Soup’s Up! The Top Gold Armour Mess Kits for Your Next Camping Trip
Aussies love camping, and interest in this fantastic hobby continues to grow. Statistics from Tourism Research Australia state that in 2018 there were 11.84 million caravan and camping trips across the continent.
Are you an outdoor lover that can’t get enough of that fresh air? Read on for our reviews of the best Gold Armour mess kits that you need to add to your collection of camping gear.
Gold Armour 17-Piece Camping Mess Kit
One of the best mess kits for camping, RVing, or outdoor eating of any kind is the 17-pc mess kit by Gold Armour.
It comes with absolutely everything you need in a backpacking mess kit. There are even four fun colours to choose from.
All of its contents can be stored neatly in a carry bag with a carabiner. This mess kit comes with 17 pieces including bowls, utensils, a frying pan and pot and a burner. The contents can serve one or two campers.
With everything packed in, the mess kit weighs less than 0.6kg which makes this idea for scouting, backpacking, or hiking.
This 17-piece mess kit includes the following items:
- Mini stove with piezo ignition
- 1 pot with lid
- 1 skillet
- 1 of each: folding spork, spoon, fork, and knife
- 2 bowls
- 1 soup spoon
- 1 ride ladle
- 1 cleaning loofah
- carabiner
- fire starter
- nylon carry bag
Now let’s look at the mess kit’s features as well as its pros and cons.
Quality
Gold Armour is a US-based company that offers a 10-year satisfaction warranty. It’s no wonder that this camping mess kit has some of the highest ratings of any on the market.
The pot and pan are both made of anodized aluminium. That makes them excellent at conducting heat while consuming less fuel, so you can enjoy your baked beans or bacon that much quicker. The non-stick coating on the pot and pan make clean-up a breeze.
Convenience
Cooking while you are camping is naturally more difficult than cooking on a range at home. But, at least this mess kit comes in a lightweight package that is easy to carry.
Also, all the pieces nest into each other so that it is as compact as possible when you fit it into the carry bag. Even the utensils fold for easy storage.
Plus, you can just hook it to your backpack with the included carabiner and you’re done. Or, if you fit it inside your bag, it will take up very little room.
Get a tent and a set of camping chairs and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable weekend outdoors.
Pros
Arguably, the best thing about this mess kit is that it comes with a stove and a fire starter! The stove has a little ignitor button that you push to get a spark going.
You don’t need any other cooking equipment on top of what is included in this kit (besides food).
You’ll like that the utensils are made of durable stainless steel. You don’t have to worry about dangerous toxins leaching into your food. The other cutlery is all BPA free.
Cleaning this nifty little kit is great as well. The pot and pan are non-stick which is a blessing when you’re roughing it. The included sponge works well and dries quickly so you can get back to the trail.
Did we mention how lightweight this camping mess kit is? The stove folds up into a small orange box that can fit in the palm of your hand.
Cons
Now for the downsides.
The pot and pan will scratch if you use metal utensils on them. Also, the plastic handles of the utensils will melt if you leave them on the pan over a fire or stove. But with outdoor cooking, you should always supervise your food, especially when cooking on an open flame.
The bowls, as you might expect, are very small. You’ll likely need to go back for third and fourth helpings.
For less than $30, you get one of the best fully-equipped camping mess kits. You really can’t go wrong with this kit if you’re camping on a budget. If you want, you can take some things out to travel even lighter, especially if you are going solo.
10-Piece Backpacking Mess Kit
Another excellent backpacking mess kit is the 10-pc Gold Armour mess kit.
This small but mighty kit is built to last. And, at under $20, the price is certainly right. This makes a great gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.
This 10-piece kit includes these items:
- 1 folding stainless-steel spork
- 1 nonstick pot (1-litre capacity)
- 1 nonstick pan and lid
- 2 BPA free bowls
- 1 soup spoon
- 1 rice ladle
- 1 loofah sponge
- 1 carabiner
- 1 nylon bag
The main difference between this mess kit and the 17-piece one is that this one doesn’t include the burner. Also, this kit is suited for an individual camper.
If you are planning on cooking on a fire or BBQ or already have a camping stove, then this mess kit has all you need.
Pros
The biggest perk of this kit is the value. You get 10 useful camping cookware items for a low price.
Also, the kit is extremely compact. The utensils all fit inside the nesting pot and pan. Then, the handles fold in to make a small, round kit that can be stored easily in the drawstring bag.
Like the 17-piece version, this kit is backed by Gold Armour’s satisfaction guarantee and a 10-year warranty.
The pot and frying pan are non-stick and easy to clean with the included sponge. The strong, anodized aluminium base of both makes them sturdy enough to cook over a fire.
There are four fun colours to choose from for personalization.
Cons
The only downside to this mess kit is that the handles on the pot and pan are plastic. If exposed to high heat from a stove or fire, they could melt or warp.
This is more often due to user error than a failing of the product, however. Campfire cooking should always be done on hot embers or coals, not a roaring fire.
Other than that, this is a great budget-friendly mess kit that is just as good or better than other brands that are double the price.
Gold Armour 8-Piece Backpacking Mess Kit
The third option for mess kits by Gold Armour is an 8-piece set. This is the most minimalistic set of them all. For those who want to travel extremely light and want a true rugged experience, this is it.
This mess kit includes these 8 items:
- a compact, water-resistant carry case to keep your items tidy
- scissors with bottle opener
- utility knife
- cutting board
- spatula
- bottle opener
- tongs
- ladle
- rice paddle
The great thing about this mess kit that it is so versatile. It can be used for day trips to the beach or when going for a picnic as well as camping and hiking.
The small size means it’s travel-friendly and super portable. When folded, the pouch fits into luggage or a backpack. Plus, it has a built-in handle.
Each utensil has its own pouch so that your items don’t get scratched during storage or transportation.
Pros
This mess kit is multipurpose and great for sporting events, BBQs, picnics and so much more.
Everything inside is dishwasher safe and is easy to clean by hand as well.
The touch-woven cotton and multiple compartments protect your flatware from hitting each other and causing an annoying clattering. It also protects them from damage.
The plastic utensils are BPA free for peace of mind and health. Yes, even with this small kit, you get a 10-year warranty from Gold Armour.
Cons
The only con to this small set is the limited options. There aren’t all the bells and whistles you’d get with a bigger set. But that’s kind of the point—it’s just the essentials.
Now, here are the key things to look for when shopping for mess kits.
The Materials
The materials of your mess kits make a big difference in durability, ease of cleaning and safety.
The inside of pots and pans will touch your food. So, the non-stick coatings must not change your ingredients or contain toxic elements when heated.
Be sure the materials you choose are BPA free. Ideally, you’ll also want cooking utensils that are eco-friendly to protect the planet. The bamboo cutlery in the Gold Armour kits is great for this.
Accessories
When you are out in the wild, efficiency is vital. You need to pack light. The best camping mess kits fit many accessories into a small container, so always keep a compact design in mind.
Not only will compact kits stay tidy in your backpack, but they’re also easier to store when not in use. Plus, you are less likely to forget to pack something essential if all your cooking gear is secured together.
Choose the Best Mess Kits for Your Next Adventure
There you have it! An in-depth review of the best Gold Armour mess kits for all your outdoor adventures.
At Kodak Gear we strive to give you the best camping gear reviews to help you make an educated decision. Before you go, check out our ultimate guide to free camping in Australia.
