7 Best Camping Mess Kits of 2024, According to Experts
When you’re cooking in the great outdoors, it’s important to bring a mess kit for easy eating.
Alex Ratson
Whether you’ve been camping for years or are planning a first-time excursion, you need to consider how you’re going to eat. For starters, you can’t make full-fletched recipes without utensils and dinnerware which is where a mess kit comes in.
“A mess kit is really just all the items you'll need for eating,” says Dan Becker, YouTuber, backpacker, and camping enthusiast. “This usually includes a plate, fork, spoon, knife, and a cup or small pot.”
To help make the process easier, we tapped some camping experts and outdoor connoisseurs about mess kits to learn more about what they are, how to use them, and some reliable picks for your next adventure.
Top Camping Mess Kit Picks
- Available in four colors
- Lightweight; easy to transport
- Included mesh bag
- Not microwavable
“The GSI Cascadian table set is the perfect reusable option for entry-level and seasoned campers alike,” says Rolland Tizuela, outdoor influencer and founder of Campthropology. “Sweet and simple, this set includes a cup, a full plate, a fork, a knife, and a spoon. The mesh carrying case makes it simple to lug around and dry between uses. The four-person set is color-coded, so each camper can keep track of their utensils and dishware.”
- Number of Pieces 6
- What's Included Plate, bowl, mug, fork, knife, spoon
- Material Polypropylene
- Dishwasher-safe No
- Available in six colors
- BPA-free
- Can be engraved
- Expensive shipping
“They take up no space at all for backpacking, flights, or front country camping and have everything you need for eating including a small cutting board that also works as a strainer,” says Jessica Sproat, travel expert and creator behind Next Up Adventure. “Bonus the containers all have dual purpose as tupperware and mugs. A kit per family member and you don’t need anything else. Easy to share too! Spork anyone?”
- Number of Pieces 8
- What's Included Bowl, lid, Swedish kasa, two sporks, snapbox, cutting board, and harness
- Material Biobased plastic
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Knife, spoon and fork combination
- Three available colors
- BPA-free
- Doesn't include bowls, plates, etc.
“As an avid hiker and camper, I absolutely love this utensil for all of my adventures,” says Annie Laurenz, outdoor enthusiast and creator behind @adventureswithannie__. “Having the fork and spoon combined in one tool is great for easy washing and packing! When I biked 4,000 across the United States this utensil was with me for every meal!”
- Number of Pieces 2
- What's Included 2 sporks
- Material Nylon
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- BPA-free
- Durable rolled rims
- Can be used on any stove or flame
- Can be heavy
“Unlike most mess kits, this one will last a lifetime and is dishwasher safe! The 18/8 stainless steel is non-toxic, and the kit is free of BPA , PFOA and Phthalates,” says Rowan Rocskar, outdoor adventure travel creator and voice behind @RowanExplores. “The first camping mess kit I ever had was a coated aluminum which claimed to be non-stick (which is toxic), and it was scratched and rendered useless after only a few uses. When given the option, I will always prioritize safety of materials over the weight of camping supplies. I always avoid non-stick, aluminum, plastic and any coatings, so this mess kit was almost the perfect option for me. I swapped out the plastic cup for a stainless steel one.”
- Number of Pieces 4
- What's Included Folding-handle frypan, pot and bowl, Cascadian™ cup, mesh stuff sack
- Material Stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Locking handles
- Easy to clean
- Non-stick surface
- Heavy to carry
“I have been using the Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset for many years now, and I absolutely love it! This cookware is highly durable and is of excellent quality. I appreciate how compact and packable it is. The pots and pans can be stored within one another, making it incredibly easy to pack for camping trips. The quality of the cookware is just as good as the ones I use in my kitchen, and I can cook my meals evenly and easily. It is definitely one of my favorite outdoor purchases,” says Michelle Stelly, Seattle-based camper and founder of The Wandering Queen.
- Number of Pieces 9
- What's Included Stainless steel stock pot, sauce pan, vented lid, frying pan, collapsible cutting board, spatula, spoon, trivets, locking bungee
- Material Stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Lifetime guarentee
- Optimal heat transfer
- Lightweight and compact
- Kettle doesn't work on induction stoves
“"The Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Kettle 3-Piece Cookset with Cup and Bowl Set is the perfect balance of an ultralight but durable mess kit,” says Isabel Kelly, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Operation Adventure. “We bring this set on all of our backpacking adventures and prefer it over other non-collapsible sets. It is not only compact and lightweight, but it is also very easy to clean which is imperative on a multi-night trip."
- Number of Pieces 3
- What's Included Kettle, collapsible bowl, collapsible cup
- Material Silicone/aluminum
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Suitable for families
- Easy to clean
- Vibrant color
- Can be heavy to carry
“The Stansport Enamel Camping Tableware set has been my go-to camping set for years! I love how durable it is, it's been through countless drops and still looks new,” says Jessica Human, adventure photographer and face behind WeChoseAdventures. “I also love how sturdy they are, it makes those campfire meals without a table way easier than when using some of the other flimsier style plates. Plates are a good size for a full meal (and for my picky kid that doesn't want their food to touch). Great for car camping, I definitely recommend this for anyone that is looking for a long term sturdy set.”
- Number of Pieces 24
- What's Included Plates, mugs, forks, knives, spoons, bowls
- Material Alloy steel
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
What to Consider Before Buying a Mess Kit
Weight
If you’re car camping, then you’ll be okay with mess kits that are a bit heavier and more robust. On the flipside, if you’re camping on foot or in a tent, then you’ll want to find mess kits that are more lightweight so they are easier to carry around and transport.
Pieces
Some mess kits are more extensive than others meaning they have more pieces. If you’re looking for dinnerware to eat with specifically, then you’ll want to find one that has plates, cups, bowls and utensils. On the contrary, if you plan on cooking more, then you’ll want to find one that has the items listed above plus pots and pans.
What’s the Best Material for a Mess Kit?
The best material for a mess kit varies based on what your goals and needs are. Titanium is a very popular material for pots or cups for boiling water and it's great for spoons and forks. “Titanium tends to not disperse heat evenly and can burn food if you're trying to cook with it,” says Becker. “I've found aluminum, stainless steel, or even in some cases a small cast iron pan produces a much better cooking result.”
What Pieces Do You Need in a Mess Kit?
The pieces in a camping mess kit can vary based on the brand and the type. There are some mess kits that come with plates, utensils, cups, and bowls which are good for mealtime. Other mess kits come with some cookware including pots and pans intended to make the food which are also good to have on hand when camping.
How Do You Clean a Mess Kit?
Cleaning while car camping is easy since you can bring all the materials like soap, wash bin, and other cleaning supplies. “If you're heading into the backcountry, you want to take as little as possible,” says Becker. “In that case you can wipe out as much of the leftover food as possible with a cloth and then simply boil a bit of water in the pan or pot to rinse.”
Once you get home from camping, you can wash the items similar to how you would any other dishes whether that’s by hand or in a dishwasher.
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