The Best Backpacking Skillet For 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best Backpacking Skillet
Best Backpacking Skillet

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Jetboil Summit Skillet

This lightweight and compact skillet features a non-stick aluminum construction that heats quickly and evenly, expanding your cooking options when you’re in the wild. The skillet is easy to clean, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for campers, hikers and outdoor adventurers of all kinds, the Jetboil Summit Skillet is an efficient way to cook up tasty meals on your next outdoor adventure. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Frypan

The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Frypan is your essential cookware for all your outdoor adventures. Lightweight and durable, this frypan is constructed with top-notch technology to evenly distribute heat and reduce hotspots. With a non-stick coating, you can easily cook up delicious meals without the hassle of sticky pans or scrubbing. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: GSI Outdoors Non-Stick Fry Pan

This pan is designed to provide you with gourmet campfire cooking, allowing you to create delicious meals in no time. With its non-stick surface, it's easy to clean and maintain. The unique design provides a sturdy, stable grip over the stove top or grill to prevent any accidents. Enjoy the convenience of this compact and lightweight fry pan for all your outdoor meals! Read Review

4. Best Easy To Clean: Jetboil Non Stick Fry Pan

This lightweight and compact fry pan is designed to make your outdoor cooking experience a breeze. The non-stick coating ensures your food won’t stick to the surface, making clean up easy and fast. The high-wall design also makes it easy to handle the pan safely and store it snugly in your gear, so you can keep you fueled for your next adventure. Read Review

5. Best Adjustable: The Pathfinder School Folding Skillet

This handy skillet is designed with a Pathfinder Logo embossed on the bottom for even heat distribution, plus it's sturdy and packable for easy transport. Whether you're camping or just grilling in the backyard, this skillet will make your meal preparation a breeze. Get ready to cook up some tasty treats with The Pathfinder School Folding Skillet Read Review

You’re going on a backpacking trip, and you need to take at least some of your meals with you. This means packing your food so that it doesn’t spoil while you’re away from civilization. A good way to do this is by using a lightweight backpacking skillet.

These are typically small fry pans made of stainless steel or titanium that are designed for lightweight camp cooking as well as storage in a pack. They aren’t the most essential piece of gear when it comes to backpacking – after all, there are plenty of other pieces of gear that serve the same purpose – but they can be very useful if you plan on cooking many meals while camping. Not only do they keep your food safe during transport, but they also provide a space-saving solution for packing smaller quantities of food in your backpack.

After nearly 16 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Jetboil, Gsi outdoors, The pathfinder school, Msr, Fire-maple, Boundless voyage, Airoka. Among them, We think the best backpacking skillet is Jetboil Summit Skillet. This backpacking non-stick aluminum skillet is designed to heat quickly and evenly, making your meals more enjoyable. Its expanding design allows for more efficient use of space, while its compact size makes it perfect for camping trips and other outdoor adventures. 

Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Frypan. Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Jetboil Summit Skillet
Our Score:
9.7
Jetboil

For any adventure—from alpine expedition to a weekend trek—Jetboil offers a stove that will keep you fueled. When exploring the backcountry, a compact and efficient stove is fundamental, no matter the level of cuisine you want to create.

Coated with PFOA-free ceramic nonstick, the skillet releases eggs, pancakes, and other foods easily, making cleanup a breeze.

The ceramic-coated non-stick aluminum construction heats quickly and evenly, expanding the potential of backcountry cooking.

Skillet measures 8 by 8.5 by 1.9 inches and weighs 10.6 ounces.

A perfectly angled turner nests into the handle, helping you flip foods without fuss.

The skillet pairs perfectly with Jetboil-regulated cooking systems and the Jetboil pot support.

TOP Choice #2 GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Frypan
Our Score:
9.6
GSI Outdoors

FINE DINING IN THE WOODS: The Pinnacle Frypan is the outdoor cooking pan of your dreams. It's lightweight, durable, and constructed with top-notch technology. Your stomach will thank you.

ADVENTURE READY: Features an exclusive SureLock folding handle so you can take it on the go.

STICK TO COOKING: Features a non-stick coating that helps evenly distribute heat and reduce hotspots. Perfect for stovetop cooking, and for your safety, we recommend you not use directly over a campfire. Did someone say frittata for breakfast?

HEAT IT UP: Features Teflon with Radiance technology coating that reaches temperature 25% faster for maximum heat distribution and gives you more time to stuff your face!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE OUTDOORS: In 1985 three siblings combined their love for the outdoors and set out to create GSI Outdoors. Now, three decades later GSI continues to bring quality cookware to outdoor lovers everywhere.

TOP Choice #3 GSI Outdoors Non-Stick Fry Pan
Our Score:
9.5
GSI Outdoors

LIFETIME PROMISE: GSI Outdoors spent over 30 years building quality, performance products and stands behind them 100%. GSI Outdoors

GOURMET CAMPFIRE COOKING: With this aluminum fry pan, you will be able to create gourmet meals while camping, backpacking, or relaxing at the cabin.

CONVENIENT AND COMPACT: Weighing only 17. 7 ounces and measuring 11. 1 x 10. 6 x 2. 8 inches, the Bugaboo Frypan's handle folds into the pan for convenient storage and transport.

SAFETY FIRST: GSI's SureLock folding handle provides a sturdy, stable grip over the stove top or grill to prevent any accidents from happening

EASY CLEAN-UP: We know that cleaning up is always a hassle. With the Bugaboo's Teflon non-stick coating however, food won't stick on the pan, and makes clean-up fast and easy.

4 Jetboil Non Stick Fry Pan
Our Score:
9.3
Jetboil

Insulated folding handles make it easy to handle the pot safely and store it snugly in your gear.

The high-wall design is perfect for sautéing without losing veggies over the sides.

For any adventure—from alpine expedition to a weekend trek—Jetboil offers a stove that will keep you fueled. When exploring the backcountry, a compact and efficient stove is fundamental, no matter the level of cuisine you want to create.

Measures 10 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall; weighs 13.4 ounces. One-year limited .

The fry pan is optimized for use with the Jetboil Genesis and Halogens cook stoves.

Coated with , PFOA-free ceramic nonstick, the skillet releases eggs, pancakes, and other foods easily, making cleanup a breeze.

5 The Pathfinder School Folding Skillet
Our Score:
9.2
The Pathfinder School

Pathfinder Logo embossed on bottom of pan

8 inch diameter

Locking Folding Handle

Weight: 1lb 4oz

Lid with D-Ring

6 MSR Nonstick Camping Skillet
Our Score:
9.1
MSR

Lightweight 8-inch aluminum skillet with MSR’s premium Fusion ceramic nonstick coating, ideal for preparing gourmet camping meals

Includes: one nonstick, hard-anodized 8-inch aluminum skillet and one Talon Pot Handle; packs to 9x2.5 inches and weighs 6.7 ounces; manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty

Hard-anodized aluminum disperses heat for even and efficient cooking; includes removable MSR Talon Pot Handle

Durable Fusion ceramic nonstick finish is scratch resistant with metal utensils, is safe at high temperatures, and is PTFE- and PFOA-free

Superior nonstick performance offers easy clean-up for kitchen-quality meals on the trail

7 Fire-Maple Camping Frying Pan
Our Score:
9.0
Fire-Maple

DURABLE HEATPROOF HANDLE: Features with unique FIREMAPLE Feast self-locking handle, it's stable and easy to handle the pot safely.

COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighs only 9.2oz, folded size is 7.8*7.6*2.2in, this pan can easily fit well with your backpack or storage box.

STOVETOP USE ONLY: This pan is for stovetop use only, DON'T use with open fire.

STICK FREE SKILLET: Made of Hard Anodized Aluminum with high quality nonstick coating, this stuff is ideal for cooking eggs, bacons, steaks and etc. Be the Camping Chef!

EVEN HEATING: With thicker bottom design, this frying pan heats more evenly than normal camp frypans. You don't really have to worry about the stick foods and pans issues if using properly, also it's easy to clean.

8 MSR WindBurner Backpacking Skillet
Our Score:
8.8
MSR

Measures 8.5 x 2.75 inches and weighs 8.5 ounces

Ultra-durable fusion ceramic nonstick coating handles wear and tear, is safe at high temperatures, and is PTFE- and PFOA-free, for worry-free nonstick performance

Skillet talon handle folds into skillet and nests outside WindBurner 4.5 L Stock Pot for packing efficiency

Enclosed, heat-capturing ring blocks the wind while allowing the heat to spread evenly for simmering and cooking versatility

Versatile ceramic-coated nonstick skillet is great for simmering, sautéing and pan-frying cuisine

9 Boundless Voyage Titanium Frying Pan
Our Score:
8.6
Boundless Voyage

Material: This pan is made of 99.8% titanium,hygiene and health guaranteed.Never rust,anti-corrosion from acid and alkali.

Folding handle: can be folded to a smaller size,ultraight and portable,save space when you are in outdoor. The size of the pan is about Φ180*(H)45 mm (Manual measurement: dimension error ± 5mm / ± 5g).

Lightweight & Stronger:The total weight of pan is only 125.5g; With good heat transfer performance and high resistance to extreme low and high temperature.It is a good choice for outdoor camping.

Pan Design: Anti-fingerprint blasting on the surface to avoid fingerprints during use. It is very convenient to carry out. It will meet your needs of outdoor picnic meals.

Perfect for travel,camping & everyday use: this pan is easily to use and handle. It is not only just good for camping,as it comes with a drawstring bag that makes it easy to carry during travel,office or keep it in your car or even to carry with you for picnic with the family.

BE THE CAMPING CHEF: Safe to use on the stove, it's ideal for frying steaks, eggs, bacons, sausages, etc!

FOLDABLE HANDLE: With a compact folding handle, this frypan measures only 8.6 in x 8.4 in x 2.3 inches, making it easy to take with you on the go.

CAMPFIRE COOKING: Heavy-gauge allows for cooking over open fires.

BPA FREE: Made from food grade 304 stainless steel, this skillet is safe to use.

FAST COOKING: Features an aluminum welded heat-spreading bottom, this pan heats up fast.

What to Look For in a best backpacking skillet?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best backpacking skillet will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best backpacking skillet you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best backpacking skillet issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best backpacking skillet in 2024:

Extras

Although this is not a decisive factor, many of the cookware sets we tested included extras such as trivets and strainers, or even a small wooden spoon. These extras can be helpful additions or trash, depending on how you plan to outfit your camp kitchen.

Material

Your camping cookware's material will determine how durable, cleanable, and how efficient it can be used over an open flame or camp stove. Cast iron has a great durability and is easy to heat evenly. However, it can be bulky and very heavy. Nonstick and anodized aluminum are lightweight options that make it easy to clean up. You should also be aware of rubber and silicone handles as they can burn easily.

Camping Type

It is important to take into account the camping type when looking for the right camping cookware. You want camping cookware that can be carried over large distances with a backpack, and is compact enough so you have room for your other camping essentials.
A kit can help you organize your cookware by keeping it all together in one place. However, this may not be necessary for camping where there is a campsite just steps away from the vehicle or within an RV. Car camping can use heavier pots and pans that are similar to those used at home. As long as the saucepans fit on the camp stove's burners. Large sets of camp cookware and full-size cookware can be accommodated in RVs equipped with kitchens.

Weight And Size

It is important to decide whether you will be camping in an RV or a set car. You will need something lightweight, small, and compact if you are backpacking solo. You can probably size up for larger, more bulky sets if you are traveling in an RV or car. Cast iron can be used for outdoor adventures, however, it is too heavy to transport by hand.

Ease Of Cleaning

A set of nonstick cookware will help you make outdoor cooking more fun. Nonstick cookware is easier to clean with less water, as the food particles stick better. A pot that requires a lot of cleaning products or scrubbing is not the right investment in your camping cookware collection.

Number Of Pieces

Each camping cookware set will have a unique assortment of different pots and pans. Other useful tools include a spatula or whisks, a cutting board and a colander. You might be better to buy a single set of cookware or cutlery for camping. But if you are looking for more value, it is worth considering sets with plates and utensils. You should also consider the number of people that you are cooking for during these trips. You will probably not need nearly as many pots if it is for just 1-3 people as you would if cooking for larger parties.

FAQs

What is a backpacking skillet?

A backpacking skillet is a lightweight cooking pan that is designed specifically for use when camping or backpacking. It is typically made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum or titanium, and is designed to be compact, durable, and easy to carry.

What can I cook with a backpacking skillet?

You can cook just about anything in a backpacking skillet, including omelets, pancakes, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. The skillet is great for camping and backpacking because it is lightweight and durable, and allows for quick, easy cooking.

What type of fuel should I use with a backpacking skillet?

Most backpacking skillets are designed to be used with either an open flame or a camp stove. When using an open flame, you should use a fuel such as wood, charcoal, or propane. When using a camp stove, you should use a fuel such as propane, white gas, or butane.

Should I use a lid when cooking with a backpacking skillet?

Generally speaking, it is a good idea to use a lid when cooking with a backpacking skillet. Lids help to retain heat, which can help to cook food faster and more evenly. Additionally, using a lid can help to prevent spills and splatter while cooking.

How do I clean a backpacking skillet?

Cleaning a backpacking skillet is easy and straightforward. Simply wipe out any excess food with a paper towel, and then wash the skillet with hot, soapy water. Avoid using any abrasive materials or chemicals, as they can damage the skillet. After washing, dry the skillet thoroughly with a clean cloth before storing.

All in all, anything you need to acquire for your convenient purchase of best backpacking skillet is presented above. Admittedly, this information is accurate, thanks to our product consulting experts with a wealth of experience. Furthermore, we keep best backpacking skillet of 2024 data up-to-date at all times. It is helpful if you are a busy person. Try to check us as much as possible!

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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

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