First Impressions of Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit promises a compact and durable cooking solution for solo adventurers. Coghlans, a name synonymous with reliable outdoor essentials, aims to provide a complete, nestable cook set at an affordable price. As someone who’s spent over a decade field-testing gear, I was intrigued to see how this kit would hold up against more premium options.
Years ago, I was caught in an unexpected blizzard during a solo winter hike. My lightweight titanium pot was crushed in my pack, leaving me without a way to melt snow for water. I needed a mess kit that was durable, functional, and wouldn’t break the bank. This need drove me to seek out and ultimately test the Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit.
Unboxing the kit, the stainless steel components felt reassuringly solid. The swing-out handles with silicone covers were a welcome touch. My initial thought was that this kit offered a good balance between weight and durability.
Compared to my old aluminum mess kit (now relegated to car camping) and a more expensive titanium set, the Coghlans kit seemed a sensible middle ground. It’s heavier than titanium, but significantly more robust than thin aluminum. The included BPA-free mug was a nice bonus that my other mess kits lacked.
Initially, I was pleasantly surprised. The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit seemed like a well-thought-out, budget-friendly option that could potentially replace my beat-up aluminum set for shorter backpacking trips and overlanding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit on a three-day solo backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather ranged from sunny and mild to rainy and windy, providing a decent test of its capabilities. I planned to cook simple meals like oatmeal, dehydrated beans, and pasta.
The kit performed reasonably well under varied conditions. The stainless steel heated up quickly on my backpacking stove. However, the thinness of the metal caused some uneven cooking.
The handles stayed cool enough to handle without gloves, even with boiling water inside. I did find the pan/lid a bit small for cooking anything more complex than simple meals. There were no immediate issues, but the thinness of the metal raised some concerns about long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit shows some signs of wear, but remains functional. The bottom of the pot has developed some discoloration from exposure to high heat. The frying pan/lid has a few minor scratches.
Cleaning the kit proved to be relatively easy, thanks to the smooth stainless steel surface. However, some food particles did stick to the bottom of the pot, requiring a bit more scrubbing. I appreciate the included scrubber, but I generally used a small sponge I carried.
Compared to my experience with other mess kits, the Coghlans kit falls somewhere in the middle. It’s more durable than my old aluminum set, but not as lightweight or non-stick as my titanium cookware. The value for the price seems appropriate, but I wouldn’t consider it a top-tier performer.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit
Specifications
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit includes a pot, a frying pan/lid, a BPA-free mug, a scrubber, and a nylon mesh bag. The manufacturer is Coghlans. Its dimensions are 7.1 inches in width, 7 inches in length, and 3.8 inches in height.
The kit weighs 1.19 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for a stainless steel set. The swing-out handles on the pot and pan feature silicone covers for heat protection. These specifications are important because they influence the kit’s portability, cooking efficiency, and ease of use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit performs adequately for simple cooking tasks. It boils water quickly and is suitable for preparing one-pot meals. The pan/lid can be used for frying small portions of food, but its limited size makes it less versatile.
The main strength is its affordability and reasonable durability for the price. The primary weakness is the thinness of the stainless steel, which leads to uneven heating and potential warping over time. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly mess kit. I would not consider this a high-performance cooking solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit has a simple, functional design. The nesting components save space in your pack. The swing-out handles are a thoughtful addition, making it easier to handle hot cookware.
The build quality is decent for the price point. The stainless steel is relatively sturdy, but the thinness is noticeable. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s a straightforward cook set. The BPA-free mug is a welcome touch, offering a dedicated vessel for hot drinks.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit should last for several seasons of regular use with proper care. The stainless steel construction is resistant to rust and corrosion. However, the thinness of the metal makes it susceptible to dents and warping if mishandled.
Maintaining the kit is easy. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended. The smooth stainless steel surface cleans up well, but stubborn food residue may require some extra scrubbing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit comes with a basic nylon mesh bag and a scrubber. There are no official customization options offered by Coghlans. However, the kit is compatible with many aftermarket scrubbers and cleaning solutions.
You might consider adding a small, lightweight spatula for cooking. Some users may also prefer a different mug, depending on their personal preferences. The kit is designed to be a self-contained unit, so extensive customization is not really possible.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The Coghlans kit provides a functional cooking solution without breaking the bank.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The stainless steel resists rust and corrosion.
- Compact and Nestable Design: Saves space in your pack.
- Swing-Out Handles with Silicone Covers: Offers safe and easy handling of hot cookware.
- Included BPA-Free Mug: A convenient addition for hot beverages.
Cons
- Thin Stainless Steel: Leads to uneven heating and potential warping.
- Small Pan/Lid: Limited versatility for cooking more complex meals.
- Basic Mesh Bag: Offers minimal protection for the kit during transport.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit?
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit is perfect for budget-conscious backpackers, casual campers, and those seeking a simple, durable cooking solution for solo adventures. It’s a great choice for beginners who are just starting to explore the outdoors and don’t want to invest in expensive gear. It is also ideal for overlanding.
Those who prioritize ultralight gear or require high-performance cookware should skip this product. Professional chefs or those cooking for larger groups would also find this kit too limited.
A small, lightweight spatula is a must-have accessory for this kit. Some users may also want to upgrade the mesh bag to a more robust carrying case for added protection.
Conclusion on Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit
The Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit delivers a solid, budget-friendly cooking solution for solo outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a reasonable balance of durability, functionality, and affordability. While it’s not the lightest or most high-performance option on the market, it gets the job done for basic cooking tasks.
The price is certainly justified, especially for those on a tight budget. You get a complete, nestable cook set that should last for several seasons of use.
I would recommend the Coghlans Single Person Stainless Mess Kit to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable cooking solution for their solo adventures. It’s a great entry-level option that will allow you to enjoy hot meals in the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So, gear up, hit the trail, and start cooking!