German Field Mess Kit A Lightweight Aluminium reproduction of the original German Field Mess Kit. Originally designed in 1908, the kidney shaped field mess kit, has served as inspiration for direct copies or variants by many a European Army mess kit. The German Field Mess Kit were originally designed that a soldier could receive hot food and drink from a field kitchen. However it could also be used by soldiers on combat operations either over an Esbit or similar field stove or even a fire. Aluminium is safe to cook and eat in provided that you avoid cooking highly acidic or alkaline foods.