Titanium Cooking Gear: Pros and Cons

 

What is the fuss with Titanium? All I know is that the gear made with it is expensive and light. Aside from that, I know that Gucci backpackers and weight weenie road bikers were all hot on it until carbon fiber came around. 

So should you switch to Titanium cooking gear if you are a backpacker or hiking type? 

Lets list the pros and cons first. 

Pros: 
Lightweight
Strong
Cool points around the fire with friends

Cons:
Expensive
Poor heat retention 
Pans and large surface area items will burn or scorch food easily


For the most part most people don't NEED titanium anything in their lives as far as backpacking and hiking goes. Its more of a want item. But if you are on the fence and want to ditch that Stainless Steel cook set you have then let me help you make that decision right now. 

Titanium is lighter and just more expensive and durable. But heat retention is poor. Those that like hot beverages wont like it unless they actually enjoy reheating coffee over and over again if they are the sipping types. To add to this, a skillet or shallow pan made out of titanium also will not be good to cook meals if you are the type to leave it for a bit long on the fire. Titanium will scorch and burn anything you put in it if its a little too hot. This type of pan would require much more attention to the process. Where as heavier Stainless Steel can be a bit more forgiving. 

But is weight, strength and being able to say "I got titanium gear" the only reason really to buy titanium? And why is it so expensive? 

All of the products I have seen are all made in China. They are all produced in the same places over seas and the processes and final products a lot of the time are identical to one another, regardless of brand. A little homework and you will find the same info. Find the producers on Chinese e-commerce sites and order through them.

They are the EXACT same thing as the expensive REI sold (insert brand name here). Seriously. Your expensive cup you bought was produced in a factory in China more than likely and stamped with a brand sold elsewhere. The US marketers just mark it way above cost because people will pay a premium for instant gratification. Just like everything.

I know people may argue with me about this part, but from what I can gather its pretty much totally true. Same as I found out about Yeti tumblers. All manufacturers will state they are US DESIGNED, CHINESE MADE in my experience. Same goes for these camp cookware sets.

                                


Unless you are going out a lot then which material you choose for your cooking set or gear probably doesn't matter all that much. But if you do hit the trail often, you might find it rewarding to switch finally. The fact you can order a much cheaper version direct from China or a wholesaler should make the decision a lot easier. My research showed on the regular you can get blank cups with markings for essentially half the price of US sellers. 

Some people just enjoy the feeling of having a high quality item. And making memories with it means more to them than the cost. I get that too. 

So what are you waiting for?
Go for it! 
You are worth it.