Camp food can be as simple as a few hot dogs roasted over an open fire or as complex as multicourse dinners that use a wide range of cooking pots and pans. When it comes down to the nitty gritty, how you cook depends on how you camp. For example, if you're in a campground with a lot of friends and family, you're going to want more cooking gear than if you're a single person or couple who hikes in. No matter what camp you fall in, there are some basic decisions to be made.

Choosing Cookware Material
From the home-away-from-home convenience of cooking over a camp stove to the strictly utilitarian gear of the intrepid backpacker, these are the materials commonly used in camping cookware:


Aluminum.The most cost-effective (and the lightest) type of camp cookware, aluminum is a good utilitarian choice for anyone. The downside is that it dents easily, which quickly gives your camping cookware "character". If you're planning on cooking anything acidic – like tomato sauce – get cookware with a nonstick interior coating to prevent the metal from leaching into foods. Nonstick coatings also make your cookware easier to clean.
Stainless steel.The next step up from aluminum, stainless steel is a little heavier and more expensive than aluminum, but it tends to last longer. It doesn't conduct heat as well as aluminum, meaning that you have to keep a close eye on your food lest it burn.
Titanium.For gear lovers who need the latest and greatest, titanium cookware is extremely tough and amazingly light. It's also pretty expensive and fairly temperamental to cook on. If you're packing in all your gear, think about titanium – otherwise, choose something else.
Cast iron.Although it's heavy, requires seasoning and is more difficult to clean, cast iron cookware lasts forever, and it's great for creating sumptuous meals in a Dutch oven (see below). However, cast iron is really heavy, so it's best for those sticking close to their cars.

Types of Camping Cookware

Pots. Camping pots are usually measured in liters. To put size in perspective consider the following: A 1.5 liter pot is generally big enough to cook a meal for a couple, while a 3 liter pot will dish up enough for six. Larger parties may want to have several pots in varying shapes to accommodate side dishes. If, on the other hand, you're only heating water for instant soup or opening a can of beans, a smaller pot may suit your needs admirably.
Frying pans. Pans come in all shapes and sizes. Generally, a 10- to 12-inch pan should be sufficient for most people, particularly because your pots can act as double-duty frying pans.
Coffee pots/kettles. A coffee pot or kettle is a great way to get that morning cup of joe or keep hot water going at all times. Don't forget that French presses are another way to feed your caffeine addiction.
Dutch ovens. If you want to create meals that will have your camp neighbors drooling with envy, tote along a Dutch oven. Your food creation choices are virtually unlimited, from thick hearty stews to cobblers and even breads. They're made of cast iron, though, so be prepared to work those arm muscles.
Nested cookware. If you only have a couple of people, or you need cooking gear that is ultra portable, there's no need to have multiple bulky pots and pans. Instead, choose a nested cookware set. These handy kits are designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing space; their handles often flip out, you can cook and eat in the same pan, and they fit inside each other to take as little room in your pack as possible.

Key Features
No matter what kind of cookware you choose, here are some features you'll want to look out for:


Handles. For large cookware, seek out items with bail handles. Like the handles on buckets, bail handles make it easier to grab hold of your cookware (with, of course, a potholder). For smaller pots and pans, make sure you have a pot lifter. These devices are like pliers (which can be used in a pinch too) and keep your hands away from hot metal.
Lids. Always choose cookware with tight-fitting lids – your water will boil faster and your food will cook more evenly
Non-stick finishes. Non-stick finishes (available for everything but cast iron) make cooking easier and clean up a lot faster. Remember that you'll have to be a little more careful with this type of cookware, as it can scratch. Spend a little more for a scratch-resistant coating.
Black bottoms. Pots with dark bottoms absorb more heat and cook faster than those with light-colored bottoms. Seek out a dark-colored set.
Round bottoms. These days, most camping cookware is made with rounded bottoms, because the flame goes up the sides evenly and cooks your food more consistently. Rounded-bottom cookware is also easier to clean, because there are no tight corners to dig into.

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