Good video. I was fortunate I bought my M40 in 2005 in a deal of 3 complete sets for $15. As far as rust and corrosion, I have had no issues. There are a few issues with how they seem to be used them today. First research on how to use one properly. I see too many do videos and not know how to use them. Second the wind screens, as far as I know were never intended to be used as a twig stove. That's why the handles are set up to use on an open fire. I also have to shake my head at the companies pushing that you are not really a bushcrafter unless you have the newest and shiniest gear. That is so wrong. I'll get off my soap box now.
I have only seen rust on handles and bales, personally, but when I was reselling the kits, people always asked me if the weld spots were rusted. The windscreen wasn't made for twig fires, yet you see people doing that in videos, so I commented on it. My first m40 was $30 after shipping from the U.K. The unused one I have costed about $65 after shipping from Sweden. Anyway, I wanted to compare them because people usually don't have both versions and have no way to see differences.
Its interesting to note that the Pathfinder Box calls it a SWISS Mess Kit while Dave Canterbury's discourse on the box calls it Swedish. I have aluminium and steel versions with burners branded Trangia, Svea and HP. The Pathfinder version is excellent. It replicates the aluminium version in stainless steel.
I’ve never used a M40 cook set so my opinion has limited mileage. It seems as though the Pathfinder set should hold up just fine for the masses that may only use it once or twice a month. Great comparison of them thank you for sharing this information. For the record I am considering getting one so again thank you for the information.
I found the most versatile combination is this without the windscreen. Then as a proper frying pan also the US messkit/pan. Has enough room for a folded up bushbox/foldable firestove and/or alcohol stove. The main M40 pot you can fill with spices, herbs, spork, all sorts of stuff to regain the used room in the bag. So now you have a option for soups and stoves or making rice and such and a proper sized option to fry things
That is good. I am not sure that the burner is very efficient, but it seems tough. I will test it with the commercial and military version to see if it is okay.
The one withut the 3 crowns is most likely not an original Swedish army isue. If it was it would have the 3 crowns. When I was in the Swedish army I was issued the stainless steel kit including the burner, fuel bottle, the kåsa cup as well as the cutlery kit. All of that + a box of matches fit inside the mess kit. This was ofcourse a very long time ago. Nowadays I belive thy have a completely different mess kit with a gas burner.
Good video, your one of the lucky ones to have an Original before prices became ridiculous, I'm waiting on my pathfinder, I'm Canadian so it was still a bit pricy, it still seems like a decent kit. Im a bit disappointed in steel thickness. But it will still make Bush soup just has good.
I probably won't test the pots, but they should be strong enough since it is stainless steel. The originals show up often enough that you could probably get one around the same price as the PFM40.
304 is food grade high quality stainless steel. Normally for such large items which will not hold something that will be eaten this steinless steel is not pferred because it is really expensive. For example, the alcohol burner, wind shield coild be made from far cheaper steel. One thing though, 304 steel is never shiny, but 310 is which is cheaper steel. 310 is also food grade but cheaper.
Thanks! I'll have to check it out. Might be less available in the U.S., but I can probably find it. I should probably do another video on accessories and favorite for the Mess Kit.
👍 Excellent comparison. I also have both an original Swedish stainless steel and the Pathfinder version. The first thing I noticed in receiving the Pathfinder product was difference in weight and ease with which I could compress it (due a thinner gauge), plus the 2 channels usually denoting an aluminum version. I pointed these observations out and asked SRO/Pathfinder if they used an aluminum version as their template, but they never responded. Having said that, if I were a soldier for a transient that used this set regularly for a prolonged period I would worry the Pathfinder version might not withstand the test of time. However, I use this set a couple times per month and thus far no issues. I believe it will suffice for my needs. I have not used either version near salt water, but have cooked acidic foods in both products. Thus far (8months) I have not noticed any difference in how they react.
Yes, I have been using Pathfinder, it works fine. I haven't tried drop testing it and don't expect to. I'd rather use it since it is much easier to replace! I will check the burner, but it doesn't seem very efficient.
@@eskimomarine2252 Mine did not come with a Pathfinder burner. I have been using the “civilian” Trangia burner. Like you I found it more efficient than the larger “military” version. When you form a final opinion on the Pathfinder burner please let me know. But, I am very happy with my Trangia.
Dear BrilliantSolutions, I read on another channel that Dave Canterbury sent his original Swedish aluminium mess kit to the factory that makes his version in stainless steel. Apparently he didn't want to send his original canteen in stainless steel , just in case it went "missing" !
@@clivedunning4317 Yes, I have now heard that as well. After some real use I believe the SRO version is the best of both worlds. Seemingly lighter than the original stainless version (I have not actually weighed them 🤷🏻♂️) and not the health concerns of aluminum. But, at my age any harm done from cooking in aluminum was probably done 50-60 years ago.
@@ROE1300 Thanks for such a swift reply. Been following the "aluminium debate" since the Canadians stopped using the British Army style mess tins in the 1970s. Apparently you are OK with good quality aluminium (Swedish/Finnish/British/Australian etc). The one to worry about is the poor quality , low density aluminium, allegedly Soviet/russian/Chinese mess tins. Happy Trails from across the pond.
I’ve never seen an M40, they’re hard to find and extremely expensive. I just got the Pathfinder for Christmas, have yet to put fire to it. The bag is meh…. As for the burner it holds 4.5 ounces, about twice the Trangia I think. We’ll see how it does but it comes with a lifetime guarantee. I didn’t realize the huge weight difference! The Pathfinder seems quite sturdy and about as heavy as I’d want to carry.
@@eskimomarine2252 I have some allegedly Swedish kits from Sportmans Guide…turns out to be a hodge podge but the windscreens and burners were original Trangia. I may swap it out after I weigh them up. But the Pathfinder are definitely lighter weight than the original. Not necessarily a bad thing.
I am gonna buy the steel version soon but 70 euros seems like a ripoff. But aluminium is poisonous to heat up food with. So I guess its worth it. Best all round-kit there is, period
You can use coals in the aluminum windscreen, but have to know proper coal management. I do it, but its a few coals from the fire for low heat cooking. Like cooking eggs in the small pot/ frying pan. Definately not for raging heat and fire.
PFM40 Stainless Steel wind screen should be able to hold a twig fire or even charcoal fire. Mine is a month old, going to try charcoal next trip to the woods / backyard. Do some cooking, worst-case it will not be shiny when I finish.
A really great video I own 3 or 4 of both S/S and AL.I was wondering if the wind shield would fit now I know like you I would sell the pots and keep the rest thank for sharing
I think the unmarked one I have is stainless, possibly. All of the ones with the rectangular bales that I have handled seem to have had regular steel handles and bales.
This was the information and summarization I was waiting for. 👍 In the past I owned 3 different stainless steel versions of this mess kit. Never took them out for camping due to the weight. The pot of this remake set is lighter, so combined with the original aluminium wind shield it might be a nice option.
I've never heard the Cr markings on the pots intepreted as a sign for the steel quality. I've seen markings with Pressbolaget Eskilstuna, Gense, 2878 Cr, 5011 Cr, 5012 Cr and 5116 Cr so I find it more likely that they are manufacturers code as the two in clear language obviously are.- Do you have a source for this?
Eskilstuna was a town that made insanely good steel. 304 isn't the lowest grade of steel either and is considered very corrosion resistant. Imo if the PF is slightly lighter and stainless it should perform better than the aluminum (that last forever) and today it's for 45 bucks. So win win. Rivets are actually better in a lot of situations as well. I forget what other surplus items I had but the makers said they had to many failures with welds and rivets were more dependable. Thanks for the review, love old good gear.
Pathfinder has made a copy of the Model 1944. Not the Model 1940. The M44 was made of aluminum and was never made of stainless steel. You have the original M40, compare and you will see the difference.
Yup! I address that. However, since I just drone on when I talk, many fast forward or skip a lot of my videos. I just make time to show things without editing or preparation. I'm working 2 jobs and taking care of my son, little time.
@@eskimomarine2252 After the end of the Cold War, (Sweden had an army of 800,000 soldiers). Surplus companies had such field kitchens in big boxes that they sold for about $3 to $4. I would have bought the whole box if I had seen how they are valued today.
The gasmask bag are a m/36 not m/39 comon mistake. The Grey indicat that it are from The civil defens, brown are military. I se that pathfinder have copyd The aluminium m/44 meskit. U se it on the handel and The two grows. The Windscren were made in The 50 and were intendend for use whit m/44 aluminium not m/40 stanles but försvarsmakten have used The Windscren whit both m/40 and m/44. But it are more praktical to use Windscren and burner whit m/44 to not Waste fuel. The Windscren were never what i can find ute intendend to use as a tvig burner but u can if u are carful sins i are in aluminium. Windscren burner and m/44 are namde as enmanskök m/50 [one mane kicthen m/50] by försvarsmakten. Mvh a swed ho gnovs his english is bad but it are beter then ur swedich 🙃
Pathfinder reproduction, maybe could have improved slightly but didn't. Likely made in China like all the rest of his stuff and priced for his company name. That's not to mean it is bad stuff!
Atleast he doesent pretend to be a big patriot like all the others trying to sell such stuff to the community. Also if it was made in america we would still pay more. Its not worth setting up a production line for this in the usa for maybe a few thousand customers. China meanwhile only asks: what you want? And do you want Good or Cheap version? Meanwhile even good quality is cheaper than produce in china nowadays than anywhere here in europe. But in general their manufacturing quality depends on how much you willing to pay. China : bad products is obsolete thinking anyway
@@AbuHajarAlBugatti he played the patriot game in the past, lied through his teeth, played as if he was reformed and is still a charlatan of the worst sort. You are, however, correct that made in China is 90% better than made in the USA these days.
Good luck Pathfinder, the best remanufactured product in decades. The world's best and most durable emergency and camping stove set.
I have to say that it is pretty good if you want that shape/style. I like it for 1-2 people.
Good video. I was fortunate I bought my M40 in 2005 in a deal of 3 complete sets for $15. As far as rust and corrosion, I have had no issues. There are a few issues with how they seem to be used them today. First research on how to use one properly. I see too many do videos and not know how to use them. Second the wind screens, as far as I know were never intended to be used as a twig stove. That's why the handles are set up to use on an open fire. I also have to shake my head at the companies pushing that you are not really a bushcrafter unless you have the newest and shiniest gear. That is so wrong. I'll get off my soap box now.
I have only seen rust on handles and bales, personally, but when I was reselling the kits, people always asked me if the weld spots were rusted. The windscreen wasn't made for twig fires, yet you see people doing that in videos, so I commented on it. My first m40 was $30 after shipping from the U.K. The unused one I have costed about $65 after shipping from Sweden.
Anyway, I wanted to compare them because people usually don't have both versions and have no way to see differences.
You're right, there are a lot of odd videos out there on this cooking system. You should make a video on properly using the M40 to prepare food.
Its just a steel tool you can use it however you want. You could even use the mess hanger to do abortions with it. Who cares how they use it
Love these comparison videos you make, thank you for showcasing the differences
Its interesting to note that the Pathfinder Box calls it a SWISS Mess Kit while Dave Canterbury's discourse on the box calls it Swedish. I have aluminium and steel versions with burners branded Trangia, Svea and HP. The Pathfinder version is excellent. It replicates the aluminium version in stainless steel.
Yes, it has hold up pretty well. I just don't care for the rivets on the small pot handle/pot.
I’ve never used a M40 cook set so my opinion has limited mileage. It seems as though the Pathfinder set should hold up just fine for the masses that may only use it once or twice a month. Great comparison of them thank you for sharing this information. For the record I am considering getting one so again thank you for the information.
I found the most versatile combination is this without the windscreen. Then as a proper frying pan also the US messkit/pan. Has enough room for a folded up bushbox/foldable firestove and/or alcohol stove. The main M40 pot you can fill with spices, herbs, spork, all sorts of stuff to regain the used room in the bag. So now you have a option for soups and stoves or making rice and such and a proper sized option to fry things
Nice comprehensive review I'm thinking pathfinders set thanks
That is good. I am not sure that the burner is very efficient, but it seems tough. I will test it with the commercial and military version to see if it is okay.
The one withut the 3 crowns is most likely not an original Swedish army isue.
If it was it would have the 3 crowns.
When I was in the Swedish army I was issued the stainless steel kit including the burner, fuel bottle, the kåsa cup as well as the cutlery kit.
All of that + a box of matches fit inside the mess kit.
This was ofcourse a very long time ago.
Nowadays I belive thy have a completely different mess kit with a gas burner.
I forgot to write that we also gotn the lilitary can opener.
Good video, your one of the lucky ones to have an Original before prices became ridiculous, I'm waiting on my pathfinder, I'm Canadian so it was still a bit pricy, it still seems like a decent kit. Im a bit disappointed in steel thickness. But it will still make Bush soup just has good.
I probably won't test the pots, but they should be strong enough since it is stainless steel. The originals show up often enough that you could probably get one around the same price as the PFM40.
304 is food grade high quality stainless steel. Normally for such large items which will not hold something that will be eaten this steinless steel is not pferred because it is really expensive. For example, the alcohol burner, wind shield coild be made from far cheaper steel. One thing though, 304 steel is never shiny, but 310 is which is cheaper steel. 310 is also food grade but cheaper.
The British 58 pat kidney pouch is a good bag/cover for the Swedish mess kit. 2 come stitched together but quite easy to seperate.
Thanks! I'll have to check it out. Might be less available in the U.S., but I can probably find it. I should probably do another video on accessories and favorite for the Mess Kit.
I found one Stateside for $12.
@@eskimomarine2252 nice, not a bad price
👍 Excellent comparison.
I also have both an original Swedish stainless steel and the Pathfinder version. The first thing I noticed in receiving the Pathfinder product was difference in weight and ease with which I could compress it (due a thinner gauge), plus the 2 channels usually denoting an aluminum version. I pointed these observations out and asked SRO/Pathfinder if they used an aluminum version as their template, but they never responded.
Having said that, if I were a soldier for a transient that used this set regularly for a prolonged period I would worry the Pathfinder version might not withstand the test of time. However, I use this set a couple times per month and thus far no issues. I believe it will suffice for my needs.
I have not used either version near salt water, but have cooked acidic foods in both products. Thus far (8months) I have not noticed any difference in how they react.
Yes, I have been using Pathfinder, it works fine. I haven't tried drop testing it and don't expect to. I'd rather use it since it is much easier to replace! I will check the burner, but it doesn't seem very efficient.
@@eskimomarine2252 Mine did not come with a Pathfinder burner. I have been using the “civilian” Trangia burner. Like you I found it more efficient than the larger “military” version. When you form a final opinion on the Pathfinder burner please let me know. But, I am very happy with my Trangia.
Dear BrilliantSolutions, I read on another channel that Dave Canterbury sent his original Swedish aluminium mess kit to the factory that makes his version in stainless steel. Apparently he didn't want to send his original canteen in stainless steel , just in case it went "missing" !
@@clivedunning4317 Yes, I have now heard that as well. After some real use I believe the SRO version is the best of both worlds. Seemingly lighter than the original stainless version (I have not actually weighed them 🤷🏻♂️) and not the health concerns of aluminum. But, at my age any harm done from cooking in aluminum was probably done 50-60 years ago.
@@ROE1300 Thanks for such a swift reply. Been following the "aluminium debate" since the Canadians stopped using the British Army style mess tins in the 1970s. Apparently you are OK with good quality aluminium (Swedish/Finnish/British/Australian etc). The one to worry about is the poor quality , low density aluminium, allegedly Soviet/russian/Chinese mess tins. Happy Trails from across the pond.
I’ve never seen an M40, they’re hard to find and extremely expensive. I just got the Pathfinder for Christmas, have yet to put fire to it. The bag is meh…. As for the burner it holds 4.5 ounces, about twice the Trangia I think. We’ll see how it does but it comes with a lifetime guarantee. I didn’t realize the huge weight difference! The Pathfinder seems quite sturdy and about as heavy as I’d want to carry.
You could get an aluminum windshield for the PF to shave weight. Those are abundant. You definitely save weight on the pots.
@@eskimomarine2252 I have some allegedly Swedish kits from Sportmans Guide…turns out to be a hodge podge but the windscreens and burners were original Trangia. I may swap it out after I weigh them up. But the Pathfinder are definitely lighter weight than the original. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.
The thing with the Pathfinder is you can easily buy one and not have to sell your organs to get a Swedish kit. 😊
Yes, however, you can find them other ways. I have been using my Pathfinder, it seems solid enough so far. I'll have my son use it with the Scouts.
I am gonna buy the steel version soon but 70 euros seems like a ripoff. But aluminium is poisonous to heat up food with. So I guess its worth it. Best all round-kit there is, period
In some ways, I agree, bitnhow.pure is the stainless steel from the origin? I don't have a tool to check for lead content or other contaminants.
You can use coals in the aluminum windscreen, but have to know proper coal management. I do it, but its a few coals from the fire for low heat cooking. Like cooking eggs in the small pot/ frying pan. Definately not for raging heat and fire.
Thanks for the comment! I could probably do it, but if I use coals/fire, I'd probably use the stainless windscreen from PF and not worry.
Thanks for your ex excellent review!
Thanks. It'll suffice if it is the only option. I have used my PFM40 numerous times. It hasn't broken.
PFM40 Stainless Steel wind screen should be able to hold a twig fire or even charcoal fire. Mine is a month old, going to try charcoal next trip to the woods / backyard. Do some cooking, worst-case it will not be shiny when I finish.
I am sure that it will work. If the SHTF, unless you made a still, you would have to use alternatives.
Great review and comparison.
Good review
Thank you for watching!
Great video, I also stopped editing my videos to save time and I subscribed, Brother!
A really great video I own 3 or 4 of both S/S and AL.I was wondering if the wind shield would fit now I know like you I would sell the pots and keep the rest thank for sharing
Great video.i bought 2 of the pathfinder m40. One for cooking and one for the man cave lol.
Nice! They are handsome looking. Pretty functional too.
I've been considering getting the Pathfinder. I missed out on the Steel Sweedish kits it seems. Would love to see you test out the Pathfinder set!
You can still get the Swedish ones. I like the sturdiness of the pots. I like the stand of the Pathfinder.
@@eskimomarine2252 Do you know where? All the ones I see on ebay are more than the Pathfinder after shipping.
There are versions of the M40 with stainless handles and hoop
I think the unmarked one I have is stainless, possibly. All of the ones with the rectangular bales that I have handled seem to have had regular steel handles and bales.
This was the information and summarization I was waiting for. 👍 In the past I owned 3 different stainless steel versions of this mess kit. Never took them out for camping due to the weight. The pot of this remake set is lighter, so combined with the original aluminium wind shield it might be a nice option.
I've never heard the Cr markings on the pots intepreted as a sign for the steel quality. I've seen markings with Pressbolaget Eskilstuna, Gense, 2878 Cr, 5011 Cr, 5012 Cr and 5116 Cr so I find it more likely that they are manufacturers code as the two in clear language obviously are.-
Do you have a source for this?
I assumed that th cr was associated with content. I have only seen 50xx 3 crown ones in my experience handling numerous ones.
Eskilstuna was a town that made insanely good steel. 304 isn't the lowest grade of steel either and is considered very corrosion resistant. Imo if the PF is slightly lighter and stainless it should perform better than the aluminum (that last forever) and today it's for 45 bucks. So win win. Rivets are actually better in a lot of situations as well. I forget what other surplus items I had but the makers said they had to many failures with welds and rivets were more dependable. Thanks for the review, love old good gear.
Do the old model components fit with the Pathfinder???
Yes, all compatible with each other. If you want to save weight on the windshield, use the old aluminum one.
Pathfinder has made a copy of the Model 1944. Not the Model 1940. The M44 was made of aluminum and was never made of stainless steel. You have the original M40, compare and you will see the difference.
Yup! I address that. However, since I just drone on when I talk, many fast forward or skip a lot of my videos. I just make time to show things without editing or preparation. I'm working 2 jobs and taking care of my son, little time.
@@eskimomarine2252 After the end of the Cold War, (Sweden had an army of 800,000 soldiers). Surplus companies had such field kitchens in big boxes that they sold for about $3 to $4. I would have bought the whole box if I had seen how they are valued today.
@@P6009D
Surplus military things ALWAYS increase in value over time
The gasmask bag are a m/36 not m/39 comon mistake.
The Grey indicat that it are from The civil defens, brown are military.
I se that pathfinder have copyd The aluminium m/44 meskit.
U se it on the handel and The two grows.
The Windscren were made in The 50 and were intendend for use whit m/44 aluminium not m/40 stanles but försvarsmakten have used The Windscren whit both m/40 and m/44.
But it are more praktical to use Windscren and burner whit m/44 to not Waste fuel.
The Windscren were never what i can find ute intendend to use as a tvig burner but u can if u are carful sins i are in aluminium.
Windscren burner and m/44 are namde as enmanskök m/50 [one mane kicthen m/50] by försvarsmakten.
Mvh a swed ho gnovs his english is bad but it are beter then ur swedich 🙃
But. Pathfinder one is filmsy . As you can see it's got dents very easily . China
I know what you mean, I don't like it is made in PRC. I am using it to see. I think it still has a place. Obviously I like the originals better.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Pathfinder reproduction, maybe could have improved slightly but didn't. Likely made in China like all the rest of his stuff and priced for his company name. That's not to mean it is bad stuff!
Yes, made in China. Windshield is somewhat upgraded, more robust at the cost of weight.
Atleast he doesent pretend to be a big patriot like all the others trying to sell such stuff to the community. Also if it was made in america we would still pay more.
Its not worth setting up a production line for this in the usa for maybe a few thousand customers.
China meanwhile only asks: what you want? And do you want Good or Cheap version? Meanwhile even good quality is cheaper than produce in china nowadays than anywhere here in europe.
But in general their manufacturing quality depends on how much you willing to pay.
China : bad products is obsolete thinking anyway
@@AbuHajarAlBugatti he played the patriot game in the past, lied through his teeth, played as if he was reformed and is still a charlatan of the worst sort.
You are, however, correct that made in China is 90% better than made in the USA these days.
How to fix the editing part? Playback at 1.5x speed. As a bonus, his voice becomes cartoonish 😂
I thought that I already sound cartoonish!