Parker wrote:I have read the entire thread but I am still confused as to which stove and cookware to buy for two people?
Money is not really an issue in this instance, we are happy to purchase products which will be long lasting.
The questions to answer are:
1. What kind of food/preparation will you do? Are you going to actually cook, or will you simply rehydrate dried food?
2. How will you carry your camp kitchen? Is size/weight/volume likely to be an issue?
When carrying capacity is an issue, most campers will opt for freeze-fried meals/soups/beverages that only require the boiling of water to prepare, a compact gas canister stove such as the Kovea Spider, a titanium pot and mug and perhaps a folding plate or bowl. Of these, a remote canister stove such as the Kovea Spider allows the canister to be inverted for reliable operation in cold conditions.
If carrying capacity is not an issue then you might choose shellite pressure stove such as an MSR, or a metho stove such as a Trangia. Generally both the stove and the fuel is bulkier. A point to keep in mind is that most of this type of stoves have poor simmer control.
If you actually want to cook then you will probably need heavier pots which will transfer and diffuse heat much better than titanium pots.
I have used each of these types of stoves. Regardless of cooking type, my preference is for gas canister stoves. They are compact and easy to carry, quiet, have excellent simmer control and are safe to use with no risk of flare-ups. The fuel is light and burns cleanly, with no risk of messy leaks contaminating your food and gear.