GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set Field Test

In this video you will get an idea of the size and use of the pots, cups, and bowels and the ease with which you can pack and unpack everything.

There is not a whole lot of talk about overland cook sets but I seem to notice a whole lot of Bugaboo Campers in peoples kits.

Prior to the Bugaboo we had some small inexpensive cooksets and other large heavy space consuming sets as well. I was looking for something that wouldn’t take a lot of space and would cover down on my family of four. While this costs more than you would spend for something from Ozark Trail it this is a unique product.

Ozark Trail is quick to copy the best designs from high end outdoor companies and GSI is no exception. The Bugaboo Camper has no real competition. If you are a group or family of four this is hands down the smallest lightest most convenient cook set around.

The pots and frying pan:

The pots and frying pan are super slick Teflon so you don’t have to worry about losing half your meal to stuck on mess or worse not being able to thoroughly clean you equipment in the field.

They are superlight aluminum and have ridged bottoms helping to distribute heat evenly.

There is one quick attach handle for all three pans and while it is a little difficult to get on and off if the pots are empty once they have a little weight the handle is easy to operate. The handle is easily stowed in one of the cups to keep it from scratching the pans.

The Cups and Plates:

There are four sets that include a cup, bowl, and a plate that are a unique color. This is great so that people don’t mix up there stuff but especially cool if you have kids since they really like to pick their own colors. The plates are simple plastic plates, the cup and bowl are fairly small but enough for a camp meal especially if you take seconds. The bowl nests within the cup and the insulated sleeve on the bowl keep things together while protecting your hand from the heat and keeping your food warm. There is also a lid for the cup with small openings on two ends for keeping things in the cup but allowing you to pour or drink from them.

The only complaint here is if you don’t remove the sleeve prior to washing, fist time use mistake, they get wait and are not easy to dry. I wasn’t comfortable packing things up wet so had to dry them out separately prior to properly repacking. This is not a huge issue since they can be removed before watching.

Carrying Case
The carrying case is super cool, rugged nylon, with a rubberized lining. This can be used to as a wash basin if you’re traveling super light or backpacking or maybe as a dog bowl if you already got dish washing covered. Anyway you look at it it’s a nice little extra.

Conclusion:
This kit is well worth the investment considering it directly supports my crew size, is super light, compact, and well designed. GSI continues to impress me as they come out with cool innovative designs and are staying one step ahead of the quick to follow copy cat companies.

Music: River Valley Breakdown Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Here are the key points and technical specs from GSI Outdoors themselves:

Coating
Teflon® Classic
Two layer coating
Good scratch+abrasion resistance
Good non-stick performance
Made without using PFOA
Material
High-Temperature Painted Aluminum
Lightweight
Even-heating
Brilliant, gloss finish
Exceptional value
Features & Specs
Rugged stuff sack holds set and doubles as a sink or wash basin.
Color-coded items provide personalized tableware settings.
Folding gripper locks on to exterior brackets to prevent scratching and to provide a secure handle while cooking.
Crushproof, heat-resistant strainer lid.
Spiral turned base grips stoves and grill arms securely.
Perfectly complements with our Crossover Kitchen Kit.
Coated with Teflon® Classic for good non-stick performance.
Product Specifications
Major Dimension: 4 Person
Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz.
Dimensions: 9.10” x 9.10” x 5.80”
Material: Non-Stick Coated Aluminum, Polypropylene, Nylon 6-6, Silicone
Product Use: Car Camping

Includes: 3 L Pot, 2 L Pot, 2 Strainer Lids, 9 Frypan, 4 14 fl. oz. insulated mugs, 4 14 fl. oz. bowls, 4 7.5 plates, 4 Sip-It Tops, Folding Pot Gripper, Welded Sink.