It’s never too early to start planning for next years excursions. The problem that many of us face when planning our trips, loading up our backpacks and vehicles, is what style of cookware do we take with us, and what kind to leave at home.
In my trip planning, I am fortunate to only have to worry about supplies and food for three people: my wife, myself, and our dog. This makes us perfect candidates for the minimalist style of camping, which our featured product is perfect for, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist Camp Set.
GSI Outdoors Inc is a Spokane (Washington), based family owned company that has been making outdoor equipment since 1985. The company was founded by Ian, Don, and Kathy Scott. Originally Canadians from the province of British Columbia, they decided to make the move to Washington State.
The Pinnacle Series features six different kits ranging from: the Base Camp Set (largest), which features several full-sized pots and pans, the Soloist (simplest), designed with the solo adventurer in mind. Our Featured kit is the Dualist, which as you can guess is designed for two people.
Product: GSI Pinnacle Dualist
Number of People Serviced: Two
Number of Pieces in Kit: Eleven Total
- Two cup lids
- Two sip it cups (20 Ounces each)
- Two Bowls (20 Ounces Each)
- Two Sporks
- One 1.8 Liter cook pot
- One pot strainer lid
- One rubberized storage bag/sink
Weight: 21.6 Ounces
Dimensions:
- Height: 5.9″
- Diameter: 5.9″
Colors Available:
- One orange bowl and cup
- One blue bowl and cup
- black pot
Application: Camping, Hiking, Hunting, any outdoor adventure
Pros:
- Easy storage
- Rigid metal cook pot
- Insulated mug separates from bowl
- Storage bag doubles as sink
Cons:
- Meant only for two people
- No skillet in this set
- Would like to see metal utensils instead of polymer
- Cost might be a concern for some users
MSRP: $64.95
Overall Expectations:
I have only used the GSI Pinnacle Dualist a handful of times, but have been pleased with its overall performance. My favorite camp meal that I make with this system is a dish I like to call the Bachelor Special. To this day when my wife is out of town, I will use the Dualist to make this delicious treat. I shall provide instructions at the bottom of this article.
The Dualist comes with an interesting feature that I overlooked the first time I used it, the bowl and the mug actually are two separate pieces but to the untrained eye it just looks like a really thick bowl. The mug is distinguishable by its grey insulated cover and slightly smaller diameter. The smaller diameter allows the cup to tightly fit inside the bowl.
A matching grey lid with drinking notch is also included for each cup in this kit. Simple things like making the insulating liner and lid the same color helps to ensure the user is using the correct container and lid. Small details, that make a noticeable difference.
The main asset of the Pinnacle Dualist kit is the large 1.8 Liter cook pan. A folding handle has been mounted to the side of the pan for ease of handling and storage. The hard anodized Aluminum pan is durable, lightweight, and can easily handle a large job.
GSI Outdoors uses a newer variant of DuPont’s time-tested Teflon coating, this new class of coating is known as Teflon with Radiance. The newer style of Teflon helps ensure a more uniform heating pattern across the entire pan surface.
The engineers at GSI Outdoors, and DuPont claim that the pan coating (on the bottom surface) allows the Pinnacle Dualist to heat up to 25% faster than traditional uncoated pans. I can’t personally attest to whether or not the pan heats 25% faster, but I was impressed at the time it took to cook a 15oz can of chili in it.
Overall the GSI Pinnacle Dualist is a great minimalist kit for two people. Any potential user should know that this set will not work well if you intend to try and feed more than a two people with it. If you accept this limitation, then this set will provide you with years of dependable use for all your adventuring needs.
The kit in it’s stored configuration is a little on the thick side, and will take up a noticeable amount of space in your pack. I intend to use this in my camping van so weight and storage space aren’t nearly as big of a concern for me.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to come to The Load Out Room, it is our mission to continue to bring you reviews and stories that you, our reader want to see. If you have any questions, or comments on any gear we have featured be sure to drop us a line using the Comms Check link, or comment below any article. Someone will get back with you and answer your question.
Rick D.
Get your own set on Amazon here.
Recipe for Bachelor Special
Supplies Needed:
- GSI Dualist Kit & flame source
- Onion
- Frito’s Scoops
- Some variety of shredded cheese
- Hormel’s Chili
- Sour Cream
Instructions:
- Pour the large can of Hormel’s chili into 1.8 Liter pan and place on heat
- Dice/Slice onion while chili cooks
- Place Frito’s scoops into a bowl
- Once chili has turned into steaming bubbling cauldron spoon chili onto scoops
- Sprinkle with cheese, onion, sour cream or other toppings
- Scream “Sim Sim Salabim” and dinner is served.
Notes of Interest:
I find a nice Dos Equis Amber goes well with this. If you decide to make camp meals in your Pinnacle Dualist let us know what you come up with.
