Owner Review by Shandra Hunt

MSR BlackLite Classic Cookset- Owner Review

Name: Shandra Hunt

Age: 25

Gender: female

Height: 5' 3" (1.6 m)

Weight: 145 lbs (66 kg)

Location: Ben Lomond, California

Email:jns170@yahoo.com

Date:3/20/04

Biography:

Growing up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I have always been an avid hiker and camper. Only recently however, I have evolved into a backpacker. I started backpacking about two years ago. Since then I have done many trips throughout California and I also spent five days packing in the Grand Canyon which fueled my love for the sport even more. I have many more trips planned, I think I may be addicted, and I am constantly looking for more efficient and lightweight alternatives for the gear that I own.

MSR "BlackLite Classic Cookset "
Manufacturer: Mountain Safety Research

Year purchased: 2002

URL:www.msrcorp.com

Manufacturers listed weight: 18 oz (512 g)

Manufacturers sugg. retail price: $34.95 (u.s)

Description:

>Non-stick aluminum

> 1.5 L (51 fl oz) and 2 L (68 fl oz) pots with lid that fits both pots

> Patented "PanHandler" pot gripper - included

> Patented "Packtowel" for cleaning - included

The Cookset:

I bought this cookset from a sporting goods store in my area called Mel Cotton's. I spent about an hour checking out the various cooksets, trying each type on the stove that I have. I typically cook for two to four people so I needed a set that was accommodating but also compact and lightweight. The set comes with two pots that fit inside one another, this is essential for me because I backpack with my boyfriend. We can each use a pot to eat out of when the cooking is done and they don't take up much pack space. The extra pot also comes in handy if I am cooking a more involved meal or cooking for extra people. The smaller pot, which fits inside the larger pot, holds 1.5 L(51 fl oz). The larger pot holds 2 L (68 fl oz) and fortunately the one lid fits on both pots snuggly. The "BlackLite cookset" series features grooved bottoms to help the pots stay put on the stove. After trying many of the other pots in the store, I found that this feature was one of the best and also most desirable.The grooves really help to grip the pots to the type of stove that I have. This set also features a non-stick coating which makes clean up much easier. This cookset also comes with MSR's patented "Panhandler" pot gripper. The "Panhandler" is a handle that clamps onto the side of the pots for easy handling, it fits easily inside the pots, measuring about 3 in (76 mm). This set also includes a tight fitting lid, with a handle, that can double as a plate, a "Packtowel" for cleaning, and a mesh bag for carrying and storage. The manufacturer advertises that the rounded corners of these pots allows heat to travel up the sides of the pots more quickly, which boosts their efficiency by 5%. MSR also claims that the black coating on the outside boosts heat absorption which improves cooking time and saves fuel.

In the Field:

I have used this cookset on every backpacking trip that I have gone on in the last two years. I have taken this set on various overnight and extended weekend trips and I have also used it on longer treks. The very first few times that I tried out this cookset, I took it to areas around where I live, Big Basin State park in the redwoods, Point Reyes State park on the Northern California coast, and Castle Rock State park which is at about 1,500 ft. (457 m) elevation. At each of these various locations which range from sea level to about 1,500 ft. (457 m), I have had to use this cookset in rain and wind. I have also used the cookset on several car camping trips when I didn't want to bring a lot of extra cooking gear and found it just as easy to use as when I take it backpacking. I find having both pots is adequate for cooking meals for up to four people. These pots are pretty easy to eat out of and the lid can double as a plate. I find that the "Panhandler" pot gripper takes a little getting used to, if I have the pot full and it is heavy, the handle is hard to use. The handle grips onto the inside and outside of the pot rim, and I have to make sure that it is positioned so that it doesn't slip. The other problem that I have with this handle after multiple uses is that it scratches the protective outside coating of the pots. The marring of the outside of the pots has not seemed to affect the metal so far.

The first time I cooked in these pots, I used a plastic utensil, which turned out to be a bad idea. The plastic melted and I have since resorted to using metal utensils while cooking, which is not recommended by the manufacturer. MSR recommends the use of wooden or plastic utensils to prolong the life of the non-stick coating. I have found that the non-stick coating does not do well when metal utensils are used, and even though I try to be careful, my pots are now a little scratched up. Before the bottom of my pots got scratched, the non-stick coating worked great. I found that I could wipe these pots out and did not have a problem with any food sticking. Even though my pots are scratched, I can still wipe out most of the food without a problem but I always add a little oil if I have it, just in case.

The cookset features grooved bottoms which are designed to reduce movement of the pots on a stove. This is one of the best features about these pots. I use this set with a Coleman Exponent stove and I find that they really stay put.

Summary:

This cookset has been used on many occasions, for meals that are large and small, and proves to be a versatile cook kit to have. While there are lighter cooksets available, I find that the extra weight of this set is made up for with it's extra volume and good durability. I typically use this set for two people but it can also be used as a one man setup. These pots can be used to eat out of, eliminating the extra weight of other dishes, and the small pot can hold more than enough food for one.

The Good:

> all parts fit inside one another for storage

> non-stick

> doubles as a bowl

> pots have good volume for larger meals

The Bad:

> Panhandler pot gripper scratches the protective finish

> metal utensils can scratch non-stick coating

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