10 Best Backpacking Fry Pans in 2023

Sure, backpacking is great, but it’s also quite tiresome. That is why you always have to keep your pack light and manageable.

Unfortunately, cooking equipment always doesn’t fall on the ‘light side, especially when it comes to frying pans. And if one thing’s for sure, outdoorsy people love a good fried meal while on the trail.

So, how can you manage to keep your backpack light without sacrificing the pleasures of cooking? That’s where lightweight fry pans come in. The best backpacking frying pans cook your meals efficiently with minimal heat requirements and are lightweight.

With so many backpacking fry pans out there, you’d think shopping for one is a breeze. But, once you get to it, you realize it’s quite the contrary. With so many manufacturers marketing their fry pan as the ‘best,’ finding the best one can be pretty daunting.

Ten Best Backpacking Pans in the market

So, to make things a little easy for you, we’ve reviewed 10 best backpacking fry pans. We’ve also thrown in a few pointers on how to select the best one.

Without further ado, let’s get right to it.

SL	Product Name	Weight	Check Price
#1	Backpacking Camping Cookware	1.72 Pounds	Check Price
#2	REDCAMP Camping Cookware Mess Kit	‎0.96 Pounds	Check Price
#3	Odoland 10pcs Camping Cookware	……..	Check Price
#4	All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware	4.7 Pounds	Check Price
#5	Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit	‎3.31 Pounds	Check Price
#6	GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan	7.7 ounces	Check Price
#7	MSR Alpine Fry Pan	‎0.32 Kilograms	Check Price
#8	Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware	…….	Check Price
#9	STANSPORT – Stainless Steel Mess Kit	‎1.2 Pounds	Check Price
#10	Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet	2.2 pounds	Check Price

Best Backpacking Fry Pan – Review

1. Backpacking Camping Cookware

BeGrit makes some of the most resilient cookware out there, and they didn’t disappoint with this one. The 410 stainless steel construction gives this cooking kit unmatched durability, so you don’t have to worry about having to go back to the store any time soon.

When it comes to compactness, you’ll love the fact that this cooking set comes with a handle design that folds, making it easy to pack into a tight space.

The internal cooking surface of this cooking kit is lined with a non-toxic and wear-resistant material making it suitable for cooking typically any meal you can think of.

This cooking set also has a pretty slim construction that enables it to catch heat quickly, thus making it perfect for cooking with small campfires, gas burners, and electric coils. And at weighing just 780 grams, it won’t add too much weight to our already heavy backpack.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Durable
• It comes with a carrying bag
• Lined with a non-toxic and wear-resistant material

Cons

• It is quite small, so it won’t serve a large camping party.

2. REDCAMP Camping Cookware Mess Kit

If you are looking for a high-quality, all-inclusive mess kit, then this might just be the product for you. This cooking set is made of high-quality anodized aluminum. This makes it not only durable but also quite easy to clean.

This 12-piece camping mess kit comes equipped with everything you’ll need on a camping trip. From cookware to forks, spoons, and bowls, they’ve got you covered. And that’s not all. The whole set weighs only 435 grams, so you won’t even notice its weight hanging on your backpack. Its compact design also enables it to take up very little space.

The extended handles also make it quite safe when cooking with a gas canister since your hands are kept as far away from the canister as possible.

This cookware kit also comes with a 360-day limited manufacturer warranty, so if anything breaks, you can always replace it at no extra cost.

Pros

• It comes in 12 pieces
• Lightweight
• Anodized aluminum construction
• 360-day limited warranty
• It comes with an oxford bag

Cons

• The cooking surface is not non-stick.

3. Odoland 10pcs Camping Cookware

Next up is yet another all-inclusive, budget-friendly mess kit. This 10-piece Mess Kit comes with everything you need for a camping cookout, even cups!

The whole set weighs only two pounds, which makes it among the lightest full mess kit out there. But don’t the lightweight fool you. This cookware is made of anodized aluminium, which makes it pretty durable.

When it comes to compactness, you’ll appreciate the fact that all the components in this mess kit collapse into one item that can easily fit into any backpacking pack. And if you don’t have enough space in your pack, you can always use the carabiner to attach the kit to your backpack.

Pros

• All-inclusive mess kit
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Affordable

Cons

• The fork, spoon, and knife on this set feel a bit flimsy. The cups are also quite small.

4. All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware

If you like your cookware looking fancy, then check out the All-Clad D3. Its highly polished and stylish design could just make your outdoor backpacking cookout look like a fancy retreat.

This fry pan features a flat base with flared sides that allow easy flipping and serving. Its cooking surface also has a starburst finish that not only accentuates the classic design but is very easy to clean and maintain.

The All-Clad D3 features unique tri-ply construction, with an aluminum core bonded with stainless steel on both sides. It gives it superior heat distribution and unmatched durability.

You can never be too safe when cooking outdoors. That’s why All-clad equipped this fry pan with a contoured stainless steel handle that is held firmly in place by tightly-secured rivets to make sure you never burn yourself accidentally when handling the pan.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Durable
• Excellent heat distribution
• Contoured handle
• Easy to clean

Cons

• It tends to warp when cooking at high temperatures.

5. Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit

If you usually go camping in groups of two to four, this might just be the product you require to carry on your next backpacking trip.

The cookware for this set is made of anodized aluminium, which is not only lightweight but is also quite resilient. The anodized aluminium material ensures fast heating and even heat distribution for an even cook.

And if you constantly worry about burning yourself when cooking, you’ll appreciate the fact that the cookware comes equipped with a set of heat-resistant and anti-slip handles. The handles also secure tightly to the cookware, so you don’t have to worry about your food slipping away when moving the cookware.

This mess kit also comes equipped with a nonstick coating that helps you achieve healthier cooking and also makes cleaning the set a whole lot easier.

At just 3.3 pounds, this set is pretty light for its size, coming with a carry-on bag that eases transportation.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Nonstick coating
• Heat-resistant, anti-slip handles

Cons

• The small size of the cookware might limit your serving ability when cooking for a large group.

6. GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan

From GreenPan, the company that brought you the first ceramic nonstick cookware, we present the GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick fry pan.

This pan features a healthy ceramic nonstick cooking surface that doesn’t contain PFOA, PFAS, cadmium, or lead. That, coupled with the fact that the cooking surface doesn’t peel off, or release any harmful chemicals to your food, makes it among the safest cookware out there.

Its relatively small size gives it excellent heat distribution. Although you might not be able to cook a full meal on this pan, it is ideal for a quick breakfast or small meal for one person.

The smooth surface on this pan makes it particularly easy to clean. When you’re not out there camping, you can even clean it in a dishwasher.

This pan also features a stay-cool silicone-wrapped handle that not only prevents you from getting burnt but also makes it very easy to carry and serve food.

Pros

• Compact design
• It doesn’t leach any harmful chemicals
• Easy to clean
• Excellent heat distribution

Cons

• Food tends to stick on its surface when you don’t add enough cooking oil.

7. MSR Alpine Fry Pan

If you are looking for a backpacking fry pan that will not only last longer but also do its job right, then the MSR Alpine Fry Pan might just be the product for you.

The MSR Alpine Fry Pan is made of stainless steel coming with an aluminum bottom disk that gives it excellent heat distribution. And if you like cooking with metal utensils, or cleaning with harsh materials, then you’ll like the fact that this fry pan’s surface is super resilient and resistant to corrosion.

With an eight-inch diameter and a depth of two inches, this fry pan can handle anything from a light breakfast to a one-person meal. It’s also pretty lightweight, weighing only 312 grams; you won’t even notice the extra weight on your backpack.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Scratch and corrosion-resistant

Cons

• The removable handle comes off after repeated use.

8. Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware

This cooking set has everything you need for an all-out outdoor cookout when backpacking. With this cooking set, you get a spoon, fork, knife, and Spock. And if that’s not all, Bisgear also threw in a stove, so you’re practically getting everything you need in one package.

The cookware (pan and pot) is made of anodized aluminum, which makes them quite durable and lightweight. The internal cooking surface is also non-stick, so you can rest assured your egg breakfast won’t burn.

Despite being quite extensive, the entire set folds into a pretty compact size that fits the mesh bag that comes with the set.

Pros

• Comprehensive set
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Compact
• Easy to clean

Cons

• The stove isn’t very reliable.

9. STANSPORT – Stainless Steel Mess Kit

Sure, a frying pan is great, but an entire cooking set is better. This four-piece mess kit comes with a pan, boiling pot with lid, and a plate. This means that it has everything you need for a two-course meal, and the best part about it is it’s also pretty affordable.

The cookware is of stainless steel with a copper bottom for even heat distribution. However, when cooking with the set, you’ll have to take care when pulling the pieces from heat since copper cools slower than aluminum.

The handle is perhaps the set’s most impressive feature. It’s very easy to handle, and despite being made of metal, it doesn’t heat up quickly when cooking.

In terms of compactness, you’ll like the fact that this set folds perfectly into a compact design. The lid stacks inside the pot, while the plate stacks on top as the cover. The handle then folds and holds the whole thing together.

Pros

• Compact design
• It has a copper bottom for even heat distribution
• Affordable
• Durable

Cons

• The pan is a bit thin, so it might burn your food when cooking in a high heat setting.

10. Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

If you like cooking on open fires, then you’ll love the Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. This cast-iron skillet can withstand tremendous heat, making it perfect for cooking on open fires.

Its sturdy construction makes it super durable and gives it superior heat retention and distribution for an even cook.

Unlike most cast iron cookware that weighs a ton, this skillet is pretty light. It weighs only 3.3 pounds and is very compact. It also comes with a sturdy handle with a hole that comes in handy when you want to hang it.

Pros

• Durable
• Excellent heat retention and distribution
• Lightweight
• Compact

Cons

• The surface finish is pretty rough

Factors that Make the Best Backpacking Fry Pan

Shopping for a backpacking fry pan is pretty easy when you know what to look for. So, the next time you go fry pan-shopping, look out for the following features:

1. Weight

Regardless of where you plan on going camping, you’ll still have to do a little legwork. And if one thing’s for sure, a heavy backpack can take the fun out of an otherwise adventurous experience.

When choosing a backpacking fry pan, go for the lightest one you can find, but don’t compromise on quality. Most of the pans on our list are lightweight and can hold up to rigorous use.

2. Compactness

If you’ve packed for a long family trip before, then we don’t have to tell you how hard it is to fit massive suitcases and other equipment in the trunk of your car. Now imagine trying to fit everything you need for a long backpacking trip in one bag.

When it comes to backpacking for a camping trip, any space available is prime real estate. That is why you have to make sure your cookware takes up as little space as possible.

Look for cookware (pots and pans) that can fit inside one another. You should also look out for cookware with compressible parts, like handles. These slight modifications come in handy since you can easily fold them up for easy storage.

3. Versatility

Despite popular belief, you don’t have to limit yourself to single-course meals and small breakfasts. With the right cookware, you can even whip up a thanksgiving diner at the campground.

The trick here is to find a pan that can handle a big meal without sacrificing weight and compactness. You should go for a cooking set complete with a pot, fry pan, and all corresponding lids.

4. Usage

This is probably the essential thing you should consider when buying a backpacking fry pan. What’s its primary use? Do you plan on using it for camping only, or do you want it to double up as part of your kitchenware?

Once you determine what you need it for, you can then narrow down your options depending on the features you require for that particular purpose. An important feature to consider here is the non-stick feature. Nonstick fry pans generally come in stylish designs and are very easy to clean, making them perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.

5. Food Grade Materials

You might have to strain your wallet a bit for non-stick and chemical-free cookware, but considering the health risks you’ll be avoiding, it’s worth the price tag.

Before buying a frying pan, you should investigate the chemical makeup of the non-stick coating. Never choose a frying pan with PFOA, PFAS, cadmium, or lead. These chemicals could give you cancer!

6. Handle

Most backpacking fry pans have foldable handles that make them easy to pack. The most common type of handles on camping frying pans are curved handles that curve along the circumference of the pan. Most of these handles are coated with either plastic or vinyl to prevent you from getting burnt, but some aren’t.

Despite being usable, most curved handles are quite hard to use since they don’t lock in place.

You can also opt for fry pans with flat-folding handles that fold up along the bottom of the pan and spring up when in use. These handles are a bit more stable.

The last and least popular choice of handles are permanently fixed handles. These are the kind of handles that you’ll find on your traditional kitchen pans. They are quite hard to pack, but when it comes to usability, they’re quite convenient.

7. Material

Camping fry pans come in four different materials, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. They include:

• Aluminum
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Titanium

Aluminum

This is the most commonly used material in the manufacture of backpacking fry pans. Most people worry about aluminum reacting with acidic foods or leaching into their food.

While this is true for earlier models, modern pans are made from anodized aluminum, which is much more resistant than regular aluminum. Most plans also come equipped with a non-stick coating that prevents your food from getting into direct contact with aluminum.

You should, however, note that, although the coating makes the pans safer, it also makes them less durable. On the downside, the coating tends to scratch and peel off easily.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel provides a perfect balance between being durable and lightweight. Stainless steel pans are more scratch-resistant than their aluminum counterparts. They can also endure harsher cleaning methods and don’t get dented easily.

On the downside, stainless steel pans are prone to hotspots when cooking. Also, they don’t have non-stick properties, so most probably, your food will stick. Unless, of course, you use more oil.

Cast iron

Cast iron pans are probably the worst choice of backpacking pans out there. They are very heavy compared to other types.

But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a few perks. Cast iron cookware is perfect for cooking on open flames, so you’ll be sure to enjoy a great meal with a cast iron pan. You should, however, note that due to their weight, you cant use them on a classical mini camping stove.

Titanium

Titanium is very light. In fact, it is the lightest backpacking pan material out there. It is slightly more expensive than aluminum but not that popular. This is because titanium pans have a tendency to form hot spots, making them unsuitable for cooking meals. Most backpackers use titanium cookware to boil water.

That said, some titanium pots and pans come equipped with a non-stick coating that makes cooking more manageable.

Our Top Pick

As our top pick, we chose the BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware set. It is very lightweight, compact, and also quite durable. Also, being a set, it comes equipped with everything you need for a good old camping cookout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best backpacking fry pan material?

It all comes down to your personal preference and what you plan on cooking with it. That said, you should go for fry pans that have at least three layers of two different materials. For example, you can go for one with an aluminum core and stainless steel cover. These types of pans offer better heat distribution.

What way is the best to pack a backpacking pan?

The way you pack it depends on its size and general design. But, when dealing with a set of cookware, you should place the pot down and stack the plates inside the pot. The pan can act as a cover.

How can I make my fry pan last longer?

Like any other kitchenware, you have to clean it after every meal. When cleaning pans with nonstick surfaces, make sure to use a smooth cloth to avoid scratching the nonstick layer. You should also avoid overheating the pot to prevent it from warping.

Conclusion

There you have it. A list of the ten best backpacking fry pans on the market. All the pans on our list are of superior quality and are guaranteed to serve you well on your next backpacking trip.

But, before you pick one that appeals to you, make sure you consider all the factors we’ve discussed in the buying guide section. Happy camping, and stay safe out there!