Why Traditional Cook Systems Fail Backcountry Hunters

For far too long, hunters have had to settle for sub-par cook systems from big “camping” companies because there simply weren’t any other options.

For years, we were stuck with the same choices. Heavy, clunky, unreliable systems loaded with parts we don’t need, lacking durability, and underperforming when it matters most. Or we tried to piece together our own setup from a bunch of different brands, spending time and energy, only to end up with something that still wasn’t ideal or designed to work together.

The problem? There wasn’t a single cook system that checked all the boxes for what a backcountry hunter truly needs. None of these brands were actually building products for hunters.

The camp stove space is completely disconnected from the realities of hunting. Most companies focus on glampers, casual campers, or mass-market appeal. Hunting is just a niche they think they can squeeze a few extra sales from while still catering to the REI crowd. Let me tell you, that audience wants something very different from what hunters actually need.

That’s why traditional cook systems fail backcountry hunters. It’s simple, they’re not made for us, and that’s exactly why Roughridge exists: to build products entirely around what backcountry hunters actually need.