Your camping or backpacking adventure is only as good as the gear you bring with you, and I highly recommend doing some digging into which options are best for you and your budget before you hit the trail. These camping mess kits are perfect for solo backpackers or families--I've made sure to include options for everyone!
What should I keep in mind while choosing a mess kit?
There are a few things you're going to want to consider when it comes to your mess kit. Most of all, you're going to want to think about what purpose you are using it for and how heavy or light you need it to be if you are backpacking. Here are a few things I recommend looking at when you go to purchase your kit:
Materials
Most camping mess kits are made of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. However, more and more you'll find options that are environmentally-friendly, and I've included a few on this list! Stainless steel holds up better than plastic, but it is heavier and not as flexible if you're backpacking. Again, this is why it is important to know what you will be using your kit for so you can purchase according to your needs.
Number of utensils
If you're backpacking solo, then you are obviously only going to need a mess kit for one person. However, if you are bringing a group or your family, then you will need to keep that in mind. Many mess kits are meant for multiple people so you shouldn't have any trouble finding something that works for the size of your party.
Weight
Backpackers will really want to look into this, since they will be carrying it long distance. Polypropylene or plastic is usually your best option since it is easy to clean and t's easier to fit within your pack.
The absolute best camping mess kits for your outdoor adventure
Here are some camping mess kits I would recommend for your time outside--make sure to add them to your camping gear list!
This plastic mess kit is perfect for those who want a lightweight option that isn't likely to spill while you are out on the trail. With rubberized grips on the sides, you know that whether you set it on a picnic table or on the ground it's stable. The mess kit includes a plate, bowl, utility spork, and a tether to make sure that you don't lose any of the pieces while you are out on your adventure. When you bring it home, it's also microwave and dishwasher safe.
This lovely camping mess kit has a beautiful blue hue and everything the solo camper needs for a thru-hike. With a spoon design meant to scrape the bowl clean, you won't miss any of the dinner you've cooked up after a long day of hiking. The set is BPA-free and comes with a nylon pouch to keep everything together in your bag or after you are home. Best of all? It's super lightweight so you won't even feel it in your pack.
Camping for two? This is the best mess kit for couples who want to have everything all in one place. With collapsible utensils and two of the DeepDish bowls that MSR is famous for, you can fit all the dishes in one small mesh bag. At 13.2 ounces, this is the ideal set for the outdoor couple who tends to pack light.
Planning on cooking in the outdoors? Then this stainless steel mess kit might be the right option for you! Built to last, the set comes with a 1-liter pot, bowl, 12-oz cup, frying pan, and mesh sack to pack everything in and out. This is the one I would recommend if you need a mess kit for camping over several days or if you are planning on a thru-hike and you need it to last several months.
If you are searching for the whole enchilada when it comes to a backpacking mess kit, then this is a great option for you. Made out of super flexible bio-plastic material (with a sugar cane base), you're helping out the environment as well as feeding yourself. Designed by Scandanavian designer Jocahim Nordwall, the included harness keeps all of the eight pieces together which include a collapsible cup, cutting board and strainer, plate, bowl, and spoon/fork/knife combo.
If you're looking for a more traditional camp mess kit, then GSI offers a number of options. I like this one because it offers a great price for the number of pieces (12) and that it functions for two people. While it might not be the best for backpacking, it is perfect for those looking to car camp or head out on a van life adventure. Instagram-approved? I would say so.
It can be a bit of a challenge to find stainless steel mess kits where everything is included, and it can be even more difficult to find one for a reasonable price. Wealers Complete Messware Kit comes with a cup, plate, bowl, and cutlery that is made to last. Once you get home, you can stick it directly into the dishwasher, making it one of the easiest to clean out of the camping mess kits on this list.
Cooking and eating utensils are included in this kit which is super lightweight and is extremely affordable. It comes in several different colors including green, orange, blue, and black, allowing you to personalize your mess kit as well as cook up some fantastic meals on the trail. It's also unique in that it's one of the few camping mess kits with a dunk bag, which makes clean up simple and easy when you don't have access to a kitchen sink.
There's a reason Coleman is such a huge name in the outdoor industry. For decades they have provided quality products, and this camping mess kit is just that. The lid to your bowl can be used as a skillet, and the fact that it is stainless steel makes it easy to clean and offers a sturdy design so you can take it on any adventure you can imagine. Included is a mesh bag so your kit is easy to transport.
If you are planning on camping with friends, then this might be the best camping mess kit for a group of people. With four sets of bowls, plates, utensils, and cups, you're set for having fun with your backpacking buddies. The plastic design makes it easy and simple to clean and it comes in four different colors so you can keep track of which items belong to whom. At the end of your trip, place it in the included mesh bag and you're ready to head out on your next trip!
This stainless steel kit is one I would recommend when you're looking for the best backpacking mess kit. Not only is it lightweight, but you also have a thermos for those cold nights in your tent, as well as two types of plates depending on your needs. With a mesh bag included, you have everything you need in order to spend time outside--along with a reusable metal straw!
The best camping mess kit sometimes isn't the fanciest, and it's back to basics with this affordable option. With colorful plastic, you can use the mesh bag to drip dry your outdoor dishes or carry it with you as you go. At 9.3 ounces, this is one of the lightest options on this list and the cup, bowl, plate, and spoon/fork/knife are made from durable plastic.
Mess kits for camping can look good too! This set offers 25 pieces for a family or a group of people looking to explore the outdoors. The best part is that it is made of environmentally-friendly wheat stalk, which allows you to get outside and enjoy your experience without harming the environment. The set is also dishwasher safe and also includes a bag, making it easy to transport.
Camping mess kits should be easy to take with you and should suit your needs, whether it's a backpacking trip, road trip, or picnic. This set covers all of those things by offering dishware including a bowl, plate, cup, and utensils suited for all outdoor activities. I would recommend this one for families or those looking to bring a bunch of people along for the ride. With a non-stick surface, you'll spend less time cleaning and more time exploring!
Have you ever tried any of these camping mess kits? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Want more information on camping? Check out these articles:
UCO 4-Piece Mess Kit
Sea to Summit DeltaLight Solo Set
MSR 2-Person Mess Kit
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit
Light My Fire MessKit BIO
Wealers Complete Messware Kit
Gold Armour 10-Piece Camping and Cookware Set
Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
Barbeqa 4-Person Camping Mess Kit
HIKPEED 10-Piece Camping Mess Kit
gear4U Camping Tableware Sets
Odoland 25-piece Camping Mess Kit
Bisgear Camping Mess Kit
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