When selecting the stoves and cookware for a backpacking trip, two factors determine the lion’s share of decisions: the Length of the trip and the type of cooking. For simplicity and shorter trips the IsoPro canister stoves are the best.

 They light with a match and cook very efficiently. One canister of fuel will boil about 16 quarts of water and that will supply two people for 3 ½ days. At 4 days, you will need another cartridge (weight!).Liquid fuel stoves are slightly heavier and a little more complicated to operate. However fuel is cheap and readily available and the stove efficiently operates at any altitude or temperature. Liquid fuel is also much lighter for long trips (over 3 days). Cookware is available in three materials. The lightest and most expensive is Titanium. If all that matters is weight, then Titanium is the way to go.Aluminum has been an economical preference for years.

  It is fairly lightweight, and all of ours is coated with a special non-stick Teflon coating. This makes clean up easy, just wipe! Stainless Steel is tough and usually the biggest pot per dollar. However they weigh more and can have hot spots on backpacking stoves. But if you’re only boiling water then go with Stainless Steel. Minimalists use only one pot and store the stove in it as well. Most folks opt for a 3-piece set (best for two people). If you are a coffee aficionado, consider one of the lightweight percolators or espresso machines.