Does Titanium Cookware
Get The Nod?

Titanium cookware for backpacking pots and pans is not a perfect solution, but is it right for you?

Titanium cookware is a more recent high-tech addition to traditional hiking cookware (although you could add it to your camping equipment especially if most cookware seems too heavy). And although titanium definitely has a high "Wow!" factor it's still not perfect and has advantages and disadvantages...

The advantages are that it's tough camping cookware, it's very light, heats pretty quickly although it can exhibit hot spots, and it's pretty non-reactive (it's the same stuff hip replacements are made from). Scratched titanium will oxidize quickly when exposed to oxygen creating a thin layer of titanium dioxide which protects the titanium underneath.

The disadvantages of are that because it heats quickly it can burn food more easily too. Titanium pots, titanium pans and/or skillets can also be a little more expensive, but I wouldn't be surprised if you never had to buy another set and they're much easier to care for than cast-iron. Take a look at titanium if you are in to backpacking but make sure you stir that pot and use less heat when cooking with this type of camping cookware, otherwise you'll have charcoal for the fire. ;-)

So as you've probably figured out titanium cookware is great backpacking cookware because of its extreme light weight, if you don't mind stirring the kettle while you're heating or the possibility that you might scorch your food. Like with most camping cookware, it comes down to personal choice. If you have arthritis, weak wrists, or like the newest gear, titanium may be just what the doctor ordered.

A tight fitting lid will help your titanium cookware heat the fastest and save you fuel. Also avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal utensils.