I'm posting some shots of my US CW era and 1850s/CS CW mess kits that I carry on the trail. My US painted haversack is assembled with a combination of machine and hand stitching as were the originals. Its also stenciled with my company number. The inner bag helped separate the food from the moisture and grime that can quickly accumulate. It separates and washes easily. I generally carry a sack of beans, peas and dessicated vegetables in addition to crackers and salted meat. I have another bag for coffee/sugar and an original thick-glass mustard jar that I store molasses, honey or preserves in. The plate and cup are US issue (*Note, that is 1-rainy day's rust on it. Took about 90 minutes to turn that color.) The painted cloth bags were given by the US Sanitary commission. They are squared and seal with a drawstring. I have a selection of eating implements to choose from depending on the scenario. One is a folding sutlers device and the other is an original set of Knife, fork & spoon. The boiler carries easily in the bag on on the closure.
The other kit is with minimalism in mind. I use either a painted militia haversack or a home made ticking haversack. I like the light simplicity of this gear. I use a frypan, spoon and my belt knife. (Sack of meal and dried meat not shown.) These are spot on for CS use or prewar militia. The ticking bag looks annoyingly modern to the dismay of some reenactors but it is spot on with an original and I find it to be a great item to carry doves and quails in when I go out for a walk.
-Dave