MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set Review
Our Verdict
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MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $55.99 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $90 List $90.00 at REI | $50 List $39.99 at Amazon | $50 List $54.95 at REI | $24.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Super duper durable, simple design, good price | Durable, excellent frying pan for discerning cooks, great lid, great value for the set | Great starter set, stable handles, some versatile pieces | Ultra-light, super compact, boils water quickly | Super durable, simple design, inexpensive, great for meats, fast boiling time |
Cons | Poor heat conductor, uneven cooking, long boil time, no skillet included | Heavy, no non-stick coating | Small bowls, unnecessary accessories | Liquids only, poor durability, small capacity | Limited cooking options, hot spots while cooking |
Bottom Line | Super durable, basic two pot set; for basic camping pasta dinners and just-add-water breakfasts, this product excels and will serve for decades | A high value camping set, optimized for performance and compact carry, at a high weight | A budget, one stop shop for basic camping menus | A collapsible silicone and aluminum post that is only useful for heating small amounts of liquids | A super durable stainless steel cook set designed for the solo traveller |
Rating Categories | MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set | Stanley Adventure B... | Winterial 11 Piece Set | Sea to Summit X-Pot | GSI Outdoors Glacie... |
Cooking Performance (35%) | |||||
Packability (10%) | |||||
Durability (15%) | |||||
Weight (10%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Features (15%) | |||||
Specs | MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set | Stanley Adventure B... | Winterial 11 Piece Set | Sea to Summit X-Pot | GSI Outdoors Glacie... |
Measured Weight | 1.3 lbs | 4.8 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 1.0 lbs |
Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel; pot and pan bottoms have additional layers | Hard-anodized Aluminum | Polypropylene, hard anodized aluminum base | Stainless Steel |
Components | 2L pot, 1.5L pot, lid, pot grabber | 3.5L pot, vented lid, 7" 3ply frying pan, cutting board, spatula with extending handle, serving spoon with extending handle, ⁴ 6in plates, ⁴ 22oz bowls, ⁴ sporks, dish drying rack, heat resistant trivet, locking bungee | 1.9L pot, 6.5" frypan, lid, kettle, ladle, 2 bowls, spatula, scrubbing pad, hot pad | 2-liter hard-anodized pot, a strainer pot lid, 2 deep bowls, 2 12.5 fl. oz. insulated mugs, an integrated pot handle, and 2 folding sporks | 1L pot, 1 folding handle frypan, bowl, 1 cup, 1 stuff sack |
Avg Boil Time (mins) | 3.85 | 4.12 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.05 |
3L Pot? (>2.4L) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2L Pot? (1.5-2.4L) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
1L Pot? (.5-1.4L) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Frying Pan? | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Frying Pan Lid? | No | No | No | N/a | No |
Packed Size | 8 x 4.4 in | 11 x 6 x 11 in | 6.75 x 3.5 in | 5.5 x 6.25 in | 6.7 x 6.6 x 3.5 in |
Weight of Pot Closest to 1.5L (With Lid and Handle) | 0.8 lbs | 1.9 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 0.74 lbs |
Cooking Surfaces | Uncoated | Stainless Steel | Non-Stick Teflon | Hard-Anodized Aluminum | 18/8 Stainless Steel |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set is one of the stainless steel cookware sets in our fleet. The set as a whole weighs just a bit over a pound and measures eight inches by a little over four inches when packed together. It includes a 1.5 and 2 liter pot, a lid that may also double as a plate, a pot grabber, and it neatly packs into its bag. There are other products far better suited to elaborate cooking, but there is nothing that will last longer.
Performance Comparison
Cooking Performance
We performed two objective tests to determine our scores in this category, plus anecdotal evidence from "real-time" use. In establishing the time to boil two cups of water and how well it cooked a scrambled egg, mixed with information from cooking countless meals in the wild, we generated a score that approximates cooking performance. Given our introduction, you won't be surprised to learn that this set scored low in this category.
During our egg tests, we learned that the stainless steel tends to be sticky and doesn't do a great job. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat, and it is rather apparent when cooking an egg to see the hot spot created while on a narrow camp stove burner.
Packability
This set's packed measurements aren't that big, nor is it that small. It's a good option if you want to take it out backpacking or simply car camping. We love that the pots nest together, and because of its durable steel construction, you can stuff this set full of any items you like without concern of scratching!
Durability
Although the stainless steel pots scored low in cooking performance, it is rugged. One great thing about cooking with stainless steel is that it is extremely scratch-resistant, so you don't have to second guess yourself when grabbing the steel wool during cleaning. Our reviewers needed to do this after the scrambled egg test. Even if you do manage to scratch the steel, performance will not change. The surface is the same as what's "underneath". Scrape and scrub away. Steel wool, sand - whatever you choose to scrub with won't affect the performance. No coatings here…only solid metal.
Weight
Overall this set weighs in at 1.3 pounds. The overall weight tells part of the story. If you'll be carrying just one pot, lid, and handle for a simple cooking mission, the Alpine 2 is quite heavy. In short, the MSR Alpine 2 Pot Set is not a lightweight choice, and there are lighter options out there with a better weight to use ratio.
Ease of Use
Although the weight and packable size of this set are roughly comparable to many of the models we tested, these pots scored lower than average in this category because of its limited versatility. This set does not include a true skillet (the lid can be pressed into such service, but it doesn't work that well), which our reviewers missed while car camping, but some found unimportant while backpacking. This cookware comes with a pliers-style pot grabber, instead of an attachable handle. We prefer handles that are a little more securely attached to the pot. Our reviewers found this problematic while cooking with both pots at the same time; the system is a little less secure than an attached handle.
Features
There are essentially no extra features to speak of with the MSR Alpine set. You get two simple pots and a universal fit lid. For truly comprehensive cooking and dining, you will need to add a frying pan, cutlery, bowls, cups, and a cutting board. No kit we tested is truly comprehensive, but many add at least some of these features.
Value
This set does have a high value, especially when you examine price vs. overall score and the price per year of service. Since stainless steel pots are going to take a beating and keep on ticking, this set should last a long time. Those that will find value in it will be seeking a durable cook set. Guides and avid outdoors people that need their camp cookware to last.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a camping cookware set that could potentially last a lifetime and aren't looking to cook gourmet meals in the backcountry, then this is a great set to consider.
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