Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

You want to keep it light--really light--but you relish a hot meal at day's end. You're sticking with simple one-pot, add water meals, and eating from the pot, or cooking in that prized titanium mug.

Still, you yearn for a nice cup of tea along with dinner.

What to do?

Orikaso has a line of folding eating sets. The mug and the bowl solve a real problem: mugs and bowls take up way too much space. And they're light weight, too: about an ounce for each. The mug and the bowl really do work, and, yes, they really do hold liquid without leaking. They don't telescope: they fold flag, and you assemble them with a simple, origami-like folding.

An added benefit to the fold-flat bowl: it's really easy to lick off the little meal remnants, making cleanup that much easier!

So, take that tea with you, and bring along an Orikaso folding mug. I've used them for more meals now than I can count, including a wonderful trek at Philmont a couple years back.

NOTE to Sean Perry (below): as another contributor noted, there seems no need to worry about durability. I've had my bowl and mug for years and use them frequently--including daily at the recently-concluded World Scout Jamboree in England (at which numerous leaders and Scouts, both from our unit and from other countries, saw the bowl and mug, marveled at them, and purchased their own sets!).

Edited by ammpilot on 08/12/2007 17:24:22 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

This little guy has so many uses! The pliability of the plastic makes it versatile. I have the Big Bowl version, about the size of one of those giant latte mugs when erected. Weighs an ounce, so light it will blow away if you're not careful. When flat has a 10" diameter, which makes a good plate and cutting board. I also use it in my pack as a barrier between my platypus sleeve and gear. It shields the gear from condensation on the bladder. Also works as a hand fan, silly hat, funnel, brainteaser for others. On first inspection I though it would split at the seams from constant folding and refolding, but is still holding strong after a year of abuse.

Rating: 5 / 5

What a joy! I too have the large bowl. No need for a separate cup, which is something of a pain to assemble. The bowl is super durable, very easy to clean; even easier to pack away - just unfold it and slide it down the inside of your pack. Even works as a cutting board - up to a point - I've cut dry sausage and cheese on it without damage. Bought one for everyone in the family. Too bad there are only two colors available.....

I looked at the plate, but it's rectangular shape is too flexible with a load in it - it bends and spills stuff. The bowl rules the roost.
Get one now; you'll never regret it.

Edited by wandering_bob on 07/30/2007 10:29:55 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

So why not just eat right from the pot? Save the weight? Because for (steps away to grab his scale....) 1.47 oz (bowl) and 1.87 oz (mug) I can use the mug flat as a plate, a holding place while cooking separate items, etc. The mug also is measured in 1/2 cup increments as well as in milliliters.

Just yesterday I made buckwheat pancakes before breaking camp. Process:
* measure half cup of pancake mix (I prep this at home and bring along enough for two or three breakfasts), add mix to bowl.
* break one egg in to mug and add enough water to reach 1/2 cup line. Whisk with fork, add to bowl. Important to do wet after dry, otherwise everything sticks in the mug.
* combine, let sit while alcohol stove warms up the fry pan/lid.
* flatten and clean out mug. Now each finished pancake has a place to go.

Their flexibility (no real pun intended) is the key. They handle boiling water. They can be cleaned with cold water and some Bronners. I just slide them down the side of my Ursack for storage.

So, why a 4 and not a 5? Some part of me is still worried a leak will appear at the joints and the product itself while definitely sturdy does not always instill confidence. That said, I own 4 full sets (plate, bowl, mug) that I bought from REI. Would be a 4.5 if I could.