Backpacking through the wilderness is among the most exhilarating experiences you can have — but it’s also among the most exhausting. It takes serious effort to trek through the forest for eight hours a day, and when you get to camp, you’re going to be tired — and hungry. That’s why you need to make sure you have the best backpacking utensils. To aid you in your search for the right ones, here's what to consider:
Size: The types of utensils you need for a backpacking trip are different than what you’d use for the average camping excursion. Mainly, they should be compact, since every item counts when you’re loading a backpack for hiking. That means you may want to consider hybrid items like “sporks,” multi-use tools, or folding utensils that won’t hog room in your bag.
Weight: If you’re going to lug the items on your back all day, you don’t want them to be any heavier than necessary. The weight will largely boils down to the type of material, each of which has own pros and cons.
Material: Plastic utensils are typically the lightest option, and also the most affordable; however, they’re also flimsier and less durable. Plastic also isn’t as heat-resistant as metal, so it's often useless for stirring boiling water or roasting things over a campfire. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is among the most durable materials, but also the heaviest. Aluminum is similar and tends to be clunky — and as with all of the metal options, you’re going to contend with heat transfer issues (which can lead to burning yourself on the handles since you won't want to haul along a pot holder). Titanium is typically the best metal option, being the most lightweight; however it’s usually the most expensive, too.