Looking to upgrade my camp cooking set up. Namely pots/pans, plates and silverware, potentially a stove/burner. Group size trips are typically 1-4 people.

Also looking at adding a bug tent, I can’t remember which one is more popular or more “better-er”, Nebo or CCS?

Thanks!

We bring a Jetboil Genesis stove. It is a two burn stove that folds smaller then most single burner ones. Even has an attachment to add a 3rd burner. Comes in a small carry case that includes a pot and pan.

We ditch the screen rooms and go in the fall.

Do you have a size preference for the bug shelter and is weight, pack size, color, price or set up configuration a factor?

The Preself is a quality small screen tarp.

I've been impressed with my GSI teflon-coated aluminum fry pan. I think it's 10 inches in diameter and deep. I use it exclusively on a gas stove and it's held up for years. I also can reccomend Snow Peak titanium plates and bowls. They are light and sturdy. Keeping with the Ti theme I use a titanium knife, fork, and spoon set from Brunton (discontinued) for individual use. It looks like Toaks sells an almost identical set.

Tomcat: "Do you have a size preference for the bug shelter and is weight, pack size, color, price or set up configuration a factor?

The Preself is a quality small screen tarp."

Money isn’t a concern, not trying to sound like an a-hole. Color I couldn't care less about, if I had to, I’d prefer something that blends vs an obnoxious color. No configurations in mind, just enough room for 2-4 people to sit inside of with chairs.

ockycamper: "We bring a Jetboil Genesis stove. It is a two burn stove that folds smaller then most single burner ones. Even has an attachment to add a 3rd burner. Comes in a small carry case that includes a pot and pan.


We ditch the screen rooms and go in the fall."

I prefer fall too, but with 4 trips “planned” they can’t all be in September and October.

Samsquatch: "I've been impressed with my GSI teflon-coated aluminum fry pan. I think it's 10 inches in diameter and deep. I use it exclusively on a gas stove and it's held up for years. I also can reccomend Snow Peak titanium plates and bowls. They are light and sturdy. Keeping with the Ti theme I use a titanium knife, fork, and spoon set from Brunton (discontinued) for individual use. It looks like Toaks sells an almost identical set. "

I’ll give these a look, thank you!

The 9'x9' Nemo Bugout and Preself screen tarps have sufficient space for 4 people. I have owned both.

If price is no object then CCS screen tent is the best. I’ve used my CCS tarp for over 20 years still going strong and it was been in straight line winds more times than I can count.

T

timatkn: "If price is no object then CCS screen tent is the best. I’ve used my CCS tarp for over 20 years still going strong and it was been in straight line winds more times than I can count.


T"

Agree, we’ve had a 12x12 CCS bug tarp for a few years now and it is pure life changing luxury. Not cheap, not light, not ever leaving it at home when the bugs are out.

cwallace: "

Tomcat: "Do you have a size preference for the bug shelter and is weight, pack size, color, price or set up configuration a factor?

The Preself is a quality small screen tarp."

Money isn’t a concern, not trying to sound like an a-hole. Color I couldn't care less about, if I had to, I’d prefer something that blends vs an obnoxious color. No configurations in mind, just enough room for 2-4 people to sit inside of with chairs."

Consider the CCS Lean. I don't own one myself yet, but it is exactly for that application that I want one. Tripping with spouse and another couple, the Lean checks a lot of boxes for easy to deploy bug protection for the small group. Actual Lean owners might suggest otherwise.

Good Luck

I've used a GSI collapsible frying pan for years now and been pretty happy with it. It's finally getting warped and doesn't nest as easily with my other cookware due to the way the handle folds. Considering this as a replacement- might be something to look into. I know from personal experience this summer that their lifetime warranty is really that.

sea to summit fry pan

Banks Fry Bake is a fry pan/ water pot all in one

CCS Lean for the shelter

ISRO: "Banks Fry Bake is a fry pan/ water pot all in one

Yup - fry bake all the way.

For a stove I like the MSR ones that have the refillable fuel bottles. I have a windpro that uses the iso canisters, my buddies have MSR dragonflies. I wish I'd bought a dragonfly. We've used two for uptown six people.

Makes me wonder about the reactivity of oil/grease on the waterproof coating of a tarp if you're cooking under it. Along with all the airborne grease that can collect on the tarp staying there and attracting unwanted visitors.

Personally I'd choose a screen tarp on the cheaper end if you plan to be doing more than boiling water for cooking under there. Would be a shame to ruin something like a CCS tarp.

dogwoodgirl: "I've used a GSI collapsible frying pan for years now and been pretty happy with it. It's finally getting warped and doesn't nest as easily with my other cookware due to the way the handle folds. Considering this as a replacement- might be something to look into. I know from personal experience this summer that their lifetime warranty is really that.


sea to summit fry pan "

Have a couple of the GSI pans and agree they are a quality product - the nonstick and the Glacier stainless versions. RE- the handle. You know that comes off, right? I just put it into my utensils kit for travel. The GSI plates nest inside the 10" version quite nicely.

pd

Bjfinnegan: "Makes me wonder about the reactivity of oil/grease on the waterproof coating of a tarp if you're cooking under it. Along with all the airborne grease that can collect on the tarp staying there and attracting unwanted visitors.


Personally I'd choose a screen tarp on the cheaper end if you plan to be doing more than boiling water for cooking under there. Would be a shame to ruin something like a CCS tarp. "

As a testimonial, I’ve been using my CCS Tarp over the fire for over 20 years and probably 40 trips or more. Still no issues.

The first thing I do is set up a tarp over the fire pit. Having a fire in the rain is great.

T