Used for decades, this classic aluminium mess kit is just like all the others - not to say it's a bad thing! Very likely Hungarian surplus.

General info

The German pattern of making a mess tin is very smart. First of all it's a good bowl for eating whatever grub the Cookie of your garrison has come up with. Once the soup is in the bowl, you can sprint towards shelter without spilling anything. It also can be used as a kettle when cooking, and the carrying handle can be used to hang it over open fire. The lid has a handle for use as a frying pan - though you may want to insulate it with something first.

The material is aluminium, so it doesn't weigh much and rust won't be an issue. The carrying handle and lid handle are usually steel and might show some rust, but these aren't parts that touch your food.

When carried, the lid handle closes the package together. The handle has a steel loop and slot for a carrying strap to secure the thing on your pack or belt. The inside has enough space to pack something else you might need when eating, but be sure to pack it so it doesn't rattle!

The rough spots

These are East-Bloc surplus, most likely of Hungarian origin. The finish is as crude as you might expect, but these still get the job done. In some cases the steel wire handle is a bit out of shape and might be attached poorly, but it's nothing you couldn't fix with pliers and one minute of your time.

Used army surplus

Apart from the occasionally poor attachment of the wire handle, these are good to go. Just wash it before eating, unless you plan on growing unknown organisms inside you.