Both cooksets are designed to nest together into very compact packages, and feature handy, steel swing-out handles, as well as lids with strainer holes on one side - convenient for making Pasta, etc.
Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset
The entire Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset weighs in at just 41.2 ounces (2.58 lbs). The complete set nests together and fits inside the nylon carry bag shown in the photo below. Each set also comes with its own pot scrubber and measuring cup.
All the cookware nested together:
- Large Pot- 2.8 quarts, Weight- 12.8 ounces
- Medium Pot- 1.8 quarts, Weight- 10.1 ounces
- Small Pot- 1 quart, Weight- 7.4 ounces
- Frying Pan- 1.2 Quarts, Weight- 8.8 ounces
- Total weight (including nylon carrying case, pot scrubber, and measuring cup)- 2.58 lbs
The smallest 1 quart pot (with lid) comes in at a very packable 7.4 ounces, and the 1.2 quart frying pan at 8.8 ounces. This slim weight range gives the cookset enough flexibility to be used around camp or on the trail.
Carbon Steel Family Cookset
Coglan's Carbon Steel Family Cookset is essentially a larger, heavier carbon steel version of the Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset. Built to withstand the rigors of heavy camp use, it features non-stick surfaces, lids with convenient strainer holes, a pot scrubber, measuring cup, and swing-out steel handles.
The Carbon Steel set is also sized differently, with the largest pot holding a hefty 4.2 quarts. Here is the breakdown:
- Large Pot- 4.2 quarts, Weight- 37.3 ounces
- Medium Pot- 2.4 quarts, Weight- 27.5 ounces
- Small Pot- 1.4 Quarts, Weight- 20.8 ounces
- Frying Pan- 1.2 Quarts, Weight- 14.5 ounces
- Total weight (including nylon carrying case, pot scrubber, and measuring cup)- 6.39 lbs
The cookset nested together:
Field Testing
I wasn't able to test both cooksets in time for this review, but I did take the large 2.8 quart pot from the Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset on a recent field trip, and used it to cook up some Ramen noodles. The pot heated evenly, strained well, and the surfaces were non-sticking.
Even without extensive field testing, my impression is that these pots are sturdy and well built. Of course, it will take a few months out in the field to see how well they'll hold up, so as summer approaches and I get to use them more, I'll post an update.
In the meantime, you can check out SectionHiker's recent review of the Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset, which contains a more thorough field review.
Overall Impression
The ability to pack down into such a compact size is a great space-saver, and especially important for people headed off on camping trips with tightly packed vehicles.
The Carbon Steel Family Cookset, due to its heavier weight, is pretty
much relegated to camp-only chores, but its larger size and sturdier
construction make it a better choice for heavier use and cooking larger
meals.
One important thing to note is that these cooksets are primarily
designed for use on camping and backpacking stoves, so even though they
are metal and can be used on an open campfire if needed, they are not
the best option for this role. Pots with handles that allow them to hang
over a fire, like Open Country Cookware sells, are better suited if
open campfire cooking is your primary goal.
Conclusion
The street price on these sets should be in the $60 to $80 range, and
they are available through online retailers at the time of this posting.
Traditional brick and mortar outdoor retailers should also have them in
stock by summer.
Though a bit pricey for a Coghlan's product, the Hard Anodized Aluminum and Carbon Steel Cooksets are competitively priced when compared to similar offerings from other manufacturers. Both sets are well designed, compact, flexible, and sturdy. The Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset, in particular, is highly recommended if you want cookware that's great for camping trips, yet light enough to be used on backpacking excursions.
Though a bit pricey for a Coghlan's product, the Hard Anodized Aluminum and Carbon Steel Cooksets are competitively priced when compared to similar offerings from other manufacturers. Both sets are well designed, compact, flexible, and sturdy. The Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookset, in particular, is highly recommended if you want cookware that's great for camping trips, yet light enough to be used on backpacking excursions.
5 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)
For more info, visit: http://coghlans.com/product-category.aspx?ProductCategoryID=20
About the author
About the author
Jason Schwartz is the founder and senior editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and has taught bushcraft and wilderness survival techniques to the Boy Scouts of America, interned with the US Forest Service, and studied wilderness survival, forestry and wildland firefighting at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, Colorado. Jason has also written for magazines such as The New Pioneer and Backpacker, including writing the "Tinder Finder" portion of Backpacker's "Complete Guide to Fire," which won a 2015 National Magazine Award (NMA). Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)
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