SQUIRREL_13238173
Three Things To Know:
- Built like a tank: This pot is made from heavy-duty stainless steel, so it’s tough enough to handle years of rough use without bending or warping.
- Reliable cooking: It heats evenly and retains heat well, making it great for everything from boiling water to simmering stews.
- Easy to clean (mostly): While not non-stick, it cleans up well with just a bit of effort, and it doesn’t hold onto stains or smells.
Our rating:
Design and Portability
Build Quality and Materials
Cooking Performance
Ease of Cleaning
Check availability at Go Outdoors.
I’ve been using the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot for over ten years now, and it’s honestly one of those bits of gear that just quietly gets the job done, trip after trip. It’s not the flashiest or the lightest, but it’s earned its place in my kit through sheer reliability. Whether I’m boiling water for coffee on a frosty morning or cooking something a bit more involved like a stew or pasta , this pot has never let me down. Here's how it holds up after a decade of regular use.
Design and Portability
There are a lot of innovative modern camping cooking options out there, but I like how simple and solid the MSR Alpine Stowaway pots feel and how refreshingly old school they are.
The locking lid with the folding handle is a clever bit of design – when packed up, the handle clasps over the lid snugly, turning the whole pot into a secure, self-contained unit with no chance of anything rattling around your backpack or storage box. I find it quite useful to keep things like butter in when not in use!
It’s not the lightest pot, but I chose the durability and convenience of these pots over a few grams every time.
Build Quality and Materials
These pots are built to last,I’ve been using them regularly for a long time. From boiling water and rehydrating meals to morning eggs and more ambitious dishes like fish stew, they’ve handled it all without missing a beat.
It’s made from heavy-gauge stainless steel, which gives it a real sense of toughness–no flimsy, bendy sides here. It’s definitely not the lightest pot in my kit, but the trade-off is durability. I don't have to second-guess. I’ve dropped it, put it directly over naked flames, and even used it to bang tent pegs in a pinch (not recommended but it held up!).
The hinged handle feels solid and locks over the lid securely, doubling as a clamp to keep everything inside when packed. I like that it doesn’t rely on any plastic parts, nothing to melt, snap, or degrade over time. It’s clearly been designed with rugged, real-world use in mind.
Cooking Performance
The Alpine Stowaway Pot might not look flashy, but it delivers where it counts. It heats up evenly, and while it takes a little longer than lighter materials like titanium, the stainless steel retains heat really well, which is great for simmering or keeping food warm once it’s done.
It handles high heat without warping, and I’ve never had issues with hotspots as long as I stir now and then. You do need to use a bit of oil or water to avoid sticking, especially with eggs or anything starchy, but that’s the trade-off for durability over non-stick coatings.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the Alpine Stowaway Pot is pretty straightforward, though it’s not as effortless as something with a non-stick coating. Because it’s stainless steel, it can get a bit sticky, but with a splash of water and a quick scrub, it usually comes up fine. I often just use a bit of sand, grass, or a cloth when water’s limited, and it scrubs up well without damage.
One thing I really appreciate is that it doesn’t stain easily or hold onto smells, even after messy stews or oily food. It’s the kind of pot you can be rough with and not worry too much, definitely a solid, low-maintenance option for backcountry cooking – used coffee granules cut through grease pretty well too!
Value For Money
There are cheaper options out there, but these pots have paid for themselves over and over again during the time I’ve owned them.
Sustainability
While the MSR Alpine Stowaway pots aren’t marketed as sustainable, the durable stainless steel means they will last a very long time. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable, and the pots have no coating or plastics.
Should You Buy It?
If you want camping pots that will last you a lifetime, yes!
SQUIRREL_13238173
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