A camper or a trekker should carry a mess kit that includes a pot, cup, fork, spoon, bowl, and pan. These are essentials for preparing meals, and a mess kit lets you carry them all with ease. If you plan to purchase one, here is our list of the best mess kits. These kits usually suffice one or two campers. They are lightweight and compact products that fit well into tiny spaces of your camping bag. However, it would help to consider a few factors before purchasing a mess kit. This post discusses the features along with our picks. Read on.
13 Best Mess Kits to Buy
1. Best BPA-Free:1 Liter Camping Cookware Mess Kit Backpacking Gear
This mess kit by MalloMe is one of the best options, designed keeping in mind the needs of a youth scout or an adult hiker. It is a backpack mess kit set of ten pieces that collapse into smaller pieces for easy storage. The compact and lightweight design makes it a smart survival gear for adventurous souls. Pros
Collapsible bundle design Lightweight Sturdy handles BPA-free
. Includes a cleaning sponge and a nylon travel bag with drawstring Cons
Small-sized pots Sporks may be inconvenient to use
2. Best Easy-To-Clean:Coleman Camping Cookware | 5-Piece Aluminum Nesting Mess Kit
This classic scout kit comprises four different pans and a lid that nestle together and take up very little space. The aluminum cooking ware is quite easy to clean and very light to carry in your backpack. Learn more about the product in this video. Pros
Each piece serves a purpose All pieces fit in perfectly well Heats fast and cools down fast Extremely lightweight
Cons
Food may stick to the cookware while cooking Handle may get hot when on flame
3. Best Easy-To-Carry:UCO 4-Piece Camping Mess Kit with Bowl, Plate and 3-in-1 Spork Utensil Set
An ideal mess kit for backpacking, camping, and scouting, the four-piece plastic mess kit includes a plate, bowl, spork, and tether. It allows you to pack and carry food on the go without spilling. Pros
BPA and phthalate-free Dishwasher and microwave-safe Leak-proof seal Grip handles ensure a comfortable hold Lightweight and compact Non-skid silicone ring on the base and lid
Cons
Rubber strap may not be durable Might be difficult to clean
4. Best Compact: STANSPORT – Stainless Steel Mess Kit for Camping, Backpacking & Outdoors
This three-piece stainless steel mess kit by Stansport has utensils with copper bottoms that promise uniform heat distribution. This could become your favorite backpacking mess kit for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Pros
Comes with a nylon mesh cover Compact and handy Durable and stylish Can be used on any kind of stove Complete kitchen essential to cook a meal Folding handles
Cons
Size may be small for more than one person Copper base may not be very reliable
5. Best Durable:Unique Complete Messware Kit Polished Stainless Steel Dishes Set
This mess kit for camping has been crafted using food-grade stainless steel and is ideal for one person. The rust and scratch-proof design makes it a durable and top-quality mess kit. The kit includes a plate, cup, bowl, spoon, fork, and knife. This video gives you more information about the product. Pros
Made of 100% food-grade stainless steel Dishwasher-safe Lightweight and durable Comes with a mesh bag Easy to clean and stackable Different color options
Cons
Plate looks more like a bowl Cup may be a tad small
6. Best Lightweight:REDCAMP 9/12/18/23 PCS Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Kettle
REDCAMP’s compact backpacking mess kit consists of nine pieces of camping cookware. It is extremely lightweight and doesn’t take up much space in your backpack. The awesome, well-designed mess kit makes cooking and eating hassle-free when you are out for an adventure. Pros
Easy to hang on a backpack Made of food-grade anodized aluminum Convenient to clean Lightweight and sturdy Heats quickly and cools fast Portable carry box
Cons
·Handles may not be very secure
7. Best Eco-Friendly:Camping Mess Kit 4 Person Dinnerware Set with Mesh Bag
This colorful and durable camping dinnerware is designed for four people and includes plates, cups, bowls, and sporks in red, orange, blue, and green. This fun mess kit will be loved by young campers. Pros
Eco-friendly and BPA-free Lightweight Comes with a mesh bag Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe Stain and odor-resistant
Cons
Mugs do not nest together Made of very thin plastic
8. Best For Camping:Texsport 5 pc Stainless Steel Camping Cookware Outdoor Mess Kit
This is one of the best backpacking mess kits you can grab. The set includes two stainless steel pans with copper bottoms, a plastic cup, and a storage bag. The mess kit is designed to make cooking easy when you are out for an adventure or a picnic with friends. Pros
Interchangeable handles for pans Easy to store and clean Lightweight and sturdy All pieces nest together
Cons
Thin copper layer Rattles a little
9. Best Three Part Kit:Mil-Tec German WWII Style 3-Piece Mess Kit
This simple mess kit by Miltec has been given an OD green powder coat for that perfect military look. It is a three-part kit with one large and two small bowls. Pros
Lightweight and compact Stylish and classy Small bowl comes with a handle Can be used as a storage box when not in use
Cons
Not very sturdy Paint may come off
10. Best Quality Stainless Steel:Stansport Black Granite Steel Mess Kit
This is a complete mess kit featuring a frying pan, serving plate, and boiling pot with a lid. The items are made of high-quality stainless steel and are convenient to wash and easy to store. Pros
Permanent non-stick finish Comfortably nests together Easy to clean Safe to use
Cons
Not designed for direct or high flames Pot handle might be difficult to orient
11. Best Portable:Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
Make your camping trip more fun with this mess kit by Coleman. It includes two stainless-steel pots, a plastic bowl, and a cup. The set is a perfect option for young campers as it is lightweight and portable. Pros
Compact design Ideal for a basic meal Easy to cook on a stove Comes with an interchangeable handle Mesh bag for carrying and dip cleaning
Cons Inferior-quality bowl and mug
12. Best Easy To Carry:Backpacking Stainless Steel Mess Kit Lightweight 1 Person Dish Set
You are sorted with this comprehensive camping mess kit in your backpack. Made of stainless steel, this is a six-piece lightweight camping kit for one person. It comes with a drawstring mesh bag to carry everything with ease. Pros
Stainless steel ensures durability Odor and stain-resistant BPA-free Dishwasher-safe Takes up very little space
Cons Handle may not be very durable
13. Best Sturdy:CrossHawk Camping Mess Kit | Premium Full Tableware Set with Mesh Bag
It is a 16-piece backpack mesh kit designed for four people. The colorful and stylish set has been designed for kids. The items can be carried in a mesh bag that comes with this kit. Pros
100% free of toxins Lightweight and durable Doesn’t add odor or taste to food Non-stick surface promises quick cleaning
Cons Sharp edges Purpose: This is the most important point to consider. Whether you are a solo traveler or are traveling with a group, an
How to Choose the Best Mess Kits?
If you are looking for a mess kit for camping but are confused about picking the right one, here are some points to consider when shopping for a mess kit. whether you are going for a boating adventure or climbing a cliff, you must first know what kind of a mess kit you need.
How do you clean mess kits?
Generally, mess kits are made of aluminum or stainless steel. You can slightly scrub them with mild soap and sponge and then rinse with water.
Why Trust MomJunction?
An experienced writer and editor, Sakshi John has years of experience writing articles about home and kitchen. She brings her expertise about household items in this article about the best mess kits in the market. Her love for words is evident in each piece she writes, including this one, as she meticulously reviews each product with its pros and cons. The buying guide will also help as it lists out factors one must consider before buying a mess kit. Recommended Articles:
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