Ok got the BCB Crusader Kit and try a few things with it. My initial impression is average overall. Some sweet spots some sour. First the Sweet, stainless steel canteen cup is very well made and is solid and cut clean, the stove is also very well made. I believe the BCB stainless stuff is slightly better than the GI stuff. But by no means is the GI stuff bad the BCB is just better. I like the Osprey Canteen and mug but the mug doesnt fit or snap on to the top very well. This is the real osprey mug and canteen. I am absolutely amazed at how strong and thick the osprey canteen is it is a TANK! The osprey canteen is an absolute tank far stronger then the nalgene GI, but once again the naglene is more than suitable for its purpose and is still plenty strong. A 2 story drop will not break it. The BCB stuff might be a little over built. I certainly thing the osprey is a little too thick for what it needs to be. The lid is a love hate too, like the fact the lid is clear.
Now the sour, the lid is not an easy fit and has that opening on one side (Pour opening) which I believe looses heat too much compared to a completely sealed lid (like the GI one (which is silicone and not flame proof...so I am not a huge fan of it either except when you are just using ambers and coals underneath the stove...it is perfect for that). Plus it can burn it is not flame proof (BCB is high heat plastic). Once you put the lid on the canteen cup you have to push it in pretty good to get it sealed tightly, it is not the best fit and it get lodged in there. Here is the problem when you are heating up water the pull tabs on the top will not provide enough grab to pull the lid off, you need to find something to pry it off using the side pour opening. I did not like this at all! Green heat...is absolute garbage! I did 2 boil tests in 32 degree f. and the green heat didnt last long and left a mess in the canteen stove not to mention never got the water hotter than 130 degrees f. That stuff is crap! I also tried just straight heet without a wick or a mini stove set inside the ring. It never boiled the water either. Disappointing but I believe a wick or a Vargo Traid XE stove would make it work far better. The kit is heavier and bigger then my GI kit. The Pouch has elastic straps inside it that catch the canteen wire handles while trying to take them in and out. It makes it a pain to put the stuff in and take it out. I believe the zulu pouch is better but I just cant spend another 35 bucks to get it for this kit that just isnt that good. The kit doesnt nest tghtly. I wish the osprey canteen was clear as well...it is no. Making it difficult to see how much you have in it as well as measuring things out. The Kit is also expensive (Mine ran me 90+ bucks...I had to have it) as well. And my final issue is the stove cannot be used with camp fire ambers coals...it just doesnt work.
I believe they had something here but just missed it, Rob at the Canteenshop was right. I asked him if he had any and he told me he just didnt like the kit as much as the GI one, after my hands on experience I must agree. The only thing missing from the GI kit is a plastic cup like the one the BCB crusader has other than that the GI kit seems to work significantly better and offers far more benefits with less limitations. I really like my Nalgene canteen (And it is clear) and how the stove and cup all nest together well and tight. Plus I like the fact that I can pack the pouch so I can drink water without taking it all a part...something the BCB cannot easily do. Just my 2 cents. I would like to point out that I have a GI issued stainless steel stove for my GI kit not that junk Rothco one that doesnt seem to fit well and is really weak. My gi kit has seen ambers for heat, coal, soda can stove and has done well with all! I have came to like it the best. And like the pouch better.
