Backpacking, Camp Stoves, Camping, Camping Food, Hiking, Outdoor Gear, Top Outdoor Lists

Top 10 Backpacking Kitchen Needs

backpacking kitchen needs

Preparing for a backpacking trip can be incredibly stressful, especially if you have never done it before. You may not know what to expect, and you also want to be careful about what you pack. Each item you pack must be meaningful to your travel or your trip. You want it to have a reason to take up space and weight in your backpack. However, there is no reason to let your space be taken up by things that you do not need. It will weigh you down and could take up space for an item you may have needed. Never fear! We are here to show you 10 different backpacking kitchen needs that are particularly great.

For the purposes of this article, we will mainly focus on backpacking stoves, since this is a main source of convenience when it comes to backpacking.


Other important gear under $5 to consider when backpacking.


Backpacking Kitchen Needs Considerations

When making a decision on which stove to purchase, make sure to consider:

  • The conditions you will be backpacking in (climate and weather)
  • The physical space you have in your backpack
  • Foods you are actually going to cook

Each of these factors plays a major role in deciding which backpacking kitchen needs will work for you. Also, it will help identify what you will actually need. So make a mental note of what your adventure will include. Use our suggestions below to start your list now.

1. MSR Pocket Rocket 2

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a small backpacking stove that is equipped to fit all your cooking needs as you go on your journey. Fueled by isobutane-propane, this burner is great for all pot sizes. It is lightweight for any backpacking adventurer. But don’t let its size fool you. It still is able to boil water in 3.5 minutes, despite its size and weight! There is also some wind protection which will help prevent this from blowing out. Overall, with the low cost, weight, and size this is a fantastic entry or continuing use ultralight stove.

2. Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo

backpacking kitchen needs

This is a genius combo pack for anyone looking to free up some space in their backpacks. The Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo pack includes a high-quality, lightweight burner, that can be stored in a canister that becomes your pot. By collapsing the pot around the stove, you are ready to attach them to your backpack right away.

Though convenient, the stove is still functional in having a stealth igniter. A great balance between convenience and space-saving technology. However, there is little to no wind protection. So take that into consideration.

backpacking kitchen needs

3. Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System

The Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System is a great and simple burner that is also easily stored away for a backpacker. By taking apart the stove itself and storing it in the stabilizing compartment, it can easily be put in your backpack for your next travels. Additionally, this burner is known for having incredible simmer control.

MiniMo Camping Cook System includes the stove, a cooking cup, a lid, a bottom cover, a fuel can stabilizer, and pot support. This will fulfill your backpacking kitchen needs at less than 15 oz!


Better learn some backpacking tips and tricks also!


4. Solo Stove Lite

backpacking kitchen needs

This smaller version of the Solo Stove is sure to make your backpacking experience easier and lighter. Weighing in at only 9 ounces! It is equipped with a unique airflow system that allows the stove to stay at a consistent temperature. It is also great for cooking purposes, even if it is an open flame, as its airflow system works to prevent as much smoke as possible.

A couple of other nice features are that the fuel for this is free! You don’t have to carry the weight of extra fuel when you hike. Also, the compact Solo Stove design nests inside the companion Solo Stove Pot 900. While you have to buy this separately the combination leaves you with more room in your backpack

5. Trangia Spirit Burner

We are at the halfway point of our top 10 backpacking kitchen needs. Have you found the stove that you need to buy yet? Anything surprising? If not keep reading to find more surprising backpacking kitchen needs.

backpacking kitchen needs

The Trangia Spirit Burner is by far possibly the most lightweight burner we have mentioned. However, this is mostly due to it not having any pot stand or windscreen. So while it is a great option and simple to use, you will still have to purchase the other pieces in order to have a properly working stove for your travels.

6. MSR Windburner Stove System


The MSR Windburner Stove System is another MSR product that is an all-in-one stove and cookware solution. The stove also includes a mug and cozy. Also, like the Pocket Rocket, this stove also is able to be compacted into one easy-to-carry canister. Overall, coupled with some dehydrated meals you can be eating in a jiffy!

The thing that I love most about this option is the fact that it is so customizable with MSR’s other products. This system works with optional cookware accessories, including the MSR WindBurner accessory pots, MSR WindBurner Skillet, hanging kit, and coffee press. Honestly, who doesn’t need a solid cup of joe in the morning? In my opinion, the versatility and combination of all these items make this the most flexible camp kitchen.


With all this talk of cooking, how should you store food when backpacking?


7. Primus Essential Trial Stove

backpacking kitchen needs

The Prius Essential Trial Stove also has a canister that is made into one pot and one pan-like container that can both be used on the stove itself. Weighing in at just less than 4 ounces, you will barely feel a difference when you add this to your backpack. Being able to boil within 3 and half minutes, you do not need to give up quality for it being smaller.

This kit includes a burner with windscreen, two 1. 3L pots, frying pan with non-stick coating, pot gripper, and storage bag. While most reviews are pretty solid on this one. If you are planning on cooking for two, then you may want to consider something a little bigger.

8. GSI Infinity Mug

While backpacking, you still deserve the best cup of coffee possible. This coffee mug makes sure your coffee stays warm. You will strap it to you when it is not in use. Surprisingly it holds up to 17 oz! This mug is the perfect size for your morning cup of coffee.

A couple of neat features on this mug that set it apart are the base and handle. The base is made of a non-skid material. That way if you are perched on a rock watching the sunrise you don’t have to worry about it sliding away. The handle lays flat against the mug for easy storage. Overall, it is a great option to take with you and is one of our favorite backpacking kitchen needs.

9. Opinel Knife

backpacking kitchen needs

Having a dependable knife for any circumstance is a must, but it is even more vital when you are camping or backpacking. The Opinel Knife is a stainless foldable knife that is a high-quality blade. It will cut through any ingredients you need it to cut, while also being not so sharp that you are consistently cutting yourself. This knife is wonderful, plus it is foldable. That way it fits in your backpack or your pocket easily.


Need your knives to pull double duty? Check out these multi-tools for under $25.


10. Multi-Use Quick Dry Towel


This Multi-Use Quick Dry Towel is a phenomenal tool to have while you are backpacking. Able to withstand the conditions, you can use this again and again by simply hanging it out to dry after each use. Unlike other towels, this towel is especially great because they are lightweight, quick dry, and has an antimicrobial treatment that reduces any unpleasant scents. These also come with carabiners to easily attach to your pack or tree. If you are looking for something a little more upscale and will retain long-term quality then you should check out our review on backpacking with the Tesalate Towel.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Kitchen Needs

Backpacking can become a tremendous task when you aren’t prepared. Making sure you are prepared is really important and it is vital to also research all of the options before you make a decision as to what will be most beneficial to you. While we primarily focused on backpacking stoves, hopefully, you found some other essential backpacking kitchen needs for your next trip.

So why not hit the trail and enjoy a hot meal? Because really, backpacking doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious food! These backpacking kitchen needs will set your next meal off on the right track.

Tell us your most recent backpacking stories in the comments below, on our Facebook, or Reddit! We would love to hear what you have been cooking up on your backpacking trips!