US, UK, Dutch canteen sets compared?

[SSGN_Doc]

I’m new to the site, but noticed folks had some questions regarding Crusader (Mk1 and Mk2), US and Dutch canteens and cups, etc.

I happen to be in possession of each of these. I’m currently about to head in to work, but if you would like to post some questions you’d like answered or compared regarding these items, such as what fits with what, capacities, etc. I’ll do my best to assemble some date for you all after work, with what I do have on hand. (Mind that I’m on the West coast of the US so the times may seem a bit askew.)

 

[Erbswurst]

Welcome!

Generally is interesting to know what fits where in, and what doesn't fit.

We currently get here old Dutch mugs and new US bottles, but no original US mugs and no new Dutch bottles. ALICE canteen carriers we get, the pouch I mean.

Does for example the British Osprey bottle with steel mug fit into an ALICE canteen pouch?

And also interesting:
Has the Nalgene canteen exactly the same shape like the issued one?
Nalgene we get easily every corner in Europe, the original US army canteen is just rarely available.

 

[SSGN_Doc]

Does for example the British Osprey bottle with steel mug fit into an ALICE canteen pouch?

And also interesting:
Has the Nalgene canteen exactly the same shape like the issued one?
Nalgene we get easily every corner in Europe, the original US army canteen is just rarely available.

I can not get the Osprey bottle and cup into an ALICE carrier with both buttons snapped. The MOLLE carrier works.

the Nalgene is close enough. It fits the US GI cup just slightly more snug than the GI canteen.

 

[SSGN_Doc]

I was personally curious about capacity of each canteen. Pretty sure my Pyrex pitcher markings are not exactly accurate, but they give a good reference. each canteen was filled up to the mouth of the canteen as if trying to keep them from sloshing.

US canteen- right at the 1 Liter mark.
Dutch canteen- 800 ml
Osprey- about 1.2 Liter.

 

[Herman30]

Here is a photo of how Nalgene canteen and dutch canteen cup fits together.
The canteen does not go all the way down, some 2 cm empty space between canteen and bottom of cup remains.

 

[Erbswurst]

Does anybody have the German (BW) bottle and the Dutch cup?

The BW bottle is probably the most robust NATO version, the sealing can be replaced with a usual flat sealing from every building site hardware shop if you cut it in the shape of the old one.
But unfortunately the tiny 2 mug mess kit around the German bottle was a totally idiotic idea. Useless and unneccessarrily heavy.
Would I find a well fitting usual mug for it I would be very happy!
The BW bottle is also smaller than 1 litre.

 

[Erbswurst]

What are the volumes of the mugs???

 

[Herman30]

What are the volumes of the mugs???

65cl with water to 0.5cm from the rim.

 

[SSGN_Doc]

What are the volumes of the mugs???

BCB Crusader 2 - just under 1 liter
Crusader Mk1 - 850ml (ish)
Crusader plastic mug - 650ml
USGI - 700ml
Dutch - 650ml

Sorry the pictures loaded out of order. ( Top to bottom: Crusader Mk1, USGI, Dutch, Crusader Mk2, Crusader plastic mug.)

 

[Erbswurst]

The Dutch is an aluminium mug, isn't it?

 

[SSGN_Doc]

The Dutch is an aluminium mug, isn't it?

Actually a pretty beefy stainless steel.

 

[Erbswurst]

I didn't know that there is a steel version too. I really have to watch out for it and try if it fits to the BW bottle.

 

[SSGN_Doc]

Just for some cup profile comparison.

(L-R) Crusader Mk1, Crusader Mk2, USGI, Dutch.

image upload site

 

[SSGN_Doc]

Comparing Crusader cookers:

Obvious points are that the Mk2 is larger than the Mk1. However, it is lighter. When it comes to nesting for storage, the Mk2 mug does not settle as deep into the cooker base. This could be viewed as a negative for the amount of total bag space it takes up. However, it does allow for storage of an alcohol burner and a few small odds and ends if one takes advantage of the space. The Mk2 pot stand wires rest high enough from the bottom to allow use of a Trangia type alcohol burner. The wind screen height helps in both mitigating wind effect from whatever fuel source is chosen and it helps channel and reflect heat at the mug, when heating water, which seems to contribute to getting faster boil times.

The Mk1 cooker while being more compact in size as well as nesting ability has the drawback of not having a pot stand height sufficient to use a commercial Trangia type alcohol burner. It’s lower height also makes using it as an improvised twig burning stove a bit harder to manage, as it has less organic fuel capacity. But, being stainless steel it is a durable piece of gear.
I made my own soda can, alcohol burners to a height that can be employed in the Mk1 cooker.

Some coffee along with some chicken and pasta on my first hike with both systems a couple of months ago.

(And I like the plastic mug as a way to not burn myself on a mug that was just off the cooker.)

 

[SSGN_Doc]

My USGI is something I’ve had for a long time. Actually bought another complete new set to turn in after returning from deployment so I could keep my issued set. I’ve made or acquired a few additions to “civilize” or improve the kit a bit.

Lid made from a stainless steel baking tray, helps cut boil times. Trangia burner, heats fast and clean. Sheet of neoprene, makes handling the cup after cooking, much more pleasant. Silicone “Hot Lips” mouth protector helps keep me from burning my mouth on a hot cup. Some bent wire, holds the cup slightly above the cook stand, to prevent it from sticking in the cook stand.

 

[Erbswurst]

You have a nice striker there.

Who is the maker?

 

[SSGN_Doc]

You have a nice striker there.

Who is the maker?

UCO Survival is the maker.
I picked mine up at the base exchange. But...

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/UCO-Survival-Striker-Tether-Multitool/dp/B07MMT8XWX/ref=asc_df_B07MMT8XWX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475812146604&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7943398403934303228&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033456&hvtargid=pla-807899184601&psc=1

 

[Erbswurst]

Thank you!

They make a lot of interesting equipment.

 

[dean4442]

Now you've started me looking at the lip protector, I spent many years relying on a couple of strips of duct tape but they look the business!

 

[Corso]

Here is a photo of how Nalgene canteen and dutch canteen cup fits together.
The canteen does not go all the way down, some 2 cm empty space between canteen and bottom of cup remains.

weird I remember mine fitting better than that - I could fit the set in a repro m56 canteen pouch

the nalgine is slight smaller than the mill issue bottles - infact you can cut down an old bottle to make a bowl that fits oveer the nalgene