Messin' with the mess kit

[JohnS]

I'm not sure I understand the purpose of your mess kit. Is it just for day hikes where you can have a nice meal before heading back to the car or is what you would keep in the truck for those fishing and car camping trips?

The mess kit project started with how many ways can I boil water and is headed (I hope) to being able to cook well in the woods with what I can carry in on my back.

Starting small with just one meal at a time, I'm figuring out what works and what problems I need to solve. i.e. Cleaning up the dishes for the next meal is a problem that will need some attention. A mult-day trip will require the right gear and more skill and experience on my part to pull it off, but when that day comes, I'll know what to bring.

My EDC mess kit in the truck is make fire and boil water with a few freeze dried meals and a can of soup.

 

[MAK]

That's why I asked. Because you talked about the bag and wide strap to distribute load it sounded like it was for longer trips. But I used to be a die hard backpacker and it's just way more weight than I would ever consider carrying. That, plus I was trying to figure out where the rest of your main gear would go like sleeping bag and shelter if that was the purpose. Some guys will carry a little more weight for one or two luxury items, but cast iron wouldn't have been on my list. Old skinny guys like me need to trim every ounce they can. Although slipping a skillet and slab of bacon in my buddy's pack next time might be worth a try.
A small green scrubby/ scotchbrite pad works great for cleanup along with a mini container of biodegradable soap.
Thanks

 

[JohnS]

That's why I asked. Because you talked about the bag and wide strap to distribute load it sounded like it was for longer trips. But I used to be a die hard backpacker and it's just way more weight than I would ever consider carrying. That, plus I was trying to figure out where the rest of your main gear would go like sleeping bag and shelter if that was the purpose. Some guys will carry a little more weight for one or two luxury items, but cast iron wouldn't have been on my list. Old skinny guys like me need to trim every ounce they can. Although slipping a skillet and slab of bacon in my buddy's pack next time might be worth a try.
A small green scrubby/ scotchbrite pad works great for cleanup along with a mini container of biodegradable soap.
Thanks

Yes, way to heavy for a long walk. This is all just testing equipment and learning skills so I can make good choices when loading up kit for the mission at hand.

Thinking about a hammock, fly, bug net and wool blanket for outings. That's earmarked for future testing.

On cleanup, water is the question.
I carry 32 oz for these outings for drinking/cooking and come back empty.
I don't want to wash dishes in the raw creek which flows out of the city.
Carry more water or break down and get my sawyer wet? (also a future test)

Any thoughts?

 

[MAK]

Yes, way to heavy for a long walk. This is all just testing equipment and learning skills so I can make good choices when loading up kit for the mission at hand.

Thinking about a hammock, fly, bug net and wool blanket for outings. That's earmarked for future testing.

On cleanup, water is the question.
I carry 32 oz for these outings for drinking/cooking and come back empty.
I don't want to wash dishes in the raw creek which flows out of the city.
Carry more water or break down and get my sawyer wet? (also a future test)

Any thoughts?

I always carry a lightweight water filter but would not want to use it unless I'm in N GA where the water is less suspect. If you are near a city I would carry more water. Filter or not, there is still some water I wouldn't want to drink unless I had to. My packs all have a pouch for a large camelback. I think mine are about 100 oz. I don't usually carry more than that because I can plan to filter more at select streams along the way. I've never needed large amounts of water for cleanup. Might consider a couple of Brillo/SOS pads and then you can just toss after they get gunked-up after scouring the pan.
I have a couple Hennessy hammocks which are great. Take a little getting used to if you are a stomach or side sleeper. Definitely can get very cold, even in the summer, if you don't have insulation for the bottom. Lightweight solution and doesn't require a nice flat camp site. Not as much fun if you run in to rainy times. More comfortable (for me) holed up in a small tent than in or under a hammock rain fly.

 

[Survivor Johnny]

Yes, way to heavy for a long walk. This is all just testing equipment and learning skills so I can make good choices when loading up kit for the mission at hand.

Thinking about a hammock, fly, bug net and wool blanket for outings. That's earmarked for future testing.

On cleanup, water is the question.
I carry 32 oz for these outings for drinking/cooking and come back empty.
I don't want to wash dishes in the raw creek which flows out of the city.
Carry more water or break down and get my sawyer wet? (also a future test)

Any thoughts?

Get a double wide hammock with attached side zip bug net. I really am unimpressed with my (seperate) ENO bug fly. It has a D zipped door and is harder to get in and out of. My buddy bought a hennessey and I did not like the way you climb in from the bottom. I have a Mosquito Traveler from Byers that has a side zip and my sleeping system doesn't get all discombobulated when I climb in it but I would like it better if it was wide enough to lay at a 45* angle to the centerline

 

[VC94]

Get a double wide hammock with attached side zip bug net. I really am unimpressed with my (seperate) ENO bug fly. It has a D snapped door and is harder to get in and out of. My buddy bought a hennessey and I did not like the way you climb in from the bottom. I have a Mosquito Traveler from Byers that has a side zip and my sleeping system doesn't get all discombobulated when I climb in it but I would like it better if it was wide enough to lay at a 45* angle to the centerline

I have several, and I like the Grand Trunk "Skeeter Beeter " best. Like SJ says, built-in bug net.