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Why I like my GSI Bugaboo mess kit so very much

1/16/2012

5 Comments

 
Picture
Properly executed backcountry vegan biscuits and gravy for two in the GSI Bugaboo.
I've had my aluminum Bugaboo mess kit for more than a decade. After I bought it, I used it for a bunch of years, and then it sat idle after I bought a titanium cookset. I set it aside in favor of a 5" SnowPeak 900 (30 fl. oz. at  6.2 oz.), which was perfectly suited for a lonely man of the mountains.

This cookset was also set aside in time because it was too small once I started backpacking frequently with a partner. Nancy and I initially carried the 5.75" SnowPeak 1400 cookset (47 fl. oz. at 7.4 oz.; MSRP $55.99), which is sized just right for two (don't forget the additional 14 fl. oz. in the lid/pan!), but we found it limiting—namely, it wasn't good for baking. And baking in the backcountry is something that we came to embrace with zeal.
Re-enter the Bugaboo.

This cookset (36 fl. oz. + top pan with an additional 20 fl. oz., weighs in at 14 oz.; MSRP $29.99) has less actual capacity, but the two 7" diameter pans seal the deal for baking. The widths of the pans and their capability to nest and be used interchangeably (both pieces can be on the top or on the bottom as lid or skillet) make preparing, handling, and enjoying baked treats easy.

Consider a wonderific backcountry meal like vegan biscuits and gravy: The biscuit is baked first using the top and bottom fitted together, which allows the baking of one side and a quick flip to bake the other. When the biscuit is done, we can set it aside in the lid while we prepare the rest of the meal. The gravy mix, which has been soaking in a Ziploc, goes into the skillet. When the gravy is ready, it's divided in half into the two pans, as is the biscuit. Each of these two takes up about 20 fl. oz. each, and they divide up nicely into the top, then the bottom, of the cookset.

I think titanium is much cooler than aluminum. I also appreciate titanium's inherent nonstick surfaces. But not only have I been unable to locate a titanium cookset with qualities similar to those of the Bugaboo, but the prices of those that come close are pretty high. Like $100 high. A titanium pan set similar to the Bugaboo would probably weigh about 9 oz., which is a far cry from the aluminum Bugaboo's 14 oz., but I think that the $70 difference for 5 oz. would be better spent elsewhere (on $70 worth of Diaya, for example).

I am unfamiliar with any titanium cookset that comes close to what I am looking for. If you see one out there, let us know in the comments! Until then, I'll have to work on designing one for Ardeth.

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5 Comments
Will
2/14/2012 11:01:43 am

Hey guys, I just stumbled here looking for info on the Bugaboo kit. I'm just dipping my toes into backpacking and bushcrafting and all that and am in the process of sorting out my cook kit choices. I like to do some camp cooking in addition to just heating up water for mountain house meals. Would the Bugaboo be a good option for a solo set up, or would you guys recomend something like the Snow Peak Trek 1400 instead?

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Jason
2/15/2012 01:07:35 pm

Hi Will,
I would have to say that it depends. You write that you are new to backpacking and bushcraft and that you intend to do some camp cooking. So, I think I would have to say that if you are looking for a cookset to use as a skillet and to bake with, I would suggest the Bugaboo. Baking is really the big deal with the bugaboo if the smaller skillet on the 1400 isn't a problem. You can get an idea of the two skillet sizes by grabbing a couple of dishes at home, one measuring 5.75" and the other 7" to get an idea of the difference.

If you're still on the fence, try looking around on Amazon, ebay or on Google for sale prices on these two. Maybe you'll see a good deal on one or the other enough to break the tie between the two. If you can get a good deal on one, and it doesn't work out, then you may be able to resell it or keep it as a loaner.
Thanks for your comment! It's my very first on my website!
I hope this helps, let me know what you come up with.
-Jason

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GoldenPoppy
9/4/2013 02:18:56 am

Hello! Ran across your site, not sure what I was orignally searching for - but ended up here nonetheless.

I've seen your biscuits and gravy pics on here a couple times, but couldn't find the recipe! Wondered if you wouldn't mind sharing - it looks great!

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Jason link
9/4/2013 06:39:28 am

Oh sure, I wonder why I haven't done that yet. I'll put up a new blog post with the recipe and let you know when I have it up!

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Raspberry Pi India Price link
7/14/2014 05:47:51 pm

nice postz

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