GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Mess Kit

Summary

Super set for people that do more than re-hydrate. Light enough for most people and you can use it on fire/coals.

I've always liked the Bugaboo Hiker kit by GSI, but I could never get into the teflon. I like cookware I can use over fire or coals if the situation presents itself and never could justify purchasing the Bugaboo. Later when I come across this, A stainless version of the mess kit, I was a happy camper. 

Being stainless steel, it's heavier than the other 2 versions but it is more than made up for in my eyes by its durability. Camp stoves.. sure, Small fires.. sure, Coals... sure, Huge fires and HOT coals.. Yep. I can cook anywhere I can get fire and since its stainless heat helps the cooking process. 

Its constructed pretty well. Thin to save weight, so it's nowhere as nice as in home stainless cookware with a 3 ply bottom, but hey.. it's for a backpack. I prefer the pot grabber to the folding handles found on other fry pans since I use it over my pocket rocket from time to time and balance is important there. 

I wish GSI would sell their pot/pan kits without the extras. In this case the plastic bowl and cup. I am NO fan of plastics where heat is involved. I wouldn't have minded saving a couple extra bucks not getting the bowl/cup. Meh, you win some you loose some. 

If you're an ultralight hiker, this won't be the cookset for you. But if you like to do more than re-hydrate and want something that will last literally forever and can be used anywhere at any time, this is what you want. 

Pic is right after a good cleaning, note the polished finish on the bottom.