When you’re operating in the field, you will need a field cooking kit or a cooker that won’t let you down when conditions turn harsh. Whether you’re on exercise, a promotion course or an expedition, your cooker needs to be sturdy, compact and reliable. With this in mind, here are 7 military-proven field cooking essentials that deserve a place in your utility pouch containing your military cooking kit.
Lifeventure Thermal Mug
The Lifeventure Thermal Mug is a durable vacuum-insulated 18/8 food-grade stainless steel mug designed to keep your brew or wet hot for hours on exercise, course or on a range day. Engineered with double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours (or cold for 12), and the leakproof screw-top lid with pressure release means you can throw it straight into your ammo pouch or daysac without worrying about soaking your kit. Measuring in at a compact 70 x 70 x 164mm size, this thermal mug is perfect for webbing setups.
Fire Dragon Multi Fuel Cooker
For reliable ignition in any weather conditions, the Fire Dragon Multi Fuel Cooker is a great go-to option and can be used as a critical emergency survival cooker. The Fire Dragon Multi Fuel Cooker gives you dependable ignition in all conditions and is a compact lightweight field cooker that folds out to provide a sturdy base. Supplied to the UK MOD as a replacement for the Hexi stove the cooker works with FireDragon solid fuel blocks. NATO-approved, the cooker also features a stainless steel windshield to further reduce cooking times and fuel usage.
Optimus Terra Weekend HE Cook Set
The Optimus Terra Weekend HE is a lightweight, heat-efficient cookset designed for fast boiling and compact packing. Made from hard anodised aluminium with a non-stick coating, this 2-piece set has been built for maximum efficiency with minimal bulk (275g) to make it as effective as possible as a practical field cooking set. Its heat-exchanger base speeds up boil times and reduces fuel consumption, which is critical when easy resupply isn’t always a guaranteed thing.
Jetboil MightyMo®
For an ultra-light and high-performance stove, the Jetboil MightyMo® is a great field cooker. As one of the lightest stoves available, weighing just 95g, it delivers performance in all conditions. The Jetboil MightyMo boils water rapidly, which is great for sorting dehydrated rations or quick brews or wets on the move. Versatile and compact, everything nests together well in your webbing, Daysack or Bergen.
Dragon Supplies 5-in-1 Spork
The 5-in-1 Spork from Dragon Supplies is a compact multi-tool combining all the functions of a spoon, fork, knife, bottle opener and can opener for field cooking whilst on exercise. By integrating multiple eating tools into one compact piece, it reduces bulk while making sure you’ve got all the necessities covered. It’s a small item, but a proper outdoor cooking utensil that you’ll get constant use out of.
Mess Tins
Mess Tins have long been a military staple for a reason, and these two durable, military-style cooking containers are ideal for outdoor cooking and eating in the field. Simple, durable, and versatile. You can do all sorts of field cooking with a mess tin, allowing you to boil, stew, and fry with one container; eat from one if needed and use the other for a wash. With capacities of 1.5 and 1.3 litres, the stackable design allows for easy packing, while the foldable rigid steel handles keep them together on the move.
CamelBak Motherlode Lite Multicam
To carry it all, the CamelBak Motherlode Lite Multicam Daysack is a great option. This high-capacity tactical daysack is designed for carrying efficiency, sitting at around 35% lighter than the original Motherlode without sacrificing durability thanks to its 500D double-rip Cordura fabric. It offers a 37L main capacity and 3L hydration reservoir, with a dual-compartment layout that supports structured packing so your field cooking system, fuel, rations, and utensils can all be separated logically.
If you have any questions about any of the excellent field cooking kit in this blog, you can always get in touch with us to ask. As a military kit retailer with over 20 years of experience, you can count on us to help you get things right, and we’re always more than happy to help you with your queries or concerns.
