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#127946 - 02/03/10 04:36 AM Walmart Mess KIt
JeremyDuncan Offline
member

Registered: 01/25/10
Posts: 26
Loc: Midwest
I got this Ozark Trail (Walmart) mess kit for Christmas. At first I was thinking about just not using it. Then I got to comparing weights, and it seems like it might come in handy.





Can anyone suggest a cook set using some of these pieces with a stove and windscreen (and anything else)?

Or is any of it even worth keeping?

It seems like pretty cheap aluminum.

All the pieces fit inside one another and secure by flipping the handle around.

Weights:
frying pan 1.6oz
panhandle 1.3oz
pot 1.8oz
pot lid .07oz
plastic cup .07oz
other pan 1.1oz


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#127948 - 02/03/10 04:52 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
frediver Offline
member

Registered: 05/11/07
Posts: 114
Get a pot gripper do not use the bail on the pot, the pot is to shallow and tippy.
The lid for the pot should also fit a large SS Sierra cup and that can be handy.

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#127950 - 02/03/10 07:12 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
It all depends on the style of cooking that you do. What is your typical menu for a weekend?

Also, assuming it fits your cooking needs, does the fry-pan handle sort of make a hook on one end? (Can't really tell fromt the picture.) If so, you can use the hook to lift the pot bail, and won't need a pot lifter. (The lid does function well to keep everything together.) It would also be handy if your spoon would store inside.

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#127955 - 02/03/10 08:33 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
Billc3 Offline
newbie

Registered: 11/04/07
Posts: 13
You can bake in the pot inside the frying pan-plate. Use pancake mix with berries mixed on the dry side and fill the pot about 1/3 full, and put the lid on. Put that in the frying pan with water and cover. It seems to take a long time but is well worth the wait.

Bill

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#127971 - 02/03/10 11:37 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
I use the plastic cup every once in a while, if I know I have to measure water or something. It doubles as my hot chocolate cup.
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

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#127981 - 02/03/10 01:11 PM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
I use the pot and lid only from that kit, and also the stainless version, same brand. That kit as a whole works fine for car camping. I've got a couple of 'em.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

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#127983 - 02/03/10 02:24 PM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
Rip the bail wire off before you’re tempted to use it. It’s a guaranteed design to tip over your water. All our scouts spilled with these.
I like to boil 3C of water often. This won’t hold 3 cups.
The frying pan, with handle, naturally tips.

Like finallyME pointed out, the cup is good.

For low cost, IMHO, the kmart greese pot does a much better job for backpacking. https://www.end2endtrailsupply.com/Stanco_Greasepot.html
This is a good size for 2 people (3.7oz total).

In the end, I have fallen in love with my bombproof-no-kitchen-stuff-sack-needed titan kettle http://www.rei.com/product/649902 4.0oz.
I have kitchen sets that I loan out that use this classic backpacker’s pot: 3.8oz http://www.antigravitygear.com/proddetail.php?prod=MK3CNS&cat=142


-Barry

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#128053 - 02/03/10 09:45 PM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: BarryP]
JeremyDuncan Offline
member

Registered: 01/25/10
Posts: 26
Loc: Midwest
Originally Posted By BarryP

For low cost, IMHO, the kmart greese pot does a much better job for backpacking. https://www.end2endtrailsupply.com/Stanco_Greasepot.html
This is a good size for 2 people (3.7oz total).
-Barry

I just bought the Kmart grease pot (with the strainer in it). What else do you use with it? I would love to put together a little self contained cook set using this pot.

Ironically, the cup was one thing I thought I would ditch and keep the pot, because of the handle. Glad I asked first.

That titan kettle is a dandy. Someday... just not in my budget, right now.

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#128074 - 02/04/10 03:51 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: BarryP]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Originally Posted By BarryP

I have kitchen sets that I loan out that use this classic backpacker’s pot: 3.8oz http://www.antigravitygear.com/proddetail.php?prod=MK3CNS&cat=142
-Barry


In all honesty, I've used the above for years, I have two, one for loaners and one I almost always carry. they're pretty grungy after years on the trails and in and out of fires, but considering what I paid for them (10 bucks? been a while) and what they weigh, I don't think you can do a lot better...
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Winter list.
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#128075 - 02/04/10 03:54 AM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: JeremyDuncan]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

The cup is the stuff.

I have the same cup, out of some generic branded crappy tire (Canadian Tire) "mess kit" from probably 25 years ago.

It's old, beat up, and totally skanky. my alky stove fits inside it, it goes in my AGG pot.

keep the cup.
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


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#128131 - 02/04/10 09:30 PM Re: Walmart Mess KIt [Re: phat]
BorealHiker Offline
member

Registered: 02/02/08
Posts: 75
Loc: The Third Maine
Originally Posted By phat

The cup is the stuff.

I have the same cup, out of some generic branded crappy tire (Canadian Tire) "mess kit" from probably 25 years ago.

It's old, beat up, and totally skanky. my alky stove fits inside it, it goes in my AGG pot.

keep the cup.

Just got mine out. Tis the time of year I go through things, both newest and earliest. It's a Palco kit from back to my Yosemite days? I need to post in that Almost Over---thread.

I've used the green Palco cup ever since. Measuring, (when needed,) drinking, etc. The pot is nice, but what others have said about it tipping over upon holding the bail seems true. I remember a few incidents way back. Literally spilling the beans on top of Yosemite Fall when I was barely 16. What memories. That's why I will never let go of the kit, and I'm so happy to be able to use one piece of it, the cup. It will once again be part of my campground camping kit. With honors.


Edited by BorealHiker (02/04/10 09:32 PM)

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