The coating in the pots is VERY easy to scratch off. I don't even use mine that much and simply moving stuff around with plastic ware when cooking makes cuts in the non-stick coating. Using a pack towel for the frying pan is a good idea to if you are going to take it backpacking. The jostling around of the cook set in your pack will scratch the inside edges if you don't. I destroyed mine.

I don't believe the damage is due to carelessness either. I am on my second set (thank you REI). The first one had another problem in addition to the scratches. The bigger pot warped and bent after cooking some bacon in it. It could have been defective but it was bent to hades.

I have been wearing them for a few months now and love them. I climb about twice a week, mostly in the gym. They are very comfy but a little bit tight on top, my toe knuckles bite into the top of the shoe, but likely because I am wearing 1.5 size bellow my street shoe size. Very easy to get in and out of, but no real need to. I stay in them even on belay.