camp cookware

[az951]

Hey guys,  I am in the market to outfit the pop up with new cookware for the season.  I have plenty of cookware that we have used in the past, but have also ruined a whole lot.  It seems that teflon nonstick type pans scratch way to easily in camping conditions, even the coleman ones made for camping, using plastic utensils, and the ceramic coated ones seem to chip and crack if improperly stored.  So my question is,  does anyone use stainless steel cookware for camping?  does it seem to hold up better than the other types of cookware?  Also,  does it clean well?  I sometimes like to cook things right on the campfire,  so I do get some baked on left overs that need to be scrubbed off,  and I love cast iron but its just a little to heavy to tote while camping.  I don't want to spend a million dollars on a set either since it will be abused.  Any input will be great.  Thanks!

[tlhdoc]

I have some stainless steel cook wear and it holds up very well.  One tip if you are cooking over a fire.  Coat the outside with soap and clean up will be much easier.

[Mattman]

........So my question is,  does anyone use stainless steel cookware for camping?  does it seem to hold up better than the other types of cookware?  Also,  does it clean well? ..........

I have used stainless steel for a while, just a cheap nesting set from Walmart or Target.  It cleaned up well compared to aluminum but that set was quite thin andheated unevenly and made burning very easy.

I just scored a very nice set through an ad on Craigs list $30 plus $15 shipping for a set that is seriously as nice or nicer than my revere ware at home. The set has five nesting pans including a large tefloned skillet the rest are mirror polished inside. All but the skillet have lids with built in strainers and also plasitc lids for airtight storage of leftovers in the frig.  The set came with two handles which remove but lock on nice and tight for use.....awesome.

I've only cooked a handfull of meals but so far I'm very pleased. I'm pretty sure these are the same ones that CW used to sell for much more, they are out of stock. If you want some, PM me, if I can dig up the name of the source I'll pass it on. I have no idea if they have more sets, but I just got mine about 3 weeks ago so it's a chance. It was from a business and I assume they are clearance stock.

[Clarabelle]

We started using a cast iron griddle this past summer.  My wife had a hard time using it at first, but now she loves it.  We also have a non-stick hybrid pan/wok that we use a lot.

[dthurk]

Cast iron for us.  Once you learn how to use it, you find it's non-stick, cleans more easily that other types and is very durable to handle camping conditions.   The folks of the days of old had it right.  Nothing better.

[PattieAM]

I guess I've 'gotten old'....(LOL), as I have issues with Cast Iron and it's weight.  Since I cook in my PUP (built in oven/range, paid for - why not use), I picked up a set of T-fal at a yard sale for $2.00, cleaned it up and have been using it in the PUP (with attitude of if it gets ruined who cares) for 2 years now and it's been great.  I also have a 'chicken fryer' with glass lid, and it is probably my favorite frying pan for camping (and it has two handles - great for me with my RA).  I use my pressure cooker many times camping and that too has been great.

Back when I first 'outfitted' for tent camping, I got the enamelware cookware, dishes, etc., but could not stand them!  (Still packed away somewhere)

I adopted the attitude of whatever I use at home is good enough for camping!

[beacher]

We use stainless steel and cast iron.  Both are non-stick if you know how to cook with them.

Years ago in the BoyScouts, we would backpack and cook meals in the middle of nowhere.  Water for cleaning was virtually unheard of.  So we needed to learn about how to use cookware.

The trick is cooking at the right temperature.  If you cook protein without water/oil/butter on the pan it will stick until the protein's surface is caramelized, at which point it unsticks from the cooking surface.  The trick is to not undercook, or overcook the food at the moment that it unsticks.

Once shown "the secrets" by a well trained 2nd Class scout, we would test our fresh new Tenderfoots with a fried egg on a stainless steel , cast iron, and a tiny aluminum mess-kit frying pan!  If they could successfully prepare an over-easy egg using a backpacking stove, a Coleman Stove, and a campfire, with any type of pan, then they were sufficiently trained!!

We had lot's of time back then!

[MotherNature]

I use stainless that I bought at a thrift shop, haven't had any problems with it.  I agree with the suggestion about coating the outside of a pot with soap before cooking over a fire - if you're low on soap, wrapping it in foil will work too.

[fallsrider]

We just use my DW's leftover aluminum pots and pans that she used in college. They work pretty well, and they've long been paid for! We do have a non-stick frying pan for cooking omelets.

[DT Sante Fe]

I have used stainless steel for a while, just a cheap nesting set from Walmart or Target. It cleaned up well compared to aluminum but that set was quite thin andheated unevenly and made burning very easy.
 
I just scored a very nice set through an ad on Craigs list $30 plus $15 shipping for a set that is seriously as nice or nicer than my revere ware at home. The set has five nesting pans including a large tefloned skillet the rest are mirror polished inside. All but the skillet have lids with built in strainers and also plasitc lids for airtight storage of leftovers in the frig. The set came with two handles which remove but lock on nice and tight for use.....awesome.
 
I've only cooked a handfull of meals but so far I'm very pleased. I'm pretty sure these are the same ones that CW used to sell for much more, they are out of stock. If you want some, PM me, if I can dig up the name of the source I'll pass it on.

If you can find the source for the set, I would be very interested.
Thanks!
DT

[flyfisherman]

I use a lot of old "hand me downs" starting with a camp cook kit that was my parents, many, many long years ago! It's a large stainless steel pot with an aluminum cover that also doubles as a frying pan ... has a detachable handle. It's a lousy frying pan perse but does an excellent job of heating something in a plastic bag and boiling water. The old porcelainized tin plates, bowls and cups fit neatly inside. I don't like paper or plastic plates and cups, so this old camp eating "equipment" fills the need exacly, plus there's a lot of memories every time I use them.

Have a old straight handled pot that went with an older set used in the home and since replaced and does an excellent job for heating some soup or some canned vegeatables. Then I found a small stainless pressure cooker somewhere on line (I think it was Campmor). Can also be used as an additional small heating pot. But for my serious frying pan I have the cast iron ... also have the cast iron round griddle (both are Lodge) - from frying fish or bacon, to pancakes and eggs over light, cast iron for me is the best. Also have the Lodge cast iron  camp dutch oven (that's the one with the three short stubby legs and the flat cover) for doing the baking in.

We enjoy our camp meals and enjoy what we use, inspite of the fact that there may be some extra weight involved and extra camp chores taking care of everything. Afterall, what have I got to do besides eat, fish and do some serious napping. I can find the time to do the dishes and cook up some great outdoor meals!



Fly

[sacrawf]

If you will also be doing any backpacking, bicycle camping, or kayak trekking, the MSR Blacklite are extremely lightweight, durable, and non-stick, and work great in the pop-up. The set I have has the two pots, camp towel, handle, lid, and fry pan, which all fits into a half-mesh nylon drawstring bag.

[LimeJeeeep]

this is the stuff i,m going to buy

http://www.pro-selections.com/product.cfm/25984/

[beacher]

Camping World has the Fagor Smart Nesting Cookware on clearance.  It looks identical to the Rapid Chef cookware, (probably manufactured by the same company and re-branded).

[Mattman]

Camping World has the Fagor Smart Nesting Cookware on clearance.  It looks identical to the Rapid Chef cookware, (probably manufactured by the same company and re-branded).

This is the same set I got for $30, a great deal. Mine is Fagor, not Rapid chef.