Cookware Sets

With ASMC Outdoor Tableware, You Can Enjoy Warm Meals On the Go

When spending extended periods in nature, having the right tableware ensures you can enjoy a warm meal. ASMC shows you what to consider to "get cooking."

How to Use Tableware for Trekking, Camping, and Outdoor Cooking Correctly

Outdoor kitchen cookware differs from regular kitchenware in size, weight, material, stackability, and handle type. Handles are often detachable or foldable, allowing pots and pans to be stored compactly in a backpack. Especially with detachable handles, it's important to practice handling them beforehand to ensure smooth operation on the go.

An ingenious design allows outdoor tableware to stack neatly together, optimizing space in your backpack.

What Is the Right Outdoor Tableware for Me?

Stainless steel pots and pans have lower thermal conductivity and therefore a significantly reduced risk of burning compared to aluminum. Additionally, the smooth surface of robust stainless steel makes it easier to clean, which is advantageous for trekking and camping. Aluminum cookware, on the other hand, is recommended for beginners and for lighter luggage. Pots, pans, and kettles can be chosen individually or as practical cooksets for one, two, or more persons.

Surface-coated aluminum or non-stick cookware offers better cooking properties but is slightly more susceptible to damage from impacts and scratches due to the coating. Campfire pots are classic items for the fire and for several people and are also used on the home grill.

Cooking set with storm cooker: Ideal trekking stove for all weather conditions. Spirit stoves and cookware are perfectly matched. The well-thought-out design allows for good burning properties even in adverse weather conditions thanks to the two-part windscreen. Tip: Adding a little water to the alcohol reduces the tendency to soot.

Army surplus cookware: Available in various configurations that have already proven themselves in use. Tip: Army surplus cookware makes a great gift idea for collectors. Insulated bottles (some with screw-on insulated cups) and containers keep drinks and food warm or cold for extended periods due to their insulating layer, making these vessels suitable for storing food. The container lids can often be used as cups or bowls.

Dining ware such as flat plates, bowls, and cups as well as cutlery for outdoor use are also significantly lighter, with pans often serving as plates or lids, which also makes a difference in luggage. Tip: Bowls and plates are also suitable for scooping water.

Dining ware is offered in the following materials:

Melamine: Food-safe, hard-surface material resembling porcelain. Melamine is extremely resistant to breakage, durable, easy to clean, stackable, and dishwasher-safe at home.

Enamel: Classic material for on the go. Enamel has a slightly higher weight and is very sturdy but sensitive to impacts.

Polycarbonate: Resembles glass but is unbreakable.

When in need and without any utensils at hand, aluminum foil can be used to makeshift a pot. Just be sure to avoid creating holes and tears and slowly form multiple layers of foil into a pot-like vessel. Et voilà, you've made an emergency pot, and the campfire can still be stocked with canned peas & Co.

What are the differences between camping and outdoor tableware?

Camping tableware places less emphasis on weight but focuses on practical features for quick use, such as cutlery holders that keep knives and forks together while allowing easy removal when driving with a caravan or motorhome. For plates & Co., it is not so important that they are as light as possible weight-wise, but that they are easy to rinse and, if a cupboard accidentally opens during transport of the camper, nothing breaks. Therefore, most plates and cups for camping are made of plastic or similar materials. There are even foldable kitchen cupboards, making it easier to access your kitchen utensils for longer stays in the same place. In contrast, outdoor tableware is even better stackable and designed for minimal weight and offers practical folding techniques, e.g., for tight fitting of the complete handle of a cup & Co. Some pot sets can usually be stacked inside each other and locked with "clips."

Which material is recommended?

This depends on the intended use, but for easier orientation, we refer you to "the small material science" above.

When should you opt for sets?

When extreme space saving is required. Only then is it guaranteed that everything can be stacked well together. But beware: There is no universal set for everything. One should carefully consider what it is needed for.