new crusader lid

[Fin]

Morning Fin

Out of interest, why would you want to use the crusader lid as a frying pan anyway......

The old ally mess tins we used to be issued with used to be great for frying up a bacon and egg banjo for one or two. The mess tins were very versatile in that we washed, shaved, brewed cooked and ate from them. They used to nest in one kidney pouch (wrapped around the contents of a 24 hour rat pack). The downside was that, practically, you needed a separate drinking vessel and, being aluminium, they were a swine to clean when using hexi - and probably not good over an open fire (I never tried).

Along came the Crusader mug which solved the two problems above - and freed up a kidney pouch - except this time you lost the ability to make your bacon and egg banjo and it didn't come with a lid which meant longer boil times...

Like I said - the Crusader system could be so much more versatile - all contained in one belt pouch - for want of a little extra thought in the design of the extras - frustrating - I guess I'm going to have to learn the art of metal fabrication...

 

[Totumpole]

Looks pretty god but pretty pricey. I would be keen if we cab get them cheaper as a group buy

 

[Thoth]

One of the guys on this forum makes nice lids, see this thread -
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53311&highlight=launditch

I'm very happy with mine & can fit it in a minimi pouch with my waterbottle, mug, honey-stove, spork & millbankbag

 

[lab72]

One of the guys on this forum makes nice lids, see this thread -
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53311&highlight=launditch

Indeed they are

 

[Shado67]

Maybe that's why they post you 2 per order

These do look good though, if a bit steep on the postage. I was looking at making one out of the heavy foil you get in baking dishes or takeaway trays, or getting the BCB one but obviously anything foil made won't last too long in the pack and plastic has it's limitations where there is heat involved... I had thought of stowing it upside down with the mug & bottle on top of it (if a pouch is used), that way you could still grab the water without it getting in the way, but it should still fit the same 'footprint' of the set...

To anyone with the US version: can you place the mug on the fire with the lid on, or is it more of a stove-use-only and 'keep it warm after' sort of thing? And does the strainer really work? Judging by the size of the mug, those holes must be pretty tiny!

The lid on a cup (US or Crusader) can be placed directly on the fire. The Heavycover lid is very solid and heavy.

I just received my NATO/Crusader lid in the mail. I already have the US cup lid and both are very solid.

 

[The Lord Poncho]

A doubled over square of roasting foil makes a good lid, and can be used a few times before it needs replacing, and much lighter. Doesn't look as smart though.....

 

[Diamond Dave]

Looks pretty god but pretty pricey. I would be keen if we cab get them cheaper as a group buy

At today's exchange rate they are about £13 which is only a couple of pounds more than the ones made here. The problem is the postage which can be around £5. If we could get HC to send a few over I feel sure they would be good value.

 

[SussexRob]

It the BCB lid no good then?

I am currently considering the crusader cook system as it looks great from a brew kit come small personal stove for basic expeditions.

http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Stoves.html

£40 seems pretty good for the set, do most people rate them, or am I better just getting the cup, hanger and lid?

 

[Diamond Dave]

You should have a set, but as you use it you will change one or two things such as the lid the plastic ones do have some draw backs and unless the water bottle is an osprey that will need replacing.

 

[SussexRob]

What is better aboutthe ospray then?

 

[yungmannfuzz]

it doesn't leak everywhere!

ps I love the kit!

 

[Diamond Dave]

it doesn't leak everywhere!

ps I love the kit!

Exactly what he said.....

 

[SussexRob]

I see. I wonder if it costs up better to do it as separates with the ospray bottle then..? I take a look. I don't really want to buy the kit and have to the replace the bottle.

 

[John Fenna]

I realy like the Crusader system (I got the one with the Osprey bottle ) but the lid is not much cop for a cooking lid, while it is ideal for turning your cup into a "spill free" sipper cup... the hanger is not up to much at all in my opinion...
I made a lid from an old and battered Mess tin by cutting the base out, battering it over a MDF former (draw around the rim of the mug, cut out kidney shaped block of MDF) with a light hammer and cutting the rim/lip level. A wooden "button " grip was then screwed to the top and 3 drain/strain holes were drilled in as well.
The fit is loose for ease of use and it cost me scrap and time only
Great for noodles, brews and basic reheating of tinned grub or retort meals

 

[SussexRob]

So in all generally a worthwhile purchase me thinks. I'll have to ask Lurch if the one that Lakeland Bushcraft sell is one with the Osprey bottle.

 

[Wigate]

I spoke to Chris at HardCover about cooking on an up turned lid. He said that due to the latest batch having a better welding process, it can stand up to direct heat. Apparently the earlier onces which sold out did not use the samevprocess. Hope this helps. Oliver

 

[Fin]

I spoke to Chris at HardCover about cooking on an up turned lid. He said that due to the latest batch having a better welding process, it can stand up to direct heat. Apparently the earlier onces which sold out did not use the samevprocess. Hope this helps. Oliver

Very much so - thanks for the info - now it might be worth a punt.

 

[Wigate]

That function does make it more ' value added '.

 

[ex Member swampy99]

My 2 have turned up in Australia and I fill they are worth the money. Mine fits in the bottom of the utility pouch and the cup and bottle sits on that nice. As a signal mirror it is ok but best get a proper mirror if thats what you want.

 

[Wigate]

God advice swampy99, as, if one uses an up turned lid for cooking, that shiny surface will darken