Prudent Prepping: Prepped Gifts

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Now we concentrate on what to do in, and how to plan for, the long term via Prudent Prepping.

I've been helping a friend get some preps for her person and her car for the past several months now, with the latest installment here. In that post, pots and pans were a sticking point, since the recipient had definite ideas about what she wanted. Camping and backpacking are in the future, so items that are adaptable for a BOB and camping are required.

After some serious shopping and looking at options online and at REI, what was found to be 'perfect for me' was this:  

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Cookset
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Dimensions: 5.00'' x 5.40'' x 5.50''
Material: Non-Stick Coated, Hard Anodized Aluminum, Clear Polypropylene, Nylon 6-6
Product Use: Ultralight Backpacking
Includes: 1.1 L Pot, Strainer/Sip-It Lid, 14 fl. oz. insulated mug/bowl, Telescoping Spoon, Stove Bag, Welded Sink

From the GSI website:

• Folding handle locks into place for cooking and secures entire set for transport, eliminating the need for a stuff sack.
• Unique mug/bowl solution with low center of gravity and Sip-It virtually eliminates spills while the integrated insulating sleeve keeps drinks hot.
• Welded stuff sack holds set while traveling and doubles as a sink or wash basin.
• Integrated nesting allows for stowing of ultralight stoves and fuel canisters (220/110 g).
• Coated with Teflon® Radiance technology for exceptional non-stick performance.

(Please look at the animated demonstration on the GSI page that demonstrates how everything nests! Scroll up and down over the parts.)

This was purchased from REI, as Amazon did not have a comparable price or availability when it was time to buy. Also, as said above, my friend has done some backpacking and she has some definite ideas on what she wants! Obviously this was not a surprise, what with all the comparison shopping that was done, but it was still well-received as a thoughtful and useful gift.

I am suggesting a complete set of utensils to go into the kit, and the Sea to Summit Delta Cutlery Kit is my #1 recommendation. I have them; they work and will fit into the pot easily.

The next addition to the "Baby BOB" will be food, which is another point of contention. I have been told that some of the freeze dried items I suggested are 'too expensive' and not necessary to have in the car bag. Again, since my friend comes from a different culture, I am not making any decisions. However, I am making suggestions which may or may not be followed. And I'm fine with that. Canned goods and more ethnic items seem to be going into the bag, and since it is NOT my bag, it's good.

A future post will break down what all ends up in the bag. Expect some interesting items... really interesting!

The Takeaway

• This is a good, single person cook set with everything needed to prepare a meal. 
• Finding items that are 'just right' may take some time but is worth the effort. 
• There is no one item fits all in life as in prepping.

Recap 

• One lightweight, single person cook set from GSI, purchased from REI: $44.95 (available from Amazon for $61.00)
    

As always, if you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.