I own both the black Crusader cup and the standard "silver" Crusader cup. Lotta folks may wonder what the difference is.
The black cup is for those who are primarily interested in appearances. It's for folks who are mostly interested in what "looks cool". They want their mug to match their black water bottle and look all tactical and whatnot.
The black Crusader mug is the exact same cup as the "silver" cup, except that it is painted with a sort of teflon-type black paint that peels and falls out of the interior in little specks and flakes the more you use it, and those specks and flakes get into your food which you eventually ingest. You'll have a harder time finding and purchasing this mug, and you'll pay more for the privilege of ingesting those little specks and flakes.
What's more, the regular "silver" Crusader cup - which you'll have an easier time finding and that'll cost you slightly less - gets black on its own after just a few uses on the campfire, anyway.
In short, there is absolutely no practical reason whatsoever to insist on the black Crusader mug. It was the first one I bought - way back in the day when I was much younger, and much more concerned about appearances and being "cool" - but it is inferior to the regular "silver" Crusader mug because of the negative issues the black paint creates.
Plan your day around water, not miles. Fill up at every good source, filter it or treat it every time, and never pass up clear moving water because you think there'll be more ahead.
— The Practical Woodsman
Out here, a little light goes a long way. You don't need to push back the whole night, just enough of it to see your next step.
— The Practical Woodsman
Braving the Ol' Shawnee Appalachy - Pt 2: Ornery Gal
Damp insulation won't keep you warm. Dry your layers whenever the sun gives you the chance, because the woods won't remind you before nightfall.
— The Practical Woodsman
