IF YOU CAN'T

If you can't fit your entire backpacking cook kit in one hand, you're probably bringing too much. All you need is a utensil, something to hold your cook kit in, your pot, something to clean and dry your pot with, an ultra-light stove, a lighter, and a fuel canister. Most of the time I don't bring a windscreen, just find a spot that blocks the wind. But they can be useful. When it comes to buying a stove, there are some great options out there. If all you're gonna do is boil water, find something like the BRS 3000T or the MSR PocketRocket 2. If you're looking to really cook your food in your pot, you need something with simmer control. Now when buying a pot, know that the shallower and wider it is, the more fuel efficient it'll be. But this one, which is a 700ml, can't fit everything. So most hikers go for something taller so they can get their full kit in there. Now, make sure you get a bright colored lighter because if you drop it at night, you'll have a better chance of finding it. Having a backpacking cook kit is so personal, but the thing I think is the most personal is your utensil. You can tell a lot about a hiker by the utensil they bring. So when it comes to a cook kit, find what works for you, but also try to fit it all in one hand. Pack it up.