kelly kettle

fmajor007 said:
Hey HT, are you saying here that the ss version isn't much "sturdier"? Sorry, i'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer... I'm looking to buy the ss version for 1) it's sturdiness and 2) for longer life RE: the fire-bowl. I'm already planning on making a ss fire-bowl liner (of sorts) for my aluminum Kelly Kettle.
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Maybe phrasing was confusing. I bought it because I thought it would be tougher and thus longer lived over the aluminum one. I don't have both to compare but I am satisfied with the construction of the stainless steel one. I was saying that strength comes with a weight penalty. 46 oz including bag on my scale, about 1/3 heavier than a GB Small Forest Ax (34 oz)

I also thought the aluminum ones leaked more often but maybe that was because the SS version is fairly new so not as many reviews.
 
ROCK6 said:
I wouldn't mind the Kelly Kettle or Thermette for the canoe or truck. I do like the concept, but the size is really an issue for me to backpack. I'm awaiting the deliver of the "Backcountry Boiler"...a domestic design that's being produced by gentleman from another backpacking forum. His design is smaller (capacity of 20 fl ounces) and weighs in at 8 ounces. Biggest plus is that his boiler can also be used to transport water with the plug...at least it's not wasted space:D

ROCK6
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Gee Rock, should have let your buddies know about the Backcountry Boiler before they sold out. Of course now you have to do a report on it once it arrives. :D

Also how much was it? They have removed the price from the site now.
 
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I chose the stainless steel over the aluminum as a personal choice.
Don't use aluminum in any cookware. Mostly because of the health scare when it comes to aluminum.
The added weight is a non-issue for me.

The carrying case is just a nylon bag. There are no attachments at all for putting it on your pack.
I just tie the drawstring on a loop at the top of my pack, and use a bungie cord wrapped around the
kettle then hooked on to loops on the pack. It doesn't really go anywhere, but is a bit bulky.
Again, not really a concern for what I use it for.

The pot holders fit up inside the chimney, then the fire pit tray inverts and fits in the bottom of the chimney.
The closed up unit is then put into the carrying bag and shut using the drawstring.
The cork stopper is used only for carrying water, and is taken out when actually boiling the water.

Mongo said:
Thanks all for your responses so far.

Next questions: 1). What are the pros and cons of stainless vs. aluminum?
2.) Does the carrying case allow attachment? i.e. molle etc.
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HornyToad said:
Gee Rock, should have let your buddies know about the Backcountry Boiler before they sold out. Of course now you have to do a report on it once it arrives. :D

Also how much was it? They have removed the price from the site now.
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:o This was posted a couple weeks ago and I was lucky enough to get in on the pre-order. I think the total with shipping was around $91.00. Sounds like he'll do more down the road.

ROCK6
 
Yeah...I posted about it a couple weeks ago, although I decided to wait. Hopefully the price will come down some for future runs. Also, in another thread, Kelly Kettle chimed in and said that they would be introducing an "ultralight" version soon. I hope they approach the 8 ounces of the Backcountry Boiler.
 
ROCK6 said:
:o This was posted a couple weeks ago and I was lucky enough to get in on the pre-order. I think the total with shipping was around $91.00. Sounds like he'll do more down the road.

ROCK6
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Yeah, thanks a lot for the tease. ;) :D
Oh well, I got on the mailing list.
 
I like mine. It's the stainless small model. I never get tired of making a couple of cups of tea or hot coco with a few twigs or scrap cardboard or even pine cones. After all that is what they were designed for. My main usage is for car camping and fishing. something seems right about a cup of Earl Grey cooked up by a rushing trout stream, Makes pretty good instant oatmeal and grits as well.
 
I have been using the Kelly Kettle for several years and still find it fun, entertaining, and practical to use in the appropriate context. Much too large for my style of backpacking but, it does find its way into canoe, vehicle, horse camping, or a short trek through the woods. Great for a brew-up or adding a bit of boiling water to the dehydrated stew. The stainless Kelly is my favorite of all of the chimney boilers that I have had experience with.

kellykettle7.jpg
 
Dannyboy - thats a pretty cool looking mug you've got there! Is that a home-crafted item or found in the marketplace?

HT - thanks for the follow-up. I was wondering how thick the steel was, but even if you told me i don't happen to have a micrometer handy.... Yea, 46 oz's - that's alotta wgt - didn't realize it was almost 3 LBS!!!

So far my Kelly Kettle hasn't leaked a drop 'cept what i've spilled (oaf that i am).
 
FWIW.... if you are on a budget.... my two pack of Swiss Volcano stoves came in today (19.95 from Sportsman's Guide online)... opened the fuel fill hole with a pair of snips so that a Trangia stove would fit (with snuffer ring).... boiled 1 cup of tap water in a tad over 3 minutes on denatured alcohol in the cup( it has a slight taper to the bottom to heat quickly).... no wind, upper 70's ambient temp...
 
I love mine. - Large Aluminum

The design of the handle is great.... it never rests on the kettle itself.

The bulk is my only issue, if it could colapse somehow that would be ideal.
Its light so I deal with it.

The bag is just a nylon sack, no Molle or anything. I usually just hang mine from my pack by the handle, secure with some cord so it doesnt bounce around.

If you are hard up for a water container, it can be used for that too with the cork.

Ive placed it directly over an existing fire and it works almost as good.
 
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