Mess Kit - Civilian Camping Mess Kit

Civilian Camping Mess Kit

A civilian mess kit, which may serve from one person to a family of eight, is a collection of common kitchen wares designed to be lightweight and easy to store. Such kits are typically constructed from aluminium, though enameled steel is also common, and some items (such as cutlery or plates) may be made of plastic. A civilian mess kit usually contains (among other items) a skillet, a kettle (which may also serve as a coffee pot), a plate, a cup, and cutlery. Kits usually come with either folding handles or a detachable handle which can be used with other cookware. Items are stored compactly by nesting them in other components (like a Russian doll); the whole kit may be placed in a stuff sack.

Kits vary in size depending on how many people they are designed to serve and under what circumstances. A kit designed to serve a family traveling to a camp site by vehicle includes items of about the same size and weight as their domestic counterparts, but a kit for individual backpacking trips is much more compact — the items are smaller, lighter, and serve several purposes (a pot lid might double as a pan or skillet, for example). Items for backpacking may also be constructed of more expensive materials, such as titanium, to further save weight.

Mess kits of almost any type may also include, or be complemented by, sierra cups (also known as sierra mugs). Utensils usually consist of forks knives and spoons, as at home, but may be replaced by specialty items like sporks or folding chopsticks.