Updated March 5, 2023
After a stretch of hiking, climbing, fishing, hunting, or any outdoor excitement you might have on a camping trip, refueling with something nutritious and tasty is important. Standard cookware and serving utensils you use at home tend to be heavy, not too versatile, and don’t pack up compactly enough to be as convenient and functional as you might desire.
That’s where the best mess kits for camping come into the picture for some research and consideration. You’ll want one that has the pots, pans, utensils, and other components to suit the number of campers and the type of cooking and eating you would like to do on your adventure. To help get you started, some top mess kits have been selected as an introduction to the range available. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key specs and features, photos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Shoes Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Mess Kit for Camping
- GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Camping Mess Kit
- Light My Fire Meal Kit
- MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- Bulin 27-Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- Terra Hiker Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- REDCAMP Camping Cookware Set Mess Kit
- Gear4U 14 Piece Cookware Kit
- Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
- MSR Quick 2 System Cook Kit
- Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Best Mess Kits for Camping Comparison Table
| Picture | Mess Kit | Weight Capacity # of Pieces | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Camping Mess Kit | 3 lbs 10 oz 2-4 Persons 23 Pieces | 4.8 | $$$$ |
  | Light My Fire Meal Kit0 | 13.5 oz 1 Person 8 Pieces | 4.2 | $ |
  | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit | 1 lb 2.4 oz 1-2 Persons 10 Pieces | 4.1 | $ |
  | Bulin 27-Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit | Approx. 2 lbs 6-7 Persons 27 Pieces | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Terra Hiker Camping Cookware Mess Kit | 1 lb 9 oz 2-3 Persons 10 Pieces | 4.5 | $ |
  | REDCAMP Camping Cookware Set Mess Kit | 1 lb 9 oz 2-3 Persons 16 Pieces | 4.5 | $ |
  | Gear4U 14 Piece Cookware Kit | 1 lb 13.6 oz 2 Persons 14 Pieces | 4.6 | $ |
  | Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit | 1 lb 4.8 oz 1 Person 6 Pieces | 4.3 | $ |
  | MSR Quick 2 System Cook Kit | 1 lb 12 oz 2 Persons 8 Pieces | 4.9 | $$$ |
  | Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit | 1 lb 7.36 oz 1-2 Persons 16 Pieces | 4.6 | $ |
| Picture | Mess Kit | Weight Capacity # of Pieces | Rating | Price |
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Camping Mess Kit
The relatively lightweight 23-piece set has a practical nesting design to minimize space in transport.
It utilizes durable polypropylene for the tableware and anodized aluminum for the cookware with non-stick Teflon and a spiral-turned base that works well with portable camping stoves.
- Best For: Camping
- Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 5.8 inches
- Capacity: 2-4 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum with Teflon Radiance Non-Stick Technology, Polypropylene
- Number of Pieces: 23
- Pieces: 1 3-Liter Pot, 1 2-Liter Pot, 2 Strainer Lids, 9″ Fry Pan, 4 14 fl. oz. Mugs with Insulated Sleeves, 4 14 fl. oz. Bowls, 4 7.5″ Plates, 4 Sip-It Tops, Folding Pot Gripper, Welded Sink
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: 4.8
It has tight-fitting snap-lock lids to keep the contents inside and waterproof.
All items employ BPA-free materials, are odor and stain-resistant, and are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Made in Sweden, the kit comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Best For: Ultralight Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Weight: 13.5 oz
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 2.4 inches
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Materials: BPA-Free Biobased Bioplastic
- Number of Pieces: 8
- Pieces: 1 Lid/Plate, 1 Plate/Bowl, 1 SnapBox Original, 1 SnapBox Oval, 1 Pack-up-Cup, 1 Strainer/Cutting board, 1 Spork Original (combo spoon/fork/knife), and 1 Harness
- Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer’s
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.2
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
The kit includes a lightweight anodized aluminum pot and a pan both with a non-stick surface, and the other basic cooking and dining components listed below that all pack into a convenient nylon bag for easy portage attached to your backpack.
The lids have an efficient snug fit and a sponge is included for clean-up.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking
- Weight:1 lb 2.4 oz
- Dimensions: 6 x 6.3 x 3.8 inches
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum
- Number of Pieces: 10
- Pieces: 1 Non-Stick 1 L Pot, Pot Cover, 1 Non-Stick Pan, 2 BPA-Free Bowls, Folding Stainless Steel Spork (combo spoon/fork/knife), BPA-Free Soup Spoon, Wooden Spoon Spatula, Sponge, Nylon Drawstring Travel Bag
- Marshmallow Roasting and Smores 10-Recipe eBook also included
- Kits also available with a 2 L or 3 L Pot
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.1
Bulin 27-Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit
The kit includes 27 pieces with a couple of pots and a frying pan of sturdy anodized aluminum with a convenient no-stick surface, an anodized aluminum kettle, and a set of BPA-free bowls, plates, and accessories.
It has a collapsible bundle design that packs into a mesh bag for easy portage.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking
- Weight: Approximately 2 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.12 x 9.12 x 7.7 inches (shipping)
- Capacity: 6-7
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum, BPA-Free Plastic
- Number of Pieces: 27
- Pieces: 1 Hanging Pot,1 Boiling Pot,1 Frying Pan, 1 Kettle, 6 BPA-Free Bowls, 4 BPA-Free Small Plates, 3 BPA- Free Big Plates, 1 BPA-Free Foldable Soup Spoon, 1 Rice Ladle, 1 Cleaning Sponge, 1 Mesh Bag
- Kit is also available in 3, 8, 11, and 13-piece versions
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.8
Terra Hiker Camping Cookware Mess Kit
The cookware including a pot, skillet, and tea kettle is made of quick-heating anodized aluminum with a non-stick surface.
Handles are insulated and heat-resistant while the bowls and serving ladle employ food-grade Polypropylene.
A cleaning sponge and bamboo spoon are also part of this durable, reasonably priced set.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking, Picnics
- Weight: 1 lb 9 oz
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 7.2 inches
- Capacity: 2-3 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum, Food-Grade Polypropylene, Nylon
- Number of Pieces: 10
- Pieces: 1 Boiling Pot, 1 Lid, 1 Frying Pan, 1 Teapot with Lid, 3 Plastic Bowls, 1 Bamboo Spoon, 1 Serving Ladle, 1 Cleaning Sponge, 1 Nylon Mesh Bag
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.5
REDCAMP Camping Cookware Set Mess Kit
This 16-piece version has pots made of quick-heating easy-to-clean anodized aluminum with an assortment of accessories listed below to accommodate up to 3 persons.
Campers give it great reviews for durability and it comes at a budget-friendly price with a 1-year warranty.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Weight: 1 lb 9 oz
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 6.7 inches
- Capacity: 2-3 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum
- Number of Pieces: 16
- Pieces: 2 Pots, 2 Pot Lids, 4 Bowls, 3 Sporks (combo spoon/fork/knife), 1 Soup Spoon, 1 Scrub Sponge, 1 Tool Card, 1 Survival Bracelet, and 1 Mesh Bag
- Kit is also available in 9 and 12-piece versions
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.5
This complete set suits 2-3 campers and uses safe BPA-free plastic on most non-cooking utensils and tableware, and silicone for the collapsible cup and lid.
Relatively lightweight, it packs into a nylon carry bag and comes at an affordable price backed by a 1-year warranty.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Weight: 1 lb 13.6 oz
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.3 x 4.9 inches
- Capacity: 2-3 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum, BPA-Free Plastic, Silicone
- Number of Pieces: 14
- Pieces: Mini Stove with Piezo Ignition and Case, 2 Plates, 1 Deep Dish, 1 Silicone Folding Cup with Lid, 1 Pot with Lid, 1 Frying Pan, 1 Ladle, 1 Sponge, 1 Spatula, 2 Sporks (combination fork/spoon/knife), Nylon Carry Bag
- Kit is also available in 10 and 13-piece versions
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.6
Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit
This basic set has a 2-quart pot with a lid that doubles as a frying pan, and an interchangeable handle.
Along with a BPA-free mug and bowl, it all packs inside its mesh bag which can be used to rinse items or as a compact bag for transport.
The pricing is quite reasonable.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Weight: 1 lb 4.8 oz
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 5 inches
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Materials: Stainless Steel, BPA-Free Plastic
- Number of Pieces: 6
- Pieces: 1 2-Quart Pot, 1 Lid/Frying Pan, 1 Bowl, 1 Mug, 1 Interchangeable Handle, 1 Mesh Drawstring Bag
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.3
It includes two pots of anodized aluminum, one with a non-stick surface, and two heat-retaining insulated stainless steel mugs.
The pot handle provides a steady, firm grip and the polypropylene plates are deep enough to serve as bowls.
It all packs inside the 2.5-liter pot for easy portage and stowability.
For an 8-piece set, the pricing is on the high side but it comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Best For: Camping, Backpacking
- Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
- Dimensions: 7.75 (diameter) x 5 inches
- Capacity: 2 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polypropylene
- Number of Pieces: 8
- Pieces: 1 5-Liter Nonstick DuraLite DX Pot, 1 2.5-Liter Anodized Pot, 1 Strainer Lid, 2 Deep Plates, 2 Insulated Stainless Steel Mugs, 1 Flipping Talon Pot Handle
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Price: $$$
- Rating: 4.9
Bisgear 16 Pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit
It includes a pot and a pan both of durable, quick-heating anodized aluminum, and the necessary eating and cooking utensils, all of which can be nested to fit into a convenient nylon carry bag.
Pricing is quite affordable.
- Best For Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Weight: 1 lb 7.36 oz
- Dimensions: Unavailable
- Capacity: 2 Persons
- Materials: Anodized Aluminum, BPA-Free Plastic, Stainless Steel
- Number of Pieces: 16
- Pieces: Mini Stove with Piezo Ignition, 1 Pot and 1 Pan with Folding Handles, 1 Pot Lid, Folding Stainless Steel Spork (combo spoon/fork/knife), Knife, Fork, and Spoon, 2 Bowls, Soup Spoon, Rice Ladle, Loofah Sponge, Carabiner, Gas Canister Stand, and Nylon Carry Bag
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.6
Mess Kit Buying Guide
Purpose
You need to consider what you need from your mess kit. How many campers will use it? Are you doing significant hiking or backpacking with a load? Are you planning to cook or do you just require a kit with dishes and utensils?
Some kits are very minimal, with few pieces, and designed to be ultralight. Others have more extensive cookware, dishes, and utensils, and may even include a small stove. In some cases, the kit may be so large that it is only suitable for camping or picnicking and can only be hand-carried a short distance comfortably.
Types of Pieces
When you determine the answers to the questions above and the purpose of your mess kit, you’ll need to decide which pots, pans, dishware, and other pieces you want to be included. Especially for hiking and backpacking, you should look for an efficient, compact package that is easily transported with the most important components.
Some items for consideration to include are:
- a pot and skillet, lids
- eating utensils like a knife, fork, spoon, or spork (a combination of a knife, fork, and spoon)
- serving and opening utensils like ladles, serving spoons, bottle openers, or corkscrews
- bowls, cups
- sponge or other cleaning items
- carry bag
- portable camping stove
Materials
Anodized Aluminum is commonly used in mess kit pots and pans. It is lightweight, durable, and distributes heat well, as well as being affordable. Standard aluminum is not quite as hard and durable and more prone to warping and dents.
Stainless Steel is more durable and scratch-resistant than aluminum, and is not expensive but has the disadvantage of being heavier, making it less likely to be included in the mess kits most suitable for hiking or backpacking.
Titanium is by far the lightest of these three, exceptionally durable, and corrosion and rust-resistant, as well. It is unfortunately prone to uneven heating and hotspots and more decisively, much more expensive, so not included in any of the mess kits reviewed here.
Non-Stick Coatings are often employed on mess kit skillets and pots. They usually make clean-up much easier. Historically Teflon has had a reputation for posing some risks. Today that is no longer the case. Teflon produced after 2013 has been declared to have no harmful effects if used at normal cooking temperatures.
Plastic is often used for utensils and dinnerware in mess kits. Look for BPA-free plastic as a safety measure.
Silicone is another material that is used in some dinnerware. It is compressible making it easy to pack in a small place. The Gear4U 14 Piece Cookware Kit reviewed above has a collapsible silicone cup.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Shoes Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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