Backpacking cooking equipment

Factors to consider in choosing gear for backpacking cooking:

· What performance do you need? Many people (and complex meals) mean you probably need an efficient pressurized gas stove that burn hot immediately. Will there be windy conditions and low temperatures, if so, then go for a liquid fuel stove.

· In order to choose the appropriate stove and cookware, you have to understand your cooking needs. Your cooking needs depend upon the type of wilderness trips you plan, how many people you'll be cooking for and how complex your meals will be.

· Size and weight of both the stove and fuel is important. Check compactness when stowed. Some stoves are designed to fit inside of cook sets.

· Is it easy and safe to use? Look for a camping stove with a robust design. It has to be easy to set up and easy to light. A stove has to be reliable and simple to maintain. The easiest to use and safest camping stoves are the non-pressurized alcohol stove.

· Fuel availability? Find out which fuels will be available for your trip or bring what you need with you. Maybe a multi-fuel stove would be a good fit for you if you are unsure of fuel availability?

· Costs of the stove and of fuel? A stove is not a big investment. Buy the stove that will fit your needs.