Initial Report:
GSI Ultralight Soloist Cookware
April 9, 2008

Tester Information

Name: Gail Staisil
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 138 lb (63 kg)
Location: Marquette, Michigan USA
Email: woodswoman AT yahoo DOT com

For the last 18 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan and Canada. My pack weight varies considerably but my base weight is below 18 lb (8 kg). I am primarily a tarp camper who averages more than 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and sub-zero temps.

Product Information

Manufacturer	GSI Outdoors
Website	http://gsioutdoors.com
Contact	1.800.704.4474
Model	Ultralight Soloist Cookware
Color	Charcoal pot, orange bowl, and clear lid
Packed System Dimensions (Manufacturer's and Tested Weight)	5.15 in X 5.15 in X 5.6 in (13.08 cm X 13.08 cm X 14.22 cm)
Pot Weight (Tested)	6.8 oz (193 g)
Strainer/Sip-it Lid (Tested)	0.8 oz (23 g)
Insulated Cup/Bowl (Tested)	1.5 oz 42.5 g)
Storage Sack for the whole set (Tested)	1.1 oz (31 g)
Stove Sack (Tested)	0.3 oz (8.5 g)
Manufacturer's Weight (TOTAL)	0.594 lb or 9.2 oz (270 g)
Tested Weight (TOTAL)	10.5 oz (298 g)
Model Year	2008
Country of Manufacturer	USA (Spokane, Washington) Made in China
MSRP	$29.95 US

Initial Impressions and Product Description

The GSI Soloist Cookware System belongs to the ultralight category of cookware that is offered by the manufacturer. They make a large variety of cookware catering to every category of camper including gourmet and base campers. According to the manufacturer, the Soloist System is an "integrated cooking and eating system". There are essentially four main components in the set but the manufacturer also includes a stove bag.

Features 1.1 L pot and 14 fl oz bowl

The Soloist set arrived in perfect shape and it appears exactly like it did on the website. The main component of the system is the 1.1 L (1.16 qt) pot. The pot is made out of Halulite which is a proprietary hard anodized alloy. It is reported to have many fine qualities. They include its lightweightness (reported as light as Titanium), it's high heat conductivity with even heat that promotes saving fuel, and its surface durability that's not supposed to scratch or show burn circles.

The pot measures approximately 4.5 in (11.5 cm) in diameter and is over 4.5 in (11.5 cm) high. It features a 5 in (12.7 cm) long locking handle that can be swung up and locked over the top of the pot so that the parts of the system fit together before placing it in its stuff sack (it could also be stored this way without the sack).

The insulated bowl/cup is made out of Cascadian which is a polypropylene material that is lightweight and flexible. The plastic-type bowl reportedly holds 14 fl oz (414 ml) and it measures about 4 in (10 cm) in diameter at the top lip and has a depth of around 2.5 in (6.4 cm).

The bowl has a removable circular 2 in (5 cm) wide piece of neoprene-type material that stretches and fits around its sides. This material acts both as a non-slip barrier for holding the bowl and possesses thermal qualities to keep a drink hot .

A pot lid made out of Lexan is included in the set. This resin plastic-type material is lightweight and cut resistant. It also reportedly doesn't stain or hold flavors. The lid is multi-functional and performs as both a sip-it lid on the bowl or as a strainer for the cook pot. While the lid perches easily over the top of the pot with the knob on the lid facing upward, it sits the opposite (knob down) on the top of the bowl. It has a much tighter fit on top of the bowl so that it needs to be pressed downward to snap in place. This allows the bowl to serve as a sip-it cup with the lid staying tightly in place. GSI Soloist System

The final component of the set is the stuff sack. This waterproof sack with welded seams is only slightly larger than the pot and it features a drawstring and cordlock at the top. It's also intended to be multifunctional and can be alternatively used as a wash basin at camp.

Not only do all of the pieces fit into the stuff sack but there is a diagram on the side of the pot that shows the order of preference for their placement. The diagram also includes placement of a fuel canister, stove, and folding utensils that are not included in the set.

As previously mentioned, the manufacturer does also includes a stove bag presumably to keep a stove from scratching the interior of the pot while being transported. This 3 in (7.6 cm) by 5 in (12.7 cm) flat soft bag has an overlap with a Velcro-type closure. It weighs only 0.3 oz (8.5 g) and would most likely be used for canister-type stoves. I plan to use both an alcohol stove and an Esbit stove with the set so they don't fit the sack. I will find another use for the sack such as to hold utensils or similar.

Cautions and Dangers

There are a number of warnings, cautions and danger indicators that the manufacturer lists in their accompanying brochure (printed in English and French). Most of them are common sense however they are worth stating. They include not exposing the cookware to extreme temps or allowing the pot to boil dry, to only use the pot and strainer lid on a stove top and not over a camp fire or household type ovens including microwaves. It also suggests to use caution when grasping the handle, not to expose the handle to direct flame and not to separate the the bowl and lid when they are full.

Further possible dangers that are noted include always using the handle in the locked position, avoiding steam burns by placing the pot lid's vent holes away from handle, stove controls and self when cooking and holding the pot lid securely against the pot when straining or pouring.

Care

The manufacturer suggests washing the cookware with hot water and mild detergent and drying immediately at home before using. In the field, they suggest it can be cleaned out with sand and a clean dry cloth. Boiling water can be used as a soaking and cleansing agent and straining food bits into a waste container should be done to limit environmental impact. The components of the system should also be dry before storage to prevent mold. Reportedly microwaves and dishwashers may prematurely age the components. Food should not be stored in the pot or bowl long term.

So far, I'm pleased with the GSI Ultralight Soloist Cookware. While I have already used it during a four-day backpack, I will save the field information for the next report. The set had arrived just before my last trip's departure so I quickly washed it and packed it in my backpack. I have many more trips planned during the entire testing period so I am looking forward to its continued use.

Tester Remarks

Thanks to GSI and and BackpackGearTest for this fun opportunity to test the Soloist Cookware. This concludes my Initial Report. The Field Report will be appended to this report approximately in early June. Please check back then for more information.

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