Expanded Backpacking Pot Criteria
Ultralight Backpacking Pot Criteria
- Target weight sweet spot: 4-5 oz
- Target volume range: 800-1000 ml
- Preferred materials: titanium, but aluminum is okay if it has a heat exchanger base
- Siliconized handles: preferred
- Heat exchanger base: preferred
- Fold out handles: mandatory
- Silicone lid grip: preferred
- Functional lid: mandatory
- Screw on lid: optional for cold soaking
- Fuel canister nesting capability: 4 oz mandatory, 8 oz preferred
Why the 4-5 oz weight range
Because numerous, completely functional one liter volume ultralight pots exist on the market in the 4-5 oz weight range, there is just no reason to settle for a heavier or bulkier backpacking pot.
Why 900 ml is the perfect size backpacking pot
We think 900 ml is the perfect sized for a backpacking pot. It’s large enough to cook an absolutely massive meal for one person, or a respectable meal for two. When only boiling water, such a for freeze dried meals or making coffee, you have enough volume to boil liquid for two campers at once. All ~900ml pots are large enough to nest a four ounce fuel canister, and most are large enough to nest an eight ounce fuel canister. It doesn’t take up too much bulk in your pack and minimizes weight. Strictly speaking, if you plan to cook a meal for two people out of the pot every time, we would recommend the 1.3 L size. If you only ever, ever cook solo, you might choose a 750 ml. But given that a 900 ml can serve one or two people very effectively, it’s just far and away the most universal option.
Materials Matter – Titanium Pot vs Aluminum Pot
In general, titanium is the most choice material for an ultralight backpacking pot. Titanium is the strongest and lightest weight metal. However, aluminum has some advantages too. Primarily, it is less expensive. But it is still very lightweight, and offers superior heat transfer, from flame to water.
Regarding The Heat Exchanger Ring Base
This is a fairly new-to-market feature that launched with the Jetboil Stash, and can now also be found on the Olicamp XTS. At time of publication, it is only available on aluminum pots. A heat exchanger is comprised of a corrugated aluminum ring affixed to the base of the pot that encircles the top of the stove flame and collects heat directly underneath the pot. The corrugation reduces thermal loss due to wind and prevents heat from drifting away, without entirely cutting off airflow. However, it also concentrates the heat, and is correlated with pots that are better for boiling water and worse at cooking food due to increased likelihood of burning on the interior bottom surface.
More ultralight backpacking pot features
There are a number of other backpacking pot features worth discussing. For starters, we always prefer a backpacking pot with siliconized grip handles and lid knob. Compared to exposed metal, it decreases the likelihood of getting burned, which in turn increases backcountry safety. We also appreciate a pour spout for increased accuracy while distributing boiling water. Another good backpacking pot feature is a secure lid, that can be snapped on and stays on while tilted up to 90 degrees for pouring. A screw-on lid, such as is found on the Vargo Bot XL, is useful for cold soaking and other niche applications, but is not universally necessary.
