Trangia Mess Tins Review

Let’s Dive into Trangia Mess Tins

The Trangia Mess Tins, from the Swedish manufacturer Trangia, are simple, robust, and incredibly versatile cooking and storage containers designed for outdoor use. These aluminum tins, rectangular in shape for easy packing, promise a lightweight and durable solution for food preparation in the wilderness. I initially scoffed at these simplistic containers but, after some personal use, grew to appreciate their usefulness.

My foray into mess tins started with a problem: bulky cookware. I was tired of lugging heavy pots and pans on backpacking trips, searching for a lightweight alternative that could handle both cooking and food storage. The Trangia Mess Tins seemed like a potential solution and the low price point, coupled with their compact design, made them worth a shot.

Finding one second-hand, the initial feel was utilitarian. The aluminum felt thin but surprisingly sturdy, a far cry from the flimsy disposable containers I’d seen. The rectangular shape was a welcome change from round pots, promising better packing efficiency in my already cramped backpack.

Compared to a traditional backpacking pot, the Trangia Mess Tins offer less volume but greater packing efficiency. A titanium pot might be lighter, but the rectangular shape of the Trangia tins wins for compact packing. Round pots leave empty space in a pack, but these Trangia Mess Tins neatly fill gaps.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity was appealing, yet I was curious if the thin aluminum would hold up to direct heat. I was intrigued by the potential for baking within these simple containers, something my usual cookset couldn’t offer.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Trangia Mess Tins to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test was a simple weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I wanted to see how well the Trangia Mess Tins would function as a small baking oven. I decided to bake some cornbread, placing coals both beneath and on top of the tin.

The Trangia Mess Tins performed surprisingly well in moderately damp conditions. The aluminum conducted heat evenly, resulting in evenly cooked cornbread without burning. The cornbread cooked evenly with very little monitoring.

Using the Trangia Mess Tins was surprisingly straightforward. Initially, I feared the lack of a dedicated handle would be a problem, but a simple pair of pliers or a multi-tool sufficed for lifting it from the coals. Learning the correct amount of coals to prevent burning required a bit of practice.

After the first use, there were some minor scorch marks on the exterior of the aluminum. These blemishes are just cosmetic, with no compromise to the tin’s performance. A bit of olive oil made cleanup simple.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Trangia Mess Tins have become a trusted companion. They’ve been on numerous backpacking trips, fishing expeditions, and even a couple of winter survival outings. The aluminum construction has proven surprisingly resilient, showing no signs of bending or warping.

While the exterior shows signs of use, the Trangia Mess Tins have held up admirably. Some deeper scratches are visible, but the tins remain structurally sound and watertight. The aluminum has proven durable despite its initial appearance.

Maintenance is remarkably simple. A quick scrub with soap and water is usually sufficient, and stubborn residue can be easily removed with a scouring pad. The simple design ensures there are no hard-to-reach crevices where food can accumulate.

Compared to my previous steel cookware, the Trangia Mess Tins win in terms of weight and packing efficiency. While steel offers superior durability, the aluminum tins are a more practical choice for lightweight backpacking. The Trangia Mess Tins far surpass my expectations, considering the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Trangia Mess Tins

Specifications

• The Trangia Mess Tins are crafted from Aluminum, providing a lightweight and durable cooking and storage solution. Aluminum’s efficient heat transfer is a key advantage.
• These tins feature a Rectangle shape for easy packing, maximizing space utilization within a backpack or container. This efficiently utilizes available space.
• The exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on the specific model but generally are around 16cm x 13cm x 6cm. This size makes them compact.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the Trangia Mess Tins‘ performance and practicality. The aluminum construction ensures even heat distribution for cooking, while the rectangular shape optimizes packing efficiency. The light weight minimizes burden during long treks.

Performance & Functionality

The Trangia Mess Tins excels at simple cooking tasks. They can bake, boil water, or be used to directly heat food. They also excel at food storage, protecting food from contamination.

Its strengths include its lightweight design, efficient heat distribution, and compact packing size. The lack of handles can be a minor inconvenience, and the thin aluminum can be prone to denting if mishandled. Consider this when handling the Trangia Mess Tins.

The Trangia Mess Tins meet my expectations for a lightweight, versatile cooking and storage solution. While they lack some of the features of dedicated cookware, their simplicity and low weight make them an excellent choice for minimalist backpacking. The tins are perfect for what they are.

Design & Ergonomics

The Trangia Mess Tins feature a simple, utilitarian design. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, while the rectangular shape maximizes space. The absence of handles contributes to the low profile.

The Trangia Mess Tins are user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or skills. The learning curve is minimal, primarily involving mastering heat control for cooking. The tins are very easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Trangia Mess Tins can last for many years. The aluminum construction is resistant to corrosion, but susceptible to denting and scratching. It is important to be mindful of these issues.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning with soap and water. The simple design minimizes the risk of food becoming trapped in hard-to-reach areas. Routine cleanup is a simple process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Trangia Mess Tins themselves don’t come with any specific accessories. However, they can be used with a variety of Trangia stoves and other camping cookware. Pliers or a multi-tool are useful for handling the hot tins.

There are limited customization options available for the Trangia Mess Tins. Some users may choose to add a non-stick coating, but this could reduce the tins’ durability. Customization is largely unnecessary.

Pros and Cons of Trangia Mess Tins

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Who Should Buy Trangia Mess Tins?

The Trangia Mess Tins are perfect for lightweight backpackers, minimalist campers, and budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. They are also great for survivalists seeking simple, reliable cooking and storage solutions. They work well for diverse groups.

Those seeking heavy-duty, feature-rich cookware should skip this product. If you prefer pots with handles and integrated features, look elsewhere. If you demand the greatest durability, a steel cookpot will last longer.

A pair of pliers or a multi-tool is a must-have accessory. A small trivet or folding stove can also enhance cooking efficiency. Adding a non-stick coating spray can aid in cooking.

Conclusion on Trangia Mess Tins

The Trangia Mess Tins are a simple, yet surprisingly versatile addition to any outdoor gear collection. They are lightweight, pack efficiently, and can be used for a variety of cooking and storage tasks. Don’t let their apparent simplicity fool you, these are surprisingly valuable tools.

The price is absolutely justified. Considering their durability and usefulness, the Trangia Mess Tins offer excellent value for the money. You will not be disappointed in these containers.

I would personally recommend the Trangia Mess Tins to anyone looking for a lightweight, affordable, and versatile cooking and storage solution. They are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest designs are the most effective. Grab a set of Trangia Mess Tins and lighten your load!