Cookware

Recent Cookware Reviews

Sea to Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper

Not quite idiot-proof. And I can be an idiot—especially in the foggy end of the morning, ha ha. I am no javanista, but I can recognize that this pour-over has the capacity to make an EXCELLENT cup of coffee. Or with a minor error in judgement, it can make an awful mess. Long story short, this is an excellent coffee maker—if you really know what you are doing. Background: Let me be upfront—I am a tea drinker. I like a good cup of coffee, and I like to think that I can recognize a good cup of… Full review

Silipint Lidded Bowl Set

A set of three lidded bowls (10oz, 20oz, and 30oz) that function well and have nice secure lids and non-slip silicone surfaces. Smallest one is good for a cup or small container, biggest one makes for a great bowl. Easy to use and easy to clean. Just wish the sizes were a little different. Conditions:  I’ve used the Silipint Lidded Bowl Set for three months and have tested them in a variety of manners, including: Storing trail snacks Storing soup to be reheated later Making soup while hunting… Full review

Toaks Titanium 1100ml Pot with Pan

Full review

Jetboil JetSet Utensil Kit

Bought a set of these as it seemed like a good answer to having utensils while backpacking. I would not buy them again as they do not lock properly. Extremely annoying when trying to stab something with the fork and fork collapses. I have to jam something in the mechanism to keep it locked.  Full review

Opinel Picnic+

A handy multi-use tool that stores away easily and compactly. The knife is sharp, and the spoon and fork utensils are highly functional. It’s nice to have a quality napkin on hand too. Testing Conditions:  I’ve used the Opinel Picnic+ cutlery set for a few months now. I began using it in the field for eating lunch when hunting but I transitioned to using it in the office for daily lunches at work as well. I’ve used the fork and spoon (daily) much more than the knife (once or twice a week). Full review

Coghlan's Sierra Cup

A great cup. Hang it from your pack in pride or hide it inside to keep it somewhat cleaner. This cup or mug has been all over. Once you buy one you seldom need another. Mine has been to Baja, California, campsites, Florida, all over North Carolina, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado to name a few. I've used it to drink and share meals. This one actually may be a Coleman, Stansport, or other brand since it is so old. It is stamped Taiwan, but they can be made all over. I've seen other vintage ones… Full review

Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar

A wide mouth, 0.5-liter thermos that can keep food palatably hot for up to 8 hours, but doesn't quite make it as a long-term ICDS (ice cream delivery system). A side mounted spork and secret compartment are some nice finishing touches.   Meet Fat Stanley I started making ice cream when I was 15, during the summers at my dad’s place in southern NH. I took an ice cream making hiatus during my college and world travel years, but after all that I put in a couple years as part-time caretaker and all-round… Full review

Outlery Full Set

Elegant eating utensils in a pocket size box. Intended to displace single use plastics, Outlery can also add a little elegance to outdoor meals in a variety of settings but is too heavy for extended backpack trips. The box   In the box Judging by my review history, I seem to have an inordinate fondness for spoons, or maybe outdoor cutlery in general. The internet in its infinite acquisitive wisdom seems to know about this, and so channeled an ad for Outlery portable cutlery in my general direction. Full review

MSR Alpine Utensils Spatula

The end of the spatula melted the first time I cooked with it. Bacon and eggs for two in a stainless steel frying pan, nothing extreme.       Full review