I like mine so much that I bought a second one for my nephew's backpack. I've been using regular de-natured alcohol and have had no problems (with the stove).

I have learned that cooking scrambled eggs or mixing instant grits creates quite a job cleaning the residue out afterwards. I do carry a U.S. Army messkit with me for frying food (eggs, etc.) and for the plate. I use U.S. Army canteens/cups to mix up the grits, oatmeal, & other sticky foods since they are easier to clean afterwards. A side note for those who use the U.S. Army system, I can fit a small ziplock bag/2 SOS pads, a small pill bottle of "strike anywhere" matches, and 4 Triox tablets in the U.S. Army messkit.

The best thing about this Swedish messkit is that there remains sufficient room inside for a ziplock bag/4 SOS pads, a large pill bottle of "strike anywhere" matches, and a Hobo knife. Placing these extra items in the messkits also reduce the "rattle factor" significantly. Less "rattle factor" means increased opportunities to observe wildlife while on the march.

I am a Military History Buff and I have noticed that the German Army has used this kit from at least WW1 up to the recent past. (I don't know if they are still using it today) I have noticed in the old war footage, you will quite often see this messkit hung on the outside of the Field Pack. I would like to know how the German Wehrmacht personnel are hanging these without losing them during the "fog of battle". I would rather hang it on the outside than take up that space inside of my pack.