We've just bought a small tent for weekend camping and are trying to pack as lightly as possible (we usually camp in our large, comfy tent with all the camping equipment we could need for two adults and two kids!). Today's dilemma is over crockery. We were wondering about swapping our melamine plates and bowls for some mess tins? (Especially as we don't plan on taking a table.) Thoughts please??? Firstly, will they get too hot for a seven and ten year old to hold? And, can you buy nesting mess tins anywhere? Because if not, they might take up just as much room! Finally, anyone know where I can buy four nesting mess tins please?
Thank you in advance!!!
------------- Very green at camping but full of enthusiasm!!!! :OP
They do nest. They're aluminium so you can't give them a good clean in the dishwasher when you get home. Holding them by the handle is a bit of a skill. You can store quite a bit inside the inner one even when they're nested.
I used to use mess tins when I was in army cadets as a teen. They're brilliant because you can use them to cook and also eat out of, and I never had any problems with the handle getting hot. It is an art to hold them while you eat, but you get used to it. I'm not sure that you can buy 4 nesting ones, but definitely 2.
I have a couple of MSR mess tins..One nests inside the other..Inside one holds all my wee bits and bobs(Like salt+pepper/washing up liquid etc in suitable leak proof containers)
Lots of one pot meals cooked in and eaten from them means less washing up at the sinks on backpacking trips...A bit fiddly to hold when eating...But you soon get used to it...
A spork....Combined spoon/knife/fork cuts down on the cutlery carried as well....Again an acquired taste....But handy when space is limited....
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
We bought 2 sets of 2 stacking mess tins from the pound shop and they are great! Cooking and eating all in one cuts down on washing up!
Although they may not last as long as more expensive ones, at £1 for 2 they are cheap enough to replace each season if necessary.
I would not bother if you have a 7 year old. They can be fiddly to hold (the tins not the 7 yr old) and they get as hot as whatever is in them....Spills will happen.
There are other alternatives out there.
------------- Snowmen fall to earth in kit form........
Every day is a gift..That's why it's called the present.