Entry level cooksets

[trekker76]

Hi ,wondered if anyone could suggest where to start or the types of options. I don't cook food hiking, but as I might take some older folk on walks or even car camps I was wondering what sort of thing I could throw in if need be? I wouldn't be after top of the line UL , insofar if there is a heavier but decent performer at a good price point.

[ChrisJHC]

I’d probably just go somewhere like Rays and pick up a cheap set. I notice they’ve got a couple of pans plus a lid for $30.
You just need a stove (which can be free for a DIY alcohol stove) and you’re good to go.

Also KMart and Target would have something similar.

[Moondog55]

I like the sets from ALDI but for occasional use Op-Shops are good source of cheap pots

[Mark F]

Aldi has a set (2 pots, kettle and frypan) in hard anodised aluminium which is great value and it crops up a couple of times each year. I use mine for car camping but for walking just take the bits you need for the menu you are cooking.

[Huntsman247]

Those anodised aluminum pots are available on eBay. Pretty cheap too if you're not in a rush to have it.

[Moondog55]

What do you think you need? I probably have a spare set here you can have dirt cheap

[crollsurf]

Should be able to pick up a Sea to Summit Furno Stove a pot set for under $50
https://www.seatosummitdistribution.com.au/360-degrees-furno-stove-pot-set.html

You can do better for less money by buying this and that but this is a good reasonably lightweight entry level kit.

[Neo]

I picked a Soto stove and the Companion solo hiker set. Still in use.
The STS 360° or an Optimus Crux set would be good if you want an included stove.

For car camping on gas or fire I love my Campfire/Campmaster brand frypan. Its spun steel like a wok so seasoned and naturally non-stick. Works as frypan, bbq, wok, do curries an bolognese too.

[trekker76]

Thanks all I ebayed some basic aluminium options. (and thanks for the offer btw Moondog55)

[Moondog55]

[quote="Tekker76"thanks for the offer btw Moondog55)[/quote]
Sending PM now

[Moondog55]

Just came back from Target. Stainless steel stockpots are $17- for the small size, can't get much cheaper than that, no wonder all the big school groups are using them, at that price they could almost be considered disposable, in the recycling bin naturally.

[flingebunt]

The main source for most people's car camping cookware is whatever is the most beat up of their home cookware. Have a frying pan that has become a little warped or a pot that has seen better days, buy something brand new for use at home, and put the old stuff in the camping equipment pile.

Several people have mentioned Aldi's hiking and camping cookware sets. There are pretty good, but they become available only once a year, if you are lucky. There are almost identical sets available online on Ebay at widely differing prices.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Portable-Ca ... rk:20:pf:0

But these are okay for 1 or 2 people, but not a group.

[sailfish]

For car camping, I have found that a multi burner gas stove setup with hotplate will serve more meals than any pot and pan based setup of comparable size and weight. Anything you would do in a fry-pan or wok and be done on a hotplate. An additional billy or kettle is a good idea for cuppas and washing up afterwards. It can be put on while everyone is eating so it's ready when they are done.

An older group I walk with usually just visit a club, pub or cafe on the way home from a day walk.