Mess kits.wmv

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you for your post..yes i have quite a lot of german suplus gear..it is very good gear..i have a few shirts .pants..my favorite rucksack is a old canvas german mountain pack.. thank you again..and safe journeys

[@JohnSmith-wg3md]

I learned something today....never knew the difference between COOK kits....vs....MESS kits...going to have to rethink my cooking set up now...great lesson!!!

[@darryld9719]

wow....love the info!....being an eagle scout i never knew that about the mess kit.....really cool!...awesome channel....thank you!

[@ouchymytoe]

I can't, for the life of me, understand why you have so few subscribers compared to other bushcraft channels! I'm going through your videos a 2nd time to ensure that I "like" each one. BTW, I LOVE the historical background you provide! Please keep it up!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+ouchymytoe thanks for the comment.. safe journeys

[@SouthernPatriot1]

I know, I have not understood that either. The vids are always so informative and full of knowledge that I enjoy and learn even on the second viewing...I missed in the first one I get it on the second time. Thanks for sharing your videos and expertise and experience. Atvb. Take care, Nikki.

[@CanoeJohnny]

I have a couple of these and they always puzzled me so I never used them. I figured there was something missing like another wingnut or handle.But now it makes sense and I will bring em on my next canoe trip. Great channel!!!

[@w4ame]

Thanks for solving that BSA mystery. I’ve burned my “whomp” (canned) biscuits trying to cook them in what I now know is a mess kit. It all makes sense now!

[@WastelandSeven]

Very interesting! I'd have never guessed that about the Boy Scout kit. And it makes sense as a mess kit (and not much as a cook kit)

[@50L1DF0X]

Thanks for explaining the boy scout kit. I was about to try and find my old Colemen version for the small pot. also thanks for explaining the GI kits, never have served the country and all I didn't know how its really used, I just figured like most; a fry pan and a plate. After watching this I found a small billy can on ebay i'm gonna have to get now. Thanks Blackie

[@andrewsheldonreeves]

I enjoy my US GI mess kit for fish, cerial, pancakes and much more. Thanks for explaining the boy scout kit. I chunked mine off the peak of mount Cheehaw. Watching it fall was fun. That's how useful I found my boy scout kit.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Great video Blackie! Thanks for taking the time.

[@Chiefs500]

Another well researched, well presented video, Blackie. I ate many meals out of that G.I. Mess Kit. I was happy when the Army went over to the disposable stuff; sanitizing the mess kits involved a bunch of G.I. cans, immersion burners, bleach, and lots of water. If you were near the end of the line your kit still ended up kind of greasy.

[@DEVILDOGSURPLUS]

Great video. I had to pull my old BSA mess set out of the gear closet, as I hadn't even looked at it in years. I had never seen it put together like that, but it does work well like that. I've used the USGI oval shaped cook/mess set exclusively for years. If you carry the Canteen cup that fits with the GI canteen, you have a nice fairly compact system.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

the best pot for feeding 2 to 5 people in my humble exp has been one of the heavest to carry..the dutch oven..the king of campfire cooking pots..besides that i would use a large pot with bail and lid..a jumbo size coffee can with a improvised lid and bail will do in a pinch..this this i can cook large stews..boil large chunks of meat..and get enough vegis to fill hungry campers..plus i can bake in it upside down in the coals..plus small game can usually be cooked on skewers leaned over hot coals

[@170bcuda]

Excellent video. I grew up camping with both of those mess kits in my ruck. And you are right, they arent cook sets but we used em anyway. I really learned a lot from your black powder revolver videos. Thanks for posting these

[@rondurham9140]

That was such cool history on something I totally overlooked. Such ingenuity in simple things really stand the test of time. I could tell you enjoyed sharing these discoveries as much as I enjoyed learning them. Once again, your storytelling explodes a basic piece into into a mini doc. Pleasure to be your audience.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you..a few yrs later i did a few videos with a vintage boy scout set from the 1920's i think it has all steel parts..you might find it of interest as well..safe journeys

[@JesterBushcraft]

Excellent review... I was in the boy scouts back in the 70's/80's and they were great times. I learned a great deal from your video and have subbed your channel on the strength of this 1 video...thank you

[@69Grunden]

Wow! A whole lot of history that I never knew about, thanks for sharing....

[@Spikestrip55]

EXCELLENT clarification and opinion on these kits; many thanks! I've been frustrated by the boy scout kit, and surprised at cooking on the GI kit, and now I understand their limits and constraints!

[@Chiefs500]

Good, informative video. Thanks for the lesson regarding the history of the Boy Scout mess kit.

[@TimChorlton]

Thanks for a really informative and interesting video/history lesson. I always assumed Mess Kits were primarily for cooking in the field, I didn't realise cooking was their secondary purpose. I've just subscribed and I'm looking forward to gaining a bit more knowledge from you.

[@tomritter493]

blackie I was an eagle scout and never never knew that's how to use it we just burned everything or brought it in cans lol thanks for the info

[@Pointshooter]

Great job on the history of the mess kits vs cook kits. I have a few of the Scout kits and never understood how they all went together. I usually pick them up scratch and dent for a few bucks when I see them to build up loaner gear, and like you said for a chow line basecamp they would work pretty well. Preppers seem to flock to the USGI mess kits from Vietnam, but I agree something that heavy is not needed unless you're canoeing or working at an established camp. My favorite cook set is my Esbit cup stove set, and my aluminum British and steel Dutch mess tins. It's great to learn how they were originally used!

[@ppspsd]

Sir, you are spot on ! Good research ! I was taught the history by my scout leader so many year's ago,and it's one thing that isn't taught anymore. Now, my understanding is that this had some influence on the development of the military "MESS KIT" ! Just like the old military ANGLE HEAD "FLASHLIGHT" ! It was developed from the Boy Scout flashlight ! Good information,I like it when people are well informed ! So much miss information out there ! Thank's for posting ! 5 STAR'S

[@karsonbranham3900]

Awesome tutorial! Makes total sense the explanation of the bsa mess kit, I never did like those,I always opted for the us gi mess kit. For bigger cooking I opt for one of my several different flavors of Dutch oven.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Right on!

[@johnnygeorge8385]

I remember being poor enough to have to save up for that Boy Scout kit worked washing dishes and every Christmas tree sale and anything else I could to be able to go to summer camp it was awesome and dear to my heart we stayed in surplus two man base tents and cooked our own meals. Now days they have air conditioned heated barracks and food cooked for them which kinda sounds boring.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

YEP WE WERE BEING TAUGHT TO BE INDEPENDENT..THEY ARE NOT

[@69Phuket]

The smaller cook set is "My personal favourite" ! ;)

[@EDCAdventures]

Love how you show the history of the gear. Very interesting to learn the paramilitary nature of the boy scouts as I was never lucky enough to be one

[@mudhole9]

i couldn't tell you how much SPAM I burned in the BSA mess kit and the GI meatcan..Thanks for the great lesson!

[@briargoatkilla]

I thoroughly enjoyed that! very informative. i use the boyscout kit. always have and always will. mixed with cooking straight on the fire it is a very versatile cooking set up. i find that if food is sticking that i'm cooking too hot. a little grease helps too. thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. SUBBED!

[@Moroni108]

Great video, and you always have a great presentation. Natural Instructor. There's a good spirit in your videos! You really answered many questions when outlining the differences between a "mess" kit vs. "cook set". Thank You Sir!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you..glad you enjoyed it..safe journeys

[@midnightsurvival]

Great vid. I'm showing this to my 11yr old nephew as a lesson. He's just getting into the outdoors and away from the tv. Thanks!

[@SuperIain13]

That was good! I now "get" the clam shell messkit. I've had a couple over the years and never liked them, not a good cook kit, but the history behind it is awsome and now makes sense, thanks!

[@IryHor]

Very good Video!! Ya learn something new everyday. It all makes sense now.

[@neilsdahlberg1323]

Excellent teaching video--will be looking for more...

[@watermain48]

Great video and tips, thanks for sharing...

[@marycahill546]

Thank you for another informative video! You present very well. Call me "modern" but I store stuff in a Zebra pot, and I always carry heavy duty foil casserole dishes folded down. I'm with you on those Swedish fold a cups (Coghlans sells them), quite robust.

[@southernlandsolo7839]

Awesome info on the Boy Scouts and their mess kit Blackie! That is some great research you have done there my friend. Would you consider re-filming that Boy Scout section under its own title and with the quality of your newer videos? I would like to see it and I think a few thousand Boy Scouts would probably appreciate it as well, lol.

[@johngalt6929]

Definitely worth doing a new video on the Boy Scout mess kit.

[@glenparker234]

I have several stoves for camping and a bunch of different types of pots a couple of years ago I got a 1.5 quart stainless pot with the lid it has an aluminum core base with metal handle later I got the 2 quart one I got them because of the ease of cleaning but later fell in love with them for eating out of one of the things I hated the most in eating outdoors was cold food you can cook really fast in theses pots they heat really quickly but with the heavy bottom they hold there heat for a half hour or longer and the lid keep the ashes & bugs out they are the greatest and if you cooked something in a bigger pot when you you fill these they still stay hot longer one of these and I use a stainless spoon with a fork on the other end and you have a really cold cooking and eating kit lately I’ve started putting the handle of the lid on the handle of the pot then hooking a carabiner in the hole in the handle and hooking that in your camper or on your backpack makes life so much easer and the 1.5 quart on Amazon is around $30 but worth every penny

[@trident88596]

Good job Blackie, Thanks for all the history I never know about.

[@johnndavis7647]

I found some boy scout gear at a flea market a few weeks ago . It appears to be from the 60s. It's much sturdier than the thin cheesy stuff they have now Looking forward to using it when the weather cools off.

[@billrivenbark8983]

Holy Moley your right. went out to the garage, dragged the old Boy Scout kit out and Wallah. It went together just like you showed. guess I will continue to use my Swede kit still with the Trangia alcohol burner in it.

[@terrancecoard388]

Great stuff...did not know about the cook kit.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

That was really good info on the boy scout mess kit. We were allowed to carry a G.I. mess kit but you still had to have the boy scout kit. Thanks.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I love these old video's.

[@RasDoesBushcraftBackcountry]

Cheers mate, appreciate your channel, From Ras Da Bushamn, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand

[@robertschweitzer982]

Wow, I had no idea, the history of this is interesting. Thanks Blackie!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@survivalmike]

Hi Blacky! Another great Video from you - I´ve enjoyed it very much and can just say: thumbs up for this one! All the best from Austria Mike

[@OZmeBushnBlade]

great video! just then made me start to wonder... where the "swedish mess/cook kit" type will fit in.

[@badhat3051]

The Mafeking Cadets are sometimes called the first Boy Scouts, although they were not Scouts in the true sense, as they did not take a Scout Promise. Scouting was born later, after the experimental camp in 1907 on Brownsea Island in Britain - those attending also did not take the Scout Promise, which was created later. I also was fascinated by the bit about the Scout Mess kit

[@ShoeManReview]

Awesome video! Very informative and accurate. Thank you for sharing. I am going through all your videos and this is my favorite one so far.

[@imaplugger]

Great job, I also learned alot and appreciate the effort you put into a very informative educational video.

[@elvinamillaneam]

Great history lesson...

[@CarlosPortoPhotography]

Thanks for all the information.

[@AngelaLumKleindabnz]

Still a great video. Thanks for explaining the difference between a cook set and a mess kit.

[@Set2Survive]

What would you recommend for extended stay, ultra lite trekking and potentially feeding 2-5 people on squirrel and other small/medium game. I typically carry my canteen and canteen cup, as well as my BSA meal kit. I have used it as a cook set and I have never had any kind of problems nor malfunctions using as such. Maybe its operator error on all those complaining about it. Anyway, get back to me ASAYC

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks to everyone for all the comments....safe journeys

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@75925 they could be used for many things they were first added as a place for the soldier/ scout to keep his knlfe/spoon ect handy..i have used the cut outs to lash a long stick for cooking ..thanks for the comment safe journeys

[@mooseyou2]

enjoyed the history lesson on the mess kits good video btw i tried one of your fire straws the other day works great -boyce

[@jamesaritchie2]

It was designed to be a mess kit, AND a cook kit. I've read the design literature written before they started making these. They wanted something that could do both, and they designed the mess kit accordingly.

[@SpartanJohns]

as always, a great video. very informative

[@phrayzar]

Good onya mate, quality info.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@hildenbrands...cook kits are really a personal choice..i look at the foods i will be eating and then chose a pot to siut the needs...as to metal i prefer stainless myself..better on direct coals and it holds up longer tot scrubbing with sand from the creek..thanks for the comment..safe journeys

[@Naturvergnuegen]

I like it! It´s a very nice equitment! Go so on with your videos! ATB Gabriel

[@tdbofamerica]

Great vid, thank you for sharing. What are your thoughts about cast iron skillets and recommendations for cooking with them (assuming you don't have to lug it too far)?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+TDBofAmerica (TDBofAmerica) when carry is covered by boat.or some other way cast iron is the way to go..they are perefct for the campfire..they clean easy..cook even..just love mine..only down side is the weight..

[@TheReggieK]

Thanks for the clarification. My storage boxes are filled with cook gear in the garage. Some of it I see I used incorrectly.

[@jaddkay1]

nicely done..........

[@EverydayKindaGuy]

What cook kits would you recommend? I'm considering the GSI GLACIER medium set, but wouldn't mind something a lighter. Would rather stainless since I like to cook directly on coals. Or would anodized hold up the same?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@ 59fitter..it can be a good bit of kit..as long as you keep the weaknesses in mind and play to the gears strong suit...i have buried mine fully closed in hot coals and ashes as a make shift dutch oven with good results..thanks for the comment..safe journeys

[@kscarter1825]

great info in the vid Blacky!!

[@TheOutdoorsmanJoe]

great explanation on the kits brother

[@Druetty]

Thanks! Very informative as always, I learned something new from you again.

[@indy0pl]

I don't like this video.... I LOVE IT :) Thank you for your work and free time you are spending on your videos. I always learn a lot with you!!:) Greetings from Poland :)

[@Charles1198]

Great information. Thank you.

[@WolfeHD-c8y]

Sadly, everything that you mentioned, except the collapsible cups are now to high to buy. Sad!! Even what few I have seen at a local flea market. Open question: Thoughts, please?? TY,TU etc.

[@samwilliams1142]

I recently found a USGI oval mess kit that I purchased two or more decades ago. It has a superior fry pan compared to the thin stainless and titanium modern campware. Bacon and eggs was never that easy or good from the light stuff. Only cast iron does better. I'll try the bake function too. Biscuits and soup!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sounds good

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have not measured it in ounces ..but a full quart canteen will fit in mine..thanks for the comment..safe journeys

[@ronreeder1242]

Very good explanation

[@marycahill546]

Oh, that razor sharp Swiss Army knife you carry, is that your Woodsman? I just bought a Camper (has a saw) on sale. No magnifying glass though.

[@MrFred5m]

thanx for the info, and well done,

[@ilbob]

A lot of people go kind of crazy with "cooking" stuff when all they are doing is boiling water. You can boil water in a lot of things that are dirt cheap and can be very space and weight efficient like a disposable aluminum foil bread pan. you can fold it down flat and open it up when needed. another piece of foil for a lid. you can get a SS dog dish for a few bucks that will work to boil water. actual cooking can be a lot harder than just boiling water, especially if you cannot build a fire.

[@sackett68]

Great stuff!

[@jelkel25]

Many of the European army ''mess kits'' designed post WW1 were made to do both jobs (chow line and cooking in the field) though were often designed to be used with solid fuel or alcohol burner stoves. People complain ''they're more difficult to use on open fires'', of course they are they weren't designed for that, again, horses for courses.

[@evansanford8197]

Very educational, Thank you!

[@75925mike]

the teardrops, couldn't they also be used for a makeshift stove/supports?

[@GreencampRhodie]

Enjoyed the vid and history research. Disappointed not to see the Brit mess tin, and the metal mug lol. Nb Swiss is not Sweden (ref big one folding mug).

[@wayne2078]

Thanks great explanations.

[@lmsloan]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@robertmcewin8581]

been in scouts 45years and never knew about mess kit

[@simonh6371]

Are you in the UK? If so I think that's because this mess kit is only known as Boy Scout mess kit in the USA. I was in Cubs, Scouts & Venture Scouts from late 70s to late 80s and never saw or heard of any mess kit.

[@nobodxy]

what is that shirt you are wearing called? i used to have one of these but someone mistakenly took it... i've been looking ever since but couldnt find one like it...

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

german army work shirt..had it for yrs..its one of my favorite shirts..i belleve the material is called moleskin

[@Sparrowfart2]

Very cool, thanks man that was great.

[@simonh6371]

I'm pretty sure that what you know as the Boy Scout mess kit/cookset is from the Boy Scouts of America and evolved in the USA rather than from the original British Boy Scout movement. In the book by it's founder (Baden Powell) ''Scouting for boys'' written in 1908 BP recommends using a billycan and separate frying pans when camping, there are no mentions or illustrations of any kind of mess kit. The British Army mess kit of that era was a bit like the European ones (German mess kit etc.) consisting of a deep pot and a lid which doubled as a pan, but was D shaped rather than kidney shaped. Whereas the US Army mess kit of the time was far more similar to what you call a Boy Scout mess kit. So most likely the US Boy Scout mess kit was an adaptation of the US Army mess kit. I say ''you'' because I've never heard or seen this referred to as such here in the UK, and I was in the Cubs & Scouts, and then Venture Scouts, from the late 70s to late 80s. We used a variety of stoves and cookware, including old school Primus stoves which we were trained on indepth, together with billycans, Trangia kits, and camping gaz stoves, as well as on open fires.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i can agree in the U.S. surplus mess kits were common use for scouts over here lots of the scoutmasters were WW2 vets with lots of exp with the canteen /mess kit here growing up the only time i heard of a Billycan was a spitune ..goes to show how things are different across the pond thanks for the comment and safe journeys to you

[@simonh6371]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Billycan is really an outdated word here in the UK, I doubt even if many people my age (50) are familiar with it, but it's what deep cooking pots with a bale were called. In Australia the expression is much better known as it's a symbol of the outback pioneers (swagmen) so part of their national culture.

[@LShapedAmbush]

The only problem I ever had with the BSA mess kit was that the pot has a tendency to tip over way too easily when held by the bail. I have dumped a lot of food and drink on the ground when carrying the pot by the bail. The geometry is just wrong. If anyone has any suggestions for preventing tip over with the pot, I'd love to know.

[@monicajones8450]

Well, that is interesting. Good reasoning

[@adamanime2]

very good vid thanks

[@kittensugars]

Use stainless steel, if at all possible. Aluminum is not good for long term use and is linked to neurological problems. I used one of those old GI mess kits way back when I was a girl scout, and I cooked in it over a fire, no problem. Thanks for the info.

[@mo8guy]

Was the cup made in Switzerland or Sweden?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yes it is i picked it up in surplus very useful

[@simonh6371]

Sweden.

[@PaulDeFitter]

"OL BLACKIE ROCKS"

[@jenniferbauman4802]

No one likes the boys scout cook kit because. They do not know how to cook with it . Low heat is the key. Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

right cook on the coals its good then

[@mryellow123]

@blackoracle69 man... I'm not massive... love good food... and really struggling to take 2.5qt dutch oven out of my pack regardless of the weight... Wish I could find a good solution which did as well without the weight. Starting to think building ovens out of rocks is the better idea.

[@kkmcksr]

lov the vid, but the volume was to low for me i'm hard of hearing. but i still liked the vid. keep up the good work. kkmcksr