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.
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.
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.
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!
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Overall Score | |||||
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? |
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.