MSR Alpine Cookset

Guy Hurst
Reviewed: 23 October 2007

OK PAN SET

Very sturdy and still look good after about 10 years of use. Good size for several people.

Raised section in the middle of each pan base really is a pain. Causes uneven heat spread and makes cleaning very difficult. Quite heavy for capacity, and a bit big for two people wild camping.

There are better pan sets for similar money.

Sam Callard
Reviewed: 23 October 2007

CLASSIC SET OF PANS

Little to go wrong.
Nice and sturdy, (they've taken my name punches and there is little signs of any dents).
Transfers heat nicely, (maybe why there have been problems with other sets).

Quite thin, (but this doesn't taint the fact that they are really durable).
Some discolouration from water, but what difference does it make. Its only a bit of water.

You must note that I have used these once on my dragonfly, and once on an open fire. There were little signs of discolouration on the petrol cooker, but there was a lot on the open fire. This would be the same on any set of pans, also, these pans are unlike most aluminium pans in the way that they are shiny, all of MSR's aluminium pans are black.
MSR also state on their website and on the packaging of the that blackened pans are more efficient than shiny ones. So maybe the way they are easily discoloured is purposeful. I find it quite hard to fault these pans. They're a nice classic set of pans, and I'm sure they'll last me a few years yet.

Tom Power 2
Reviewed: 09 June 2007

POOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS

fairly small and light; not aluminium; good brand reputation?

uneven heat distribution; burn easily. Discolours (inside and out) almost instantly

I only bought mine a few days ago, and used them once, but I was alarmed at how the lid / frying pan instantly discoloured under heat - I thought maybe it was only a lid... but several sites say also for use as frying pan... didn't look healthy to be cooking in. Burns easily - lots of turning required, so hard to cook with.

Actually says 'seagul brand, Taiwan' on the underside - guessing they are the real manufactureres, with MSR adding their stamp. Not the quality or ease of use I had expected from a brand like MSR. Wish I'd bought a cheaper, thicker set from Blacks.

Mark bateman
Reviewed: 10 June 2003

WORST PANS EVER - WASTE OF £30

Very few, look shiny when un-used.
Possible to boil water without burning it?! see weaknesses

All meals burn due to ill designed raised section in centre of pans. Requires constant stirring to minimise burning. Very difficult to clean 5mm of hard charcoal (my tea) on pan base in the field.

Rubbish - DO NOT BUY

Alistair Morris
Reviewed: 04 November 2001

ROBUST SET, IF A LITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE

Made of stainless steel, therefore reducing your chances of Alzheimer's in later life, extending your time in the hills. Survived ice axe attack to get frozen porridge out of bottom.

Stove bag is a bit rubbish and has now disintegrated. They are a little on the heavy side compared with aluminium pans. Had a raised section on the bottom of the base of the pan, which allows food to burn more easily and makes them more difficult to clean. Porridge still burns in these pans

Generally good long lasting set of pans if you don't like aluminium and can't afford titanium. A little on the heavy side and expensive.