So, I made a few beer can pots and really like them: Beer Can Pot (http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/myexperimentsadventures.htm) So far I like the Henekin one best because of the ident which makes it easier to pick up. My idea is to add some kind of insulation that goes around the middle part so you can lift it off the stove without using a pot gripper or bandana and so that it can serve as an insulated mug. I've already tried foam (it melted). I have some Kevlar wick that I could wrap around it but it's thick and would make it pretty bulky (I might order some thinner stuff). Any other ideas?

P.S. I do not want to add a wire bail or handle. Basically, I'm only interested in material that will insulate and won't melt. I use a tea light stove and the flames only touch the very bottom of the can so the material won't come in contact with the flames. Thanks for any suggestions.

Try checking the insulated pipe/duct areas of home improvement stores...they have heat resistant tape, at least - maybe there's something else around that would help you out.

How about using two wooden chopstick-like twigs/sticks? You could dispose of them after use and find two more at the next stop. Or you could find two that work well and keep them till they lose their usefulness.

Why not wrap the bandana around the pot? What was your aversion to this?

You could try gasket material for woodstove doors.

Why not wrap the bandana around the pot? What was your aversion to this?

It's cotton and burns. Also, cotton against the surface of the can is slippery and I want a secure grip. I want something that's integrated like the neoprene sleeve that comes with the Jetboil.

So why not neoprene?

http://www.foamorder.com/neoprene.html

Oh, so you want to keep the item on the can at all times.

Go to the auto store in your town and ask for header exhaust tape its light and has a great insulation value.

How about something like this (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1090230222.1144076878@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccgdaddhhdimhghcgelceffdfgidgin.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3573&pos=n05).

Sorry, wrong link. Try this one. (http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/402585_3.jpg)

Thanks everyone. I originally thought of neoprene because of the Jetboil but was hoping to use something I don't have to sew which would involve going over to my Ex girlfriend's house to get my sewing machine! I might try that insulating tape. I'll post if I find something that works.

Umm, Jason, I'd log off right now and go get that sewing machine.

absolutely from left field here...
how about a metal hinge glued with heat proof adhesive straight onto the can. If as you say, the flames don't go up the sides of the can.Then the outer side of the hinge should not get too hot.
Might be worth a try.
dc

Thanks for all of your ideas eveyone! After considering them all I think I have found the solution to what I'm looking for. I just ordered the material and will post pictures after I experiment w/ it.

This material might work for you and for other projects also.

http://hikinghq.net/forum/showthread.php?p=12536#post12536

Thaniks firboy. That's an interesting idea.

Whatever you decide, make sure you make many prototypes, requiring you drink many beers to make all those prototypes. :D

Thanks for your ideas everyone, but I think I found what I'm looking for:
http://practicalbackpacking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201

Thanks for your ideas everyone, but I think I found what I'm looking for:
http://practicalbackpacking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201
wow......I just spent a few minutes poking around your site. You seem like a very scientific kind of guy. Fun site to look at , I liked this picture
http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/100_0274.jpg (http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/100_0274.jpg)

purchased a few cook pots have we?

Sorry, my website will be down until the 17th because I exceeded my bandwidth. Please check back later.

Sorry, my website will be down until the 17th because I exceeded my bandwidth. Please check back later.

OK, I just paid for more bandwidth so it should be up and running today.