In 1985, in Spokane, Washington, Glacier Stainless (which became GSI Outdoors) set out to make camp kitchenware that worked as well outside as it did at home, without the fragility or the fuss. Decades on, GSI quietly outfits more camp kitchens than almost anyone, from the enamelware mug in your hand to the complete cook set that packs into itself.
The short version: GSI Outdoors, founded 1985 in Spokane, makes clever, durable camp cookware and kitchen gear. Buy it for cook sets, mugs, French presses, and the whole camp-kitchen kit, thoughtfully designed to nest, pack small, and survive the outdoors. It is a focused camp-kitchen specialist with a knack for practical design.
Where GSI came from
Starting with stainless and enamelware, GSI grew into a full camp-kitchen brand known for smart, space-efficient design, the kind of gear where every piece nests inside another. Spokane, at the edge of the Inland Northwest’s mountains, remains home.
What they actually make well
Camp cookware and kitchen gear: nesting cook sets, the beloved enamelware and Infinity mugs, camp French presses, and tableware built to pack small and last. It rounds out the camp kitchen alongside stoves from Jetboil and bottles from Klean Kanteen.
Built to last?
Durable, practical construction with solid warranty support; GSI gear is meant to survive years of camp abuse. Its clever packability is itself a kind of efficiency, and the brand has moved toward more sustainable materials in parts of its line.
The causes they actually fund
As a focused mid-size specialist, GSI’s cause work is modest and community-oriented rather than headline activism. Its contribution is practical, durable gear that lasts, an honest, understated story.
Where this gear comes from, and where it earns its place
Born in Spokane, at home at every campsite and trailhead kitchen: the car camps and basecamps that anchor trips across the Trail Atlas, wherever you cook outside.
The honest take
GSI is not a glamorous brand and gram-counters assembling an ultralight kit may go minimal instead. But for car campers, basecampers, and anyone who values a well-designed camp kitchen that packs into itself, GSI’s practical cleverness is hard to beat for the money. Buy the nesting cook set; enjoy the coffee.
The quiet outfitter of more camp kitchens than almost anyone. More makers in Brands We Love. Last verified July 2026.