Let’s Dive into Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set promises to be a game-changer for lightweight backpacking and camping. Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) aims to provide a compact and efficient solution for meal preparation in the great outdoors. This set includes a 1.5L bowl, a 2.5L bowl, and a strainer, all designed to collapse and nest neatly together, saving precious pack space.
My old mess kit was bulky and took up too much room. I was searching for a lighter and more compact solution for cooking and eating on my backpacking trips. The flat-pack design and the inclusion of a strainer immediately caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, I was impressed by how incredibly compact the set was when collapsed. The blue and grey color scheme is functional and aesthetically pleasing. The material felt sturdy enough, though I was initially skeptical about its heat resistance.
I considered the Sea to Summit X-Set 33 and the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II Complete Cookset before settling on the Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set. The Sea to Summit set was pricier, and the GSI set felt a bit heavier and geared more toward car camping than true backpacking. I ultimately chose the SOL set for its lightweight design, its built-in strainer, and attractive price point.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was eager to test the set in the field and see if it lived up to its promise of being a space-saving, functional addition to my outdoor gear.
Real-World Testing: Putting Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set during a three-day backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains. The weather ranged from sunny and warm to cool and drizzly. I used the bowls for everything from rehydrating meals to washing vegetables.
The bowls performed well in both wet and dry conditions. The rims provided a good grip, even with wet hands. I did find that the smaller bowl was a bit too small for some of my larger dehydrated meals.
It took a couple of tries to get the hang of collapsing and expanding the bowls smoothly. Initially, I was concerned about creasing the material too much, but it seemed to hold up well. There were no surprises, aside from the smaller bowl being a bit shallow.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set is still going strong. There are no signs of tearing or significant wear and tear. The TPR material seems more durable than I initially expected.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or sponge usually does the trick. I haven’t put it in the dishwasher, since it is not dishwasher safe. Compared to my old stainless steel mess kit, the SOL set is significantly easier to clean and much lighter to carry.
The bowls have exceeded my expectations in terms of portability and ease of cleaning. However, I still wish the smaller bowl was a bit larger and deeper for more versatile use.
Breaking Down the Features of Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set
Specifications
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set boasts a well-considered set of specifications designed for portability and function. The set includes one 1.5L bowl, one 2.5L bowl, and a strainer. This provides versatility for different meal preparation needs.
The bowls and strainer are made from heat-resistant TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), suitable for food use up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat resistance allows you to use it with hot foods but remember it’s not intended for cooking directly on a heat source. The entire set weighs a mere 21.1 ounces. This is a critical factor for backpackers looking to minimize their load.
Performance & Functionality
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set performs its intended function admirably, providing lightweight and compact meal preparation options. The strainer is particularly useful for rinsing fruits and vegetables or draining pasta. The bowls hold their shape well when filled, thanks to the sturdy sides and rim handles.
The primary strength of the set is its packability. Its weakness is the temperature limitation of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The bowls meet expectations for lightweight camping and backpacking.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality feels adequate for its intended purpose, although the TPR material doesn’t have the robust feel of stainless steel. The light weight is a major plus, and the bowls are reasonably comfortable to hold, thanks to the rim handles. There is a slight learning curve to collapsing and expanding the bowls smoothly.
The user-friendly design is focused on ease of packing and cleaning. It’s designed with packability in mind.
Durability & Maintenance
The TPR material is surprisingly durable, showing no signs of cracking or tearing after months of use. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use. The bowls should last for several seasons of backpacking with proper care and storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set doesn’t come with many accessories. The beauty of the set lies in its self-contained, minimalist design. There are no customization options available, as the set is intended to be used as-is.
The product is designed to be a simple and streamlined solution for cooking. It’s all about packing and prep.
Pros and Cons of Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and packable, saving significant space in your backpack.
- The inclusion of a strainer adds versatility for food preparation.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- The sturdy rim handles provide a good grip, even with wet hands.
- The attractive price point makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious backpackers.
Cons
- The TPR material is limited to a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The smaller bowl is somewhat shallow for some larger dehydrated meals.
Who Should Buy Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set?
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set is perfect for lightweight backpackers, thru-hikers, and minimalist campers who prioritize saving space and weight. It’s also suitable for casual campers and picnickers who want a compact and easy-to-clean meal preparation solution. Those needing high-temperature cooking solutions should seek other options.
This is not for chefs intending to cook over open flame. Those who prioritize durability and heat resistance above all else might prefer a stainless steel or titanium mess kit.
No must-have accessories are required, but a small, packable sponge or cloth can be useful for cleaning. A lightweight, biodegradable soap is also a good addition for more thorough cleaning on longer trips.
Conclusion on Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set
The Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set is a well-designed and functional solution for lightweight meal preparation in the outdoors. Its packability, ease of cleaning, and the inclusion of a strainer make it a valuable addition to any backpacker’s kit. The price is more than fair.
The temperature limitation and the size of the smaller bowl are minor drawbacks, but they don’t detract significantly from the overall value. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to lighten their load and simplify their cooking setup.
If you value space-saving design and lightweight functionality, grab the Survive Outdoors Longer Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set and experience the freedom of a lighter pack on your next adventure!