Camping Cookware Reviews

Below you will find all of the camping cookware reviews. Check out the reviews of all of the camping and backpacking pots, pans, cook sets, and mess kits. And be sure to check back often to see all of the new reviews.

GSI 5 Piece Hard Anodized Extreme Cookset

Overview:

This is probably our favorite item here on the Camping Cookware Reviews Page because it is hands-down the best cook ware we have ever used! And we're not the only ones who think so. The Hard Anodized Extreme Cook Ware won the coveted "Backpacker Magazine's Editor's Choice Award 2001." This cookware is ideal for backpacking trips, but it is so great that we take it on all of our family camping trips too.

The Cook Set is made of aluminum that has gone through a process called "hard anodization" which actually alters the structure of the aluminum, hardens the surface, and seals the aluminum away from direct contact with your food. The process makes the surface much harder, tougher, and nearly invincible (very difficult to scratch).

And one of the biggest advantages of the process is the permanent non-stick surface. It isn't a coating that can wear off over time. It truly is permanent. On top of all of that, the heat distribution of this cook set is completely unmatched.

This cook set is as light as other aluminum sets and lighter than stainless steel sets, yet it is even stronger than the other cook sets. It is a little more expensive than some cook sets, but with its rugged durability, non-stick surface, light weight, and very even heat distribution it is probably the best value in cook ware on the market. We feel it is definitely worth every penny.

Positives:

Very lightweight

Very strong and durable

Permanent non-stick surface that doesn't wear off

The dark color absorbs heat better than lighter colored pots

The ringed bottom of the pots make it almost literally stick to the stove

The lids double as fry pans and they actually work great

More even heat distribution which leads to faster boiling times and less scorching in the middle (Just look how wide the ring of bubbles is compared to other pots)

Pot grippers (back home we call them Copenhagens) hold pot very securely, and they grip from the side so there is no risk of scratching.

The pots nest inside each other for easier storage

Different size pots are available including 1 qt., 1.5 qt., 2.5 qt. pots with fry pan/lids and a 1.25 qt. double boiler.

Comes with a very cool strap to hold pots together and a mesh storage sack

Clean up is unbelievably easy. All you need is a little water and a quick swipe with a cloth or towel. No scrubbing is needed. It even passed the Mac-n-Cheese test. Clean up was not a chore.

Negatives:

The pot grippers (Copenhagens) are different than most models and really only work with GSI brand cookware. They take a little getting used to.

These pots are a little pricey. But they may be the last set of pots you'll ever need to buy.

Bottom Line:

This is the cook set that we use on nearly all of our trips, and I recommend it to any outdoors person - especially backpackers. In the past we used a stainless steel cook set on backpacking trips, but it was quite a bit heavier and it was a lot harder to clean. Since GSI came out with their new Hard Anodized Extreme Cook Ware, we will never leave home without it. This cook set has it all, and it is worth every penny.