I’d seen both Ray Mears AND Bear Grylls using this steel mug type so figure that’s a good enough recommendation for anyone. I also like this design: has some real advantages – the shape means it can be used as a cup or a bowl; you can clean it with anything to hand, sand, grass etc. (because its Steel with not paint or coating, unless you like the taste of PTFE, I prefer sand), and cook direct on the flames with it too.

It’s an army issue cup called the CRUSADER CUP CANTEEN. It’s an awesome piece of kit – you know it’s good if Bear Grylls takes it with him, as he travels with almost nothing! Only a knife, water bottle and this crusadar mug most of the time… it’s the ultimate example of “Get Tuff with your Stuff” minimal gear! The 0.75 litre capacity is incredible in a ‘cup’ and means it can be used for BIG drinks, re-hydrating dried food, collecting foodstuff in the bush, and for eating from – 0.75 litres of beef stew is enough for anyone, in one helping anyway! The design of the handle means it’s a really solid grip and also helps prop up the mug when used directly on the fire – being thin metal it also sheds any heat build up pretty quick. Designed to fit beneath the NATO ’58 pattern army water bottle, the Crusader Cup Canteen doubles as a drinking mug or cooking pot. Constructed from high-grade matt finished stainless steel. Compatible with the Crusader field cooking unit (also available separately). The mug also features handy internal measuring scale (0.25 l/0.5 l) ideal when rehydrating meals etc. Volume: 0.75 L (1.58 pints). Size: 13.5 x 10 x 10cm (5″ x 4″ x 4″). Weight: 290g (10oz).

Note: watch out for cheaper replicas, e.g. from Gelert – thay are NOT the real thing – but the real thing does come re-badged as a bushcraft item, but it’s made in the same factory – you can tell by looking for the serial numbers imprinted in the steel.

Prices from £15.00 each from StrikeForceSupplies.com, our favourite and local Army Surplus supplier – Friendly service, 15 years in the business and now with a new MASSIVE warehouse in Frome, Somerset chock full of gear…!

Here’s the Crusader in use on a recent Canoe Trip:

Coffee in the Crusader steel mug - out of the rain....

The Crusader mug used straight on the fire, cooking up some porridge for breakfast