All The Best Backpacking Cook Kits!

A look at my favorite backpacking cook systems and their specific uses!
-- Cook Pots --
- Soto New River Pot/Stove: bit.ly/34BQgn0 (BCE10 Save 10%)
- Toaks 550ml: bit.ly/3hFSLKh
- Toaks 700ml: amzn.to/38kGRlD
- Fry Bake: frybake.com/products/
- Fire Box Stove 8" Kit: bit.ly/2WwQicj
- GSI Pinnacle Soloist: bit.ly/3nElVML
- Toaks Long Handle Spoon: bit.ly/32fQJdu
-- Stoves --
- Soto Amicus: amzn.to/3nxZfxI
- Soto Windmaster: bit.ly/2WxVnB1
- MSR WhisperLite: amzn.to/37DGMKO
- Solo Stove Twig Stove: bit.ly/3asr4Un
- Gram Weenie Pro: bit.ly/3mwEgdm
- Trail Designs Caldera Cone: bit.ly/3nBN8jm
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2: bit.ly/38kHkUV
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- Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/2YZqwff
- Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/2KDPH24
- Dyneema Ditty Bag: bit.ly/37rDVSb
- Stove: amzn.to/31tkipF
- Chair: bit.ly/38SEYMn
- Shelter: bit.ly/2Yrao8T
- Water Filter: bit.ly/2S5CCnx
- Water Storage: amzn.to/2GV30Kk
- Cook Pot: amzn.to/2GY7Je9
- Pillow: bit.ly/2GY7C2d
- Backpack: bit.ly/2KQ7LWX
- Utensil: bit.ly/2sK8aEA
- Kuiu Gear: bit.ly/30XxUKa
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[@Hftimes2]

I am totally addicted to cook pots and cook systems even though I always resort to using my toaks pot and BRS stove. The idea of cooking an actual meal in the backcountry is appealing until you start packing your bag and the weight starts to add up. That’s when I always change my mind and take freez dried meals and my smaller cook system. lol

[@pd39aol]

Agreed. I've tried dozens of 'new and improved' systems, always end up back with my old sweetheart - esbit pocket stove and US canteen cup. Fits nicely in my 6"x6"x3" OutDoor research case, along with fuel tabs, Sierra cup, Leatherman tool, and a number of other items. Kind of stretches the case a bit but it all fits, and has worked fine since the early 1970s

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

I can see a backpacker wanting to bring more elaborate cook systems . As a hiker, I focus on my miles and although I’m not a ultralight hiker, I use the BRS with a 750 toaks for my dehydrated meals. Great video 🤙

[@BackcountryExposure]

A nice, simple setup!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good information Devin, and Merry Christmas! Being an Army veteran and bushcrafter, I have a different mindset than the "average" through hiker/backpacker, so primarily use 2 different stoves: Firebox Titanium G2 twig stove and a MSR WhisperLite Universal stove - I use regular unleaded gasoline and what I don't use goes into my truck!

[@ms7fam433]

Great video explaining the major types of cook kits. Your explanations and pros/cons are spot on. Since I'm a cheapskate, my go to is a Stanley cookware pot with a knock-off MSR stove and the "long handle" spoon. I've learned how to turn the pot on its side and turn it into a makeshift oven for biscuits and deserts.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Awesome!

[@Oldsparkey]

Out of all the stoves and cook kits I have , I have 2 favorite ones. For Ultralight backpacking it's the Evernew Appalachian set in titanium along with their Non stick titanium frying pan. #2 . The Firebox Nano , Gen , 2 in Titanium with the X stand. I use a Maxi titanium Canteen cup ( 950 ML / 32.1 OZ ) with the Titanium Firebox Nano since the whole outfit fits inside the canteen cup. With both outfits I have my choice of the fuel , Alcohol , Fuel tabs or Wood.

[@HUKIT.]

I was an 11B Infantryman in the Army and I always laugh at people complain about weight, my ruck was over 100lbs alone, add in a weapon, ammo, and body armor you get the idea. So a 30-40lb base feels like I could go jogging in that set up, Lol.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Agreed, I'm an old 2/75 Ranger!

[@Defender_of_Faith]

1/32 10th Mountain. I started an AG on the 240B. Light Infantry my ass! Lol. That was over 20yrs ago. Now. Under 30lbs with food water n camera is my goal.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

@@Defender_of_Faith 30 pounds is definitely a reasonable goal

[@iceman8223]

As a tanker, I laugh at all you tough and strong infantry.

[@karupt422]

Thank you for your service! Which oil company did you fight for?

[@TrashPanda406]

New to the channel and love your videos. I am very new to backpacking and felt a bit nervous about the whole concept. Your videos have definitely given me some great advice and starting points for gear which I can personalize to fit my style. Keep up the great work!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@alanbierhoff6831]

What a great video. I’ve been using Banks Fry-Bake products since the late 70’s(?). It was really wonderful watching someone acknowledge the Fry-Bake as it rarely happens lol I’ve got both sizes of the Firebox Stove kits and they are a great product too.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Fry Bake is just amazing! One of my favorite outdoor gear items of all time.

[@stanleyheath5486]

when you consider that the MSR stove is about twice as fast bringing water to a boil as an alcohol stove it means you have to carry twice the fuel for the alcohol stove and the weight of the MSR stove begins to be offset by the weight of the alcohol. I have used the MSR dragonfly for about 25 years and love that it is robust and can support a large or heavy pot.

[@slickwillie3376]

That whisperlite looks good. No need to carry alcohol as a backup for canister in case of unexpected coldsnap. A non-stick skillet could substitute for the pot...just need one with a pour spout (not likely to find though).

[@markhines]

Outstanding overview. Well done.

[@davidlee6461]

My favorite cooking system: DIY alcohol stove 7g + DIY titanium pot stand 10g + DIY Aluminum foil wind shield 10g + Toaks 550ml + Toaks long spoon 14g + 120ml alcohol for 2 days hiking

[@ChuckDowe]

Great breakdown of the types of cook systems and trade offs for each.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Glad you liked it!

[@nancymills5993]

I love my Firebox 8 inch skillet. Follow the instructions on seasoning and follow up seasonings after using and you will really enjoy it. I also enjoy my solo wood burning stove. I use my titanium set ups for day hikes. Using a variety of set ups is fun!!

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

That is part of the fun for me when I go. Deciding between stoves and pots and what not.

[@rw3035]

Great setup. I more or less ended up with an alike selection of stoves/cook kits. Key difference. I also carry the Firebox stoves and absolutely love their versitility. Great vid though. Tnx!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. I'm finalizing my cooking gear selection for a winter trek to the Northern Sierras. Your video helped me to finalize my selection. The very best to you and your family. Stay healthy. 🤗

[@BackcountryExposure]

Awesome! Glad it could help. Thanks!

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

This is great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@KaiMirra]

I bought the same firebox stove 8-in fry pan kit for Black Friday last year, although heavy for what it is, it's versatility is great and the quality is over the top. For those trips that you plan to base camp and cook meals or catch fish it's a great option.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I am excited to put it to good use for backpacking and camping out of the car.

[@imperialwhovian3461]

I personally love using the MSR windburner as especially with the 1.8 liter as it’s big enough to use for a few people for boiling water but also can cook a decent amount of food in it as well and the burner can still easily be used with a skillet for fish like I usually do.

[@johnstewart8849]

I was a master chef on my Svea 123 and Sigg Tourister set....many miles, many altitudes...melting snow for water....

[@stanleyheath5486]

I also eat freeze dried meals out or the pouch. when the meal is half gone I just slice off the top part of the pouch with my knife and don't have to use a long handled spoon to reach the bottom.

[@Gamerhog2022]

I carry a firebox nano, red camp alcohol stove and brs all at the same time with a stanley adventure cup. I find I always use the alcohol stove it's honestly kinda fun to use.

[@donaldgerig9515]

Hi Devan. Nice review of cook systems. I usually go on an annual 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip with a brother in wilderness areas in the central Cascade Mountains in Oregon. I take the GSI Bugaboo Backpacker cookset and a Snowpeak Giga Power 2.0 stove. We usually hike in 3-6 miles and set up one camp for the trip. We try to hit different little mountain lakes each year to test out the fishing. I use the little 8 inch fry pan to cook fresh fish (hopefully). I would certainly not qualify as an "ultralighter". I have an 85 liter Osprey pack and it seems like we take the kitchen sink (ha ha). Pack weight is usually about 45 lbs. At 6' 2", 250 lbs and 74 years old, you think I would go a bit lighter for my needs. Guess I just don't want to give up the creature comforts (yet!) A lighter system may be in my future. We each take a two-man tent also. Stay safe & have a great Holiday Season. Don from Oregon

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jbutzi]

I like that cook kit as well!

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

Loved this video man. I knew I was gonna see that fry bake busted out :) I really like that Soto Stack.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks brotha! Fry Bake is hard to beat!

[@jocmarti]

@@BackcountryExposure man I’ve been on the edge of buying one for weeks. Think I’ll finally take the plunge.

[@denis65366]

application is exactly it. Good video

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello Devan, Merry Christmas!

[@captdoug]

Hey I don't see a Trangia set there at all. Like the 27-8HA

[@stevewright2241]

You know if you group hike, the msr whisperlite set up can be divided up among the group and the weight is not so bad. I'm old school been hiking since the 80's. Back then there was no solo gear. You had a hard time finding a cook set with a small pot. Stoves were made for group cooking too. Fuel canisters were still rare and could only be found in gear shops. My 1st stove was a Coleman backpacking stove. (btw it still has the best flame of any stove I've used). My 2nd stove was an MSR (It was lighter).

[@EspenFrafalne]

Really good video! Im usually into ultralight and ultracompact gear, but for short trips it can be nice to bring some more substantial gear. Just ordered the "EDC Box Micro Stove" from Bushcraft Essentials, and as it is such a tiny and not overly powerful stove, i hope it might be good for simmering a mix of dried beans, lentils, and qinoa (ill definitely use alcohol for this, and not wood). This is a really nice substitute for mincemeat in various freeze dried meals - maybe sprinkled with some parmesan. I have had this the last couple of days at home, and its delicious..! Dried beans and lentils are both cheap and healthy - and it doesnt need refridgeration. Parmesan can hold for several days without refridgeration. Definitely gonna make some of that next time i go out :P

[@paulspudman]

My favorite gas stove is the Fire Maple Titanium/Olicamp Xcelerator....light, stable, cheap....checks all the boxes.

[@StevieDahlen]

3:51 that falling spoon reenactment. I felt that.

[@BackcountryExposure]

ha ha ha! Yes!

[@lazylearner967]

Great Video Devin! How do you keep your Frybake so clean on the outside?

[@rgmALC]

Toaks 900ml WIDE pot with a titanium caldera cone. Come fits right inside the pot. Way less bulk.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Nice! That's my one issue with the Caldera. It doesn't fit in the smaller pots.

[@rgmALC]

@@BackcountryExposure yeah I had the non-titanium one for my wide toaks and had to sell it. It was just too much bulk. Bought the titanium one and haven’t looked back. I always was searching for the best set up and I think I have found it for my usage.

[@mikeghost7788]

Before I even watch the video, Happy Holidays Devan!! Hope you and your family the very best!! Hope I spelled your name correctly. 👊

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks Mike! it's in, but no worries! It's all the same really, ha ha.

[@rdschaat]

My kids are getting to the point of being able to backpack. I thought about getting everyone they're own personal ultralight setup (brs stove, toaks pot, fuel canister etc.) But I wonder if it would be more weight and space efficient to do communal meals and get something like a MSR whisperlite and distribute the added weight across multiple packs? Also, we are high altitude where we live and I here cansister stoves don't do as well at.

[@BackcountryExposure]

In a group setting I prefer to have less stoves to help keep things less chaotic, and if you are in a group that is related then it makes it easy to split the weight and have a bigger pot to boil more water at one time. It’s the approach I take when I take my groups of students out on trips. But when I am going with a group of friends, we fend for ourselves.

[@braxjohnson]

Just bought the PocketRocket Deluxe. First stove ever, hope it works out! Thanks for these videos, they help a ton!

[@BackcountryExposure]

That’s a cool stove.

[@Defender_of_Faith]

I just added a new stove for this winterin the Adirondack higj peaks. An Optimus Polaris.

[@brianyoungberg8750]

Great review of options. I kind of have all those and use different kits based on my mood and the trip. Canoe camping, i carry more kitchen stuff, hiking i go lite, bikepacking somewhere between. But even hiking sometimes i just feel like cooking and the miles to carry the kit isn’t that big. Also, nice jacket, what brand/model?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Nice! Yeah the kayak touring that I've done I've carried a full kitchen! All depends on what you're doing. The jacket is the First Lite Sawtooth Jacket.

[@anton_gavrilov]

Is it possible to put Toaks 550 or similar pot inside Soto River Pot with fuel canister and Amicos? I need something to drink coffee from :)

[@musingwithreba9667]

I love my MSR Whisperlite but it's just so dang bulky! For short trips I prefer my little BSR knock-off and canister Or cook on the fire.

[@BackcountryExposure]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@thewildbean2367]

Hey what’s the name of or where can I get those metal shelving units behind you? The ones with all your gear on them.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Costco or sams club

[@ATinyPlace]

The amount of alcohol you need to boil one liter of water would definitely outweigh the gas canister, which will last you way longer.

[@geauxherd762]

There’s a inflection point between gas and alcohol set ups. You can carry 2-4 days of alcohol and be lighter then a gas canister stove set up but for a 5 days to a week long or so set up it begins to be more weight efficient to carry a canister stove.

[@emeryz10]

I saw that Caldera Cone and was about to get super pissed until I looked at the date of this video. The dude that used to make those appearently passed away and the website has been saying that they are having trouble “sourcing materials” of a high enough quality. But with this video being out in 2020 nobody knew that shit yet. But yea now nobody can get the caldera cone and now have to use the Toaks Ti.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I didn't know that they were having supply issues like that. Dang.

[@liambanning3674]

I’m surprised the jetboil minimo wasn’t featured here, which is the best in my opinion.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I am really not a fan of JetBoil. But they aren't terrible.

[@patrioticamerican8355]

What if it was shtf. No family around. Nothing to go back to 100 miles from a smoking valley below, where city was. Which stove would you want?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Twig stove... Probably most ample fuel availability.

[@camper459gmail]

Bushbox titanium wood stove

[@bobpagano2562]

any concerns about storing alcohol in your cook kit, shouldn't they be stored separately?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I don’t store alcohol fuel inside my pot, it stays separate.

[@paulscott1091]

and why didnt you use heater to warm it up before you started filming

[@danielsmith2447]

Why don't you put some heat in the garage?

[@erikl.1860]

I'm using the Trangia alcohol stove, with the gas canister add-on. That way I'm flexible for my trips in Europe. I also have a wood stove, but never had to use it. Recently I purchased the Primus Omnilite Ti as well, because I am planning trips outside of Europe where I may not be able to easily find alcohol and certainly not gas canisters. My question: is it really so easy to find alcohol and gas canisters in USA? If so, then I don't need to take my multifuel stove for my planned bicycle tour in USA! I would love to hear from other people too how easy it is to find alcohol and gas canisters in their country! Thanks.

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

There is no excuse not to have the long titanium spoon or spork. You covered a lot of great cookware here.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ah yeah! Thanks Dustin!

[@azclaimjumper]

There is absolutely NO REASON to have a long handled spork. Those foil packages/pouches that Freeze Dried food come have never been inside or outside my backpack because I open them while at home & pour the food into a 1QT Freezer ziplock bag. When I want a meal I boil water in a 750ml cup then pour the FD food in the ziplock baggie into the cup where it rehydrates. A fold-up spork is all that is needed. Here is a link to photos of my cook system: www.flickr.com/photos/bc_az/albums/72157717283951098 Please leave a reply/comment when looking at my photos.

[@EndsofRoads]

Why does anybody need a long spoon? Can you not just cut off the top of the bag?

[@emeryz10]

It’s time to retire the caldera cone. It was great when it was available but now nobody can get one.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It's just a bummer that supply became so difficult for them. It's a great stove system.

[@neemancallender9092]

pots for cooking real food not freeze dried Pasta lentils This is regular food not gourmet

[@pedrsverge]

with canisters its not the weight but the Gas is usually from fracking and the canisters are not reusable so very bad for the environment and we are the people who love nature so much right?

[@AberKanobeeO_o]

lol...science.

[@SS-st6ou]

The best one is DIY ... no coating as teflon ,ilac and all this shit is the best!! Stainless steel or cast iron onlyyyy.. !!!

[@pitts3219]

Do u realize how many cook kit and what’s in my pack have been done over the years? Get a new GIG!

[@pamelaklemp5615]

👋. Your choices make really good sense for their intended uses. I am a cook kit/cook stove junkie and have been a serious user/collector for many decades. I basicly choose my cook set and cook stove based on the menu items I'm packing and cooking. My favorite GoTo systems are: SMALL SIZE: OPTIMUS CRUX WEEKENDER HE Cookset with the FOLDABLE OPTIMUS CRUX (CANISTER-STYLE) STOVE. Also love the STANLEY COMPACT COOK SET and use that one often. MEDIUM SIZE: STANLEY COOK SET FOR TWO pared up with either the OPTIMUS CRUX STOVE or The SOLO Stove LITE Wood or SOLO Stove TITAN Gasification Stoves. Large Size: Trangia 27T or Trangia 25T STORMCOOKER COOK SET paired w/Trangia Alcohol Burner. Also love the SOLO TITAN Stove with the STANLEY Boil-N-Brew French Press pared w/ the STANLEY TWO BOWL COOK SET. Regardless of cooking styles, I ALWAYS take my SOLO TITAN or LITE as my emergency heating source should I need to be warm enough in an emergency. I'm a former Police Dispatcher and scout Leader so being prepared with a backup plan for survival is very important with any outdoor activity.

[@mikelopez5865]

Prices ? What about for those who don’t want to spend much ? If possible