GSI Outdoors Pivot Tong

Opting to use pivoting hinges instead of a retractable design, GSI Outdoors succeeds in creating a packable set of tongs that feels neither too weak nor small for the job. The addition of drainage slots and a serrated, toothed side add extra versatility to an otherwise purely utilitarian piece of cookware. The high-temp, nylon 66 this is made from is able to withstand contact with hot pots and pans, although it cannot sit (even for the smallest amount of time) in them.

These tongs pack down small, and honestly, probably pack smaller than either the Pivot Spoon or Pivot Spatula.

Definitely a plus.

My Pivot Tongs came as part of the Crossover Kitchen set, which also included the pivoting spoon and spatula.

Right now I'm a big fan of the color orange, so — if for no other reason — the color scheme had me from the get-go. The orange handles have a matte finish (for grip), while the grey "business ends" of the utensils are a smooth finish (to discourage food sticking to them). 

The tongs are pretty strong, surprisingly enough.

To open the tongs from their closed position, you first have to lift them above a notch on the backside that locks them into place. This goes both ways, both locking the tongs closed and open.

The nylon is flexible enough for the tongs to open and close easily, but rigid enough to maintain a firm grip on whatever they're grasping.

One side has a smooth edge, while the other features a set of teeth in case you need a firmer grip, or a little more help in picking something up. 

The drainage holes are a nice touch.

I appreciate this more because it allows the utensils to drain themselves before putting them back into storage. 

These pack in nicely with the Pivot Spoon and Spatula.

The picture below shows all three packed into the Crossover Kitchen Kit. I've never had any trouble fitting them back in. 

All in all, I always take my Pivot Utensils with me on my car camping trips. They make your camp kitchen feel like yours back home, without the punishment of weight or bulk.

A smart design in a small package that's more than worth it.

One small note, however: these are only meant to move food around and be in motion. Setting these down against a pot rim, or letting these sit on a hot pan will cause them to melt. I experienced a small amount of melting with both my tongs and spatula. GSI more than happily replaced my entire set of pivot utensils, and I haven't had a problem at all with the replacement set. Turns out their customer service is even better than their top-of-the-line products.

4.5 stars, only because my first tongs were defective, and although replaced free-of-charge, it leads me to think GSI needed to do a little more product testing, or be a little more careful when it comes to quality control.