Reddit mentions: The best camping mess kits
We found 17 Reddit comments discussing the best camping mess kits. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 14 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. GSI Outdoors, Extreme Mess Kit, Camping Cook Set, Superior Backcountry Cookware Since 1985
- TOUGH IN ANY TERRAIN: The Extreme Mess Kit's included pot and frypan are made from hard anodized aluminum, a non-reactive surface that won't scratch, providing you with the gourmet backpacking performance every camper deserves.
- COMPACT CAMPING: The easy-packing, nesting design includes a dual-use frypan/lid, cup, and bowl. Everything you need for your next adventure.
- CAN HANDLE ANYTHING: Features the exclusive DiamondBack Gripper that locks on to exterior brackets to make cooking a breeze. While cooking over a campfire we suggest removing the handle, since it can get really hot.
- ADVENTURE READY: The Extreme Mess Kit weighs only 19 ounces, and includes a mesh bag to take everything with you.
- IT'S ALL ABOUT THE OUTDOORS: In 1985 three siblings motivated by their love for the outdoors founded the camping and backcountry cookware company GSI Outdoors. Three decades later GSI continues to bring quality cookware to outdoor lovers everywhere.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 1.7 Pounds |
Width | 2 Inches |
2. Texsport 5 Piece Heavy Duty Aluminum Outdoor Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- 7" fry pan with detachable handle
- 6-1/2 fry pan cover/plate
- 1/2qt boiling pot with lid
- 8oz plastic cup
- All pieces nest together compactly
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver/Blue |
Height | 16.5 Inches |
Length | 10 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | August 2018 |
Size | 7" |
Weight | 0.8 Pounds |
Width | 8.75 Inches |
3. Stansport Enamel Camping Tableware Set, 24-Piece, Blue
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 10.75 Inches |
Length | 10.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 4.8 Pounds |
Width | 5.5 Inches |
4. Fox Outdoor Serbian Military Mess Kit, Multicolor
- Kit includes: Canteen, square practice bowl, square plastic drinking cup, aluminum-square cooking pot, and stainless steel Chow-set (knife, fork, spoon)
- All pieces nestle into a square container
- Complete with carrying pouch
Features:
Specs:
Color | Multicolor |
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 1 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 1.8 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
5. cWc Stainless Steel 20 Pcs Dinnerware Set Of Unbreakable Stainless Steel Plates , Unbreakable Stainless Steel Bowls , Unbreakbale Stainless Steel Glasses For A Camping Mess Kit
Dont Care About The feedbacks , we gaurantee you the quality if not we will take our product backPRODUCED TAKING CARE OF WELLNESS OF CUSTOMERS HEALTHSHINING SURFACE( 4 DINNER PLATES, 4 DINNER BOWLS , 6 DINNER SPOONS, 4 GLASSES , AND 2 BIG BOWLS FOR CURRY )POLISH WON'T FADE AFTER A LONG YEARS TOOCROC...
Specs:
Color | Silver |
6. MSR Alpine 4 Pot Set
- Strong: Stainless steel offers the ultimate in durability.
- Compact: Efficient nesting design saves valuable pack room
- Multi-Function: Pot lids can be used as plates
- Includes: (1) 1L pot, (1) 2L pot, (1) 3L pot, (3) lids/plates, (1) PanHandler pot handle, and stuff sack
- Weight: 3lbs 2 oz
Features:
Specs:
Color | steel |
Height | 3.94 Inches |
Length | 7.87 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | January 2011 |
Size | Kit |
Weight | 2.44 Pounds |
Width | 3.94 Inches |
7. Light my Fire Deluxe MealKit, Navy Blue
8 piece MealKit contains SpiceBox, Spork, plate, bowl, strainer, cutting board, spill-free cup, sealable container, and harnessPP plasticSpork is an all in one utensil that won't scratch cookwareWill not soften at higher temperaturesWeighs 13 oz., 7-Inch wide
Specs:
Color | Navy Blue |
Release date | January 2010 |
8. GSI Outdoors Pioneer Enamelware Camp Cooking and Table Set, 4 Place Settings
- Enamel table set appropriate for both outdoor and indoor dining
- Includes 4 12-ounce cups, 4 10.5-inch plates, and 4 5.75-inch bowls
- Each piece is built from heavy-gauge steel with speckled enamel finish
- Twice kiln-hardened to 1,000 degrees F to prevent scratches and chips
- All pieces are dishwasher-safe; set weighs 6 pounds total
Features:
9. GSI Outdoors - Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Camping and Outdoors
KEEP THINGS SPICY: For those who like to keep things spicy, this Spice Missile conveniently screws together 3 twin-chamber spice shakers and provides up to 0. 1 fluid ounces of 6 difference spice options.COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: Weighing only 2. 1 ounces and measuring 1. 5 in x 1. 5 in x 4 inches, th...
Specs:
Color | Clear |
Height | 6 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2010 |
Size | 0.1 fl. oz. x 6 |
Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
Width | 2 Inches |
10. GSI Outdoors - Bugaboo Mess Kit, Camping Cookset, Superior Backcountry Cookware Since 1985
TOUGH IN ANY TERRAIN: The Bugaboo Mess Kit's included pot and frypan are coated with Teflon Classic for amazing non-stick performance.COMPACT CAMPING: The easy-packing, nesting design includes a dual-use frypan/lid, cup, and bowl. Everything you need for your next adventure.CAN HANDLE ANYTHING: Feat...
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 3.2 Inches |
Length | 8 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 6 Piece |
Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
Width | 8 Inches |
11. Ecoart Silicone Collapsible Bowl Cup Set with Spork for Outdoor Camping Hiking Travel, Green - Set of 3
Space-saving & Portable - The collapsible mess kit take up no space in your pocket, backpack, bag, suitcase. Great for camping trip, hiking, backpacking, travel, train trip, lunch, picnic and sport eventsLightweight & Compact - The foldable bowl weighs 2.1 oz. Only 0.4" (1cm) in thickness when colla...
Specs:
Color | Green |
Number of items | 3 |
Size | 3 Count (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 0.15 Pounds |
12. Coleman Rugged 1-Person Mess Kit
Nesting design and collapsible handle for compact storageNon-stick surface for easy cleaningRust-resistant, lightweight aluminum constructionWeighs only 9 oz. (255.1 g) for easy carrying5-Piece kit includes: 7-in. Frying pan, 6-oz. Pot with lid, 6.5-In deep-dish plate, 8-oz. Aluminum cup
Specs:
Color | Red & Black |
Height | 3.9 Inches |
Length | 4.2 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2018 |
Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
Width | 3.8 Inches |
13. JetBoil FlashJava Kit (Red)
1.0 Liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy, featuring Flash color-change heat indicatorAdjustable burner with push-button igniterDrink-through lid and insulating bottom cover/measuring cupTripod base for added stabilityFuel Source Sold Separately
Specs:
Color | Tomato |
Height | 6 Inches |
Is adult product | 1 |
Length | 10 Inches |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 1.5 pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
14. Stansport Black Granite Steel Mess Kit
- Sport type: Outdoor Lifestyle
- package height : 30.988 cm
- package length : 11.684 cm
- package width : 26.416 cm
- Safe to use and easy to clean
- country of origin : China
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 6 Inches |
Length | 8 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 1.2 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on camping mess kits
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where camping mess kits are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
> Will be used to cook pancakes, eggs, and other pan stuff.
The problem with pancakes and backpacking is that most backpacking stoves have a very narrow flame pattern. With a lightweight, large (8"+) frying pan, the outer edges just don't get/stay hot, so if you try to cook a large pancake, you end up burning the center while the edges are still uncooked. So make smaller pancakes, which you an cook in a smaller 6" pan (it's hard to flip pancakes in a pot).
Edited to add:
I've got an old MSR Alpine Cookset which has a frying pan... it works OK, but I generally don't bother frying anything while backpacking so it doesn't get much use.
There are cheap anodized aluminum cooksets I see on Amazon all the time... never tried it myself, but seems popular. There are similar ones that are cheaper if you search.
Then there's the good ol' aluminum mess kit. Used one of them every trip while in the Scouts decades ago.
Aluminum is light and cheap, conducts heat well, but food tends to stick. Ti is light and expensive, doesn't conduct heat well so you get hotspots, and food tends to stick. Steel is heavy but durable, some foods stick but not as bad as others. Anodized aluminum is light, durable, mostly non-stick, conducts heat pretty well, but not as cheap as plain aluminum.
Have you been tent camping before? This may seem like the cheapest way to go, but if you don't already have your camping equipment already this can be an expensive way to go.
Using amazon:
I'm leaving some stuff out, but you're looking at about another $209 added to the cost of staying at Fort Wilderness.
Let's not forget that if you aren't sure about being comfortable with tent camping, It rains like you've rarely ever seen every day in Florida. Usually for short periods of time, but are you willing to tent camp in a tropical rainstorm over night?
I am a huge advocate of Fort Wilderness. I've loved the place since my parents took me there as a child (with a pull behind RV) in the mid 1970's. I suggest you go to the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long, and Movies Under The Stars while you are there. If you can afford it go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue as well. However, tent camping in Florida is quite different than tent camping anywhere else. Maybe wait a little longer until you can afford to stay at one of the All-Star resorts.
Heres a couple things I like having on my bike when I travel:
AC inverter: gives you a 110v outlet in case you need to power something like a phone charger and you don't have a 12v usb connector.
Water purifying tablet: They take up about a cubic inch of space and may save your life.
Large wet wipes: For giving yourself an on the go shower in case you meet your future wife and there is no shower access.
Small mess kit: I have a serbian mess kit and I love it. The knife included has a can opener and a bottle opener and is serrated and well made.
Head lamp: Because holding a flashlight while its cold and you are trying to do something sucks. I prefer ones that have single large diodes instead of lots of little ones as they are brighter and have better color. Also I try and get ones that use 18650 batteries so I can share a charger and batteries.
the GSI is definitely not what I'm looking for. Not only because of price but because of what you said. I also found that people in general don't like the cups and bowls, the bowls and plates tend to get brittle after a year or two.
I'd also have to purchase 2 sets of additional cups/plates.
I'm going to go with something like this for the plates, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Dinnerware-Carry-Free/dp/B01B2MYD0W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469235005&sr=8-2&keywords=stainless+steel+plates
And something like this for the pots:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019F6NTUW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=DM73B6WNBEVE&coliid=IVN1CMJ0J4MV
Edit: Thanks BTW that was exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0018BPKXC
I have that set. I like the removable handle, so it doesn't get hot on the fire. I usually don't carry the plastic stuff, but it's pretty cheap either way. Also my twig stove fits inside it, bonus.
MSR Alpine cookset that I'm not going to get.
I love that they're stainless and how well they nest for compact storage. I'd also like the matching frypan.
I know it's not going to happen as I don't get out enough to justify the cost.
I use a Light My Fire mealkit. It doesn't have the pot and pan part, I use a container that fits around my small stove for that (this also holds the fuel canister).
This mealkit has spork / knife, several plates and bowls, spice box, cup with lid, cutting board, etc. It has a stretch holder that has a clip on it. I use it all the time. You might want to check it out to see how they married design and functionality. I'm a graphic designer, so that's partially why it caught my eye at first.
A windscreen (as someone said below) would be awesome for the stove, and maybe a creative way to keep it all together?
These are the items I currently have in my pack:
Collapsible plate, bowl, and cup
single burner - there are probably better/smaller/lighter weight ones but this is just what I'm using at the moment
Titanium spork knife
camping pot
I toss a sponge and a travel bottle of dish soap in the pot.
It'd be nice to see if other people have similar travel packs and what they use.
> some general car camping/trail pots for cooking
I never use the same pots for car camping and backpacking. All I need for backpacking is one kettle that's shaped to be easy to pour out of. Low wide pots are harder to pour from without spilling. Something like this. For car camping I like larger enamelware pots like this.
Have you considered pill bags? They’ll let you portion out the spices and carry a wider variety. They also pack better.
If you really have to have one, this isn’t bad: GSI Outdoors Spice Missile
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF8TFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pxppDbDHY1F4P
That would be GSI's bugaboo mess kit.
It's a great size for frying fish and such, but it doesn't nest well, it's bulky, the handle bends easily, the sack isn't very good. I'm on the lookout for a different kit.
One thing I won't leave behind is my
[Spice missile] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF8TFI/)
Salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, chicken flavor, chipotle powder.
Jetboil stove
I ve seen people over at /r/ultralight use the GSI Spice Missile
cupcakes and tacos Edit: Forgot my cooking item pots and pans to cook while camping
Coleman makes a similar one that is non-stick coated for $15:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CDNNDDW/
Buy this, I carry something similar when I travel. https://www.amazon.com/Ecoart-Silicone-Collapsible-Outdoor-Camping/dp/B01F19YQTA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492348453&sr=8-2&keywords=plastic+hiking+spork