A tin cup (or metal water bottle) makes boiling water possible, if slow. You can then make tea or hot coco. Camping stores carry them and -- Hint of the day -- get one to fit the bottom of your water bottle for easy packing.


File under: kits, beginner, water, hunting, EDC, survival, car kit and cheapskate

I like those blue-enameled metal cups. They come in different useful sizes, suitable for different types of packs. They're sturdy and can take quite a lot of abuse. And you can pack stuff into them so very little space is wasted.

A cup is useful infinite times. There's just no way you're going to heat water in a folded piece of aluminum very many times.

Sue

I had a friend (long dead I am afraid) who was captured by the Japanese and spent most of WW2 in a prisoner of war camp.

I once asked him what he had most missed and he replied that it was his mug which had been left in the vehicle when captured, together with the rest of his kit, and he had not been allowed to collect.

He said that having a mug would halved the deprivations of the camp.

I still have and treasure my GI issue canteen cup and (aluminum) canteen. Canteen nests in cup and both go on carrier on the belt. IMO a great combination.

I assume they are still available via the surplus stores.

I got mine at a surplus store, BWS, and tney're 1/2 of my favorite bits of kit.

Around my canteen, either a Nalgene 1L bottle or a Gatorade 1 qt bottle, I place a Snowpeak 700 (cc) cup/pot. It fits quite snugly, with just enough space to accommodate a windscreen. I can heat/sterilize all the water I need and cook all my meals in this container. For once, this is a valid use for titanium.

I have always wanted to get my hands on a titanium mug. They are so versatile. As well as an aluminum bottle or equivalent. Just haven't found what I want for the right price.

Ti mugs are great. Unlike aluminum and stainless steel, Ti does not react chemically and so doesn't alter the taste.

Find one you like and just buy it; consider it an investment, it won't wear out.

IIRC a 1 liter Nalgene nests inside a Snow Peak 700 Ti Mug.

Don't worry - they will never (well, hardly ever) be available for the right price. Just bite the bullet and get one - you will be glad you did. That has always been my experience when purchasing something that seemed very pricy but that also offered real advanages. Way deep in the woods, the initial cost can seem rather trivial when your gear is keeping you snug and warm.

For backpacking I'm using an Evernew companion cup at 400 ml. It's all I need. Cost about 20 bucks.