A mess kit is a scout’s personal set of dishes and utensils used for eating and cooking while camping. Having the right mess kit makes meals easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable on campouts and backpacking trips.
Considerations
Materials
- Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, heats quickly but can get hot
- Stainless Steel: Durable and easy to clean, heavier than aluminum
- Plastic or Melamine: Lightweight and inexpensive, but not great for cooking or heat
- Titanium: Ultra-light and strong, but expensive
Components
A typical mess kit includes:
- Plate or bowl (some kits combine these)
- Cup or mug (for hot and cold drinks)
- Utensils (spoon, fork, and sometimes knife or spork)
- Pot or pan (for cooking on a stove or campfire, optional for some scouts)
Size and Weight
- For backpacking, lightweight and compact kits are best
- For car camping or troop campouts, size and weight are less important
- Look for kits that nest or stack to save space
Cleaning
- Kits that are easy to clean and dishwasher safe (if possible) are great
- Some materials may stain or absorb food odors over time
Types of Mess Kits
Basic Kits
- Simple plastic or metal plates and cups with a set of utensils
- Great for beginners or younger scouts on car campouts
All-in-One Kits
- Combine pot, pan, plate, and cup in one nested set
- Examples: GSI Outdoors Bugaboo, Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
Backpacking Kits
- Ultralight and compact
- Often titanium or aluminum
- Minimal components to save weight
Recommended Mess Kits for Scouts
- GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper – Great all-in-one with multiple pieces, good for car camping
- Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set – Durable and stackable, suitable for backpacking
- Sea to Summit Delta Light Set – Lightweight, compact, and easy to clean
- Coleman Camping Cook Set – Affordable and good for beginners
- Light My Fire Spork – Durable multi-use utensil (spoon + fork + knife edge)
Tips for Scouts
- Choose utensils that are sturdy and easy to clean
- Bring a dishcloth or scrubber and biodegradable soap for washing
- Use a mesh bag or stuff sack to keep your mess kit organized in your pack
- Label your gear to avoid mix-ups at camp
Where to Buy – Local
REI – www.rei.com
Walmart
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s
Where to Buy – Online
Amazon – www.amazon.com
Backcountry – www.backcountry.com
Campmor – www.campmor.com
Sierra Trading Post – www.sierra.com