How Big of a Pot Do I Need for Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

When backpacking, it is important to choose the right size pot for both the food you will be cooking and the space you have in your pack. The size of the pot should be based on preferences, such as how much food you will be cooking and the number of people eating. It is also important to consider the weight of the pot and how easy it is to clean.

For solo trips, a one-person pot with a capacity of two liters is usually sufficient. This should provide enough space for cooking meals like macaroni and cheese or soup.

A lid should also be included with this size pot to trap steam while cooking and help retain heat. These pots are typically lightweight and easy to clean.

For larger groups, a larger pot may be necessary. A three-liter or four-liter pot is ideal for groups of two or more people.

This size pot can accommodate larger meals like chili or stew, as well as multiple servings of smaller dishes like scrambled eggs or oatmeal. The lid should still be included with this size pot in order to trap steam during cooking.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right size pot for backpacking depends on preferences such as how much food you will be cooking, the number of people eating, and how much weight you are willing to carry in your pack. For solo trips, a two-liter pot will usually suffice; while larger groups may need three-liters or four-liters pots. Additionally, it’s important to include a lid with either size in order to trap steam during cooking.