Genuine British Military Aluminium Mess Tins – Grade A
Military Clothing Size Guide (Click to Expand)
Military clothing sizes are listed as Height / Chest (for jackets and smocks) or Height / Waist (for trousers).
Example: 180/96 fits someone around 5'11" tall with a 38" chest.
| NATO Size (Label) | Approx Height | Chest / Waist (in) | Generic Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 / 88 | 5'3"–5'5" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 88 | 5'7"–5'9" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 96 | 5'7"–5'9" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 96 | 5'10"–5'11" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 104 | 5'10"–5'11" | 40–41" | Large (L) |
| 190 / 96 | 6'2" | 37–38" | Medium (M) Tall |
| 190 / 104 | 6'2" | 40–41" | Large (L) Tall |
| 180 / 112 | 5'11" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) |
| 190 / 112 | 6'2" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) Tall |
| 200 / 120 | 6'4"+ | 46–48" | 2X-Large (2XL) |
⚙️ Sizing Tips
- The first number is your height in cm.
- The second number is your chest or waist in cm.
- Military gear is usually cut roomy for layering and movement.
- If you’re between sizes, go down for a closer fit or up for layering.
- Example: 5'11" tall with 40" chest → 180/104 (Large).
Genuine British Military Aluminium Mess Tins – Grade A
Official Issue | Heavy-Duty Aluminium | Compact Nesting Design
The Essential Field Cooking Classic
The British Military Mess Tin set is an iconic piece of kit that has remained virtually unchanged for decades—because it simply works. Designed to be rugged, lightweight, and incredibly versatile, this two-piece set is the gold standard for cooking, boiling water, and eating in the great outdoors.
Sourced in Grade A condition, these are genuine military-issue tins made from high-grade, heavy-gauge aluminium. Unlike cheap civilian "budget" sets, these are built to be shoved directly into the heart of a campfire or placed onto a roaring hexamine stove without warping.
Key Features & Technical Specs
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Two-Piece Nesting Set: Includes one large and one slightly smaller tin. The smaller tin nests perfectly inside the larger one to save vital space in your rucksack or utility pouch.
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Heavy-Duty Aluminium: Provides excellent heat conductivity for fast boiling and cooking, while being thick enough to resist dents and warping under high heat.
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Folding Handle System: Both tins feature robust, fold-away handles that lock securely in place during use and fold flat for storage.
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Multi-Functional: * Cooking: Use them as pots for stews, noodles, or rations.
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Frying: The flat bottoms allow them to double as effective frying pans.
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Eating: Deep enough to be used as bowls or plates.
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Rectangular Profile: The shape is optimized to fit perfectly into standard military utility pouches or the side pockets of a bergen.
Condition Note: Grade A (Used)
Our Grade A mess tins are hand-selected for quality:
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Structural Integrity: No major dents, deep gouges, or distorted handles. They nest together smoothly.
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Cleanliness: These are high-quality surplus items. While they may show minor surface scratches from storage or light use, they are clean and free from heavy soot or burnt-on food.
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Ready for the Field: Just give them a quick wash in soapy water, and they are ready for your next expedition.
Ideal For:
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Bushcraft & Survival: The "bombproof" choice for cooking over open flames or embers.
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Cadets & Scouts: Genuine issued kit that meets all training requirements and will last through years of camps.
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Emergency Prepping: A lightweight, stackable cooking solution for "Go-Bags" and emergency kits.
Domestic Shipping
We mainly use Royal mail 48 for items under 1kg and DPD for items over this weight. We may change this at any time dependant on service availability and destination.
We send out the majority of orders the same day of receiving upto 1pm
We also offer an express shipping service which ensures your delivery is prioritised for delivery as quick as possible and usually delivered the next working day.
We do offer Saturday delivery and timed delivery but prices are on application.
For US and Canada we mainly use Fedex priority and deliveries are usually recieved within 2 to 5 days
For EU deliveries we mainly use DPD by road and usually takes from 3 to 7 days, your parcels are not necessarily delivered by DPD in your county and the parcel may be passed to your countries nominated carrier.
Rest of the World, we have availability with all the major carriers and each is nominated dependant on the best service for the receivers destination.
If you can not get an automated shipping quote please contact us for a spot shipping quote.
If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we're here to help.
You have 7 calendar days to contact us and arrange for the item to be returned which will be received by us no longer than 30 days from initial order. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused (if applicable) and in the same condition that you received it. Your item must be in the original packaging (if applicable).
There is a £3.99 charge to use our returns facility. (UK domestic only)
To return your item(s) please click here
When sending items back please ensure that the proof of purchase (or copy) is within the package with any instructions if applicable.
Once we receive your item, we will inspect it and notify you that we have received your returned item. We will immediately notify you on the status of your refund or exchange and if applicable we will initiate a refund via your original method of payment.
If you opt for an exchange we will contact you for further postage costs. (price dependant on weight/destination).
If applicable you will receive the credit within 7 days, depending on your card issuer's policies. Contact Us If you have any questions on how to return your item to us.