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As I traverse the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Scotland on the TGO Challenge, the importance of reliable and lightweight gear becomes increasingly evident. After a long day of trekking through moors and over mountains, my MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove have proven to be indispensable cookware companions.

The updated MSR Titan Kettle 900ml has been a standout piece of my kit. Weighing only 128g, it’s incredibly light, yet packed with useful features. The interior volume graduations make measuring water for my dehydrated meals a breeze. The pour spout and silicone-coated folding handles have been a game-changer, offering comfort and ease of packing. The silicone handles, in particular, are a significant upgrade from the previous model, which once burnt a hole in my favourite buff. Now, I can handle the kettle without fear of burns, even when it’s full of boiling water.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Titan Kettle is its nesting design. Despite its compact size, it easily fits my Pocket Rocket stove and Double Wall Mug. The kettle can also fit a 230ml gas canister inside. However, I do need to remove the plastic gas cover to make it fit, which seems like an oversite. Nevertheless, this design maximizes space efficiency in my pack, a crucial factor when every gram counts on a 200-mile trek.

Speaking of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe, this stove has been a reliable workhorse and deserves its place as one of the top tier canister top stoves. The piezo igniter allows me to light it with the push of a button, saving me the hassle of fumbling with matches or lighters in the often damp Scottish weather. The pressure regulation feature ensures consistent heat output and faster boil times, which is invaluable when the weather turns foul. I’ve noticed that cranking the burner to full can use up fuel quickly, but setting the burner at about 60% output still boils water almost as fast while conserving gas.

My MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug has become a cherished piece of gear, especially during the chilly Scottish mornings and evenings. Weighing just 118g, it’s ultralight but incredibly effective at keeping my drinks hot. The double-wall construction provides exceptional heat retention, allowing me to savour my morning coffee or evening tea long after it’s been poured. The BPA-free plastic lid not only traps heat but also keeps the ever-present Scottish midges out of my drinks, a feature I’ve come to greatly appreciate.

While I’ve primarily used this setup for boiling water, which it excels at, I wouldn’t recommend it for heating more complex meals. The thin titanium walls don’t distribute heat as evenly as thicker cookware, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Overall, this setup has been ideal for my needs on the TGO Challenge. The combination of the MSR Titan Kettle, Double Wall Mug, and Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove offers a perfect blend of ultralight weight, durability, and functionality. Whether I’m boiling water for a quick meal or enjoying a hot beverage while taking in the stunning Scottish vistas, these pieces of gear have proven their worth time and again. For any backpacker looking to reduce pack weight without sacrificing performance, I highly recommend this setup.

Andy Neil
Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. Read more from Andy Neil