Hehehehe, I ordered two of everything. Thought it would be cheaper that way in case I liked it loads. I've always avoided the US canteen as I had a copy a while back and it doesn't hold as much water as the Nato bottle, but I've noticed after using the Nato nearly everyday this Spring and Summer, that I never use it's full capacity anyway and I have back up water sources in the car or nearby. The Nato is bulky (fat), and that did get in the way on my belt when I was in Venez.
The size doesnt matter to me. So long as it can cook a tin full of whatever, make super noodles, brew coffee etc then I'm happy. The crusader cup is a bit bigger, but it's still a cup and has the same limitations really. The one thing I havent mentioned, but that I really like about the US kit is the shape. It just seems to sit really well on your hip - it's much nicer to handle and carry than the fat nato kit. I didnt mention it, because on the face of it there seems not much difference, but being that little bit smaller, that little bit more ergonomic, that little bit lighter and that little bit more versatile, all adds up and to me, fixes all the irritations I have with the nato kit. It's little things, like being able to just take the top off the bottle and take a swig of water without having to remove anything or even undo a clasp. The nato kit by comparison, seems so much more clumsy. Anyway, let me know what you think.
I also really like the Greenheat as it packs small and light. Carrying a Trangia and meths would add weight and bulk to my bag. So I reckon if I carry a lid from a military burner, that will do to hold the Greenheat and I'll have a really compact package to go in my shoulder bag.
I'll do a review out and about when it all arrives.
I'll give greenheat a go. The esbit thing is really just there to complete it as a self contained kit. It works well enough and the aluminium stand is a much better windshield than the crusader cooker (though in fairness is a less stable cooking platform). But I still prefer a meths cooker. It's hotter, faster and less affected by wind. The titanium stove adds so little weight, it's really just about carrying the fuel and unless you are burning wood, you have to carry the fuel for whatever cooker you use. I'll get some greenheat though, as I've discovered I need 2 esbit tabs to make super noodles, it might be more efficient to use the green gel.
