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Who says you have to settle for par-cooked food when you are out in the elements? We know that camping and backpacking requires some essential gear. Sturdy boots, a stout tent, a warm sleeping bag, and emergency supplies should be first on your list before you brave the wild.
But once you have your essential gear dialed in, start thinking about your cookware. Good backpacking and camping cookware could be the difference between a good trip and an epic one. So take a look at the 7 best backpacking fry pans.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Gear
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
This, like some of the subsequent items you will see on our list, is actually a complete camping cookware set. It includes a backpacking frying pan, camping skillet, nonstick pot, 2 bowls and folding stainless steel spork.
The cookware is made from durable and lightweight anodized aluminum and the entire set fits nimbly in the included nylon carrying pouch. And the entire set can be used over a propane burner or portable stove.
Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
This set comes with 2 main pieces of cookware: a camping frying pan and pot. The rest of the pieces in this set include folding fork, knife, spoon and spork, a small spatula, a portable Piezo cooker, 2 bowls, caribener, nylon pouch and a scrubber.
So right off the bat, this set has pretty much everything you need to eat hardy on the trails. But if that all wasn’t enough, the cookware in this set is designed very well. The backpacking skillet and the pot are made from anodized aluminum.
Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
You can get this kit in a 27, 13, 11, 8 or 3 piece kit. Right off the bat, this kit is a little larger than the first two on our list. It weighs just over 3 pounds and collapses to a complete size of about 8.1 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches tall.
But all of the pieces which includes 2 pots complete with lid, a backpacking fry pan, a kettle, 4 bowls, a folding soup spoon, a ladle, cleaning sponge and carrying pouch collapse into one another so it’s still compact for everything it includes.
G4Free Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This is another camping cookware set that comes with a portable mini stove. There are foldable arms on the stove to accommodate the cookware as well. You get a full, foldable utensil set including knife, fork, spon and spatula.
And all of the cookware is made of lightweight anodized aluminum. The mini stove can be powered by a standard propane tank and supports the full weight of the pots this set comes with: one a 0.6 liter pot and the other a 1.2 liter pot.
Bisgear 12pcs Camping Cookware
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
This set is similar to the first Bisgear kit that appeared on our list but if you like spending a night under the stars with a nice bottle of wine, this would be the better buy. Namely because this kit comes with a corkscrew wine opener.
The set also includes a stand for propane tanks, a mini stove with peizo ignition, foldable knife, spoon and fork, a caribener a 4.8 inch pot and a 2.4 inch pot. You also get a cleaning cloth and a handy carrying pouch.
BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
Most of the items on our list so far featured anodized aluminum cookware. But #6 on our list consists of stainless steel frying pan and pots. In fact the whole set which also includes two plates and two mugs is made of stainless steel.
You might think that would weight this set down but amazingly, the entire set weighs just 1.5 pounds. The frying pan is 5.8 inches in diameter and the pots are 5.5 inches and 4.8 inches respectively. It also includes a carrying pouch.
MSR Alpine Fry Pan
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
And now for the sole item on our list that doesn’t come as a set. The MSR Alpine Fry Pan is just that, a frying pan. A stainless steel frying pan with wire handles to be exact. But what makes this a great backpacking or camping frying pan is the foldable/removable handle and the stainless steel construction.
It’s very durable and lightweight at just over 11 ounces. Plus, it includes an aluminum bottom disc for superior heat distribution.
Backpacking Fry Pan Buying Guide
When selecting gear for your outdoor adventures, you need to have a discerning eye. To help you get the best backpacking fry pan, follow these basic rules of thumb:
Buy for your Party
It’s hard to cook for even 3 people when your backpacking mess kit was designed for 2. So make sure you pick a kit with adequate capacity for your party.
Steel or Aluminum
Stainless steel and aluminum are really the only cookware materials that are light enough to be carried on the trails.
Keep it Light
Basically, anything over 4 pounds will most likely add a significant burden to your backpack so do your best to aim for a frying pan or kit that weighs 4 pounds or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are kits better than single pieces?
A: People often buy kits when they camp or backpack with other people.
Q: Do I need propane for mini stoves?
A: Yes, mini stoves use propane tanks as their fuel.
Q: Can I use a camping frying pan over an open flame?
A: Some frying pans can be used over an open flame. But many of them are made of cast iron which adds significant weight to your bags so they may not be ideal.
Some Final Advice
The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for the best backpacking fry pan is that you should never over-burden yourself. If you plan on hiking or backpacking long distances, the most important thing is to keep your bag as light and manageable as possible.
You never want to be hampered by a cumbersome bag loaded with heavy cookware or tire yourself out in the middle of the trail where it may be hard to call for help. Keep it light, keep it manageable and be sure to check out the cookware on our list here.
