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 expert-approved 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.
Top Picks
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 of this safety-tested trekking mess kit 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 review 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. The tried-and-tested camping meal kit 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
Quick tip4. 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 camping cooking set.
Pros
- Made of 100% food-grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with a mesh bag
- Easy to clean and stackable mess kit
- Different color options
Cons
- Plate looks more like a bowl
- Cup may be a tad small
Pro tip6. Best Lightweight:REDCAMP 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, quality-tested camping cookware set 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
Point to consider7. Best Eco-Friendly:Camping Mess Kit 4 Person Dinnerware Set with Mesh Bag
This colorful and durable camping dinnerware set is designed for four people and includes plates, cups, bowls, and sporks in red, orange, blue, and green. This tried-and-tested fun mess kit will be loved by young campers.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and BPA-free mess kit
- 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 Scratch-Resistant: Wealers Stainless Steel Camp Mess Kit
Try this mess kit by Wealers suitable for hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking, and trips. The kit includes a bowl, deep and flat plates, a mug, a cup with a silicone sleeve, a straw, and a cutlery set. It also has a cleaning brush and a pouch bag to carry the cutlery. All the items in the kit are made of food-grade stainless steel and are compact, lightweight, and scratch-resistant. As per reviews, this kit also includes a breathable mesh bag for hassle-free carrying and storage.
Pros
- Available in various colors
- Rust-proof design
- Durable and long-lasting
- Non-toxic, BPA- and Latex-free
- Dishwasher-safe mess kit
Cons
- Straw cleaner may get tangled in the mesh bag
- May be a bit smaller than expected
9. Best Three Part Kit:Mil-Tec German WWII Style 3-Piece Mess Kit
This simple compact 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
- 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
Quick tip10. Best Non-Stick: Winterial Camping Cookware And Pot Set
Get all the mess essentials in one set with the Winterial cookware set. It includes a frying pan, sauce pot, kettle with lids, cutting board, folding ladle, two serving bowls, spatula, and a sponge. The quality-tested camping pot and pan set features a Teflon coating to prevent the food particles from sticking to the surface. They also include foldable handles with three-point rivet mounting.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Non-toxic
- Kettle has steel pointed spout
- High temperature- and fiction-resistant
Cons
- Cup may not come with measuring marks
- May not be easy to clean
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 a lightweight and portable mess kit.
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 Recyclable: GSI Outdoors Stainless 1 Person Mess Kit
If you want a lightweight mess kit for a solo traveler, get this mess kit by GSI Outdoors. The kit includes a cup, frying pan, pot, and bowl. Made of 18/8 stainless steel, the pot, and frying pan are safe on coal or open flame. As per reviews, the foldable hands ensure hassle-free and compact storage. Further, the foldable mess kit includes a mesh bag to store the cookware.
Pros
- Durable
- Fully recyclable
- Rust-proof finish
- Free of BPA, phthalates, and PFOA
Cons
- May not come with a non-stick coating
- Base of the pot may not be thick
13. Best Versatile: Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Heat, toast, boil, and stew with this Bulin cookware non-stick mess kit. It includes two pots, a frying pan, a kettle, a foldable soup spoon, a sponge, and a rice ladle. The pots, pan, and kettle of this collapsible mess kit are made of non-toxic and hard-anodized aluminum.
Pros
- Collapsible riveted handles
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to high temperatures
- Includes a storage bag for convenient storing
Cons
- Bowls may be slightly smaller than expected
- Kettle may turn black
How To Choose The Right 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.
- Assortment: Look at the different utensils and accessories that are a part of the multi-purpose mess kit, and look for the right combination.
- Durability: When you are out for some outdoor adventure, you need a kit that is highly durable and tough.
- Material: Go for a material that goes well with tough terrains. Aluminum and stainless steel are usually the most preferred choices.
- Size: Consider the size of the camping utensil set, based on the number of people.
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.
The right mess kit can make your camping experience more enjoyable by helping you cook and eat without hassle. Before buying one, consider the material, size, and parts that make up each kit. Aluminum and stainless steel kits that are durable and feature the right combination of utensils are good options. Moreover, mess kits that are portable, lightweight, compact, and easy to clean and ones that heat up and cool quickly can make things convenient for you.
Infographic: Things To Remember When Buying A Mess Kit
When it comes to outdoor adventures and camping trips, a reliable mess kit is essential for convenient and efficient meal preparation. This infographic presents important considerations to remember when purchasing a mess kit. Knowing these features will help you choose the perfect mess kit that meets your needs.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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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.
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