Cooking while camping might seem stressful, and we completely understand why. In the great outdoors, you don’t have the regular ingredients, equipment, and tools that are available in your kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat well when you’re out in the wilderness. With the best camping mess kit, you can completely change the way you eat on your next camping trip! No more granola bars for dinner! Best of all, you don’t have to sacrifice packing space or weight! Don’t have a clue on where to start? Fret not; we’re here to help! We’ve scoured the market for the best camping mess kits available and picked our favorite ones. Keep reading to know more about them!
Table of contents
- Bisgear 17Pcs Camping Cookware
- GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Set
- GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Mess Kit
- Sea to Summit Delta Camp Set
- MSR 2-Person Mess Kit
- GSI Outdoors Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit
- GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset
- MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set
- Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
- Light My Fire Camping Mess Kit
- MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- Overmont Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- UCO 6-Piece Camping Mess Kit
- How To Choose The Best Camping Mess Kits
- What should be in a mess kit?
- Can you cook with a mess kit?
- What does a mess kit weight?
Bisgear 17Pcs Camping Cookware
13
While the Bisgear 17Pcs Camping Cookware technically isn’t golden armor, this best camping mess kit might be your golden ticket to a full cooking set that you can use in the woods! Though a bit unusual, our favorite feature is that you can get this kit in one of several personalized colors! And with any mess kit, this one comes with more gear than you might need! That’s okay, as you can modify it based on what items and utensils make the most sense for that trip.
With 17 different pieces, including bowls, utensils, frying pans, and pots, you’ll finally be able to do anything you want, from boiling water to simmering stew and sizzling bacon. Considering everything this kit includes, we have to admit that it’s surprisingly lightweight. But the most shocking truth is its price tag! This mess kit costs you less than 25USD, which is insanely cheap for what you get! Speaking of camping, you should check out the best camping places in Colorado! They’re a paradise for outdoor lovers!
- What We Love:
- A nice option for those who want a cheap mess kit that offers a lot of tools.
- Pros:
- Cheap
- Available in several personalized colors
- Comes iwth a carrying bag
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Durable
- Cons:
- For some campers the pots and pans aren’t easy to use
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Set
12
The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Set is meant to serve hardcore campers who want to carry cookware and serve ware compactly. The kit includes a 2-liter pot with a folding handle, a frying pan, a strainer lid, two mugs with two sip through lids, two nesting bowls, and a stuff sack. We also have to point out how durable this set is. It’s crushproof and can last longer than you expect it to.
Meanwhile, the pot and pan are the perfect sizes for cooking for two campers. The strainer-equipped lid is a great addition to improve cooking versatility. Another impressive feature is the stuff sack that doubles as a washbasin for cleaning the pots, bowls, and mugs. So, if you’re hunting for a long-lasting and compact mess kit for your next 2-person camping trip, this one is worth considering.
- What We Love:
- An ideal pick that’s durable and allows you to pack as little as possible.
- Pros:
- Compact
- Durable construction
- Feature-rich
- Ideal for 2 campers
- Reasonably priced
- Cons:
- Though compact, it’s relatively heavy
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Mess Kit
11
Some might think salt and pepper shakers for camping are important. But did you know what’s more important? A super-duper durable camping mess kit! If that’s what you’re after, the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Mess Kit is your go-to choice. Believe it or not, this kit has lasted some campers more than 20 long years, which is a fantastic testament to its durability and usability. The pot and pan are coated with two layers of non-stick coating, which helps prevent scratches and ensures they last for a long time.
We also love the fact that the bowl and cup are made from high-strength plastic. Another selling point of this best camping mess kit is its weight. It weighs just over 1lbs, which is extremely lightweight and makes it the perfect option for camping or backpacking. On top of that, it’s simple to clean! However, when cooking over a campfire, remember to remove the handle since it can get really hot.
- What We Love:
- Arguably the most durable option on the market right now.
- Pros:
- Insanely durable
- The pan doubles as a lid for the pot
- Ultra lightweight
- Simple to clean
- The pan and pot are coated with 2 layers of non-stick coating
- Cons:
- The handle feels a bit awkward
Sea to Summit Delta Camp Set
10
Yes, there are many best camping mess kits available out there. But if you want something durable and lightweight, the Sea to Summit Delta Camp Set is the way to go. It comes with everything you need to enjoy some fine dining at the campsite. The first thing that you’ll probably notice about this best camping mess kit is its two fun color options. You can choose from bright blue and orange, but both of them are equally good.
However, this best camping mess kit isn’t only about good looks, as it’s also packed with many impressive features. For example, the pan doesn’t get hot on the handle, and the plate and bowl are plenty big. Apart from that, we also like how the company designs a tall lip on the plate, making it much more practical and functional. Best of all, it won’t hurt your wallet!
- What We Love:
- A lightweight but durable option that comes with all the essential features you need for some dining at the campsite.
- Pros:
- Compact
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in 2 fun color options
- Huge plate and bowl
- The handle doesn’t get hot easily
- Cons:
- The knife isn’t that sharp
MSR 2-Person Mess Kit
9
Camping with your best friend or significant other? Then the MSR 2-Person Mess Kit is the perfect option for you! As one of the best camping mess kits on the market, this kit is extremely compact! It comes complete with a mesh bag that keeps everything, including a huge cup, nicely packed together. We also love the bowls that hold about 3 cups worth of liquid, making them perfect for soups.
While some campers aren’t fans of the plastic mug, that’s more of a personal preference. Personally, we love it as it’s durable and can be used for cold water or hot coffee. Even better, this best camping mess kit is a breeze to clean up at the campsite. Plus, the bright green and blue colors make this kit a standout, so there’s no chance you’ll forget to forget about it when you’re packing your stuff.
- What We Love:
- A nice and convenient option for couples that are going to camp together.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Huge mug
- Easy to clean
- Bright, stunning color
- Cons:
- A bit more expensive than other similar options
GSI Outdoors Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit
8
Designed for solo campers, the GSI Outdoors Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit is about as basic as it gets, but that’s not a bad thing! Made from 18/8 stainless steel, this best camping mess kit is extremely durable and allows for even cooking. As one of the best camping mess kits, it has a rustproof finish that keeps its shine even after being used for years. Plus, it’s affordable!
This kit includes everything you need for cooking on the go, like a frying pan, pot, bowl, and cup. We also like how this mess kit folds up together when stowed away. You can store it in the included mesh bag. However, you should be careful as there’s no locking mechanism to keep it all together. Even better, this kit is safe to use on the wood stove, coals, or over an open flame.
- What We Love:
- A simple but solid kit for preparing and eating your camp meals.
- Pros:
- Perfect for solo campers
- Simple to use
- Reasonable price
- Compact
- Comes with a mesh bag
- Cons:
- The pan takes a while to get hot
GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset
7
Here we have another best camping mess kit from GSI Outdoors. Like the previous three, the GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset is nothing short of fantastic. This mess kit includes a 1.4-liter pot with a locking handle, a strainer lid, two bowls, two mugs, two sip-through lids, two foons, and a stuff sack that doubles as a sink. We also love the fact that this kit is so compact and lightweight.
Among all of its tools, we should compliment the bowls and mugs as they’re wonderfully designed. The bowls don’t lose their shape when exposed to boiling water, and the size is perfect for holding meals enough for two campers. Moreover, they can be stacked on top of one another to store leftover food properly. Meanwhile, the mugs are insulated to protect the hands from burning, and the lid is extremely secure.
- What We Love:
- An ideal pick for those looking for the best camping mess kit that’s made to last long.
- Pros:
- Lughtweight
- Sturdy construction
- The stove fits inside the pot
- The bowls don’t lose their shape when exposed to hot water
- Well-insulated mugs
- Cons:
- A bit pricey compared to other best camping mess kits
MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set
6
Compared to other best camping mess kits, we think the MSR Quick 2 System Cook Set has the best mix of performance and convenience. Its camping mugs are one of our favorites to drink from and do a great job in keeping your drink hot for almost an hour and a half. We also love the pots as they’re quick to boil water. This is especially important if you’re an impatient camper!
Furthermore, the non-stick bottoms of the pots mean you can cook an egg without leaving anything behind and clean the pots easily! Speaking of which, we feel the pot’s gripper is stable and intuitive to use. We also love that the plates are deep enough to double as bowls. All in all, this is a nice all-rounder for serious campers. However, you should note that it does cost you more than others.
- What We Love:
- A solid, all-around mess kit that has enough volume for camping while still being light enough for backpacking.
- Pros:
- The camping mugs have impressive heat retention
- Non-stick pots
- Deep plates that double as bowls
- Sturdy and stable handle
- Durable
- Cons:
- Expensive
Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
5
From the best 4-person tents to the best tents for family camping, Coleman has produced tons of top-notch camping gear that campers love. The question is, does it also make the best camping mess kits? Duh, of course! Take a look at the Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit! Though this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing mess kit, it’s one of the most durable options out there. It can easily last you several years, or perhaps decades!
As the name suggests, this kit has a stainless steel body that helps with its durability. The entire 6-piece set nestles inside the pot. Simply take the pot apart, and the bottom will turn into a saucepan while the lid will turn into a separate frying pan with a locking, interchangeable handle. When the meal is done, you can enjoy it from the included BPA-free bowl and mug. When you’re done, wash the dishes in the mesh dip bag and pack it all up for the next adventure! Simple and convenient, right?
- What We Love:
- An affordable option that;s made by a trusted brand and allows you to cook and enjoy your meal conveniently.
- Pros:
- Trusted brand
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
- Super durable
- Easy to clean
- Cons:
- Not the most good-looking option
Light My Fire Camping Mess Kit
4
For those who love to buy eco-friendly products, the Light My Fire Camping Mess Kit is the best option on the market. Yes, this is an environmentally friendly mess kit that will please most campers. It includes one lid/plate, one deep-bottomed bowl, one 8oz pack-up cup, and one spork. Apart from that, there’s also a rubber harness that allows you to keep everything together, which is what we like the best about this kit.
Even better, as one of the best camping mess kits, it also doubles as a lunchbox if you store food in it and put everything together with the rubber harness. Best of all, this mess kit looks ridiculously good! It’s available in 6 fun colors to choose from, which include Dusty Pink, Musty Yellow, Hazy Blue, Rusty Orange, Sandy Green, and Slaty Black.
- What We Love:
- If sustainability is high on your list, nothing beats this mess kit.
- Pros:
- Compact
- Available in 6 fun colors
- Eco-friendly
- Comes with a rubber harness to keep everything together
- Doubles as a lunchbox
- Cons:
- The lock isn’t tight enough
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
3
From having sturdy handles to being lightweight, you can’t really ask for much more out of the MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit. This is a 10-piece kit that includes an adonized aluminum pot, pot cover, non-stick pan, bowls, stainless steel spork, soup spoon, wooden spoon spatula, cleaning storage, nylon bag, and a cleaning sponge. Calling this kit is amazing is an understatement, as it has everything you need.
One of the things we love the most about this best camping mess kit is its non-stick pan that collapses into a compact circular shape. We also adore the wooden spoon that can be used for cooking and cleaning. Best of all, this kit is incredibly lightweight and compact. You can finally enjoy the great outdoors without second-guessing whether you’ve packed everything you need or not!
- What We Love:
- An incredible mess kit that has literally everything you need to cook and enjoy your meal in the woods.
- Pros:
- Comes with a cleaning sponge, which is rare
- Extremely durable
- Collapsible design
- Lightweight
- Has 10 pieces of aluminum tools
- Cons:
- Some campers think this kit is too small
Overmont Camping Cookware Mess Kit
2
If you currently don’t have the best camping mess kit and are looking for one, you definitely can’t go wrong with the Overmont Camping Cookware Mess Kit. For the cost and the number of utensils you get (yes, including pots and pans), you’ll have everything you need for your camping meals. Even better, this versatile mess kit is available at such a low price, which is always a good thing!
So, what exactly do you get by getting this kit? Well, you’ll get a pot, frying pan, small kettle, three plastic bowls, and an indestructible aluminum cutlery set. We especially love the kettle, cooking pot, and frying pan. That’s because they’re all made from anodized aluminum, which helps heat things up quicker! That way, you don’t have to spend too much time preparing your camping food.
- What We Love:
- A compact and complete kit that’s suitable for a small group of campers.
- Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Tons of utensils
- Non-stick frying pan
- The cooking pot, kettle, and pan are made from anodized aluminum
- Compact
- Easy to clean
- Cons:
- The bowls are too small
UCO 6-Piece Camping Mess Kit
1
The UCO 6-Piece Camping Mess Kit is a basic but perfect option for campers on a budget but also want something practical. This best camping mess kit is ultra-durable, incredibly compact, and a breeze to clean, thanks to its dunk-hang-bundle design. It consists of a plate, bowl, camp cup, 2-piece Switch Spork utensil set, and tether. Not to mention, it’s available in 3 different colors, which include Classic Blue, Retro Sunrise, and Venture.
We particularly love the 2-piece Switch Spork set as it features a dedicated fork, knife, and spoon. It also connects to form an extra-long utensil made from durable reinforced glass nylon. Meanwhile, the bowl and plate come with rubberized grips on the bottom to prevent slippage on the tabletop. Best of all, this best camping mess kit is dishwasher and microwave-safe!
- What We Love:
- A simple but practical option that gets the job done.
- Pros:
- Budget price
- Sturdy utensils
- Collapsible cup
- Rubberized grips on the bottom of the bowl and plate
- Handy 2-piece Switch Spork set
- Available in 3 colors
- Cons:
- No pots and pans
How To Choose The Best Camping Mess Kits
Getting the right camping mess kit is important! So, when you’re choosing the best camping mess kit, make sure to consider the following features!
Types of mess kits
There are a few different types of mess kits on the market, which include:
- All-inclusive mess kits: As the name suggests, they contain everything you need to cook adn eat a meal. From cookware, to cups, plates, and utensils, they’ve got you covered.
- Cooking mess kits: These kits primarily contain cookware. That said, they do also contain basic utensils most of the time. Sometimes, the ppot lids can double as plates too.
- Eating mess kits: On the opposide end of the spectrum, these kits contain only plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. They usually don’t come with any pots or pans.
Materials
The best camping mess kits are made from a variety of materials. Here are some of the more common ones!
- Anodized aluminum: You can’t go wrong with this material. It’s durable, lightweight, and fairly affordable. Since it’s so well-balanced, you don’t have to worry too much about hotspots and burning a portion of your dinner.
- Stainless steel: When it comes to durability and affordability, stainless steel has the perfect balance of both. It’s a great option for first-timers and experienced campers alike.
- Thermoplastic: Weight is the biggest advantage when it comes to thermoplastic mess kits. They’re insanely lightweight, perfect for backpackers.
Size
Just like pie irons for camping, mess kits come in all shapes and sizes, from small ones for solo campers to larger kits with enough utensils for up to 5 campers. It’s important to get the right size, so nobody is left without a cup, plate, and utensils.
Weight
If you’re car camping, you probably won’t be too concerned about a few extra pounds. But backpackers know all too well that every ounce counts! If you plan to take your mess kit with you on the trail, make sure you go for an option that’s compact and lightweight.
What should be in a mess kit?
A mess kit usually contains at least a skillet, a kettle, a plate, a cup, and cutlery. Utensils usually consist of forks, knives, and spoons, as at home, but might be replaced by specialty items like sporks or folding chopsticks.
Can you cook with a mess kit?
Of course! Many people don’t realize this, but a mess kit can be used for cooking! After all, there’s a reason why it includes a frying pan, a pot, and others!
What does a mess kit weight?
It depends on which mess kit you get. Normally, a complete mess kit weighs between 1 to 1.5lbs, depending on which pieces you take with you and which you leave at home.
