as Exceller or Laguna.

    Daiwa Ardito TR comes in 3 pieces that can be stored in its case.

    You can tell from the protruding trigger on the reel seat that it's a casting rod. Even though you might try to pair this rod with a spinning reel, it won’t perform as well. Bait-casting is a bit trickier than a spinning but it also has greater accuracy and can handle heavier fish. 

    The obvious downside to this rod is that it’s not for absolute fishing beginners. However, if you’re a beginner who is only into bait fishing this can be a quite good choice but you'll still need to build your own set with this rod - which isn't an easy task for full beginners.

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    Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Review

    This model from Orvis is my "most durable backpacking fishing rod" pick.

    One thing to quickly note is that this one comes with a 25 year warranty! That’s how much Orvis trusts the durability of this rod and reel combo. Unlike the Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod, this rod is moderate action, so it'll bend less with force.

    Translation: it requires a bit more experience to use but is suitable for a wider variety of fish.

    Clearwater series from Orvis comes with a wide selection, the one I’ve chosen here is the 4-5 weight one with 9 feet length. This is an intermediate weight and length that can be used for a range of fish. However, if you want a rod that’s specifically for saltwater or big fish, you can still checkout the Orvis Clearwater series - they probably have what you're looking for.

    The tube you see in the above picture only fits the rod in pieces, so you'll have to find a place for the reel elsewhere.

    The rod separates into 4 pieces and fits the sleek rod that is 31.5 inches long. There is no case for the reel. This could be either an advantage or disadvantage. You can place them in your pack in the way you want with still good protection for the rod but having them separate increases the chances of losing one of them. Also constantly taking the reel off and attaching it back on can become a hassle.

    If you're looking for absolutely the best backpacking fishing rod and you wouldn't mind it coming "overkill", this can be a great rod for you. 

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    Okuma Voyager Review

    Okuma Voyager, as the name implies, is geared towards travelers - but with a little too bulky case.

    The rod is 6 feet in full length and separates into 5 pieces and first into its case with foam filling. The reel is a size 20 spinning reel which is easier than a bait-cast reel and more durable than a spin-cast reel.

    The main advantage it has over the bait-casting rods is that it’s much easier to use and that it doesn’t backlash when used with strong winds.

    Even though the case offers good protection... It’s quite bulky for most backpackers.

    Main disadvantage of this model is that spinning reels tend to get the line twisted.

    You'll have to adjust and fix this problem but as you get more experienced this problem will also decrease. It's also more for small to medium sized fish due to its short-ish length of 6 feet. For larger fish, it won’t be powerful enough.

    This rod is NOT for saltwater.

    Another issue with Okuma Voyager is the carrying case, as we’ve already discussed. Even though the rod is lightweight, the carrying case is bulky. It’s actually smaller than it looks with 3 x 9 x 17 inch dimensions - so beware. 

    Still, you might want to consider carrying it in a different setup. However, if you'll be car camping this can be an excellent option.

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    Ronco Pocket Fisherman Review

    After all the other sets, the Ronco Pocket Fisherman is ridiculously small and compact compared to them but still works just fine. You aren't really sacrificing any valuable pack space/weight by tossing this into your pack. Worst case: you can even clip it to your belt or the outside of your pack from its handle, lol.

    The short rod folds into the handle and the lures fit into the black compartment.

    This isn't the ideal choice if you're going on a backpacking fishing trip but more if you're going to hit the trail and fishing might be an option. Also, this is an ideal tool for kids who are just getting into fishing.

    Yes I know, it looks tacky, but it works.

    The disadvantages of Ronco Pocket Fisherman are just like you would expect. The reel is hard to use and the range is much shorter (think max of 60 feet) than the others. It’s not possible to catch large fish and the odds of catching fish are generally lower than the alternatives. Still, in my opinion the pros of compactness outweigh these problems. Highly recommended if you're a much less serious in fishing while backpacking and going to do it just for fun.

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    I hope this review was helpful for you to understand which backpacking fishing rod is the best for your needs. Feel free to ask me any questions, provide feedback and I'll be happy to respond in the comment section below if it's within my knowledge. 

    Thanks a lot for reading. Happy trails.

    Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: backpacking, camping, camping kitchen, fishing, food, hiking

    Jetboil Minimo vs MSR Pocket Rocket (1 & 2)

    Last updated: August 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

    Jetboil Minimo and MSR Pocket Rocket 2 are both excellent backpacking stoves. Although it's almost impossible to go wrong with either of them, they do have some minor differences worth mentioning.

    • In summary; in terms of fuel efficiency, boil time and versatility; it's a no brainer to get Jetboil Minimo over MSR Pocket Rocket 2.
    • In the weight department, though, including its compatible .75 L pot, Pocket Rocket 2 weighs in at an impressive 9.9 oz, which is 4.7 oz lighter than Minimo. 
    • Lastly, for simmering abilities of these stoves, it's a draw...
    • Don't let the marketed 2.6 oz weight of Pocket Rocket 2 deceive you!

    It's the weight WITHOUT THE POT! That's why, to make this comparison reasonable, in this post I'll review MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit (stove + pot), but everything you read is also applicable to the stove only product MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (Stove only) as well.

    In the end, if 4.7 oz of extra weight is very important you AND you're absolutely sure you'd never use your stove in the wind, I'd recommend MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit (Stove + Pot). For all others (90% of us), Jetboil Minimo is the way to go.

    • There's absolutely no reason to purchase Pocket Rocket 1 over Pocket Rocket 2

    ...so don't. 2 is the updated model and better in terms of everything.

    Also, product images below can be misleading. NEITHER OF THESE STOVES COME WITH A CANISTER!!! They come with the stove and pot only.

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Overall Score

    91/100
    87/100

    This product is a CrunchPick!: Best Backpacking Stove of 2019

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Best for

    • Those who are looking for the best overall backpacking stove
    • All-around versatile uses
    • Quick boils
    • Fuel efficient uses
    • Uses in the wind
    • Ultralight uses
    • Uses in non-windy conditions
    • Beginner hikers
    • Those who want the stove only (without the pot)

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Pros

    Very fuel efficient, amazing simmering control, completely packs up into the pot, works incredible in the wind, boils faster, perfect cup size (1L), can cook for 2, light

    Extremely light, great at simmering, easy to use & simple, can be purchased without the pot

    Cons

    4.7 oz heavier than MSR Pocket Rocket 2, can be "overkill" for some

    Unstable, less fuel efficient, doesn't work well in the wind, boils slower, smaller pot

    THE NITTY GRITTY

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Total Weight & Pot Volume

    14.6 oz & 1 Liter (larger can be purchased separately)

    9.9 oz & 0.75 Liter (larger can be purchased separately)

    Packed (Pot) Dimensions

    5 in (DIA) x 5.5 in (height)

    4 in (DIA) x 5 in (height)

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Water Boiled

    12 liters per 100 g Jetpower can

    7 liters per 100 g MSR IsoPro can

    Boil Time

    2m 15sec per .5 liter

    3m per .5 liter

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    User Manuals

    User Manual [PDF]

    User Manual [PDF]

    These stoves DON'T come with the canisters

    Jetpower canisters

    100 g size required to pack it into the pot

    MSR IsoPro canister

    100 g size required to pack it into the pot

    Short Summary

    Jetboil Minimo Review

    Jetboil Minimo is one of the most fuel efficient and versatile stoves out there which also offers very fast boiling.

    More, when the perfect conditions are removed and just a tiny bit of wind is added, with the help of its wider burner and FluxRing, it surpasses even the fastest boiling stoves out there.

    If you'd like to read more about this, I also compared it to Jetboil Flash (which holds one of the quickest boil time between all backpacking stoves) and in windy conditions, Minimo even passed Flash!

    • Data Set: Backpacking Stoves

    Jetboil Minimo  

    Read Review

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Read Review

    Jetboil Micromo

    Read Review

    Jetboil Flash

    Read Review

    MSR Whisperlite Universal

    Read Review

    MSR Whisperlite International

    Read Review

    MSR Dragonfly

    Read Review

    Overall Score

    91/100
    87/100
    87/100
    81/100
    76/100
    74/100
    72/100

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Jetboil Micromo

    Jetboil Flash

    MSR Whisperlite Universal

    MSR Whisperlite International

    MSR Dragonfly

    Best for

    All-around, fuel efficient uses for precision cooking and boiling water (even in wind)

    Ultralight uses

    Top alternative to Minimo

    Those who will boil water ONLY in non-windy conditions

    Multiple fuel compatibility (White Gas, Kerosene, Unleaded Gasoline, Canister)

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Jetboil Micromo

    Jetboil Flash

    MSR Whisperlite Universal

    MSR Whisperlite International

    MSR Dragonfly

    Pros

    Fuel efficient, amazing simmering, compact and light, fast boiling, great in the wind, incredibly versatile

    Extremely light and compact, great at simmering, easy to use & simple

    Designed identical to Minimo (except the pot)

    Extremely fast boiling, completely packs up in to one small unit, light

    Variety of fuels, quiet, versatile, durable

    Lighter, more simple use than Dragonfly, quiet, durable

    Windscreen, great at simmering, very powerful, durable

    Jetboil Minimo

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    Jetboil Micromo

    Jetboil Flash

    MSR Whisperlite Universal

    MSR Whisperlite International

    MSR Dragonfly

    Cons

    4.7 oz heavier than MSR Pocket Rocket 2, can be "overkill" for some

    Considerably less fuel efficient than Minimo, not for wind, boils slower, small pot size

    2.1 oz heavier than MSR Pocket Rocket 2, small pot size, worse than Minimo in the wind

    Can't simmer, redundant features, not for wind

    Bad at simmering, less compact

    Bad at simmering, no canister fuel, less compact

    Very loud, no canister fuel, heavy, less compact

    Fuel Canis-ters 

    (bought sepera-tely)

    Jetpower

    IsoPro

    Jetpower

    Jetpower

    IsoPro

    IsoPro

    IsoPro

    Lastly, this stove at REI seems to be a solid alternative to MSR and Jetboil, but I'm yet to review it. 

    You can simmer perfectly well by adjusting the fuel regulator - even in windy conditions (thanks to its wider burner and hence better guard).

    It's not only better than Pocket Rocket 2, but also all the other backpacking stoves out there in 2019. 

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    MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is an amazing ultralight backpacking stove that performs very well for its simple design unless you're out in the wind. 

    While there are some other larger and more complex stoves that can't simmer well (for example, Jetboil Flash) Pocket Rocket 2 does so surprisingly well because MSR didn't half-ass equipping a great fuel regulator to it.

    If weight is the most important factor for you and you're absolutely sure you won't have to use your stove in a windy environment, MSR Pocket Rocket 2 can be an excellent stove for you. 

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    If you'd like to purchase the stove only (without the pot), this is your product:

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    There's a confusion I often see about these stoves, so I'd like to clear that in advance before we get to the bolts and nuts.

    As you see, you can customize both stoves with different cups, canisters and cook sets - but it can be difficult & misleading to understand (especially for MSR Pocket Rocket 2).

    Customization

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    You do have the option to purchase the stove only - which you can't with Jetboil Minimo.

    You also do have the option to purchase the pot only - (which you can also do so with Jetboil Minimo - see below sub-heading). 1.3L and 0.8L respectively (see "Best Pot for MSR Pocket Rocket 2" heading).

    You can also purchase the full kit with the cookware & utensils, BUT IT'S NOT THIS PRODUCT:

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    Because this kit comes with Pocket Rocket 1, NOT POCKET ROCKET 2. Navigate to "Weight and Compactness" heading to see your cook set options in detail.

    All the products mentioned so far nest perfectly well. Customization is better than Jetboil Minimo as you'll see now.

    Jetboil Minimo

    You can get the cups separately (see "Versatility" heading for more info). But unlike Pocket Rocket 2, you can't get the stove of Minimo separately.

    This isn't a disadvantage if you're already looking to buy the stove with the pot though.


    Now let's get down to the bolts and nuts.

    Table of Contents
    Short Summary
    Jetboil Minimo Review
    MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review
    Customization
    MSR Pocket Rocket 2
    Jetboil Minimo
    Fuel efficiency
    Boiling Speed
    Weight and Compactness
    Weight
    Compactness
    Simmering
    Versatility
    Best Pot for MSR Pocket Rocket 2
    Conclusion
    Product Videos
    References

    Fuel efficiency

    Compared to Pocket Rocket 2, Minimo is almost twice as efficient in terms of fuel consumption. 

    Minimo boils 12 liters of water per 100 g Jetpower can compared to MSR Pocket Rocket's 7 liters of water per 100 g MSR IsoPro can. And the reason behind this difference is Minimo's FluxRing:

    FluxRing technology demonstrated here is located around the burner. It's designed to increase efficiency through increasing the metal surface area by bending them. As a result, less heat provided by the burner is lost to the air and more of it is captured by these extra surface area & delivered to the cup to boil the liquid.

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2 doesn't have a similar technology as its burner is open to the environment.

    Besides fuel efficiency in perfect conditions, this difference also causes the Minimo to outscore Pocket Rocket 2 in windy conditions as well.

    As you see, there is so-called MSR WindClip at the top of the burner which is meant to guard the wind, but to be honest, it fails to make a big difference as you can guess.

    On the other hand, on top of its FluxRing, pot support of Minimo (shown below) also works as a guard: 

    As a result, wind is barricaded with a lot of strong obstacles until it can reach the burner (the center). MSR Pocket Rocket 2 isn't equipped with any strong obstacle for that matter.

    Also, both stoves work with Butane-Propane Gas mixture under vapor pressure, and both can be used with 100g/230g/450g Isobutane/Propane Gas Cartridges only [see the manuals in the table at the top].

    If you'd like a stove that also works with liquid fuel, check out my MSR Whisperlite vs Dragonfly comparison.

    • If you aren't going to use these stoves with MSR IsoPro or Jetpower

    Make sure your canister conforms to the EN417 or AS2278 standard.

    Now let's get to their compatibility. In short, you can use MSR IsoPro with Jetboil Minimo, and Jetpower with MSR Pocket Rocket 2. Their valves are compatible as well.

    As you see, MSR IsoPro fuel contains Isobutane/Propane Mixture - which is compatible with Jetboil Minimo as well [see the manuals in the table at the top]. It’s a high quality blend of 80% isobutane and 20% propane. It comes in 4, 8 or 16 oz. cans. I took this photo in Naturkompaniet when I was in Sweden, but you can also order it online on MSR's site or on Amazon.

    Also, Jetpower is compatible with MSR stoves as well. As you can also read in their manuals, you can pretty much use any brand of fuel canister on any brand of canister stove.

    But beware: All of these canisters are sold separately, including the Jetpower! You DON'T GET ANY CANISTER WITH EITHER OF THESE STOVES! You can purchase them on Amazon separately:

    Jetboil Jetpower 4-Season Fuel Blend, 230 Gram
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    MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister for Backpacking and Camping Stoves,...
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    If you want your canister to be packed into the pot as well, make sure you go with the smallest (100 g) one. More on this later (with diagrams) under the compactness heading.

    They also don't expire or go bad - although the valve can start to deteriorate (probably would take almost decades though)... Regardless, you can think of investing in a Jetboil CrunchIt to ensure emptying the cans completely and make them recycling bin ready.

    Boiling Speed

    It takes Minimo 2m 15sec and Pocket Rocket 2 3m to boil .5 L of water.

    45 sec isn't a deal breaker for most of us, so I wouldn't attribute too much meaning to this difference unless you're in the wind.

    • Boil time is the the first time to 100 Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) degrees is achieved

    Not when you start seeing bubbles.

    Minimo does a perfect job sticking fairly close to 2m 15sec even in nearly 10 mph of decent wind, whereas Pocket Rocket 2 is much worse.

    When looking for additional pots, though, absolutely consider the cup/pot height. The taller they are, the more prone they are going to be to being tilted easily due to the wind.

    Weight and Compactness

    Weight

    There's one thing I'd like to clarify in advance.

    At 14.6 oz, Minimo is 4.7 oz heavier than Pocket Rocket 2. MSR Pocket Rocket 2 DOES NOT weigh 2.6 oz or something like that - because as already explained in the introduction, it's the weight without the pot. Don't let the commercial posts deceive you.

    Glad we got that out of our way. Now you know that their weight difference is 4.7 oz.

    This might sound like a minor difference, and I'm not going to argue with that if you're a medium distance hiker.

    If you're not, however; and if you're going to hike anything longer than, say, 8-10 miles a day; it might be a good idea to take weight into consideration as a more important criteria because even 2-3 oz of extra weight is going to feel ten times worse at the end of the day.

    Regardless, you should always calculate the amount of fuel you'll need before hitting the trail. MSR Blog has a good article about it here for the math.

    Still, this doesn't mean Jetboil Minimo isn't really for a solo thru-hiker. The truth is whatever Minimo lacks in weight compared to Pocket Rocket 2 it makes up and even outscores by far in fuel efficiency, boiling speed and versatility. Make sure you know how to pack your backpack the optimal way for a better weight distribution and you should be perfectly fine.

    Compactness

    If terminology for Pocket Rocket 2 is confusing for you:

    • MSR Pocket Rocket 2: Just the stove
    • MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit: Stove + .75 L pot
    • Some sites might claim there's also MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Kit: Stove + .75 L pot + Cook Set

    But that's INCORRECT! That includes the Pocket Rocket as the stove, NOT POCKET ROCKET 2.

    If you'd like to see the Cook Sets which are designed to nest perfectly with your Pocket Rocket 2, here they are: 

    SALE MSR Quick 2 Camping Cook Set
    MSR Quick 2 Camping Cook Set
    (285)
    $96.73
    Buy on Amazon

    Trail Lite (first one) can be a good choice if you won't cook for more than 2.

    Now let's see how they nest:

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit. Click on image to enlarge.

    MSR Trail Lite Duo. Click on image to enlarge.

    Easily fit your MSR Pocket Rocket 2 inside one of the mugs of Trail Lite Duo and you have your entire cook set in one small unit after you fold it as follows:

    3 pot supports shown in this video had left pointy in Pocket Rocket 1 and enhanced in the upgraded most recent model Pocket Rocket 2. They now don't chafe into whatever pack you decide to put it into.

    Jetboil Minimo. Click on image to enlarge.

    Both are easily packed up into one small unit as you see above. Plus points for both stoves as you can fit the entire assembly into the pot - but extra points for Pocket Rocket 2 for being super tiny when folded.

    Simmering

    Both of these stoves are "precision cooking" type of stoves and NOT "boil quick and boil only water" type of stoves. They're both equipped with a fuel regulator and offer great simmer control.

    The little difference you need to know between them is that MSR Pocket Rocket 2 simmers better in perfect conditions (without any wind). Minimo is still amazing at simmering in these perfect conditions, but just shy of Pocket Rocket 2.

    However, if you add a tiny bit of wind, the difference between these stoves get larger than perfect conditions and thanks to its FluxRing and better protected & guarded burner, Minimo makes a much better job than Pocket Rocket 2 in terms of simmering (as well as everything else!).

    Regardless, getting yourself a stove with the fuel regulator is highly recommended as it has two main advantages:

    • You get to cook precisely (duh). This means that you can literally cook with both of these stoves as if you're cooking with your oven at home
    • You get to control gas consumption. You can consume less fuel once the water boils at 100 Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) Degrees

    This adds to their versatility. A lot. 

    Maybe it's a little off-topic but there are stoves out there without this feature such as Jetboil Flash. They're designed to get your liquid hot as quickly as possible (you can't simmer with them), so I wouldn't recommend them for any other purposes.

    So it's probably a good idea that you're stuck deciding between two stoves that both can simmer greatly.

    Versatility

    Simmering ability alone is enough to make both stoves quite versatile.

    Both stoves are recommended to be used with cookware smaller than 9.5 inches (23 cm) diameter and lighter than 6.5 lbs (3 kg). Check out my best backpacking frying pans article for more information.

    Minimo's larger pot at 1 L helps with its versatility a lot, whereas Pocket Rocket's 0.75 L pot can be insufficient at times especially either you're cooking for two or cooking something bulkier.

    Having the extra 0.25 L with you but not needing is ALWAYS better than needing it and not having it!

    But, actually... Since Pocket Rocket 2 offers high customization, you can get the stove separately and then add either .75 L or 1.2 L pot size (more on this under following heading).

    For Minimo, there's the famous 1.8 L Spare Cup, somewhat more "infamous" 1.5 L cooking pot, and the 1 L spare cup if you'd like to have two of it:

    Jetboil Fluxring Spare Cup 1.8 L
    Jetboil Fluxring Spare Cup 1.8 L
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    Jetboil 1.5L Cooking Pot
    Jetboil 1.5L Cooking Pot
    (55)
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    Jetboil Fluxring Spare Cup Short 1 L
    Jetboil Fluxring Spare Cup Short 1 L
    (10)
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    I also compared Jetboil Micromo to Minimo, as Micromo offers a .8 L pot instead of Minimo's 1 L pot and everything else remains the same.

    Best Pot for MSR Pocket Rocket 2

    As mentioned earlier, you have two options, either .75 L (solo) or 1.3 L (duo):

    No products found.

    I'd absolutely recommend 1.3 L if you might need to cook either something bulkier or for 2. If not, .75 L can do fine for you.

    If you aren't sure, remember; having the extra volume with you but not needing is ALWAYS better than needing it and not having it!

    Conclusion

    Both backpacking stoves are great and hence neither of them are "bad". I'd highly doubt you'll regret buying either of these stoves because they're two of the best backpacking stoves out there for most of us.

    For 90% of us, I'd recommend Minimo over Pocket Rocket 2 because of its higher fuel efficiency, versatility and boil speed.

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    The truth is advantages (being 4.7 oz lighter and better simmering in non-windy conditions) are just too niche and unnecessary for most of us. While it’s certainly a lot lighter and can be more effective for thru-hikers, I'd probably recommend Minimo if you're a recreational hiker/camper. 

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    If you'd like to purchase the stove only (without the pot), this is your product:

    MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Stove
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    Product Videos

    Jetboil Minimo:

    MSR Pocket Rocket 2:

    Filed Under: Backpacking Stoves Tagged With: backpacking, camping, camping kitchen, cooking, CookwareFoodsDrinks, food, hiking, jetboil, MSR, stoves

    Camping Foods: No Cooking, No Refrigeration

    Last updated: April 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

    Now, technically, 2 main things should be considered when choosing what foods to bring:

    1. High calorie/weight ratio to leverage more energy per unit weight carried
    2. High protein and fat content as they're digested slower compared to carbs and hence keep you more satiated [1] AND fats provide more calories per gram (9 kcal/g compared to 4 kcal/g of protein and carbs)

    Micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are also very important in the long term, but when we're talking about being on the trail for up to a week, I'd pay them less attention.

    • If you want to know the calorie densities of different trail foods...

    Check out Grayson Cobb's spreadsheet [2] of his favorite backpacking foods and their kcal/g rating. It's GOOOLD.

    But again, be mindful, he focuses on calorie dense foods that keep you from under performing [3], which he notes is the MOST important purpose of a backpacker’s diet.

    Table of Contents
    Pros of going no-stove
    Lightweight
    Less Hassle
    Saves time
    But how do I go with water purification?
    Cheese
    Meat
    Trail Mix & Dried Fruit
    Protein Bars
    Peanut Butter
    Hummus / Beans
    Some carbs considerations
    Very little cookware
    3 Day No Cook No Refrigerator Sample Menu
    Day 1
    Day 2
    Day 3
    Last notes

    Everyone I’ve encountered on the trail has their own preference when it comes to meal planning and gear packing. There's no “right way” to pack but there are factors, like those mentioned above, that should be considered. 

    After researching camping foods that require neither refrigeration or stove, in this post I'll lay out the most important information and facts I've found, while also linking to some good packaged foods you can order here and there.


    Pros of going no-stove

    In some cases, you can say that hiking with a stove is a luxury - not a necessity. Here are some advantages going without cookware:

    Lightweight

    • No cookware: While there are many lightweight stoves available, you can't beat the weight you save by opting to hike without carrying a stove and fuel
    • Foods are dehydrated and hence lighter: Yes, in most cases their more "precise" packaging also adds extra weight - but it doesn't add up even for long trips. You're still carrying lighter 
    • Your pack gets lighter with each meal you eat, while carrying a stove adds weight that sticks with you for the duration of your hike

    Less Hassle

    • You don’t have to worry about your stove malfunctioning
    • You don’t have to carry or worry about dispose of butane canisters [4] neither gas leakage
    • You can eat inside your tent - no need to suffer preparing food in the rain
    • Rain/foul weather can't stop you

    Saves time

    • You don’t have to stop on the trail to heat water and you can eat immediately when you arrive at camp. I know most of you are famished by the time the tent is set up. Being able to eat right away, rather than worrying about cooking a big meal is a big advantage in most cases
    • If you're trying to cover a good distance, you can hike for longer and eat as you go. As an added bonus: You can sleep in a little bit later in the morning

    But how do I go with water purification?

    Water purification tabs are a safe, easy and effective way to clean water without requiring a pot/stove to boil water [5].


    Find foods that you actually want to eat, but here are some of the most popular no cook, no cooler backpacking foods with hiking enthusiasts (including me) I've collected through research.


    Cheese

    One common misconception about cheese is that it requires refrigeration. While soft cheeses does tend to get oily when at room temperature and do turn a lot quicker, that isn't the case for hard cheeses. 

    Store your hard cheese in a parchment paper or a paper bag, which absorbs the oil and allows the cheese to breathe. The best cheeses to take backpacking are hard AND dry.

    • "I want to read more about this!"

    Check out my ultimate guide to cheeses for backpacking [6].

    Here's a list of some cheeses you can take with you:

    • Cheddar
    • Parmesan
    • Parmigiano Reggiano
    • Gouda cheese
    • Cojita
    • Gruyère cheese
    • Pecorino Romano
    • Colby
    • Colby-Jack
    • Manchego
    • Monterey Jack
    • Edam
    • Emmental
    • Comté cheese

    Unless they're just about to turn, it should be OK to pack them in most cases. I'd also keep them in the refrigerator until hitting the trail, because in most (not all) conditions they'll still last longer in the fridge.

    In the end, my choice would be Cheddar. It's your most versatile choice as you can snack on it for lunch or grate it into dinners. This waxed cheese on Amazon can be a good choice for most. However, do not pre-shred cheddar as the extra surface area can invite mold and bacteria and hence faster turning.

     

    Meat

    In addition to cheese, I always bring meat on the trail. The easiest and longest lasting meat for backpacking is Beef Jerky - but some dehydrated white meat would also work just fine.

    You can make your own or buy one of the many options. Unless you're going to be camping alone only for 1 night, I'd recommend this Beef & Turkey Jerky combo on Amazon - it's quite simple and the serving size is OK.

    • "I want to read more about this!"

    Check out my ultimate guide to backpacking meats [7].

    Summer Sausage and Prosciutto are two other popular types of meat that don’t require refrigeration and provide high fat and protein for long days on the trail. Pair prosciutto with some dates or have some summer sausage with cheddar and crackers for a quick lunch. I expand more on the best shelf-stable meats for backpacking in this article.

    Tuna, in cans or pouches, also makes a great no-cook trail food. But I wouldn't eat tuna more than once a week, because, as some of you might already know, it's rich content in mercury can start being dangerous [8].

    • But what if it's light?

    Light canned tuna, on the other hand, is in the "Best Choices" category and fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week according to FDA [9]. Indeed, they tend to have less mercury content [10].

    I'd simply eat one can of tuna a week - and less (maybe even none?) if I'm big on mercury intake through the other foods of my diet. You can calculate your so-called "maximum limit" by introducing your weight here [11].


    Trail Mix & Dried Fruit

    Trail mix is high in fat, protein (and carbs if you add chocolate). It's a heavier option, but its calorie density and easy-snacking make it an ideal trail food. Some prefer making their own by buying individual bulk ingredients, but there are also many delicious ready-mixed options.

    Dried fruit is another great snack. While dried fruit does not have as many nutrients as fresh fruit, it still provides energy and vitamins while hiking. Add some to your oatmeal or keep on hand for snacking. Apricots, dried mango, and raisins are popular go-to choices - but I hate... I HATE raisins. Pls don't buy them.

    Truffles are high in sugar, but I'd pack and eat one of these Trail Truffles a day to diversify my diet. No cook makes already difficult on-the-trail-diversifying even more so anyway.


    Protein Bars

    Most "no-stovers" end up eating a lot of protein and meal bars while on the trail. Most health and outdoor stores have an overwhelming selection so try a few different kinds to find the one you like best.

    This is pretty subjective, but the classic Clif Bar (White Chocolate Macademia Nut, for example) is a very popular option with camping enthusiasts. If you want to choose a less-processed, less-sugary snack, it’s easy to make your own nutritious power bars.

    This DIY no bake peanut butter [12]  bar is packed with protein (I add chocolate chips to this recipe) and these DIY fruit and nut bars [13] will be as good as any bar if not even better.

     

    Peanut Butter

    Speaking of which... LET'S GET SCHWIFTY...

    If you read my other articles, you know I LOVE peanut butter and explained why it's pretty much the ultimate no cook no refrigeration hiking food [14]. On average, peanut butter offers a concentrated source of energy with 190 calories and 16 grams of fat per serving - which offers a sky high energy/weight ratio. Perfect.

    • One thing to consider...

    Opt for single serve packets rather than a jar - it won't only be lighter but also eating more often will be less of a hassle.

    You can eat it plain, have it on a wrap, or squeeze it into your oats. Single serve packets, like this Jif on-the-go peanut butter pack of 12, are easy to carry on the trail or you can make your own by scooping peanut butter into small Ziploc bags. 

    If you want to go ultra-light, powdered peanut butter is a good option (this PB pack of 7 now comes in different options) but be aware that it has less fat and calories than regular peanut butter. You can also opt to eat plain old peanuts, which are calorie dense and have less messy packaging.

    BONUS: If you haven't tried yet, almond butter is also an effective and delicious food choice for you if you love peanut butter.


    Hummus / Beans

    Hummus is a regular item on almost any backpacking menu. If you have a dehydrator, you can make your own and dehydrate it into a powder (e.g. this recipe for Greek Red Pepper Dip [15], it has instructions for re-hydration as well). 

    Pack these in individual Ziplocs, add some cold water in the morning, and by lunch it has re-hydrated into a tasty spread.

    You can also buy individual packs of powdered hummus, such as Harmony Valley.

    For short hikes, bring a pouch of re-fried beans (you can get them at most Latin American food stores) and for multi-day trips, dehydrate and then re-hydrate on the trail (same method as the hummus). 


    Some carbs considerations

    Now besides "essentials" list, these are also good especially for carbs:

    • Instant oats with milk or yogurt (for making overnight oats - they re-hydrate without heat)
    • Starbucks VIA instant coffee (I don’t know if you tried it with cold milk - but it tastes like a coffee milkshake)
    • Some kind of starch - wraps, pitas, crackers (to eat with peanut butter, hummus and/or tuna)
    • Carrot sticks (these aren’t light - but I eat them the first day or two for something fresh)
    • Seaweed snacks (I take them out of packaging - they are salty, green, and lightweight)
    • Couscous (it re-hydrates without heat in about 15 minutes)

    Coffee might be an outlier here, but coffee feels heavenly after breakfast in the wild. I'd stop the rush [16] and enjoy it.


    Very little cookware

    No-cook backpacking doesn't require much gear - the goal here is to simplify:

    • Plastic "spork"
    • Fair share mug (this is essential if you'll re-hydrate)
    • A knife to cut up cheese and meat
    • A pocket knife sharpener [17]

    That’s about it.

     

    3 Day No Cook No Refrigerator Sample Menu

    Here is a sample no-cook menu for a 3 day hike:

    Day 1

    Breakfast

    • Bacon 
    • Alpen Cereal
    • Starbucks Via Coffee

    Lunch

    • Chicken Caesar Wrap

    At lunch, add water to re-hydrate the beans in your mug for dinner

    Dinner

    • Beans
    • Crushed up Fritos Corn Chips with shredded Cheddar cheese

    Snacks

    • Beef Jerky
    • Protein Bars
    • Trail Mix

    Before bed, add water to reconstitute the following recipe for next morning's breakfast:

    Pre-mixed ziploc of oats, cranberries, powdered peanut butter, shredded coconut and dry milk powder (for instant and regular dry milk, add 1 to 5 and 3 water, respectively [18] )

    Day 2

    Breakfast

    • Meal prepared last night
    • Starbucks Via Coffee

    Lunch 

    • Summer Sausage
    • Sliced Cheddar 
    • Dates

    Dinner

    • Spicy Thai Chili Tuna with crushed Salt
    • Vinegar Chips and Pita

    Snacks

    • Clif Bar 
    • Turkey Jerky

    Day 3

    Breakfast

    • Muesli and with Milk 
    • Handful Dried Apricots
    • Starbucks Via Coffee

    Lunch

    Peanut Butter Wrap with Raisins

    Dinner 

    • Protein Bar
    • Hummus 
    • Crackers

    If you're off the trail during dinner time, you can also eat this during lunch.

    Snacks 

    • Truffles


    Last notes

    One really important thing to remember: DRINK LOTS OF WATER. When you're eating dried or dehydrated foods, like nuts and jerky, your body requires water to digest them - and even more so because your protein intake is higher [19].

    • IMPORTANT THING ABOUT EGGS:

    Some of you may be thinking also eggs would make a good backpacking food, and you couldn't be more correct. But, if you're going with no stove, no cooler - DON'T PACK EGGS, because:

    • Raw eggs, powdered (aka "dehydrated" or "dried") eggs or egg mix require cooking
    • Pre-hard boiled eggs require refrigeration

    Read my ultimate guide to backpacking eggs [20] for more information. But the point here is that eggs aren't a good idea if you won't cook or refrigerate.

    Filed Under: Basics Tagged With: camping, camping kitchen, CookwareFoodsDrinks, food, hiking

    Backpacking Eggs: Most Suitable Types, Carry and Shelf Lives

    Last updated: April 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

    As I always say in the beginning of backpacking food posts, there are 3 things to consider when looking for a hiking food:

    1. High calorie/weight ratio to leverage more energy per unit weight carried,
    2. High protein and fat content as they're almost always digested slower compared to carbs and hence keep you more satiated [1] AND fats provide more calories per gram (9 kcal/g compared to 4 kcal/g of protein and carbs),
    3. And lastly, no need for refrigeration

    If you also care about extra space... Don't forget about high calorie/volume ratio. 

    As eggs check all these 4 boxes, they're a great hiking food for most of us. However, there are different types (raw, hard boiled, powdered etc) and some information to consider when carrying them. I've gathered the most important things I've found through researching and laid them out here in this article.

    As I explained in my other articles, some cheeses, meats and peanut butter also check all these boxes and make perfect backpacking foods. I'd recommend you to consider taking them with you too.

    In summary, here's the best practices I've found when going backpacking with eggs:

    • Powdered (dehydrated) eggs is the most effective option for most of us as they're easy to carry, have longer shelf life and some are even tasty
    • Boiling/cooking raw eggs will be the tastiest obviously. Opt for farm fresh eggs that haven't been refrigerated before for max shelf life. Carry them in a wide mouth Nalgene bottle (this one, for example) filled up with dehydrated rice or salt water
    • Since pre-hard boiled eggs are less delicious in most cases and we'd still have to carry them in a plastic egg carrier, it's probably less useful compared to other options

    But recommendations given in this article shouldn't be taken as professional advice. I'm not a doctor or an expert by any means - I just laid out the things I've found with hours of research.

    Now let's get down to the bolts and nuts. First, raw eggs.

    Table of Contents
    Raw eggs: How long do they last unrefrigerated?
    Fresh eggs shelf life
    How to carry eggs safely
    Camping egg carrier
    Hard plastic egg cartons
    More reusable types
    Powdered eggs
    What are they?!
    Shelf life
    How to reconstitute dried egg products: 3 easy steps
    So, making or buying powdered eggs?
    Where to buy powdered eggs
    How long do hard boiled eggs last unrefrigerated?
    Conclusion

    Raw eggs: How long do they last unrefrigerated?

    First, the answer you don't like: It DEPENDS. But I'll try to give you more than that although it's almost impossible.

    A rule of thumb is that if you buy raw eggs in a supermarket either in the United States, Japan, Australia, Sweden or the Netherlands, they'll last less than 2 hours. In most other countries, they'll last between 1-3 weeks [2].

    Strange answer, right?

    Well, that's because these countries wash the eggs you buy in the supermarkets [3,4]. And since they're already being refrigerated in supermarkets, they need to stay that way, according to Egg Safety Center [5].

    Otherwise, the eggs will begin to sweat, which promotes the growth of dangerous bacteria which enters through the shell. However, even if they weren't being refrigerated, I'd simply stay away from backpacking with them just to be safe.

    I was pretty surprised when I learned about this the first time...

    So, can you leave eggs out overnight if you're in one of these countries? Well, the obvious answer is no - if the nights are longer than 2 hours... But in most other countries, in most conditions; yes you can.


    Fresh eggs shelf life

    Mind you, there's some conflict around the term "farm fresh eggs"  [6]. When the term is used in stores, it seems to be virtually meaningless, but what I’ll use it to refer to is eggs fresh from the chicken. Eggs that haven't been refrigerated or otherwise tampered with. These keep for about one month at room temperature before they require refrigeration [7]. 

    So, do farm fresh eggs need to be refrigerated? As you can guess by now, there's no short answer to that question either.

    It isn't bad to refrigerate your farm fresh eggs, but in most conditions, if you refrigerate them, they need to be kept refrigerated [5].

    If you’re one of the few people willing to go through the trouble of keeping the eggs cool while camping, then as a general rule they would last up to nearly six months if refrigerated after being laid - but needless to say, you'd still have to pay attention to the expiration date.

    And unless car camping, I wouldn't carry a cooler with me (yes - some people seriously DO this!).


    How to carry eggs safely

    The next big question about raw eggs is how to carry them. As we'll see, you don’t need to worry about methods of transporting dehydrated (aka "powdered" or "dried") eggs as they come in a container and they will stay in it, sealed, until they’re cooked. More on that later.

    I'm going to cross out the pre-cooked hard boiled eggs as well since according to FDA it isn't safe to eat them after they're left two hours in room temperature. More on that later, too.

    Another thing to consider if you'll be hiking with raw eggs: I wouldn't pack the metal pot at right side ever again, and would go for a larger and wider pot with an insulated handle (at left and mid).

    The question becomes important when considering raw whole eggs that will be staying in your backpack the whole time. Before giving you products made expressly for this purpose, there's a trick I found that is both effective, and probably free for most backpackers, and I can't wait to try it.

    Take a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle (this one, for example), stack it full, carefully with eggs, and pour dehydrated rice in until it's full (or water - especially salt water because of higher density). It'll distribute pressure equally around the egg and cushion them against any impact.


    Camping egg carrier

    If you didn't like my Nalgene bottle advice for some reason, your second option is to carry them using a container.

    But let me say this in advance: No carrier can guarantee your eggs won't break. It mostly comes down to your gentle pack use - which is why I'd prefer Nalgene bottle method every time. I don't want to waste time thinking about some cracked eggs leaking inside my pack and items ruin my entire outdoors experience. I want to stop worrying and enjoy my time outdoors.

    More, there isn’t a wide range of egg containers that you’d be able to take camping. Cardboard, glass and Styrofoam containers are obviously not practical, so we're left with a couple different kinds of plastic containers as options.

    Hard plastic egg cartons

    This type of egg container is made to hug the eggs when holding them to make sure they cannot move around enough to break. The plastic is marketed as unbreakable, and the purpose of the container seems to be nothing more than to prevent stored eggs from breaking. It's reusable and top rack is advertised as dishwasher safe.

    However, it might not be the best for storing farm fresh eggs, as the shape of the individual egg pockets isn’t conducive to their shape, as opposed to more standardized store-bought sized (smaller) eggs. 

    While this may not seem like a major concern, remember that farm fresh (not-previously-refrigerated) eggs are best for camping unless they're refrigerated before. So if this container is in fact bad for farm fresh (and/or large) eggs, it might be bad for camping.

    More reusable types

    This type of container, on the other hand, is made to accomplish the same purpose, and more. It advertises an airtight and watertight seal, which it goes without saying could easily be much better for camping for longer use. Over time, the seals might lose their ability to keep out water, though.

    But the material is FDA approved in the health department, and box carriers like this can be better for longer use as it's harder to break in your backpack.

    It's durable and claims its plastic is safe for dishwashers on the top rack. This hard egg carton might be better for farm fresh eggs and as a result, for us campers.


    Powdered eggs

    All the previous options seemed to me more trouble than necessary while keeping eggs, so I looked into methods of keeping and cooking eggs that don’t involve bringing those breakable things with you in your bag:

    And I've found powdered (aka "dehydrated" or "dried") eggs are pretty popular with hiking enthusiasts.

    A number of reasons to prefer them over other methods:

    • Easy to eat, 
    • Easy to carry,
    • Have longer shelf lives [8], 
    • You don't have to worry about cracking them (duh... there's no shell),
    • They're absolutely tastier than eating cold pre-hard boiled eggs, and not much less tasty than freshly cooked raw eggs

    What are they?!

    Well, they're basically eggs without the water content (duh...). You can either buy them, which I'd recommend to most, or dehydrate yourself with the help of a dehydrator, which I'd recommend those who will be using the dehydrator for many other things besides eggs.

    Shelf life

    Provided that they're cool and dry, you can store them at room temperature as long as you'd like; however, after opening, there are conflicting information provided by different authority sources.

    Some say you must store them in the refrigerator even if sealed [9] and some claim storing them in room temperature and consuming within weeks or even months after opening is OK [10] (provided they're in a sealed vacuum bag which prevents air and moisture contact).

    I'd personally keep all the powdered eggs inside its vacuum sealed bag after opening, and consume each bag within a few days after opening, but that's just me. You'll also see some product labels saying eating within 60 days after opening is OK.

    • But if you prefer playing it 100% safe with foods on the trail...

    Keep in mind when purchasing powdered eggs, you’ll want to buy not just in proportion to how many you’ll need, but in proportion to how often you’ll need them.

    Buy the dried egg products with smaller portions stored in SEPARATE sealed bags rather than all the eggs in a single big sealed bag - and finish each portion once opened!

    I'd search for this logo on dried egg product packaging to be safe.

    Once dehydrated or "purchased", store them in a container to avoid air & moisture contact (to achieve long shelf life), and then reconstitute (cook) them when you're going to eat.

    How to reconstitute dried egg products: 3 easy steps

    I'm only going to mention reconstitution (in other words, "re-hydration" before eating) by hand, as I'll assume most of you have no access to a mixer unless car camping.

    You'll need a bowl, a fork (yes a wire whisk would do better, but you don't need it) and by weight, one part egg mix with two parts water for egg mix, one part water for dried eggs only (this is my personal choice - feel free to adjust this as you'll see different ratios for each product you go for).

    1. Boil all water.
    2. Portion egg mix into a bowl, and pour the half of hot water over eggs.
    3. Whisk until the mixture is thick. Then add the remaining amount of hot water and continue whisking - again until it's thick. 

    No matter how safe you store them, once reconstituted, USDA recommends eating them in one hour at most (including preparation and serving time  [11].

    As you see, powdered eggs is obviously the best option for most of us.

    So, making or buying powdered eggs?

    While it's probably easier and more hassle free to buy dehydrated eggs, you can make your own using an egg dehydrator.

    While dehydrating eggs yourself is more cost effective, it isn't necessarily by much. The cheapest dehydrated eggs on the market go for about 20 cents per egg, while a dozen Egglands Best eggs from Walmart cost about 22 cents per egg.

    These aren't absolute prices, according to my experience: There are some whole eggs that are cheaper than dehydrated eggs, and vice versa. Just know that neither are categorically cheaper.

    You can read more about de hydrating eggs for the back country here [12].

    I'm on the buyer side of the fence, and would personally go for these OvaEasy dried eggs on Amazon which come in 3 separate sealed bags. Each bag is about 840 kcal and perfect for 2 people for one meal - although it can come too much for some of you. I'm a serious lifter, so I tend to eat more than most people. If you're more than 2 though, I'd absolutely go for this serving size.

    Where to buy powdered eggs

    IMO easiest and most reasonable way is to order online. You can search easily for the one that suits you the most considering: 

    • Ingredients, 
    • Serving sizes in each sealed bag,
    • The type (mix, white only, yolk only, white and yolk etc.),
    • But most importantly, the packaging. Some online stores like BarryFarm are great - but the packaging is just not for us campers. 

    They can also be purchased in markets like Target and Walmart. Make sure checking out the baking section. If the one in your neighborhood doesn't have them, you can also try your chances at:

    • Specialty houses
    • Restaurant supply houses
    • Baking supply houses
    • Camping stores
    • Publix (AFAIK, US east coast only - correct me if I'm wrong please. Can be good if you'll hike the Appalachian)

    If you're trying grocery store and they don't have them, ask the manager to order some for you. But, unless you're in Publix, that might not work very well - at least to my knowledge and research.


    How long do hard boiled eggs last unrefrigerated?

    Boiled eggs are another, at least seemingly easy solution to backpacking food because they don’t require cooking and are ready to eat. According to FDA, boiled eggs last about two hours at room temperature and about a week in the fridge [13]. I know this sounds too soon to rot, but I'd personally play it safe with foods and would doubt you'd find any more reliable source than FDA.

    If you don't care about the taste at all, and completely on the "practical food" side of the fence, this might be the most suitable option for you. You don't need to worry about protecting them against cracks, neither cooking them. I'd still go after powdered eggs for the sake of easy carrying.


    Conclusion

    So in summary, I'd personally rank different egg types as follows considering backpacking with them:

    1. Powdered eggs
    2. Raw eggs
    3. Pre-boiled eggs

    Filed Under: Basics Tagged With: camping, camping kitchen, CookwareFoodsDrinks, eggs, food, hiking

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    Hey, what's up? Canberk here. I try to approach outdoor gear from a scientific point of view. Here's more about me.

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