Let’s Talk About Rothco Chow Kit
The Rothco Chow Kit is a classic piece of gear designed for simple, no-frills outdoor dining. This kit, manufactured by Rothco, includes a stainless steel knife, spoon, and fork, held together in an interlocking design and comes with a vinyl carrying case. It’s a throwback to military mess kits of old, aiming for practicality and portability.
I was looking for a lightweight, compact eating utensil set for minimalist camping trips. My goal was to reduce pack weight and complexity without sacrificing the ability to enjoy a hot meal in the backcountry.
Upon unboxing, the Rothco Chow Kit feels robust, but also very basic. The stainless steel is obviously not high-end, but it seems durable enough for its intended purpose and the interlocking mechanism is simple, but functional. It’s definitely not winning any design awards, but it’s certainly functional.
Compared to more modern options like the Sea to Summit Alpha Light utensil set (made from aircraft-grade aluminum) or the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel cutlery set (similar material but with a more refined finish), the Rothco Chow Kit is significantly less expensive and more rugged, if a bit clunkier. I chose the Rothco Chow Kit because I needed something tough that I wouldn’t worry about abusing.
My first impression was one of mild surprise. It’s exactly what it advertises – a basic, durable, and inexpensive eating utensil set and there are no false pretenses of high-end features or finishes. It’s a utilitarian tool, plain and simple.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Chow Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Rothco Chow Kit on a three-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The kit was used for preparing and eating meals ranging from dehydrated backpacking food to fresh-caught trout cooked over an open fire.
The kit performed adequately in both wet and dry conditions. Cleaning was easy enough, although the interlocking design made it slightly more cumbersome to wash thoroughly compared to individual utensils. No special skills or modifications are needed to use the kit, which is an advantage.
After its first use, I noticed the vinyl carrying case seemed a bit flimsy and prone to tearing. Other than that, the utensils themselves held up fine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on camping, hiking, and even some car-camping trips, the Rothco Chow Kit has proven to be surprisingly durable. The stainless steel has not rusted or corroded, even after repeated exposure to water and food.
There are some minor scratches and scuffs, but overall the kit remains in good working condition. The vinyl carrying case has seen better days and is starting to show signs of wear, especially at the seams. Cleaning is still simple, although I now pay extra attention to drying the interlocking parts to prevent any potential for trapped moisture.
Compared to a previous high-end titanium spork I used, which bent easily under pressure, the Rothco Chow Kit feels significantly more robust. While the titanium spork was lighter, the Rothco kit provides better utility and durability at a fraction of the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Chow Kit
Specifications
The Rothco Chow Kit features:
- A stainless steel knife: Provides a cutting edge for food preparation.
- A steel spoon: A standard spoon design for consuming soups, stews, and other liquids.
- A steel fork: A standard fork design for eating salads, meats, and other solid foods.
- An interlocking design: Allows the knife, spoon, and fork to be connected for compact storage.
- A vinyl carrying case: Protects the utensils during transport.
These specifications translate into a simple, functional eating utensil set. The stainless steel and steel construction ensure durability, while the interlocking design and carrying case enhance portability. This makes the kit suitable for outdoor activities where weight and space are a concern.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco Chow Kit performs its job adequately. The knife is sharp enough for basic food preparation, the spoon is deep enough for most liquids, and the fork is sturdy enough for most solid foods.
The strengths of the kit lie in its durability and simplicity. Its main weakness is the lack of ergonomic design, as the utensils can feel a bit awkward to hold for extended periods. It meets expectations for a basic, inexpensive mess kit but does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rothco Chow Kit prioritizes function over form. The build quality is acceptable for the price point, with the stainless steel construction feeling reasonably robust.
The kit is not particularly user-friendly in terms of ergonomics, but it is straightforward to use. The interlocking design can be a bit fiddly at first, but it becomes easier with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rothco Chow Kit is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The stainless steel and steel construction are resistant to rust and corrosion, making the kit suitable for use in harsh outdoor environments.
Maintenance is simple: just wash the utensils with soap and water after each use. The carrying case may require occasional cleaning to prevent mildew.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rothco Chow Kit comes with a vinyl carrying case. There are no customization options available from Rothco.
The kit is compatible with most standard mess kit accessories, such as utensil organizers or carrying pouches from other brands. However, given the low price point of the kit, customization is unlikely to be a primary concern for most users.
Pros and Cons of Rothco Chow Kit
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction. The utensils are resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Simple and functional design. No unnecessary features or complications.
- Affordable price point. One of the least expensive mess kits on the market.
- Compact and portable. The interlocking design and carrying case make it easy to transport.
- Easy to clean and maintain. Simple washing with soap and water is all that’s needed.
Cons
- Vinyl carrying case is flimsy and prone to tearing.
- Ergonomics are lacking, the utensils can feel awkward to hold.
Who Should Buy Rothco Chow Kit?
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious campers, backpackers, survivalists, and anyone looking for a simple, durable eating utensil set. Also suitable for emergency preparedness kits.
- Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize lightweight gear, ergonomic design, or high-end materials. People seeking a more refined dining experience in the outdoors should look elsewhere.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A more durable carrying case would be a worthwhile upgrade for frequent users.
Conclusion on Rothco Chow Kit
The Rothco Chow Kit is a basic, no-frills eating utensil set that offers excellent value for the price. While it lacks the refinements of more expensive options, its durability and simplicity make it a reliable choice for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
The low price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s a simple, reliable tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Rothco Chow Kit to anyone looking for a budget-friendly mess kit. If you’re after a simple, durable, and inexpensive solution for outdoor dining, the Rothco Chow Kit is definitely worth considering. Pick one up and stop worrying about losing your fancy silverware in the woods!