I know some people don’t have high expectations when this brand is mentioned but the this example is not bad.
I acquired the mess kit parts separately and just the pot is Mil-tec. I have seen the set for sale with the copy pot and all other parts advertised as issued.
The pot is aluminium, I’m not sure if they offer a steel model. I don’t have an original to compare to but the pot stacks with the wind shield as it should.
Negatives
• The pot feels relatively thin and I have been told it isn’t as thick and the original.
• The bail handle had the notches for the hook but doesn’t have the hook fitted.
• The lid/pan has the folding handle but this is very loose and lacks the D-rings.
Positives
• Cheaper and easier to find than the original.
• Works with the original parts.
• Mine has lasted six months of being used once or twice a week without issue.
General thoughts and use
I was concerned about the pot being flimsy and painted it with several coats of bbq paint. This was probably not necessary however.
I used some thick garden wire to make rough d-rings for a handle. I didn’t have wire wasn’t strong enough to make a hanging hook, but not having this hasn’t been a problem.
I haven’t been able to tighten the lid hinge but carving a decent wooden handle with a step would solve the problem.
The set will fit in a respirator pouch (such as USGI molle one or the M17 moon bag) along with a Trangia fuel bottle. I don’t store fuel inside. I empty the burner and put it in a zip lock bag.
I have cooked and boiled water in the set using a gel burner and fire dragon blocks. This does work but not as good as the spirit burner.
The pot base sits 1.25 inches above the issue burner, which is optimal.
You can use the wind shield upside down over a fire, I’ve yet to try this. Or as a pan stand with the burner “hanging” from the internal wire arms, it’s a little fiddly but an option with a different pot.
A Kupilka 21 cup will fit inside the issue courser and stack inside along with the typical sundries: burner; cutlery; pot cloth; scourer, meal components, fire starter. I keep the fuel outside and have used about 150ml of meths over for several dozen uses.
The pot shape allows it to hold two typical boil in the bag meals and cook heat them evenly.
Overall view
The system is a reasonable option for to two people as it’s a little bulky.
The traditional Trangia set that supports the burner off the ground might be better in some situations.
The Mil-tec pot is fine and you can usually get it at a decent price. The original wind shield and accessories are still readily available.
I acquired the mess kit parts separately and just the pot is Mil-tec. I have seen the set for sale with the copy pot and all other parts advertised as issued.
The pot is aluminium, I’m not sure if they offer a steel model. I don’t have an original to compare to but the pot stacks with the wind shield as it should.
Negatives
• The pot feels relatively thin and I have been told it isn’t as thick and the original.
• The bail handle had the notches for the hook but doesn’t have the hook fitted.
• The lid/pan has the folding handle but this is very loose and lacks the D-rings.
Positives
• Cheaper and easier to find than the original.
• Works with the original parts.
• Mine has lasted six months of being used once or twice a week without issue.
General thoughts and use
I was concerned about the pot being flimsy and painted it with several coats of bbq paint. This was probably not necessary however.
I used some thick garden wire to make rough d-rings for a handle. I didn’t have wire wasn’t strong enough to make a hanging hook, but not having this hasn’t been a problem.
I haven’t been able to tighten the lid hinge but carving a decent wooden handle with a step would solve the problem.
The set will fit in a respirator pouch (such as USGI molle one or the M17 moon bag) along with a Trangia fuel bottle. I don’t store fuel inside. I empty the burner and put it in a zip lock bag.
I have cooked and boiled water in the set using a gel burner and fire dragon blocks. This does work but not as good as the spirit burner.
The pot base sits 1.25 inches above the issue burner, which is optimal.
You can use the wind shield upside down over a fire, I’ve yet to try this. Or as a pan stand with the burner “hanging” from the internal wire arms, it’s a little fiddly but an option with a different pot.
A Kupilka 21 cup will fit inside the issue courser and stack inside along with the typical sundries: burner; cutlery; pot cloth; scourer, meal components, fire starter. I keep the fuel outside and have used about 150ml of meths over for several dozen uses.
The pot shape allows it to hold two typical boil in the bag meals and cook heat them evenly.
Overall view
The system is a reasonable option for to two people as it’s a little bulky.
The traditional Trangia set that supports the burner off the ground might be better in some situations.
The Mil-tec pot is fine and you can usually get it at a decent price. The original wind shield and accessories are still readily available.
Last edited: