My Choice for Best Three Mess Kits

[@MrSquareZB]

Yu kit is not designed for cooking meal in it . It is just for serving of field kitchen prepared meal . Swdeish kit is more for survive in nature . But non of two does not provide any solution for transport . And all that handles , latches , hooks - ideal to catch your gear belts , pockets , and ratling arround . For YU kit - usage ( manual inside is not original) is important . First , it is belt -worn . Once you pull it out from pouch , you need to “break” it from the side oposite to latch , and it opens easy . Than you connect two big bowls , pull out canteen ( bottle) and put it Back in pouch . Metal one is for main course, plastic one for soup or side dish . Smallest one ( “cup”) is not for drunk but salat, or bread . If soldier need to drink- he drink from canteen . In past , mess usualy boil some watter to washing kit, and each soldier recive a smal botle with some dishwash soap. But in last 20-30 years , guys just use 1liter freezer bag , as “condom” for the kit.

[@planetsideagent]

Interesting, thanks for the info. The small cup to be used for salad or bread makes a lot more scene than as a drinking cup.

[@margaretadler6162]

I own all three types. But the swedish is my favorite! Absolutely the best designed mess kit!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I bought a really cheap army surplus one that was battered to crap.... I literally had to use a 2kg anvil and a hammer to gently beat it back into shape until it basically was useable. Then immediately fell in love with the whole concept and spent three times as much buying a mint one with the Trangia stove and windshield. I feel you. Im totally sold. Its a very large, super light mess kit, that is incredibly versatile AND comes with a built in windshield. If you run out of fuel you can use twigs and small chunks of wood to cook. But I guess that was the point. The Swedish kit is definitely an example of where people figured it out a good solution long ago... like a Zippo lighter.

[@puma1304]

the Swedish kit is the only really complete set (also for cooking)! and surely has the best workmanship and quality, it is certainly somehow "outdated" (too heavy, too clumsy, aluminium pot) but still the best option by far. Inspired by it I carry nowadays a Ti pot with the Trangia burner & triangle (besides a Firebox Nano), otherwise the Trangia 27... greetings from wild, wet, windy and wonderful Western Patagonia, Chile

[@Thereal111t]

I remember when the swede kits were $5. I fully expect there to be a similar price run on the yugo kits. I’ve always seen them as a ‘poor man’s’ version of a British crusader system. That’s another excellent military cook set. Thanks for the video!

[@planetsideagent]

Early videos on the Swedish kits were being picked up for a song, now they are pretty much out of reach, at least for me. The crusader is a nice kit and I looked into it but a little more than I want to pay for something that's going to just sit on my shelf. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@MarbelCube]

I totally love the stove solution from Swedish kit. In my opinion it's better than those aluminium or steel small stoves for solid fuel, but first and foremost it keeps your cooking station in stable position. Yugoslavian one is very neat but i think it's the least accessible mess kit around. Maximum usage of space but taking out canteen would be time consuming and I assume it works as spare fluid storage than main canteen. I would say Russian Paratrooper 's have pros of these two and it's the most versatile kit I ever seen. Looks like reverse german kit + solution from US Army; canteen slides down into cup container. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@robertmaxwell3220]

Recently purchased Serbian( green) cookset.About all there is room for is small envelopes of salt and pepper,and small piece of foil for pot/ cup cover.If over wood fire,coat bottom of pot with bar ivory soap,makes black removal easy!

[@ssrc30]

I love the Swedish kit but my Yugo/Serb kit is my favourite. It fits in my pack perfectly.

[@warrendejager203]

From South Africa the only cookset is the Swedish unit it comes integral with the burner the others are basic pot sets The cutlery set is very similar to the South African army CIRA pre 1994 before the current bunch of clowns ans is, utterly bomb proof, & extremely versatile. I personally have dug latrine cat holes, opened tinned food with the fork and field stripped a R1 semi automatic rifle with nothing but the knife. RGDS Warren

[@매호]

스웨덴 푸드 컨테이너 정말 좋은 제품입니다. 멋진 영상 대박 나시기를 기원합니다.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

The Swedish and Yugoslavian kits are on sale a lot right now in the UK. The Russian ones I have note seen. I went for the Swedish Trangia set...(sometimes listed as Austrian or some other country in NATO) Personally Im a huge fan of the Swedish set for multiple reasons: I have my own water bottle solutions, I dont want space in my mess kits occupied by water bottles I dont need It has a cooker and windshield. Two problems I now dont have to solve. If you season the pan top ... you have frying and boiling capabilities. You can use the main body and the lid to bake food on the Trangia stove. I am not suggesting that there is any "right or wrong" answer here, because I think mess kits and cooking equipment is a very personal thing. But for me personally, I already have some NATO water bottles and some Dutch "Crusader" style stainless steel cups that fit them and a pouch. My water situation is covered... I need a compact mess kit just for food. The Swedish/Finnish mess kit is a great solution for me. Not gonna lie though, I will totally buy the Russian one if I see it, even though its probably made out of slightly radioactive pot metal.

[@planetsideagent]

I think the Swedish kit is the best and most versatile of all the military mess kits. The Russian one is not radioactive 😊 and is made from a very thick aluminum. Well built and fitted.

[@glhx2112]

I have two of those Swedish Mess Kits, or as I have been told by those who were issued them back in the day, "Stink-Pots". I ordered a few from Sportman's Guide about 12 years ago when they were $10 each. One is made out of Stainless Steel, the other Aluminum, and both did come with the Trangia Stove. I also have one of the Serb Mess Kits, which is pretty nice too, but, not sure about all that plastic.

[@planetsideagent]

you lucked out. By the time I came across the KZbin videos talking about the $10 kits and I went to find one the price had shot up. :-(

[@varnellhopkinsiii6863]

Great designs. My only concern is with so much aluminum used in cookware. I am just leery of that. I'd like to get a hold of one of the Swedish ones in stainless steel though. W

[@planetsideagent]

All of the Swedish kits have gotten rare and expensive, especially the stainless steel ones.

[@scuffco1868]

I bought the Croatian last year...Thanks to Super vid... Just discovered utensil holder on side🤔 Thanks! Tres bon champ de mouvement '22!!!

[@Jonsson474]

The cutlery that came with the Swedish kit was aluminium fork, spoon and knife that all attached to one and other. The drinking cup is called Kåsa (caasa) in swedish. Kuksa is the Finnish word. Swedish soldiers were also issued the small can opener, that was kept inside the mess kit.

[@planetsideagent]

Cool, I'll have to look around for the fork etc to complete the kit, if they're not too expensive. I looked at getting a Kuksa but their cost was more than my desire to have one. :-)

[@simonh6371]

@@planetsideagent Maybe you'd like the Swedish fold-a-cup instead, they're cheap, made in Sweden, fold to half their size, and are very similar to the Kasa/kuksa anyway.

[@OUTDOORSSWEDEN]

Stainless steel cutlery

[@andersholmstrom3571]

Egen I was in the army we I used this Swedish kit but the stainless steel version. We had a similar cutlery kit as the jugoslavian one but without the can opener. The cup to go with the kit we call “kåsa”. Here they sell for about 1,5 USD equivalent.

[@planetsideagent]

I picked up the kasa and cutlery to complete the kit. How did you store the cutlery?

[@andersholmstrom3571]

@@planetsideagent Inside the mess kit, together with the kåsa, burner and the fuel bottle

[@planetsideagent]

Hmm, yours must have been smaller than the ones i have. I couldn't get them to fit short of bending them. Something I did with my old Boy Scout mess kit.

[@andersholmstrom3571]

@@planetsideagent No bending was needed so ours must have been shorter than yours. It was quit practical. Ev erything in the same pack.

[@LegionarHR]

wow you put awsome videos for us! thanks man!

[@robertmaxwell3220]

If swedish comes with large ( military) Trangia stove,check for cracks in body,as many were burned dry many times and cracking occured.

[@hliew0]

May be a silly question, however how food safe would these old vintage canteen kits be for cooking nowadays? I’m keen to use them as I love the shape and how it functions. Thanks for the input and advice!

[@planetsideagent]

I can't really say. I haven't followed the aluminum cook ware story but I seem to have heard something recently that it isn't a problem. I see that Trangia has uncoated all aluminum cook ware after years of coating their stuff. I've watched a lot of KZbin video where guys are using the old mess kits. Actually there are a lot of different non military cook kits out there and they are a lot cheaper than some of the vintage ones.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

I like the Russian one, would it fit onto the Swedish pot and burner holder?

[@planetsideagent]

Yes, the Russian kit is smaller than the Swedish pot but because the Russian is smaller its bail won't fit the slots on the burner holder. If you place the bail under the Russian kit it will sit nicely inside the burner holder.

[@davidgiles4681]

I have all three. The soviet kit is built like a tank. It is ugly. But it does have a water source, cooking pot, and small dish. It is heavy and built for field use. The Swiss kit is lighter, has a heat source, is made from steel or aluminum. It has a wind screen, etc... The other kit is similar to the soviet one. If I had my choice - the Swiss kit would be my choice.

[@planetsideagent]

The Swedish is the most complete, They have gotten hard to find and expensive. Although, .Self Reliance Outfitter make a stainless steal remake for a reasonable price. www.selfrelianceoutfitters.com/products/pfm40-cook-set?variant=39548550742277

[@Dutcharmytent]

I also never got the cup with the Swedish Army mess kit, but apparently it is difficult to drink from as it’s curved.

[@planetsideagent]

I did eventually get one just to complete the kit. I haven't tried to drink from it yet but yes it looks difficult, classic form over function, but it fits in the pot nicely. 😊

[@crazybigyo]

I like the one with the bag the best!

[@Moroni108]

Well, I really appreciate your video! I do not have that Russian set as of yet... but you are right, it really is pretty darn cool. I will say that I do have the Swedish one, and in my opinion, it pretty much meets all of my wants and desires... it is wicked cool in so many ways and the pots are man size, like, I'm full from this meal! Thank you my friend!

[@planetsideagent]

Yep. the sad thing a few years back the Swedish kits could be picked up for around $10 not they are over $100

[@Moroni108]

@@planetsideagent Well it's been 5 months since we last chatted. I did get my hands on a Russian mess kit, exactly like the one you haver there. Awesome and fun. My son and I used it last autumn while camping. I'm trying to teach him all the old school stuff. I have about 7 different mess kits. One of them is a 1930s or 40s Boy Scouts of America mess kit made of tinned steel while the fry pan, unique in itself is, I believe carbon steel as opposed to tinned, like the rest of the mess kit. There is a real good fellow here on KZbin, "John Sherwood" does an excellent video on this particular mess kit and just how darn rare it is. I have taken just the steel pan and mixed it with the rest of a 1970s Palco aluminum mess kit for backpacking camp trips. A little mix match of mess kits, but after the trip I return them to their proper order.. :) Thank you again my friend for taking the time to put together a nice video for many to enjoy!!!

[@planetsideagent]

Cool. The old Boy Scout mess kits are interesting. I watch John Sherwood, his videos are fun. He comes across a lot of cool mess kits and accessories. Have a good one.

[@BluegrassBushcraft]

I have two of the three in my collection but still haven't picked up the Russian kit yet. I think I really like this one.

[@planetsideagent]

its a nice well built kit.

[@Mat-kr1nf]

I have 2 aluminium and 2 stainless steel Swedish ones, the Russian VDV, Yugoslavian one, German, standard Russian mess kit, Czech, British and 2 Swedish Ranger mess kits to date. I love the surplus kits, want to get the 1885:Swedish army predecessor to the M40, wouldn’t mind the Dutch stainless steel one that is same as the British, except it’s not aluminium. Oh, and the British crusader kit with water bottle.🤣

[@Phantom-F4]

I have and love the Russian kit too, It is probably the least well known. Actually, I have all of those kits. The Yugo is my least favorite, I have bought two of them and the caneen leaks on both.

[@planetsideagent]

I'll have to check my Yugo to see if it leaks. I don't use it, its just a collector piece.

[@hardtrooth1776]

I wonder if the Russian one can fit in the sweedish windscreen pot stand?

[@planetsideagent]

I just tried, and yes with room.

[@29nt23]

Thanks for the awesome video! I have the Russian kit and love it. But I also want the Swedish kit. The only Swedish kit I see (on eBay and other online sources) is all Trangia stuff with Hungarian canteen, unless couple of all Trangia kit for ridiculous price point. I also see the Trangia kit (windscreen, fuel bottle, and alcohol stove) without the canteen. I was wondering how the Russian canteen would fit in the windscreen. If it fits nicely, I think I will go for the Trangia kit without the canteen. From your video, the Russian canteen seems little smaller than the Swedish canteen. If it is smaller, I know it would fit but I don't want too much of wiggle room inside the wind screen if I use it with a Russian canteen. Thanks again for the great video!

[@planetsideagent]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes the Russian canteen kit will fit inside of the Swedish wind screen. Its a little bit smaller. The Swedish kits have gotten crazy expensive and hard to find. To bad, when I first came across videos about them they were being picked up for around $10

[@hliew0]

May I ask if the Russian Vdv would sit in the trangia stove?

[@OregonMike]

Hello fellow Oregonian. I have all three also, but I have gone through a couple of yugo kits and they both leaked. You should get the german kit also. Many countries have a very simular design to the german one, I have no idea who came up with it first but it seems that everyone copied it. The german one was the first one I bought. Beware on knockoffs of all types of mess kits. I have even seen knock offs of a $12 mora knife, who the hell makes a fake mora?

[@planetsideagent]

Interesting your yugos leaked, they are a hard plastic so rough handling could cause hairline creaks. I do have a east and west German kit also standard Russian, Polish, Chek, Italian, and Chinese. It is odd someone would make a knockoff Mora, maybe its to get around import laws or duties and they just sell them to who ever.

[@williampennjr.4448]

funny how they issued us mess kits in the Army which we never used.

[@OKBushcraft]

I have all 3, my Swedish kit is stainless though. I like the Soviet paratrooper one the best also but only because the Swedish is so heavy. The Swedish one is the finest one if carcamping. I like the cutlery of the Yugo set but not so much the rest of the Yugo one. I have 2 versions of the Polish kits that I personally like better than the Yugo set. Does your Soviet canteen. Stink from the rubber seal ? Oh, I bought my VDV pouch separately off ebay. You can find mainly OD but there's some camo too.

[@planetsideagent]

My rubber seal does not stink, I would think you could buy or make a replacement. I like the Polish kits too. I think the bigger top/cup gives more cooking/eating options.

[@margaretadler6162]

I replaced the rubber gasket in my Russian VDV with one I made from a wine cork. Works good.

[@OKBushcraft]

@@margaretadler6162 good idea, thanks

[@user-neo71665]

All look fine but long term I'd rather have stainless steel over aluminum.

[@planetsideagent]

With prices these old mess kits are getting to, other than collecting, I'd go with new stainless kits like the Pathfinder stainless steel bottle bag kit.

[@benterwellen]

I also go with the Russian one, would like to see the US do something finally with updating mess kits...

[@planetsideagent]

I don't think the US issues mess kits anymore with the adoption of MREs and the chemical heating pads. I have the US mess kit and canteen cup. I got them whenI was a kid. The cup is a good design but I've never been a fan of the mess kit. I think a lot of people like the US mess kit because of the frying pan and plate.

[@tolik5929]

I have two of the Russian ones , with the modern issue pouch , good luck finding the modern pouch now . The old soviet pouch is ok , but thats all you can get these days .

[@metroplexchl]

Great video

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

Why does everyone call it the Russian Paratrooper messkit when every single soldier in the Soviet forces were issued one? Does the word 'paratrooper' somehow make it more efficient in some minds? A bit like how everyone in Vietnam was special forces or every sword used by a nutjob is a 'sam-oo-rye'! Not criticising the video, which I enjoyed, just kicking off the conversation about how things get misnamed. I have the Swedish M44 and keep it in a British S96 gas mask pouch as my heavy duty bushcraft kitchen kit. For everyday use I use a British set of mess tins (deeper than the Aussie issue) and the 58 Pattern Crusader cup, bottle and stove with an Aussie issue bottle, cup and stove (same as G.I.) for back up. Not the lightest but I like them and can do everything I need with them. Subscribed and liked.

[@planetsideagent]

The story I heard is that the messkit was originally designed by the Russian Navy and adopted by the paratroopers because of it's compactness and lighter weight thus the paratrooper kit. I have Russian army messkits and canteens that are similar to other European sets. I doubt that the paratrooper kit was a general issue item because it look like a more expensive kit due to its refined close tolerances. I could be wrong. 🙂

[@АндрейШмырев-ж3з]

Всем солдатам не выдавался...Все ходили с котелками немецкого типа которые делать стали после войны.А этот комплект стали делать в 1957 году...и стали снабжать в первую очередь ВДВ...вот и назвали в народе - ,десантный котелок,...А так до развала СССР его и не видел...Хотя вырос в СССР.🤔

[@caffiend.]

For me aluminum is a deal breaker. I will admit some of the designs are very good. Check out the French mess kit.

[@roblamb8327]

I like the Svedish model as it comes with stove and windshield, and the handle/hook/loop ideas are such small ideas that I can't understand why they've not been universally adopted. The downside of the Balkan set is the amount of plastic used - kids gets runny when mixed with flame. The Ruskie jobbie got my interest when I first saw that screw lid - at last someone's incorporated a pressure cooker to save time and fuel! Was I soon disappointed? Yes. So why do no services provide a basic integrated one-person cookset that includes pan, mug, bowl/plate, cutlery, stove, firestarter (be it matches, piezoelectric lighter or mag/steel) and fuel & water? Instead they all seem to insist on different kits for each component. Why? Since writing this I've seen MarkKratzMC's first look at the Chinese PLA's cookset. More expensive but It seems to address a lot of my issues. I don't normally do this but.... take a looksee.

[@planetsideagent]

I suspect mess kit design has been based on different army's mess setups and meal types. Now days with MREs (some with heat packets) there is not much need for a hard mess kit and the field kitchen can supply trays and cutlery.

[@simonh6371]

Well nowadays the British Army pretty much do supply the full setup for in the field, i.e. the BCB Crusader Mk2 system comprising Osprey water bottle, plastic cup, metal cup for cooking in and metal stove. BCB also make the gel fuel for this system. Cutlery is issued as part of a soldier's kit but most just take the spoon. Before that (when I served) the British Army issued the Osprey water bottle & cup (dating back to the 1960s), 2 rectangular mess tins (dating back to the 1930s) and hexamine stoves and tablets were issued with each 24 hour ration pack. But to answer your question: the reason they don't do this is that there is not one contractor in each country who is able to competitively make every single item in the setup. Even in the BCB setup which you can buy from civilian retailers as well as BCB themselves, the water bottle & plastic mug aren't made by BCB, as they don't have the plastic moulding capability, but they do have the metal pressing machines to make the metal mug and stove. Some of us with experience of using different kit, both military and civilian, end up mixing and matching to best suit our purposes and find the perfect setup. Mine is Dutch Army canteen and stainless steel cup, basically like the GI canteen & cup, with a Pathfinder steel lid for the cup; 1 Dutch Army stainless steel mess tin, with a mess tin lid which is also designed as a frying pan, which is a civilian manufacture of a British Army piece of kit which was made years ago but not in any great quantity, and which is virtually impossible to find; a Swedish Army fold-a-cup; a Swedish Trangia burner; as a windshield / stand for the burner I use a folding (hinged) Lixada type twig stove, which is perfect for the Trangia but also great for burning wood. So a mix of British, Dutch and Swedish issue/copy of issue kit, with US and Chinese civilian items, which work perfectly for me. Oh yeah and a cheap stainless folding spork from ebay, a long handled plastic spoon I bought in Germany 5 years ago, and a Swiss Army knife. As far as I can see the PLA copied first the old European design and now are going for the flat mess tins but with lids, so copying the old British/Commonwealth mess kit, and just adding their own manufacture hobo knife, and an unusual stove based maybe on a small barbecue. Not a bad setup but it lacks the canteen and any kind of cup, however confusingly there are also PLA canteens with cups, a bit like the VDV one shown here. Maybe both are issued now, a bit like the German Army issue the mess kit and a canteen with metal cup separately.

[@margaretadler6162]

The Pathfinder store now sells a reproduction of the swedish M40 mess kits. Called the PM40 the are better made than the original M40 but do not come with the trangia alcohol stove. I own 1 M40 and two M44 messkits and the PM40 is much better quality than the original and about $80.00 which is cheaper than the going price of the original M40 ATB Sam Adler from Vietnam

[@planetsideagent]

Yes I saw that, great to see, the Swedish kits are now hard to find and very expensive. You can still fine the Swedish burners but the new pathfinder burner of the old tried and true Trangia will work just fine. Have a good one.

[@bojanpejcic6381]

Do you know the year of the Russian parachute flask?

[@planetsideagent]

There are no dates to be found on the kit, just what I assume is a makers mark "KB". I haven't found any information on it.

[@steiner3131]

​@@planetsideagent " КВ" это значит " Красный Выборжец" , парень)

[@АндрейШмырев-ж3з]

С 1957 года выпускался...

[@harryroger1739]

How are you rating gear you never used?

[@planetsideagent]

I'm not rating on usability but on design (and cool factor). I own seven other military mess kits (I've never used) and I suspect they all will preform similarly so I doubt actually field testing them would change my mind. I have heard that some are difficult to clean which can be a reason to discount one. I have several other cook kits that I use instead of mess kits. I hope I answered your question, do you have a kit you prefer? If I don't already have it I'd be interested in getting it, unless its gotten terribly expensive and hard to find like the Swedish kit. 🙂

[@jeffccr3620]

I agree i like the Russian design the best because it has the perfect flask

[@ryururu7054]

now russian one is not produced. they changed to steel set of another design. but the older one is still available to buy in russia, brand new. and of course it is very used not only to take meal from kitchen but to make it on fireplace and any stove.

[@planetsideagent]

So people use them as a lunch box, interesting. It would be cool to get a new one. 🙂

[@ryururu7054]

@@planetsideagent i can sell to u, i have about 10 of them.

[@planetsideagent]

Id be interested, depends on what you need to sell one and the shipping. Shipping is often the deal breaker for me here in the US.

[@Jerry-hw5qk]

Opinions are like ego's, everyone has one

[@planetsideagent]

Yes, Its ok to listen to them but in the end you should make up your own mind.

[@nathanruben3372]

Isn't dangerous to cook in or eat from alimnium material.

[@planetsideagent]

The last things I've read, no.

[@keithdavies7726]

I use the Swedish Trangia kit a lot here in the UK, because its self contained, burner and all, and quiet for stealth. Although the Russian kit look cool. Have you considered the Swiss Army Volcano Ranger stove? www.militarymart.co.uk/collections/stoves-cookers. Don't know what the shipping cost would be across the pond, but it must be available in the US, but its similar but different.

[@planetsideagent]

Actually I do have a Swiss Army Volcano. I saw a video and thought is was really cool, It was the first kit I bought. After that it started me on the road of collecting mess kits and cook kits. :-)

[@larryalbert1027]

I like my 1943 boy scout mess kit it's steel

[@planetsideagent]

Cool, I love the old stuff. I have an aluminum knockoff but it served me well on a few bicycle trips.🙂

[@jopo6388]

Aluminum is the worst thing you can drink or eat or cook in. Next to nonstick stainless only way to go

[@TheTrueNorth11]

Provide sources. I disagree. It is safe and effective.

[@stanborg4755]

I've heard this about aluminum. For camping, and not daily use, I'm not concerned. I use stainless at home.

[@hamrite]

Knife, spoon and a Thirk, Lol I just invented that !!!! Pffff

[@MrTShogren]

Your Swedish kit is missing the brass burner. This is where the fuel goes. Won't work with out it.

[@OUTDOORSSWEDEN]

3,57 in he is holding up the trangia burner.

[@jimfuller239]

He said the burner was made by Trangia, but I actually it looks like the SVEA one with the crown marks.

[@nathanruben3372]

I do not think the russian is the best design. There is logic in saperating canteen from mess. People often drink or sip wate but eat a couple of times a day. It is not easy to unpack this kit to drink water.

[@planetsideagent]

True, but combining them does decrease the number of pouches hanging off a belt or pack. More room for ammo and grenades. 🙂

[@nathanruben3372]

@@planetsideagent Germans carried mess kit on their belt, but many armies carried mess kits, not canteens in or attached to their backpack like japans. I believe this is the best resort. One needs water constantly but really eat hot food once or twice in a day. Most of the time mess kits are needed for snacks. Why carry them on the belt?