Every backpacker knows that choosing gear is a balance between going as light as possible and having more function and comfort. Often, the gear designed primarily with weight in mind sacrifices on the function and comfort score. Backpacking cookware, which until recently was pretty much a choice between stainless steel and aluminum, was a good example of this. Aluminum is lightweight, but also less durable, heats less evenly, and has the added minus of health concerns from long-term use. Stainless steel is more durable and distributes heat better, but is also heavy.

In recent years, however, the backpacking market has seen another choice come on the scene, in the form of a grey-silver, nonporous, naturally nonstick, strong, corrosion-resistant, and extremely durable and lightweight metal. Titanium, a favorite of aircraft manufacturers, has caught the attention of savvy backpackers who are looking to shed ounces without sacrificing function or durability.

Titanium cookware is the perfect solution for cooking and heating on the trail. Many backpackers, especially ultralight backpackers, do not bother with cooking at all, preferring to boil water and add it to pouches of dehydrated food. Naturally, titanium cookware works great for this, but even if you’re not actually cooking, many titanium sets work perfectly as a bowl and plate, removing the necessity to pack those items separately. For example, the pot lids in my Snow Peak titanium “Multi Compact” set are the perfect size for making instant oatmeal. Just boil water with the lid on, then put the oatmeal in the lid and pour the water in (and, of course, add some nuts, dried blueberries and/or cranberries).

A titanium cookware set really shows its stuff when you’re actually cooking. Cooking in the backcountry can be fun and environmentally friendly (less packaging waste; try to package things in containers and/or bags you can reuse). With titanium, the advantage is apparent when you clean up afterward: it is easier to clean, and food lifts from the nonporous metal with ease, even if you scorch your food. There are titanium sets on the market with non-stick coating, but uncoated titanium is easy enough to clean that I wouldn’t bother to buy the coated sets. Ultimately, the titanium itself will be more durable than the coating.

Are there any disadvantages of titanium? The initial investment is higher. But when you consider that it’s featherlight yet much more durable than aluminum, and I’d say healthier as well, it evens out. A titanium cookset is something you’ll have for many years of reliable use.