Of all the different types of survival gear, one of the essential items is the cup. In a search for that perfect piece of gear, the cup is probably one of the most difficult items to find. When looking for that perfect piece of gear, there has been a lot of time and effort expended by a lot of people in their search for the perfect cup. It is only after many years of trying to find that ultimate piece of gear that the simple truth has come to light. Most cups have a number of good qualities in common and it is not the cup that is of major importance. It’s the manner in which you take advantage of all of its features.
Basic Features
The size and shape of most cups are fairly common and you only need one with a capacity to boil water for cooking or making a hot cup of coffee or tea. Stainless steel cups are probably your best bet with titanium a close second, if you can afford it. Your cup should also have a flat bottom in order to fit comfortably on most backpacking or hiking stoves. Your cup will also need to hold 16 to 24 ounces of liquid which will give you adequate capacity for fixing a dehydrated meal, soup or a cup of tea or coffee. The handle should fold out of the way when not in use and it should lock firmly in place when deployed. The handle is important to make sure you can securely handle your cup when it is hot. A couple of extra drinking cups that nest inside the cup are also a definite plus.
Cup Storage
The true secret to that perfect cup is how you utilize its storage capacity. Cups with canteens nested in them don’t give you much of a storage option. The majority of people carry separate water bottles and this allows you to take advantage of the storage capacity of your cup. You can add coffee filters for water filtration and a small bottle of bleach to purify it. You can add a lighter, a firesteel and some tinder to help make a fire to heat the water in your cup. You can include a small knife and a spork as well. Throw in some instant coffee packets, drink mix and a little salt and pepper and you’re good to go.
The true worth of any cup is not realized until you put something in it.
Got cup?
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker