Getting the write cookware set is an integral part of backpacking or camping preparation. After all that hiking up and down the trails, there will come the point where you’ll want a hot meal to end the day with. It’s important to select cookware that’s not only durable and effective but also lightweight enough to carry around.
In this article, we’re comparing popular cookware brands TOAKS and Snow Peak. Both brands are well-known in the world of hiking, camping, and backpacking, and both offer excellent products. But which of the two comes out on top regarding portable cookware?
TOAKS Overview
The TOAKS is a Titanium Outdoor Camping Pan. It contains a picnic bowl as well as a pot and pan. Made of quality titanium, we praise the set for its durability and the fact that it’s corrosion-resistant. It’s also perfectly portable with the sleek and lightweight design that seemingly can do it all.
The Titanium’s pan can act as both a lid and a casserole, while its long handle helps avoid spills and accidental burns. It’s a folding handle pot, so the handle can also fold inwards, further adding to its compact and portable design. It’s constructed to fit a small backpacking stove and a 110g (0.02 lbs) fuel canister.
The Titanium material allows for an even distribution of heat and doesn’t leave any metallic smell or taste while cooking with it, which is a big plus. The pot also includes measurement markings to help guide your portions while cooking for convenience. It’s also effortless to clean, especially with the round bottom edges.
One issue we have with the TOAKS is that the lid fails to “snap” into place with the pot. You may need a rubber band to keep the lid from falling off the pot and risk spilling its contents, which can be an annoyance if you’re keeping it in your bag.
As far as titanium pots go, this set is highly recommended not only for its compact and lightweight design but also because of its durability and efficient cooking capabilities. It’s a bit pricey in comparison to the Snow Peak, but if you’re an avid outdoorsman (or woman), you’ll find it’s worth the investment.
Pros
- Compact design for increased portability
- Folding handles for limited space
- Corrosion-resistant
- Made with durable, quality titanium
- No metallic taste or odor
- Long handle shape to avoid burns
Cons
- Expensive
- Lid does not “snap” into place
Snow Peak Overview
The Snow Peak cookware set we’re comparing is the Trek 900 Titanium. Also made of titanium material, this multi-purpose set comes with a measurement reference and acts as a mug, bowl, or pot, depending on your needs. Much like the TOAKS, this Snow Peak set also contains a folding handle allowing it to take up less space.
This ultra-lightweight set is also corrosion resistant and doesn’t leave that metallic taste or odor onto the food, no matter how long it sits on the fire. It’s durable enough to handle the heat from a fire, coal, or stove.
While the Snow Peak set proves to be lightweight, durable, and dependable, we have found a few downsides to be aware of. For one, the pot handles aren’t the greatest. Not only are they loose and noisy, but they tend to get quite hot when exposed to the fire. The shape and length also make it difficult to avoid touching the hot pot.
Customers have also said that the titanium the manufacturers used proves to be a poor heat conductor that doesn’t distribute the heat well. It also does not have a non-stick coating, so clean-ups might be challenging depending on what you’re cooking. The set isn’t cheap either.
However, even with these downsides, the Snow Peak’s quality titanium materials, multi-purpose design, and compact size make it a good investment for people who want something lightweight and easy to carry around on their backcountry trips and adventures.
Pros
- Ultra-light and compact
- Multi-purpose (3-in-1)
- Folding handles
- Corrosion-resistant
- Made with durable, quality titanium
- No metallic taste or odor
Cons
- Noisy, loose handles that heat up fast
- Uneven heat distribution, a poor conductor
- No non-stick surface
- Expensive
Similar Features
Both the TOAKS and the Snow Peak offer similar features worth mentioning. Both are made of durable, high-quality titanium. Because titanium is the lightest weight option that doesn’t compromise on stability, both cookware sets are pretty lightweight and easy to carry around, which is a big concern for backpackers.
Each cookware set also includes space-saving foldable handles for increased portability and offers a compact design. They are also both made with corrosion-resistant materials, which can particularly come in handy if you plan to use the sets often. The absence of that metallic odor and taste are also nice-to-haves that both sets share.
In terms of durability and functionality, the TOAKS is definitely the clear winner of the two, especially when you consider the practical long handles and non-stick surface.
However, when it comes to weight and compactibility, the Snow Peak’s ultra-light design makes it the perfect set to carry around on long hikes and steep hills without weighing you down.
Stand Out Features
While there are some comparable and similar features that both the TOAKS and the Snow Peak sets share, they both include a few standout features that set them apart from each other and other cookware sets, for the matter.
TOAKS
Long Handles: The TOAKS did an excellent job in its design with the long handles that extend so far away from your fire or stove that they avoid heating up too much and burning your hands.
Even-Heat Distribution: Design with high-quality titanium, the TOAKS offers a great heat conductor that evenly distributes heat enough to thoroughly and quickly cook your meals.
Non-Stick Surface: Clean up is quick easy due to the TOAKS’ non-stick coating, which is helpful on backpacking trips. The last thing you need is to worry about a dirty pot when you’re on the go in the wilderness.
Snow Peak
3-in-1 Design: The Snow Peak’s multi-purpose design that includes a mug, bowl, and pot is a standout feature that makes it perfect for saving space and multi-functionality.
Ultra-Lightweight: Weighing under a pound, the Snow Peak cookware set is manufactured with the lightest materials, making it easy to carry around on your adventures, especially when they take you far.
Compact Design: Measuring around six inches (15 cm) in diameter and four inches (10 cm) tall, the Snow Peak set thrives in packability, comfortably fitting in your backpack along with all your other backpacking essentials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the TOAKS titanium outdoor camping pan and the Snow Peak’s Trek 900 Titanium are premium quality cookware sets, each with their own uses.
We recommend going for the TOAKS if:
- You want more durability.
- You want to avoid the risk of burning your hands.
- You want something that will pack easily.
- You plan on cooking more than just-add-water meals.
We recommend opting for the Snow Peak if:
- You plan on hiking far and uphill and need something ultra-light.
- You plan on eating quick, simple, and small meals.
- You want multi-purpose cookware that packs easily
We agree that the TOAKs titanium outdoor camping pan is the clear contender here. While it holds many similarities to the Snow Peak’s Trek 900 Titanium, the fact is that its negatives far outweigh those of the TOAKS. It is long, coated, and foldable handle can prevent accidental burns, and even heat distribution allows you to cook anything you want.
Both sets are more than enough to meet your needs while backpacking, both with the essential feature of compatibility and durability.
FAQs
The following are some commonly asked questions associated with cookware for camping, hiking, and backpacking.
Can You Use a Normal Pan for Camping?
You can use a regular pan for camping, but it’s not recommended. Campfires typically cook at extremely high temperatures, which you won’t be able to regulate like our stove at home. You could control the heat by lifting the pan intermittently, but this isn’t always effective for consistent cooking, not to mention your arms will get tired. It will also be very challenging to clean as the food is likely to burn and ruin the pan entirely.
Is it Better to Cook with Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
Both aluminum and stainless steel are excellent options for cooking but can have very different properties as well. For one, aluminum will generally heat up much faster than stainless steel. However, stainless steel is less prone to scratches by metal utensils than aluminum which would require softer utensils. Aluminum is a better choice for a non-stick surface, especially when it is hard-anodized, which makes it stick-resistant and much easier to clean than stainless steel.
Is Cast Iron Good for Camping?
Cast iron pans are great for camping and are very durable over an open flame. Unlike lighter cookware, cast irons are almost indestructible even after extensive use over time. The only issue is that they can be poor heat conductors and don’t distribute heat evenly. In addition, they are quite heavy to carry around if you have to hike to your campsite.
