MSR BlackLite Classic Cookset

The MSR BlackLite cookset is a low priced entry model cook-set that does not disappoint. This cook-set includes:
1.5- and 2-liter pots, fitted lid, PanHandler pot lifter, reusable stuff sack and Packtowl to separate pots.
Total weight is just over 1 pound and packs to 7.75" x 3.6".
Great for two- to three-person backpack trips.
Great beginner cook-set

I received this cookset from my father when I first got into backpacking. At the time all I had was a collection of random old school aluminum pots and pans that had been handed down from my father's early backpacking days.

The first use the cookset got was at Eightmile Lake in the Washington Enchantments. In one pot frying up some canned chicken in olive oil and in another cooking rice and butter.

The first thing I noticed was that I had to devote a lot of attention when frying anything as to not burn the Teflon. Another thing I found right off the bat was that the pot lifter was scratching the pots. After all cooking was done for the night cleanup was a breeze and the included pack towels were very useful.

I have been using these pots for about 2 1/2 years now and still love them, yes they are starting to look a bit haggard but with proper care they will last a while longer.

Light, easy to clean, distributes heat evenly. The old MSR heat exchanger ring actually works better in every way, fit and usefulness with a plus on this set.

The Pros: Light, easy to clean, distributes heat evenly, the old MSR heat exchanger ring actually works better in every way with this set.

You can drop the exchanger down about an inch and it acts as a wind block and seems to shorten the boil time compared to the Stainless Alpine set.

Since the bottom is less rounded like the Alpine pot it stays put unlike the Alpine where it was always slipping if you tried this technique, no matter how much you clamped it down.

The Cons: So the complaint is the Teflon scratching the Teflon burns off and the Teflon bubbles. Easy to fix—use a green scrubby with a sponge. Don't throw it on direct heat without something inside the pot first and use plastic or wooden utensils.

TURN THE FLAME DOWN!!

I use a wooden rice cooker spoon.

The only thing I can't control is the shape of the pot lip in conjunction with the gripper.

Yes, if you gorilla clamp on it the Teflon gets mauled. The MSR Lite-lifter gripper for this set seems to work better, but it's hard to find even used.

Background

Years not getting into the technical aspect.

It is an aluminum pot, there is not much else to say. The not stick coating is easily scratched and has bubbled up all over my pot. The pot lifter leaves large scratches in the coating if you are lifting your pot with more than a cup of water in it. I am in the process of looking for a lighter pot, and probably will be looking at Titanium and something uncoated because I'm tired of eating it.

I got this set for my birthday. I really liked it, they are light and easy to use! The only prob is the non stick surface, easy to scratch. But I use plastic spoons and haven't had a problem.