I recently put together a small bag for my car, based around the Vanquest Mobius (seen here). In an effort to keep this pack streamlined, I needed to put together a minimal and lightweight cook kit. Not just for the reason of weight, but for maximizing space as well.
Toaks 450 and Klean Kanteen 27oz.
At the heart of my kit lies my trusted Klean Kanteen 27oz Single-Wall Stainless Steel Bottle. This houses everything you see above when the bottle is not in use. Additionally, I found the Toaks Titanium 450ml Nesting Cup, which nests well enough with the Klean Kanteen bottle (there’s a bit of rattle, but nothing a wrapped bandana won’t fix).
Klean Kanteen 27oz. – Simple, tough and thoroughly tested. I’ve had this Klean Kanteen over fires, it has fallen down mountains and everything in between.
Toaks Titanium 450ml Cup & Lid – This nesting cup and lid are new to me. But it nests well enough with the skinny Klean Kanteen 27oz bottle. And it’s ridiculously lightweight. I have a feeling it is going to be a real winner (I cannot wait to thoroughly test it in the coming months).
Sea To Summit Alpha Light Long Spork – Sporks are always a give & take in their performance (since you’re combining two tools into one). But, I really like the length of this Sea To Summit spork for cooking and reaching to the bottom of Mountain House Bags. It is also insanely lightweight.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter – As a precautionary measure, I like to keep the Sawyer Mini in my kit. Though I typically just find a trusted water source and boil my water. (Sidenote: I keep the squeeze bag in my pack as well)
Überleben Zünden Fire Starter – You have to start a fire to get your water boiling. And, in my opinion, nothing beats a ferro rod. I’ve had excellent experience with the Zünden from Überleben. (see my bushcraft fire kit here)
Lightweight Backpacking Food
To go along with the lightweight and minimal theme of my cook kit, I went with the Mountain House Pro-Pak meals. These solo meals are more than enough for me and they are vacuum sealed to keep an extremely low profile in my pack.
Sidenote: Pick an outdoors knife that can double as a food-prep knife. I personally love using my Opinel Knives even at home while cooking.
Shown Above: Überleben Stöker Stove and Crud Gjora Gloves
Twig Stove
Okay, okay, this is not necessarily an “ultralight” or even lightweight item. But I have fallen in love with the Überleben Stöker Stove and it’s my “Luxury Item”. There are definitely times when I like to trim weight and go with a canister stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket. But, right now in the winter months, I like the ability to start a small fire with organic materials and contain it in this small stove.
Pro-Tip: Always have a good pair of leather gloves around when you’re cooking. There are no pot-holders in the backcountry and this cookware gets hot.
Shown Above: Toaks Titanium 450ml, Sea To Summit Spork, Überleben Stöker Stove
DIG WHAT I’M DOING HERE?
Amazon Affiliates: If you’re feeling kind, please consider purchasing from the highlighted Amazon Affiliate Links throughout this article at no extra cost to you. I get a small kickback from your purchase(s) and it helps me to keep producing content just like this.
Read Next: Camping Gear Reviews | My Bushcraft EDC (Everyday Carry)
Ethics Statement: Überleben has sent products for the purpose of unbiased reviews & content. The rest of the products were purchased by me, with my own money. None of the companies herein have previously proof-read or influenced this article in any way. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
