Everyday crockery never fares well when you’re camping.
It’s simply too big, heavy, fragile, and generally unhelpful all-around!
Nope, first-rate camp crockery tends to be small, lightweight, versatile, and robust enough to withstand the rigors of its role!
And that’s where the best camping mess kits come into play. These clever camping cook set solutions have each of those attributes and more.
But with a wide range of campers’ mess kit options available, finding the best camping mess kit for your needs isn’t easy. Are you looking for a quality camp mess kit to take on upcoming camping trips?
This post should help!
Check it out for 8 comprehensive reviews of the best backpacking mess kits on the market today.
[Last Updated: February 2021]
Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.
The Best Camping Mess Kit- Summary Table
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8 Best Mess Kits for Camping – Backpacking Mess Kit Reviews
1. MalloMe 10 Piece (Best Camping Cookware Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
All in one design
The MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit has got all of your culinary needs down.
This full mess kit camping cooking gear set includes everything that you need in terms of cutlery and crockery on a camping trip.
The 10 piece set includes an anodized aluminium nonstick pot (1-litre capacity), a pot cover, a nonstick pan, and 2 BPA free bowls. It also features a folding stainless steel spork, a BPA Free soup spoon, a wooden spoon spatula, and a cleaning sponge.
All of this comes in a nylon travel bag for easy carrying.
Durable and long-lasting
Made with the highest quality non-toxic anodized aluminium, this camping cookware kit is built to last.
The stainless steel cutlery is corrosion resistant, and the spatula is manufactured with wood, so it doesn’t melt in the heat. The nylon drawstring pouch keeps everything secure when they’re not in use.
Easy carrying and storage
The entire cookware set is incredibly lightweight to allow easy carrying on a hiking trip.
The ten pieces fold and collapse into a small bundle that’s convenient to carry around or store.
PROS
- Makes for a perfect gift for any camping enthusiast
- The camping pot kit is made to conduct heat quickly and speed up the cooking process
- Comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
- BPA free bowls and cutlery
CONS
- Only serves 1-2 persons
2. Bulin Camping Cookware (Best Compact Camping Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Safe and efficient
The Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit is manufactured with food-grade material to ensure health safety. The hard-anodized aluminium is quick to heat, high temperature resistant, corrosion-resistant, and built to last. The rubber handles are made to be heat resistant so that you can safely grab them even without wearing mitts.
Complete family cookware set
This cookware set has everything that you could require for cooking around a campfire. Unlike many of its kind, this camping mess kit also includes a kettle – which is a favourite with online customers. The entire contents are as follows: 2 pots with lids,1 frying pan, 1 kettle, 4 BPA-free bowls, 2 BPA-free plates,1 BPA-free foldable soup spoon, 1 rice ladle, and 1 cleaning sponge.
Easy to clean
Because of its non-stick coating, the pots and pans are easy to clean without requiring much scrubbing. They are also quick to dry and are ready to be reused within minutes.
PROS
- Includes a kettle
- Lightweight and compact design allows for easy carrying
- Ideal gift for any frequent camper or hiker
CONS
- With frequent use, the non-stick coating on the pans may come off
3. Wealers Stainless Steel Messware Kit (Best Mess Kits for Backpacking)
PRODUCT FEATURES
High-quality construction
Unlike plastic dish sets, this stainless steel camping mess kit doesn’t add toxins to the food you consume. The cookware set is compatible with any sort of wet, humid, or rugged environment, without corroding, breaking, or getting damaged in any other way. The high-quality stainless steel is resistant to the wear and tear you’d expect at a campsite!
Dishwasher safe
This premium dish set can either be washed by hand or put in a dishwasher for easy cleaning. It also dries quickly and can be stored easily in small spaces.
Perfect for one person
The Unique Complete Messware Kit is just enough for what you would need on a camping trip. It includes all the essential cookware without unnecessary add-ons that would go unused and add weight. The package includes a 10 oz cup, 8.5-inch plate, 6-inch bowl, a knife, a fork, and a spoon.
PROS
- Easy to store and carry
- Perfect for any outdoor application and occasion
- Built to last
CONS
- Only serves 1 person
4. Bisgear Camping Mess Kit (4 Person Camping Eating Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
All the essentials
When you need a complete kit for eating outdoors that doesn’t weigh you down, look no further than the Bisgear Camping Mess Kit.
With 16 pieces, this camping mess kit is sufficient to serve a family of 4. The intelligent design of the cutlery includes a fork, a spoon, and a knife in one piece. Other pieces include stackable plates, bowls, and cups.
The drawstring pouch keeps everything together and secure when not in use.
Eco-friendly, BPA free material
This cookware set is manufactured with durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly polypropylene.
This food-grade, BPA free material can safely be used without the fear of ingesting toxins. After being used for a long time, these can be recycled to help the environment.
Easy to clean
Being dishwasher safe makes these items incredibly easy to clean.
The set also features a non-stick coating, which allows the leftover food to be washed off easily without a lot of scrubbing.
PROS
- Available in vibrant colours
- 3 in 1 cutlery design saves space and improves efficiency
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
CONS
- No knives included (just sporks!)
5. Odoland 22pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit (Best Family Camping Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
All in one set
This high-quality 22 piece camping mess kit features a variety of essential cookware that’s required to enjoy a meal outdoors.
It includes 1 large aluminium hanging pot, 1 non-stick aluminium pan, 1 kettle, 4 stainless steel dishes, and 4 stainless steel cups (9.6 oz). The cutlery section includes 4 spoons and 4 forks. All of this comes with 2 small size bags and 1 large size carry bag.
Versatile design & Non-stick Teflon coating
The foldable handles of the pot, pan, and kettle allow them to be hung over an open flame or rested on a stove.
This versatile design feature is super convenient for hungry/thirsty campers!
The nonstick Teflon coating of the crockery makes it durable and easy to clean too. Put the elbow grease away! These dishes won’t need any serious scrubbing to remove any food that gets cooked onto the surface, minimizing the risk of scratches and further damage.
PROS
- Small size and portable
- Foldable heat resistant handles on pots and pans
- Comes with 2 small sized bags for cutlery
- 1 large carry case for the crockery
CONS
- Includes no dish spoon or spatula to cook food
- Lots of items to (potentially) lose
6. UCO 4-Piece (Best Cheap Camping Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Perfect for meal storage
The UCO 4 piece camping mess kit is great for both eating and storing your meals. An airtight seal between the plate and bowl keeps your food from spilling or going bad for a long time. The 3-in-1 Spork is secured by a tether on top of the plate to prevent it from being misplaced.
3-in-1 spork
The smart 3-in-1 cutlery design is excellent for saving space and makes transport and storage easier than ever. This single item features a spoon at one end and the fork at the other. The fork side has a serrated edge to make for a camping knife. It might not be great for cutting up a steak, but you’ll be covered for most other meals!
Anti-slip design
The bowl and plate both feature a rubberized grip at the bottom. This prevents the utensils from slipping and spilling any food. That’s good news when you’re on a trail and half-starved at the end of the day!
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to carry (0.6 pounds)
- BPA and phthalate-free
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty
CONS
- Not meant for cooking food
7. Gear4U Camp Cookware Kit (Best Hiking Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Great value for money
If you’re looking for an extensive cookware set that has everything you need, this is where your search ends.
With 1 anodized aluminium non-stick pot with lid, 1 anodized aluminium non-stick frying pan, 2 BPA-free bowls, 2 stainless steel sporks, 2 silicone folding cups with lids, 1 BPA-free soup ladle, 1 bamboo spatula & 1 sponge, you have everything you could ever want. And the best part is that it’s all very budget-friendly!
Superior quality
The gear4u camping mess kit is manufactured to be used and reused for years. It’s made of the highest quality, durable, non-toxic anodized aluminium.
That means it’s strong, durable, and lightweight- the ideal combination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Intelligent collapsible design
To ensure easy carrying and storage, the cookware set features a smart collapsible design. Even the silicone cups flatten to fit into a small space.
PROS
- Nylon lining
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Lightweight and compact
- Includes all that you need
- Bamboo spatula and sponge are eco-friendly
CONS
- The silicone cups can get too hot to hold with the hottest beverages
8. Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set (Best Rated Camping Mess Kit)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Simple, Quality, Versatile Design
There’s nothing fancy about this Stanley Adventure cook set, which is exactly why I like it! It’s a super simple, versatile product that’s well-suited to the rigours of the outdoors.
A primary compartment doubles as both cooking pot and bowl. You can cook up your food and eat straight from the mess kit, without transferring it to a plate. It comes with two nesting insulated cups for your hot drinks and small meals too.
The handle then folds over the lid to keep everything in place when not in use. That lid’s vented as well, which allows you to cook in different ways- be it on a camping stove, barbecue grill, or even an open flame.
Great manufacturing material & Dishwasher Safe
The Stanley Adventure Camping Cook Set is manufactured with high-quality, food-grade 18/8 stainless steel.
This makes it corrosion resistant and incredibly durable. This simple cookware set can easily and conveniently be cleaned in a dishwasher too. No need to spend hours scrubbing your gear when you get back from the camp/trail!
PROS
- Has a foldable locking pot handle
- Perfect for camping, tailgating, and barbecues
- Compact, portable size
- Includes insulated cups to prevent scalding with hot beverages
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Lacks stability when cooking
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Key Considerations for Selecting the Best Backpacking Mess Kit
Not all mess kits are made equal! The following considerations should help you pick the right one for the job:
1. The Purpose of Camping Mess Kits
Mess kits come in different shapes and sizes to suit different peoples’ camping requirements.
For example, some are just simple camping plates/bowls that double as pans/pots.
These would be well-suited for ultralight backpackers hitting the trail and cooking for themselves, or for campers being cooked for by others who need something to eat on and nothing more.
Other camping mess kits pack the full-works, though, with large assortments of stackable pots, pans, plates, bowls, and utensils. These are better for families or groups of friends, who need to prepare bigger meals for more people.
Have a think about what you need the mess kit for and how you’ll be using it. You’ll stand a much better chance of picking one that’s up for the task!
2. Contents of the Best Mess Kit for Camping
Knowing the purpose of your mess kit should help you find one that contains the necessary items.
For instance, a solo backpacker has no need for an enormous 10-piece camp cook set! Likewise, a tiny plate/pan combo will be insufficient for a family camping trip.
Always pick the mess kit that’s best suited to your individual requirements.
Strike a balance. You need one that contains everything you need but nothing more. Indeed, buying a kit that has both more and less than what you need can cause trouble.
Unnecessary items add weight and take up space. But lacking essential bits and pieces can make the whole camp cooking/eating experience somewhat farcical!
Think about your particular needs and find a mess kit that satisfies them.
3. Materials of Backpacking Mess Kits
Camp cookware and crockery has to stand up to the rigors of an outdoor environment.
I mean, it’s not like they’re stored away safely in a cupboard all the time!
They’re being used and transported in and over rough terrain. They might be placed over open flames, dropped on hard ground, used in wet conditions, and put through the wringer at every turn.
That’s why the materials they’re made from are so important.
Once again, your favourite porcelain plates might look nice, but they’re far too big, heavy, and fragile for most camping scenarios.
Aluminium, though, is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and able to take a pounding! High-quality plastic mess kits make a good budget alternative too.
4. The Durability of Mess Kits for Camping
The best materials for camping mess kits are highly durable.
They’re capable of withstanding the rough treatment they’re sure to encounter, without losing any of their function. The occasion dent or scratch is to be expected, but they shouldn’t prevent the mess kit from serving its purpose.
Avoid buying anything that’s fragile or too easily breakable. You’ll only end up disappointed, which is the last thing you want when your evening meal’s on the line!
5. The Practicality of Mess Kits for Backpacking Practicality
There are certain practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best cook set for backpacking.
For instance, as well as being lightweight and durable, the best mess kits for camping and backpacking are usually compact, stackable, and easy to transport.
You need smaller pots to fit inside larger ones, frying pans to fit neatly underneath, and lids to sit snugly on top. A carry case often comes in handy as well. Why?
Because a compact mess kit helps you save on space and enjoy the convenience of having everything together in one place.
It’s worth thinking about noise as well.
I have a personal pet hate for pots, pans, plates and cutlery that move, clatter, and jingle around in transit! It’s like having a bad percussion band around wherever you go.
The best campers’ mess kits have clever mechanisms in place to stop/dampen that happening.
Time to Choose the Best Campers’ Mess Kit
Camp cooking can be a nightmare when you don’t have the right gear for the job. Everything from preparing the food to eating it can turn into a challenge!
That’s where camping mess kits come into their own.
The best mess kits for camping are compact, lightweight, strong, and contain everything you need to prepare a delicious meal at the end of a long day.
However, speaking from experience, finding the best camping mess kit for your needs can be hard work too! There are lots of options out there and just as many considerations to keep in mind.
Hopefully, though, the information and reviews in this post will help you find the best camp mess kit possible.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Click here to see more of the best mess kits for camping.