>>1159119there are way better commercially available kits out there. Esbit which is German i think. the whole "storing your water inside/with your mess kit" is not really that applicable to hiking/camping
stirring is not very easy in a kidney shaped cup. but, unless you are specifically interested in the military surplus look/feel, there is no reason not to buy modern
what do you mean "cook" a meal? heat water for dehydrated food in a bag? sure, cup noodles? sure, but be careful stirring. anything not water soluable? no