Camp Pot?

Posted by: abp

Camp Pot? - 09/05/08 03:22 PM

Ok, probably the stupidest question in the world, but what's the cheapest way to get a 1 liter or so camp pot? I've been looking everywhere, but I don't want to pay $50 for a glorified can...

Are there some cheap materials which work better than others? Or some which I should avoid?
Posted by: Spock

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/05/08 05:03 PM

Other than a coffee can, the Walmart/Kmart/Target grease pots weigh about 5 ounces and cost less than $10. They are perfectly adequate- very efficient with side-burner alcohol stoves. You will need a pot lifter.
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/05/08 05:12 PM

Your cooking pot needs are determined by what, how, and for how many you cook. When I travel alone or are at least cooking for only myself, I can get by with a recycled 12 oz Vienna sausage can for a pot and plan some of my meals as the "boil water and dump" variety and eat the rest cold.

If I'm cooking for more people or anticipate melting snow/ice, I look for a larger pot. I imagine if I were to do a long-distance hike and intended to resupply by purchasing food in towns, I would want a larger pot, as well. You CAN get by using a 25 oz beer can (Fosters, LaBatts, and others) to cook a package of Lipton Noodles with some tuna and green beans. It is a close fit, though, and the shape makes for an inefficient ratio of pot bottom to stove/flame. Many hikers got to like the "X-Mart Grease Pots." I haven't seen one in a WalMart or KMart for a couple of years or more. The K-Mart pot had an outward-rolled lip, which made it more desirable. These were little more than thin seamless cans with a strainer and lid. If you can find one, it will be wonderfully light but thin enough to also be easily crushed. I loaned my WalMart GP to a co-worker's son. Gone! If you don't mind replacing your pot occasionally and don't do a lot more than boil water, you can get by with a recycled can. I've used them when I've camped/backpacked and tossed or given away before flying home.

Cheap sources of a more permanent pot: yard/garage sales, thrift shops, "dollar stores," and used gear lists. Some people buy a cheap, light pot intended for home use and cut off/unscrew the handle.

Good luck!

CamperMom
Posted by: DTape

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/05/08 07:05 PM

slightly less than 1-liter and more available than the infamous x-mart grease pot is the imusa line of products. Here is one which has a handle and a spout:

http://www.target.com/Imusa-IMUSA-Alumin...&page=2
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/06/08 07:46 AM

Hey, great!

I haven't checked Target. They seem to b expanding, while many K-Marts are closing. The X-Marts seem to have stopped carrying the grease pots, so it is great that there is an upcoming new source of cheap and light pots.

CM
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/06/08 07:58 AM

A 24 oz. heiny can. with a simple bail (wire) handle. Great for boiling water.
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/06/08 02:03 PM

Even without the handle. Or, with some pads for lips and hand grip made with high temp "RTV" silicone. There is the issue that these wicked light pots are not as efficient as a wider pot.

CM
Posted by: Narf

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/06/08 08:58 PM

I have open country gear for firepit cooking, which is mainly car camp/floating.

Cheap and decent however not the lightest, might be just what your looking for http://www.opencountrycampware.com/products/?category=1100&subcat=200&id=252

army surplus stores and some outdoors places have opencountry stuff, st. louis REI even has it. all over the net as well such as www.campmor.com
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/07/08 06:31 AM

Quote:
Even without the handle. Or, with some pads for lips and hand grip made with high temp "RTV" silicone. There is the issue that these wicked light pots are not as efficient as a wider pot.


I agree that the heiney pot is really only good for boiling two cups of water and have forgot about using RTV. I've got some in the garage that I'll use today.
For car camping you can carry anything even an iron skillit. But for super light and super cheap (possible throwaway) you can buy an aluminum mess kit for 5-6 bucks. But as you learn, you can upgrade to better stuff
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/07/08 06:34 AM

Quote:
possible throwaway)


Um. recycle. It is aluminum. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/08/08 02:31 PM

Since you want the CHEAPEST 1 liter pot, then buy a Monster drink at walmart for $3.50. Their biggest size is 32 oz I believe. Same diameter as a heine but taller to make it a liter.

For those who will come back and say that it isn't efficient, just remember the original question. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/09/08 09:46 AM

Walmart monster drink. What is the cup made of?
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/09/08 10:44 AM

Here is what I am talking about. Monster . I have only found the huge 32 oz drink at Walmart. It is as fat as the heine, but taller and straight sides. Sells for $3.50. Basically, it is an aluminum can.
Posted by: phat

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/10/08 08:02 AM


Cheapest way is a beercan pot, as many have mentioned. Wal-mart grease pot is good
too and more durable, although by the time I'm considering 5 bucks for that, I just spend
10 for the Anti Gravity Gear pot since you don't have to mess with the lip like on the grease pot. (I carry the
AGG pot most of the time. I've used a canpot, but I find I'm a little too tough on them
and tend to crush 'em.
Posted by: dkramalc

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/10/08 08:26 AM

The K-mart grease pot has no lip/lid problems like the Wal-mart one, if you can find one of those.
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/10/08 02:41 PM

Dang!

I stopped by my local WalMart and searched for the "Monster" high energy drinks. This store only carries 4-packs of smaller cans.

At least this s the type of tip one can keep filed in the back of his/her mind for when one of the right sized Monster drinks shows up on a shelf.

CM
Posted by: WSUWESTON

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/10/08 02:52 PM

Quote:
Dang!

I stopped by my local WalMart and searched for the "Monster" high energy drinks. This store only carries 4-packs of smaller cans.

At least this s the type of tip one can keep filed in the back of his/her mind for when one of the right sized Monster drinks shows up on a shelf.

CM


My local store did not have them either
Posted by: hikerduane

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/10/08 06:40 PM

How did CamperMom know which beer cans would work?:)
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/15/08 10:44 AM

Reseach, Darlin,' research!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

CM
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 02:34 PM

Seems the Kame Apart grease pots can be found in NJ stores for $3. Have'nt looked in a Wmart down here since it's an hour drive, for that one. Imusa in all the stores, in all the configurations down here too. Seems like you might have to bone up on your shopping on the way to the trailhead CamperMom <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I stuck a bunch of Imusa pots into some of the Earthling Doodad Boxes I sent out last year. By the way CamperMom did you ever send the box I sent ( you were first on that list) along after recuperating? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 03:48 PM

Hi Eugene,
I guess I miss read the title of this thread. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Let me say that "camp pot" is a very important topic because without some "camp pot" its really boring to be sitting around the camp fire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I mean cooking without "camp pot" just wouldn't be the same. Perhaps the best thing about "camp pot" is it doesn't weigh much and even less hiking out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> On the other hand, sometimes the "camp fire" itself is enough. Certainly a "camp fire" and "camp pot" together deliver some tastey evening refreshment. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Certainly adequate to make yer buddy say "I want smore". Now you can cook smores with your "camp pot" over the "camp fire", or next to the "camp fire", but after eating those smores you may be up for a looong time and you will want to boil up some water for coffee in the cook pot.

Sometime when yer out camping you may discover some "Camp pot" and its a good idea to leave it be and move on. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> It would need to be cleaned and washed and dried before you could cook with it anyway.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 04:28 PM

I knew there was a reason that you wore dark shades. But why would you wanna wash the camp pot before you dry it? I agree that if you have camp pot and you start wanting smores, your weight will decrease on your hike out and for me that is usually up hill. The trip starting out is most always down hill and with the weight of camp pot it's o.k. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 04:37 PM

Te he he <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 04:42 PM

Quote Te he hee.

You must have found yours <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. It not only will give you the muchies but will cause uncontrolable laughter. An then you'll realize that you forgot what was so funny.
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 04:53 PM

I went to an Allman Brothers concert many moons ago, and I kept smelling this really sweet smell. Hours later when I was still finding everything ridiculously funny, my brother in law (law enforcement background) said I was probably surrounded by folks enjoying, um, uh, oh yeah, their "camp pots." I guess I was just really sensitive to the stuff.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 05:23 PM

Yeah right, A contact high. I don't believe there is such a thing. Are you sure the lawman didn't confiscate someones camp pot and share it with you over an open fire??????
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 05:45 PM

The box went out several months ago, before I hit the trail in June.
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 07:30 PM

Not me. I'm a good girl. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, though, it must have been a contact high. Either that or the power of suggestion . . .
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 07:54 PM

Quote:
The box went out several months ago, before I hit the trail in June.


Thanks for the update, I was hoping folks would chime in so I'd have an idea where they all went. Having sent out 8 was a bit time consuming on my part, but fun. Kinda like that hobby of 'boxing', just interested in how they are making the rounds and where they've been <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You got back out on the trail too, I must be the only one who got in zero hiking miles this year <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Whatever you do hiking in NJ or border atates CHECK YER"SELF FOR TICKS <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I am crippled beyond belief by the symptoms <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Remember back when we did a piece of AT up in Mass, and I could just zoom right along? Well I can't walk 3 blocks now without excruciating pain <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Glad you got through your health issue ok.
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 07:56 PM

Quote:
Hi Eugene,
I guess I miss read the title of this thread. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Let me say that "camp pot" is a very important topic because without some "camp pot" its really boring to be sitting around the camp fire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I mean cooking without "camp pot" just wouldn't be the same. Perhaps the best thing about "camp pot" is it doesn't weigh much and even less hiking out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> On the other hand, sometimes the "camp fire" itself is enough. Certainly a "camp fire" and "camp pot" together deliver some tastey evening refreshment. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Certainly adequate to make yer buddy say "I want smore". Now you can cook smores with your "camp pot" over the "camp fire", or next to the "camp fire", but after eating those smores you may be up for a looong time and you will want to boil up some water for coffee in the cook pot.

Sometime when yer out camping you may discover some "Camp pot" and its a good idea to leave it be and move on. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> It would need to be cleaned and washed and dried before you could cook with it anyway.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


Jim one should never pick anything they are'nt familiar with, nor from another's garden. No wonder your pack is so heavy you've got too many pots in there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/27/08 08:04 PM

Quote:
Quote Te he hee.

You must have found yours <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. It not only will give you the muchies but will cause uncontrolable laughter. An then you'll realize that you forgot what was so funny.


Now maybe some hippie types can sneak around to where THE meeting for the finacial disaster is brewing; and pipe in some smoke to the politicians <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Would be an 'interesting' outcome to say the least <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> They might just do the right thing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Sorry for the thread drift, what's my penalty <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/29/08 05:38 AM

All in your mind.
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/29/08 04:41 PM

Quote:
All in your mind.

Ah, but at least I like it in there . . . the people know me . . . <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/30/08 05:36 AM

Are you in politics? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/30/08 07:13 AM

This post has definitely gone down hill. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 09/30/08 03:01 PM

Ooooh, dem is fightin' words! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Okay, back on track. I use a JetBoil so I know just about nothing about camp cooking pots. It's not the lightest weight option, but I've committed to using it until it breaks down. It just cost too much to replace with something lighter, and I do like it.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 10/01/08 07:34 AM

After about 20 or so replies, what else can be said to improve on. How many different cook pots?
Posted by: Folkalist

Re: Camp Pot? - 10/01/08 02:30 PM

That is true, plus, how many threads don't degrade into mindless humor at some point? That's part of how we get to know each other!
Posted by: chaz

Re: Camp Pot? - 10/01/08 02:43 PM

A pleasure to know you too!
Posted by: rootball

Re: Camp Pot? - 10/01/08 04:36 PM

K Mart in Nashville had grease pots in May. Perhaps you could beg Bearpaw to get you one if they still have them. It was the K Mart close to the airport.
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Camp Pot? - 10/03/08 02:10 PM

Folkalist, you don't have to justify, I was just saying. Notice the two smiley faces at the end. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Nice to know you as well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />