Mess Kit for Camping/Fishing

[RebelRescuer]

Since I'm going back to work for a short time, I want to assemble a grab and go mess kit to avoid all the confusion of packing for camping. In other words, I want to make a box with everything we need. Camping gear is already in one rubbermaid box, fishing stuff is easy to grab, but I need to do the same for food.

Must be strictly for use over fire, I don't use/believe in propane stoves. :)

So...what's in your mess kit?

[tjangler]

Two words - Dutch Ovens

Can use to roast or bake. The lid can be inverted to use for frying. Easy to clean. We generally take 2 or 3. Biscuits in one, stew in another. The only downside is the weight. Not the best choice if you are backpacking.

[Yota]

If over fire and if weight is not a big concern, cast iron is fo shizzle. Wenzel 1887 or Lodge are best. You just can't beat the heat retention and distribution properties of a heavy cast iron dutch oven or pan.

[kmon35]

Cast iron is all I cook with, camping. The dutch oven with skillet lid is good for economy. A spatula, spoon and tongs round you out. Get a grate for grilling and a box of tinfoil, and you will be set.

[mtn WJ]

I agree on the Dutch ovens for cooking over the fire. I also use tin foil inside them for quick easy cleaning. I have had the same oven and cast iron pan for 20 years.

I keep my camping gear in several rubber maid type boxes. One each for cooking, general camping, fishing etc. Makes it very simple to pack and go. I can also swap between just going with the Jeep or when using the pop up.

I also keep a compact set up in the Jeep just in case I get stranded and didnt plan on camping.
this includes
small tent
fleece roll up bags
back packer stove
dehydrated foods
basic stuff like that.

[kmon35]

I got all my cast from my neighbor when he died. It is all older than me, so 40 years. It is very well seasoned and works awesome. He had a bunch of it too. 1,2,3,egg pans, 6", 10', 12', Pots that were not dutch ovens, tortilla warmer. I have added a few pieces to the collection.

It is heavy when all together, so I now have it seperated into smaller rubbermaid type boxes.

[rckkrwlr460]

Once in a great while Sams has the whole Wenzel kit (two frying pans, dutch oven, flat griddle and some other bits) for $15 when they mark them down from $30ish.

Dutch ovens all the way when truck camping, otherwise it's MSI kits all the way for backpacking. Do NOT over heat your MSI cookware though.