Backpackers Pantry Evolution 2

Review Date
July 25, 2003

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: WSB-83(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Littleton

Price Paid:  $30.00 at REI

Summary:
For cheap pots these were alright. They weren't very survivable, in fact they made it 4 months before the teflon coating was shot and flaking, at which point the pots are trash since aluminum in food can cause cancer and brain damage. Heat transfer was as good as any other bare aluminum pot, but I just can't get over the fragility, something that I can't always concern myself with, I'd like to know that what I'm using will hold up to a little abuse on ocassion, enter stainless steal. I only ever had one set, and will not invest in another. If you are willing to always use wooden spoons in dealing with these pots, and are careful to never let anything stick to the bottom of them, then maybe they'll work better for you than they did for me. Personally, I'd suggest a little extra money and upgrade to MSR.

Customer Service:
To their credit, I never checked with them, so to be honest I don't know.

Similar Products Used:
MSR Blacklight, and XPD

Review Date
November 27, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jim Cook(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Columbus, Georgia

Price Paid:  $8.00 at auction site

Summary:
A great cookset, beats the heck out of the old stainless one. The mesh sack is great for hanging and drying. Comes with a handy PackTowl pad that can be used to hold the hot pot in your lap as you eat in a hurry so you can get out of the rain (trust me, I know this one). Very lightweight, non-stick finish is great. One lid fits both size pots. The real plastic lid handle is good when cooking in the dark, the pot holder is good and the grooved underside helps it cling to your stove, even the tinier ones. Don't pack it without the PackTowl between the pots because you'll scratch up the non-stick finish.

Similar Products Used:
MSR stainless set, US Army mess kit

Review Date
June 14, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Tom(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago

Summary:
This is a great all-around cook set. It's perfect for 2 - maybe 3 people. The non-stick surface is durable, and frequently wipes off without water (not mac-n-cheese though!) It's not the lightest, but light enough. The mesh bag can be used to scrub the pots. The best cookset I've used!

Customer Service:
I haven't had to deal with customer service - that's a good thing in my book!

Similar Products Used:
MSR

Review Date
June 13, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jon Ormsby(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Indiana

Summary:
Can't beat the simplicity of nonstick, and this seems like the nicest one out there. I know it weighs a touch more than the MSR Blacklite, but its because the aluminum is thicker and more durable. My buddies Blacklite has dents all over it from light use. The Evolution nonstick surface works very well, but from what I've seen, starts to slowly wear away after a couple years (mine is from when Cascade Designs made them so they may have improved since then). The set is great when cooking for two or three people. I got something smaller for solo trips. All in all, a great product.

Similar Products Used:
MSR Blacklite, Stowaway and Titan kettle.