Pots and Pans, who needs what, and when?

I realize I have become a bit of a nerd if it comes to the right pot for cooking in every situation. I must even admit that it is nice to buy new titanium cooking gear. Such buying gives pleasure to a trip long before I actually get on a tour. But now, I have enough. Really. And that’s why I share this post: who needs what and when? Yet, nothing so personal as one’s kitchen.

Some don’t think it’s necessary to cook at all, besides boiling some water. Others fare well by Maggi noodles or spaghetti with ketchup. But if you have become aware of food intake as a filling with real substance that benefits your whole system, than it makes sense to cook (even if that is minimal).

There are so many different pots and pans on the market that it is confusing what is needed for when. One pot might have the correct capacity but doesn’t have a spout to pour hot water for tea. A tea kettle can not be used as a pot to cook a meal in and a frying pan is only good for frying meat, eggs, baking bread and even a full meal but certainly not to prepare a chai or coffee. Too big a pot takes too much space, a pot that is too small has not the capacity to fill the tummy. And what when I need two pots? Although rice and vegetables can be done in one pot at the same time too. Two pots are really a luxury and one needs only a plate or large cup to assist in cooking.

Why do I even bother? As a person who gives a lot of importance to food and is of the opinion that resting in camp is best when a chai is at hand, the right pot is quite an ordeal. I think I can say that I have reached the point where I have what I need, in every situation.

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For the most all-round lightweight trail-hike cooking Soto titanium pot

Titanium, capacity 1100 ml, weight 62 gram, dimensions 15.6 cm x 7.4 cm. Costs: € 75

It sure is the lightest pot I could find (but not when layers of soot attach itself to the bottom of the pot). It has enough capacity to cook a wholesome meal that will fill me up. This is a pot that fits on every stove or fire but it is not my favorite pot. Besides being expensive it is made so lightweight that when lifting it up with its handle, it will easily loose grip. A full pot is just way too heavy for the lifter to hold it. It definitely needs support from the hands, which is not handy when it is hot.

I lost a chai and lost grip when handling the pot full with food, which is a ‘disaster’ when you have the little you carried for kilometers and rely on.

Boiling chai needs slow brewing, for the tea to become strong. A pot this thin does that extremely quick, so the fire needs to be very weak to start off with.

The tiny lid lifter is flimsy and prone to loosen and get lost.

For an all-round kitchen experience MRS Alpine fry pan – skillet

Stainless steel, weight 323 gram, dimensions 19.6 x 4.8 cm. Costs: € 43

Used a lot on the 5-year cycling trip. I have replaced an earlier model for this one. Eggs do stick to the surface but that is what stainless steel does. I usually add a lot of butter or olive oil to fry. The handle of the pan is superior. This pan is never taken along on hiking trips but might be used on longer cycling trips since carrying more weight isn’t much of an issue. To cook a bit more elaborate and not be depended on restaurants, the MRS Alpine fry skillet complement any other pot. I would fry eggs, meat, self-made bread or prepare a vegetable gravy.

As a second pot to cook meals MSR Seagull (StowAway) pot

Stainless steel, capacity 1100 ml, weight 440 gram, dimensions 19.1 x 16.5 x 9.7 cm. Costs: € 39

It is a hopeless pot when it comes to pouring hot water or chai into a cup as quite some will spill. The rim of the pot is the problem. The capacity is small to prepare a full meal but with some creativity it will do. This pot complements the MSR Alpine fry skillet when it comes to boiling rice, pasta or any other grain that accompanies the sauce made in the skillet. However, one pot can function for both considering the pot has a capacity over 1 litre.

What I like is the fact that the pot can be clipped closed, so all items in it will stay secured. The handle solution on this pot is very functional and smartly designed.

In case I take this pot along, another something needs to go with me (usually a plate to cut and have boiled/cooked ingredients set aside). When I do not want to make a one-pot-meal: for placing the earlier cooked grains or pasta onto while preparing the gravy.

Main meal cooking pot Primus 1.5 liter (precursory of the) Prime Tech pot

The pot I have isn’t produced any longer, the Prime Tech pot is very similar.

This pot can hold enough for a full meal. The handle of the pot is okay but prone to bending and breaking in half (this can be fixed). It has a ring underneath that is presumably heat-efficient.

I usually cook according what I take with me:

1 pot: start with boiling the grain or pasta in an amount of water that is barely enough (1.5 centimeters covering the ingredient you use). When nearly done, add the vegetables and/or other ingredients (asparagus with tuna is a nice combination). Add cashews (toasted), raw spring onions and tomatoes. More minimal cooking combinations.

2 pots: when first preparing your staple, like rice or pasta, you can set it aside after some minutes of boiling (it is not necessary to boil for the time as suggested on the package). Meanwhile you can start preparing the rest in the other pot. When the vegetable stew/sauce/gravy is nearly ready, add the partly boiled and soaked grains to the pot and leave it to incorporate until ready. My recipes for easy cooking while touring is something I keep coming back to.

Two pots makes for more relaxed cooking. I can make a chai without washing the pot and I have to be less consistent in my preparation.

This pot handles it all: frying, cooking and boiling. I find myself not taking this pot along often, as the trips are shorter and need rather one smaller pot, such as the one below.

This pot can nest the Optimus Multifuel stove.

Main pot for cooking and boiling Snow Peak Tea Kettle No. 1

Stainless steel, capacity 900 ml, weight 290 gram, dimensions 15 x 14 x 9.6 cm. Costs: $ 27 (bought in USA)

My favorite pot for preparing hot drinks, mostly chai. Not a drop is spilled with the spout on this perfectly designed Tea Kettle. I use it to make wholesome soups (adding some dried wakame) and even though the pot is actually too small for a full meal, it will just do. The fact that I can use it separately for chai is the biggest plus. This one is taken along when I want to be lightweight but not ultra. If the gas canister comes along, than this tea kettle too.

This pot can nest a bigger gas canister.

Valtcan 0.65 liter pot

Titanium, capacity 0.9 ml when full to the brim, weight 137 gram, dimensions 12.5 cm x 10 cm.

This one was ordered together with other items and more of an extra than really needed. However, the design and capacity makes it a perfect fit for boiling beverages, soup and staples such as rice, grains and chai. The narrow fit is functioning as a tall cup, one where you could warm your hands onto. However, it is a single wall pot, and I prefer a double wall for drinking.

Valtcan is a small private owned and operated business. Wilson, who is the designer, does so only in titanium and keeps improving. His gear is not mass produced and some items will not be available at all times, if at all. I would buy a lot more if not the tax procedure to get it to Hungary is problematic.

This pot can nest a 1 liter Nalgene bottle.

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The cup I won’t ever go without, any touring and at home is Keith titanium 300 ml double walled cup with lid. Weight 115 gram. Dimension 8.3 cm x 7.5 cm. Price around € 50.

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