Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit

Here is a review of the Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit sold by Wal-Mart. The Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit is an inexpensive aluminum mess kit. The mess kit contains a frying pan with handle, a small covered pot, a plate, and a plastic cup. The kit is self contained with the frying pan and plate enclosing the other pieces and the handle of the pan latching over the plate to hold the kit together.

The Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit was used on a few backpacking trips to prepare a number of foods from pancakes to fresh fish.

Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit - Usefulness

The Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit is useful for preparing simple meals in the backcountry. Cooking small meals for two persons can be accomplished with this kit, but it is best for making one serving at a time. The kit works well for warming up simple foods and frying small pieces of meat. The small pot works well for making individual servings of soups and other packaged food that is mixed in boiling or hot water.

Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit - Limitations

The thin aluminum heats unevenly making many foods stick and burn. Eggs, pancakes, and other simple foods are difficult to make as they stick to the pan easily. The pot is very small. The plastic cup is too small to be of much use. Bring along a piece of steel wool to clean the frying pan (the pan can also be scoured clean with sand).

Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit - Sturdiness

The Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit is made of lightweight aluminum and bends and dents easily. After two backpacking trips some of the parts show dents but this does not impact its use.

Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit - Value

For the beginning backpacker who will only use this kit a time or two a year, the Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit represents a good value. While the kit could certainly be better it will prepare food and does so at little cost.

Review of Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit - Advice

While the Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit is useful, it could be much better. For my needs a better quality folding handle frying pan, a simple pot for boiling water, and a sturdy plate will work much better. Though the heavier duty pan and pot will weigh a little more than the Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit and won't pack into a neat little space it is much more useful. If a backpacker is headed out on their first trip and aren't sure if they will enjoy it, the Ozark Trail 5 Piece Mess Kit is worth its small price. If the individual decides to further pursue backpacking, the kit can be used to provide extra cooking space and storage while making meals.