Top 10 Best Military Mess Kit Reviews in 2022

The last time around, I went on a camping trip; I was literally tired of carrying so much stuff.

Have you had the same experience?

After my camping trip, I pondered on the question, How could I cut down on the stuff I carried. That is when I realized utensils and cookware not only added a lot of weight to my backpack but also occupied a lot of space. This forced me to search for lighter replacements.

That is when I came across mess kits.

These are multipurpose, lightweight, but extremely durable. I will today share with you the top 10 best military mess kits and their benefits to free you from the burden of carrying multiple utensils on a trip.

What Are the Benefits of a Mess Kit?

Benefits of a military mess kit include:

• Most utensils in these kits are multipurpose in design. For example, you can easily cook and serve in a pan and pot, which comes in the military mess kit.
• Utensils in such a mess kit are designed for portability. Carrying them will not be a problem because of the same.
• The name military ensures excellent construction quality. That is why; these mess kits can easily last for years together.
• Such mess kits do not require you to undergo a cumbersome procedure to clean them. That is why maintenance is easy.

Our Recommended 10 Best Military Mess Kit 

1. ANQIAO Reproduction WW2 US Military Lunch Box

With the food-grade stainless steel material of this mess kit, you cannot go wrong. Food grade construction means that it is completely safe for regular use.

Thus, you will hardly get a single piece when you're getting such a mess kit. That is why, even if you want to store hundreds of these mess kits, it will not take up a lot of space. That is why it is essential to look at the dimensions to store this mess kit easily. Fortunately, this one is dimensions of 8.6" x 7" x 2.3".

The sturdy stainless steel material ensures that it will last for years together.

Weight of 500 g makes it very easy for anyone to handle it. That is why you won't face any issues in terms of usage.

If you observe the design, it is similar to the World War II mess kit which the U.S. Army used.

This mess kit works well for cooking, at camping sites, on hiking trips, and so on. It is as versatile as a mess kit can get.

With the help of the locking mechanism, keeping both pieces together is undoubtedly easy. That is why the handling becomes even easier.

Thus, when you want to go with the military mess kit, which has all the necessary features, do consider this one.

Highlighted Features

• Food grade stainless steel construction
• Locking mechanism on offer
• Easy to store
• Heavy-duty construction
• Compact size
• Sturdy but lightweight

2. UCO 4-Piece Camping Mess Kit

A mess kit need not look traditional. With technological advancement, the form factor and the construction quality of mess kits are also changing. If you're looking for one such modern mess kit, you can go with this one.

The first change is that it is available in three different color options. That is why there is some color added to the mess kit. Little color certainly makes the mess kit aesthetically pleasing.

Another change is the nylon construction. Nylon material is extremely durable. It can handle water and liquids pretty well. It does not react with any foodstuffs either. That is why; the nylon is perfect for the mess kit.

Due to the nylon material, the weight of the mess kit is just 280 g. Handling it is very easy due to such lightweight.

If you observe the construction quality, you will realize that the mess kit consists of a plate, bowl, and three in one spork. Along with that, there is a tether. It is responsible for keeping everything together. In addition to the lightweight, the unique design of this mess kit certainly makes it easy to handle.

Most mess kits are used for serving, but this one can be used for mess storage. It comes with an airtight seal so the food will remain in perfect condition inside. Once you put in the meal and store it, you can easily transport it.

Wondering about the grip? With rubberized grips at the bottom, you will not have to worry about it slipping around. That is why, if you want to use it in your car or truck or on the bus, you can certainly do so.

You can scrape every last bit of food, with matching curvature of the spoon and the utensil. That further adds to the convenience.

It is tough to ignore this mess kit with so many features.

Highlighted Features

• Heavy-duty nylon construction
• Color options available
• Extremely versatile
• Lightweight design
• Nonslip texture
• Easy to use

3. STANSPORT - Stainless Steel Mess Kit for Backpacking

The mess kit is not just limited to the serving utensil. It can consist of other utensils as well. It all depends on how you are going to use it. This one consists of three different pieces, including the cookware.

Firstly, you get a boiling pot along with the lid. After that, it has a frying pan with a handle that you can lock. Lastly, you get a stainless steel plate. Whether you want to use this kit for cooking or serving, you can do both of them.

Without looking at the quality of the military mess kit, choosing one is a mistake. This one offers you stainless steel material along with a copper bottom. That is why, when you're cooking in these utensils, the heat distribution is even.

The efficient conduction of heat also means that the amount of heat you will need to cook the ingredients is on the lower side.

When not using this set, you can easily pack it in a nested fashion. That is why the amount of space you will need to store this set is pretty limited. Along with the set, you get a nylon mesh cover as well.

Once you nest them together, you can put them in the nylon mesh cover, making it easy for you to transport. Whether you want to keep them in your RV or your backpack, you can certainly do so.

The locking handle that the utensils in this set have is insulated. That is why handling the utensil is undoubtedly going to be easy. Stainless steel material ensures that cleaning is equally easy as well.

It becomes really difficult to choose any other military mess kit over this one when it comes to versatility.

Highlighted Features

• 3-pieces set
• Easy to transport
• Supports even heat distribution due to copper bottom
• Simple storage mechanism
• Heavy-duty construction

4. Gotland WWII US Military Canteen Kit

While searching for a best military mess kit, you will often come across Canteen Kits as well. Utensils in this set are less in quantity, but they are bigger in size.

It consists of one canteen and a cup with a handle. Apart from that, you get a cotton cover to carry everything around.

The capacity of the canteen is 1 quart or 1 L. The capacity of the cup in itself is 0.5 quarts. That way, it is perfect for serving as well. That is why; cooking in it is going to be easy.

With the material being authentic stainless steel, you won't have any problems with the durability of both of them.

Hardly ever, you will be keeping this canteen kit in a single place. That is why knowing the dimensions of both pieces is very important. The canteen measures 5.1" x 3.1" x 7.3". The size of the cup is 5.2" x 3.1" x 3.9".

Food-grade stainless steel ensures that it is completely safe for regular use. While it might go by the name of canteen military mess kit, it certainly can be used for camping and hiking. That is why; if you're looking for a mess kit with bigger utensils, go with this one.

Highlighted Features

• Set consists of 2 pieces
• Larger 1 L Canteen on offer
• Food grade stainless steel construction
• Portable and easy to store design
• Comes with a heavy-duty cover

5. Ukr Russian Army Soldier Mess & Griddle Kit:

I like this mess kit because you can use it as a kettle and the lid as a frying pan. And despite being small, it is highly versatile.

If you're wondering about the volume, that is 1.3 L. The volume is more than enough for regular use.

The construction material of the mess kit matters a lot. It can make or break your buying decision. Fortunately, this one consists of food-grade aluminum. Food safe quality ensures that you won't worry about any reaction with acidic or alkaline foodstuffs.

The material of the utensils makes them lightweight but sturdy. That is why, if you plan to carry it with you, you can do so.

Using the handle, holding it, and carrying it around is easy.

Once you close it, there is an appropriate locking mechanism. That way, if you want to store the food inside, you can certainly do so.

Even if you want to heat something in it, that is certainly possible. It won't suffer from extensive wear and tear just because you are heating it. Aluminum conducts heat with little to no loss resulting in saving of fuel.

When you're looking for a minimalistic but highly functional military mess kit, this one is much superior to many other options available.

Highlighted Features

• Sturdy aluminum construction
• Extremely lightweight
• Highly versatile
• Adequate capacity
• Extremely portable

6. KingCamp Camping Cookware & Bento Box

The 3 in 1 functionality of this mess kit is why it is on this list. You can use it as a bento box. That will help you in packing food for your family. Apart from that, you can use it as a camping pot or a cooking pan. Cooking on direct flame is possible. Additionally, you can use it as a serving bowl or plate.

Numerous applications of this mess kit, merit it a position on this list.

Food grade 304 stainless steel material makes it even safer. Whether you want to use it indoors or outdoors, you can do so. The capacity is 800 ML.

If you're wondering about the dimensions, those are 8.23" x 6.57" x 1.65". Weight is only 372 g which allows you to carry it in your bag quite easily.

Since it comes with a spork, you can use it as a spoon as well as a fork. It is made from stainless steel, which provides it with sturdiness.

It comes with a foldable bamboo handle, making it easy for you to handle. The cleansing mechanism is equally simple. You can rinse it with normal water — no need to go through any cumbersome procedure for cleaning.

The versatility of this mess kit certainly makes it a worthy buy.

Highlighted Features

• 3 in 1 functionality
• Stainless steel construction
• Food grade
• Easy to clean
• Comes with a foldable bamboo handle

7. Militar Original Dutch Army Mess tins

You're often looking for something simplistic when it comes to a mess kit. This Dutch inspired mess kit certainly meets that requirement.

There are 2 pcs in total. The handle size of each pan is 6.5 inches. Hence, it is easy to use it. When you take these pans together, the handle will lock onto the other pan, making it easy for you to store it.

Material, of course, is stainless steel. Due to the same, durability is excellent and is safe for food consumption.

Overall capacity is 1.2 L which is more than enough for individual use.

When looking for something minimalistic, this one is probably the perfect choice.

Highlighted Features

• Stainless steel construction
• Minimalistic design
• Consist of two pieces
• Easy to store
• Extremely durable

8. ANQIAOGreen German WWII M31 Mess Kit

Portability is crucial when you're looking for a mess kit. This one consists of three pieces, which can be packed in a nested fashion. Once you pack them up, you have a top handle, making it easy to carry them around.

Mint aluminum material means that durability isn't going to be a problem with this mess kit. Once packed, the overall dimensions are 7.5" x 7" x 5.5". It is just 400 g. I am highlighting these features to demonstrate how easy it is to handle this mess kit.

You get a tin and a utensil that you can use for serving as well. The leather strap ensures that you can easily lock all these parts together. It very closely mimics the mess kits of Germans in World War II.

Thus, if you're looking for a functional military mess kit, it cannot get any better than this.

Highlighted Features

• Excellent portability
• Mint aluminum construction
• Versatile utensils
• Nested design

9. Valtcan Titanium Canteen Military Mess Kit

The advantage of this mess kit is that it comes with an 1100 ML Canteen. The canteen consists of a secure cap. That is why the contents inside are highly secure. Along with that, you get 400 and 750 ML stackable cups. You can use these for eating and serving the drink inside the canteen.

For transportation, you get the molle case which comes with adjustable straps. If you do not need the straps, you can remove them. The case is such that whether you're traveling a short distance or long distance, you will be able to carry this mess kit quite easily.

The ultra-lightweight design ensures that it will not add a lot of weight to your backpack. That is why handling it is going to be easy.

If you're wondering about the dimensions, those are 7.7" x 6" x 3.35". That is why compatibility is excellent.

Dishwasher safe design ensures that you do not have to take a lot of effort to clean it. That way, once you get back home, you can clean it in a jiffy.

Titanium construction of the canteen certainly makes it more durable than others. That is why; the wear and tear is minimalist well.

In terms of durability and portability, it stands to be one of the best army mess kits you can buy.

Highlighted Features

• Three utensils in total
• Extremely portable
• Titanium construction
• Comes with removable straps

10. Surplus Italian Mess Box for Hiking

With 3 pieces and design based on an Italian military mess kit, this one is as authentic as it gets.

The overall weight of 1.3lbs is easier to carry it with you wherever you go. The two pieces can work as a pan, and the larger piece can work as a pot.

Sturdy construction means that durability is not going to be a problem.

If you observe the mess kit closely, it consists of foldout steel handles. That is why; handling them isn't going to be an issue.

In case you're wondering about the construction quality, it is made of aluminum. It helps you with the conduction of heat as well. That is why, if you want to cook using this kit, you can certainly do so.

Nested design means that when you want to take these with you, they will accommodate within. You do not have to transport each of them separately.

Thus, when looking for something simplistic, this one gives you no reason to complain.

Highlighted Features

• Heavy-duty aluminum construction
• 3pc set
• Comes with foldout handles
• Portable design

Comparison Table of Military Canteen Kit

How To Choose The Right Military Mess Kit: Buyer’s Guide

When you want to compare and choose among these best military mess kits, consider things like:

Construction Material

The mess kits can be made from stainless steel, nylon, aluminum, and some others. You must ensure that the material provides a long lifespan to the mess kit.

Apart from that, it should be safe for food use as well. When it meets these requirements, this mess kit is safe to use, and therefore you can go with it.

Contents

The general perception is that the mess kit should consist of a plate-type structure for heating. However, a mess kit can consist of much more than that. These days, mess kits come with a canteen, cooking utensils, spoons, etc.

So, you have to determine your requirement from a mess kit, and after that, you can compare the different options and choose one.

Portability

You don't need to use the mess kit at the same place. At times, you might have to take it with you for hiking or a backpacking trip. That is why it should be highly portable, and if it comes with a cover, that is a positive.

Storage

If the institution or organization buys a mess kit, they will buy it in hundreds. When not in use, they will be storing those mess kits. If they take up a lot of space while storing, it will not be convenient for the entity buying them.

Ideally, they should have a nested and compact design. That way, storing hundreds of mess kits is easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the military use mess kits?

Yes, the military does indeed use mess kits. They might be as common as World War II, but still, they are used.

Why is it called a mess kit?

A mess kit is named after a game known as Muss. Trinkets were tossed in a room full of guests. Guests used to jostle with one another to pick them up.

Somehow as the dining area associated with Muss, the name changed to mess due to convenient pronunciation. Since the kits were used in such mess halls, they acquired the name Mess kits.

How do you use a mess kit?

To use a mess kit, you have to first understand the utensils you have. If these are just serving utensils, you will have to use different cookware. If they can handle the heat, you can cook in them.

What material are military mess kits made of?

Military mess kits can be made from various materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and even nylon.

How long do military mess kits last?

The military mess kits are pretty sturdy. Usually, they can last upwards of five years.

Final Word

Rather than buying any mess kit and repenting your decision later, it is a good idea to go through my list of top ten Best military mess kit reviews above to choose the right one.

Only the mess kits which are durable and convenient to use have made it to this list. That is why; choosing from this list will save you hours of research and help you buy the best.

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