View Full Version : Best Ti Pot?
What is the best Ti pot that you have used? I'm looking for something that's the right size (perhaps slightly big) for one person and maybe two in a pinch. Like 1-1.4L.
Coating/no coating/evernew/snowpeak/MSR?
P.S.
I was specifically looking at the Snowpeak 1400...
...thoughts?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 22:11
If you ever plan to actually cook anything in the pot, I recommend aluminum. Ti is fine for boiling water and not good for much of anything else.
Doughnut
11-27-2007, 22:11
I am specifically hoping to get a gift certificate or after Christmas sale for the Snowpeak 1400, I think the size is appropriate for the alchy stove I use, the smaller pots seem like there may be alot of wased heat, based on my flame dispersion.
The 1400 is huge for 1 person.
I use the snowpeak mini solo kit, but only take the pot and lid, the cup stays home.
If you ever plan to actually cook anything in the pot, I recommend aluminum. Ti is fine for boiling water and not good for much of anything else.
what do you use?
I had planned to cook basically ramen/pasta/rice...mostly boiling stuff.
what do you "cook" that's not boiling?
Appalachian Tater
11-27-2007, 22:22
Some people only boil water for rehydrating food in other containers, such as freeze-dried meals or so-called "freezer bag cooking".
The MSR Titan Kettle is the perfect size and proportion, has an indentation on the bottom to make it stable on an alcohol stove, has a well-fitting lid, not too tight nor too loose, a small spout for draining and pouring, handles that fold, and is ridiculously overpriced, like all of the titanium cookware.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 22:24
Dinos are picky creatures - we have a carrier for a dozen eggs - He-Dino loves a morning omelet and he gets it most of the time. I often fry things like re-hydrated hashbrowns. Several dishes I make have sauces which require some simmering.
The problem with Ti is that it does not distribute heat evenly so food being cooked burns in spots. It is fine for ramen, Lipton, boiling pasta - but don't try items like rice-a-roni or other dinners that require about 20 minutes to cook (10 minutes on the stove and 10 in the cozy)
but don't try items like rice-a-roni or other dinners that require about 20 minutes to cook (10 minutes on the stove and 10 in the cozy)
why is that?
Skidsteer
11-27-2007, 22:28
why is that?
The problem with Ti is that it does not distribute heat evenly so food being cooked burns in spots
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Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 22:30
TI tends not to evenly distrbute heat across the bottom of the pan. Parts of the food end up burned while others are uncooked.
TI tends not to evenly distrbute heat across the bottom of the pan. Parts of the food end up burned while others are uncooked.
so does the rice not go over well because you have to keep a lid on and thus can't stir to overcome the poor conductivity?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 22:38
That and many sauces have a milk or cheese base which will scorch if the heat on the bottom of the pot isn't pretty even. Aluminum does a much better job of spreading heat.
The 1400 is huge for 1 person.
I use the snowpeak mini solo kit, but only take the pot and lid, the cup stays home.
I have the Ti snowpeak 700. I believe it is the same size as the kit just does not have the extra amenities. Anyway, I love it. I have to admit at, first, I thought it would be way to small, but anything bigger would have been too much. I am going to be doing some freezer bag cooking for my trip in April, and I think this is the perfect size for that. The 900 is a good size, too. You might want to look at that. By the way, if you're going to be taking someone along, you might as well both have a 700, it costs the same as the larger pots and you'll both have something to eat out of, IMO.:)
Appalachian Tater
11-27-2007, 22:42
That and many sauces have a milk or cheese base which will scorch if the heat on the bottom of the pot isn't pretty even. Aluminum does a much better job of spreading heat.
I agree with you in principle but believe that the real problem with any of the lightweight pots is that they are made of very thin metal rather than that they are made of a particular type of metal.
That and many sauces have a milk or cheese base which will scorch if the heat on the bottom of the pot isn't pretty even. Aluminum does a much better job of spreading heat.
Thanks, what do you use for al Al pot? I'm pretty clueless as far as camp cooking goes for backpacking.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 22:48
I'm looking for a new pot now. There are two Dinos so we need something pretty large. I current use an old Coleman cookpot - holds just under 2L - from about 35 years ago. It's handles are about shot. We also carry a frypan that fits over the bottom of this pot. It is used to cook a second item and as a plate for one of us - the other eats from the pot.
Passionphish
11-27-2007, 22:49
Try the Evernew .9L coated pot. It is big enough for two people but not much more. The coating aids in an even dispersal of the heat. It isn't perfect but it will help you fix soup, fry eggs or bacon, and it still boils water great! It also weighs less than 5 oz!
My $0.02
has anyone cooked with the coated Ti pots before? Can you do real cooking in them?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 23:10
I tried then several years ago and wasn't impressed, but the technology has improved. Perhaps someone who really cooks a lot and hikes with others a lot - paging Jack T :D - will know.
take-a-knee
11-27-2007, 23:17
Like Tater said that 0.85 MSR Titan kettle is perfection for one person, I also have a Snowpeak 700 and I found it slightly too small, a Knorr meal with a chicken/turkey pack about runs the thing over, the .85 MSR is perfect. The lid also stays on the Titan quite well and, more importantly, you can pour a perfect stream like from a tea kettle. This is important if you freezer bag with a little alcohol stove, when you spend all those precious BTUs heating water you don't want to pour it all over the ground trying to pour water into a bag.
The 1400 is huge for 1 person.
I use the snowpeak mini solo kit, but only take the pot and lid, the cup stays home.
You're Right!!!! The dimensions don't seem that big, but I just mocked it up in paper and now I see that it's quite large.
You're Right!!!! The dimensions don't seem that big, but I just mocked it up in paper and now I see that it's quite large.
I wish I had done that before I ordered one... I had the mini solo, thought it was too small, bought the 1400, then was introduced to freezerbag cooking. went back the to mini solo. It holds almost 4 cups of water, which I"ll never need!
4 cups is alot, might be good for team hiking with a partner though. Do you use the mini-solo now for your main pot Cuffs?
Yes, I only carry the mini solo (pot and lid only) I think it will hold almost 4 cups (probably closer to 3 1/2 tho)
Anyone ever used this one?
http://www.rei.com/product/665381
saimyoji
11-28-2007, 00:44
I use the MiniSolo as well and love it. Check out this thread if you aren't picky about weight.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29725&highlight=pot
Appalachian Tater
11-28-2007, 00:50
Anyone ever used this one?
http://www.rei.com/product/665381
A lot of people use those and they work fine.
Honestly, I started my thru with a Folger's coffee can and the only problems were that stuff stuck to it and maybe that people felt uncomfortable when I used it because they thought I was a bum or something.
If you are only going to boil water, use a Heineken pot and an alcohol stove, either a pop can or supercat. You're just not going to beat that for compactness, reliability, low weight, and low cost.
If you plan to cook and money is an issue, get a K-Mart grease pot or other cheapie pot from a hardware, discount, or second-hand store.
If money is not a problem, go for the best-looking pot, or if you want high-tech, get a Jet-Boil, they're pretty nifty, quite attractive, fast, loud, and have a cool name. "Jet-Boil". It just sounds nice. You can imagine Rosie serving George Jetson some kind of bubbly hot beverage in it.
Titanium is not much lighter than aluminum and the dollar per ounce-saved ratio is poor. Consider spending your money on a great quality sleeping bag, pack, shelter, and footwear. Or on food or something you will get enjoyment from. Don't fall for the titanium "cool" factor.
Don't fall for the titanium "cool" factor.
Ah, the voice of wisdom. Especially makes sense because I'm just going to be doing some moderate backpacking (1-4 week trips) for the next couple years.
Nightwalker
11-28-2007, 00:58
P.S.
I was specifically looking at the Snowpeak 1400...
...thoughts?
I used to use that pot, but I switched to a K-Mart grease pot. Cheaper and lighter. Go figger. :)
Appalachian Tater
11-28-2007, 01:01
Ah, the voice of wisdom. Especially makes sense because I'm just going to be doing some moderate backpacking (1-4 week trips) for the next couple years.
Well, I love my little MSR Titan Kettle and it was worth every cent to me. But it is a luxury and not a necessity and contributes nothing very extrme in terms of utility or comfort.
I had a MSR Titan and loved it for solo use, but lately I had been wanting more volume so I went back to using a tea kettle. I am using a GSI hard anodized kettle right now (and yes, they do look just like a mini tea kettle). Weight wise they are on par with Ti. I can boil a shy quart of water, which is perfect for my kid and I.
Hard anodized is the poor man's Ti basically, if you get a thin walled one. You can pick up a pot or kettle for about half the $ of Ti.
As for the Titan, great pan, cost a lot and I never did anything but steam cakes and boil water in it ;) It was overkill.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-28-2007, 02:04
Sarbar, do the hard anodized thin aluminum pots spread heat well?
Thanks, what do you use for al Al pot? I'm pretty clueless as far as camp cooking goes for backpacking.
I have the GSI brand. Best cookpot I have ever had. Heats evenly, cleans up easily, and doesn't really weigh much more than Ti. MUCH Cheaper than Ti too.
GSI Extreme Cookset - Small (http://www.rei.com/product/750380)
Sarbar, do the hard anodized thin aluminum pots spread heat well?
Mine spreads heat very well. There are rings scored concentrically from the center outward. I think this helps with even heating and heat conduction as well.
I love my GSI pots like Neo loves his hammocks and hillary is a babe.
In defense of titanium...it is very difficult to crush or deform. Years will go by and the titanium pot or kettle will be the same shape it was when you bought it. Coatings don't hold up that well, and aluminum pots will morph into non-pot things long before a titanium pot will die. So if you want to spring for a titanium pot, I think you should. That Evernew looks good. I use an MSR ti kettle with an Evernew lid (that I found in a shelter), and like having a handle.
As a matter of fact, here's a couple of pictures of my setup:
http://traildesigns.com/gallery03.html
I would say, though, that the type of pot you get depends heavily on what sort of stove you're going to use. Unless you're going to use something that concentrates the heat, a flatter, wider pot will catch the flame better than a taller, narrower pot.
I may have missed it, but what sort of stove are you using?
NICKTHEGREEK
11-28-2007, 08:18
I've only used one brand, Snow peak, and have the 3 piece ti cookset. Just right for 1 person IMO. This rig is good for stuff that needs water heated pasta, soup, coffee. Sucks for delicate cooking, any frying, pancakes, eggs, etc.
When I cook for real I use GSI hard anodized Aluminum. Simply the best with a wide flame stove, but not lightweight, and not for narrow flame stoves.
gearfreak
11-28-2007, 10:10
Anyone ever used this one?
http://www.rei.com/product/665381
I use the non-stick version of the Evernew 0.9L and love it. Just the right size for me. It fits perfectly in the 3 cup neoprene cozy cover (http://www.antigravitygear.com/proddetail.php?prod=AGNEOC3C) made by Antigravity Gear. This will let you cook food much like freezer bag cooking and makes a great storage unit. Based on the cooking habits you've laid out, I think this would work nicely. :cool:
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-28-2007, 10:21
I've been looking at this set (http://www.camping-gear-outlet.com/camping-gear-63950.html). I would leave the 1 quart pan and stove at home - use only the frypan and 2 quart. I use a Vargo Triad TI as a stove so the stove that comes with this would likely be used only for car camping.
Try the Evernew .9L coated pot. It is big enough for two people but not much more. The coating aids in an even dispersal of the heat. It isn't perfect but it will help you fix soup, fry eggs or bacon, and it still boils water great! It also weighs less than 5 oz!
My $0.02
I love my "new" Evernew .9L. It has worked well for anything from boiling water to smashed potatoes & cheese. (yummo)
I have the snowpeak 700 cookpot and find it to be the (near)perfect solo pot for boiling water, freezer bag cooking etc. Like many have said before if you are going to really cook (which is the only reason I can think of why one person would need a 1400ml pot) then you should probably look at aluminum, as I have tried and titanium does NOT cook well.
As for the non stick, be sure you do not use metal utensals with it. Once it is cracked or scratched I think if falls apart pretty quickly and that stuff cant be good to eat.
I think both the Snowpeak and MSR stuff is high quality. I just went with the Snowpeak over the MSR Titan becouse it was cheaper. One other diffrence is the lid. The snowpeak has a loose lid with hooks on one side to hold it too the pot and a thumb hold on the other for pouring water out of the slit in the lid. The MSR has a tight fitting lid and pour spout in the mug itself.
sweetpeastu
11-28-2007, 12:18
Mocs what sorta spoon/spork do you use if/when you actually eat out of your kettle?
The snowpeak 700 is bare ti so it is safe to use metal utensals with it. I use a Sea to Summit polycarbonate spork that I bought for 70 cents two years ago. It is cheap and lighter than most ti sporks.
hmmm, the cone looks neat. I'll have to make one and see how it turns out.
I think what I'm going to do guys, is get some buddies and prepare the supplies for a couple heineken pots, make one or two, and test cook some stuff with that for a while. I'll kick it around a bit and see what I think of resilliency and if it's good I'll use that. If I get a Ti pot for Christmas all the better.
P.S.
I'm using home-made alcohol stove. I've got a few different designs that I can adapt to differnt pot size.
troglobil
11-28-2007, 17:30
Anyone ever used this one?
http://www.rei.com/product/665381
No, but I just ordered the 1.3 liter pot rather than the .9 liter. It is made specifically for REI by evernew. I wanted something just a littel bigger than .9. I have been using a 1.5 liter blacklite, but this one seems to be a lot less bulky. It is nearly an inch narrower. The lid fits it better, since it wasn't made to also fit a 2 liter pot. Time will tell if I like the titanium.
Sarbar, do the hard anodized thin aluminum pots spread heat well?
I feel it does an ok job. Not as good as say the heavier GSI hard anodized sets do, but still worth it.
what sorta spoon/spork do you use if/when you actually eat out of your kettle?
I'd recomend either the Light My Fire XM spork (it is new, and is a bit bigger than the original one) or a GSI Foon :) Both are well designed!
I have an Evernew 1.3 liter Ti pot that I bought at an REI sale for $16.93. One handle was broken..........so I broke the other one off!:D
Most folks say the handles get hot and the plastic melts off of them anyhow.
I have used mine to make Lipton dishes for my family on several trips. If you have a cannister or white gas stove that will simmer, you can cook in them. If you are using alcohol, Esbit tabs, or wood, you will probably have problems with food sticking.
I wouldn't buy Teflon coated cookware. That stuff eventually starts to scratch or flake off and you will eat it. I don't know if it's really bad for you, but I bet it can't be all that good. :-?
Well, maybe I do things a little different.
I pack my stove with all my cook gear and clean up gear. So, when I reach into my pack, I only need to pullout one item (plus fuel) and get ready to cook.
When going solo, it fits in a 1.4 liter ti pot: pepsi can stove, spoon, pot stand, camp suds, lighter, etc.
When going with the wife, it fits in a 2 liter ti pot: whisperlite, bowls, spoons, camp suds, lighter, etc.
Both pots are unlined. I doubt any liner would stand up to the beating.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-29-2007, 11:40
Well, maybe I do things a little different.
I pack my stove with all my cook gear and clean up gear. So, when I reach into my pack, I only need to pullout one item (plus fuel) and get ready to cook.
When going solo, it fits in a 1.4 liter ti pot: pepsi can stove, spoon, pot stand, camp suds, lighter, etc.
When going with the wife, it fits in a 2 liter ti pot: whisperlite, bowls, spoons, camp suds, lighter, etc.
Both pots are unlined. I doubt any liner would stand up to the beating.You do what we do.
I used a coated VARGO Ti pot on my 07 thru hikes and had not problems. Still looks almosts like new. It even comes with holes in the lid to drain warter from pasta. I mainly cooked Liptons and mashed potatos. You will need a plastic spoon for use with the coated pot.
vaporjourney
11-29-2007, 12:03
www.antigravitygear.com is the ticket. Only $13.00 for the 3 cup pot, and perfect. This pot is just as lightweight as a Ti pot (3 oz), and a third of the price. No need for pricey Ti with pots like these. Plus a great smaller company, with lightnening quick service. I used my pot on my AT thru hike, and plan to use it next year on the PCT. Good stuff.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-29-2007, 12:08
www.antigravitygear.com (http://www.antigravitygear.com) is the ticket. Only $13.00 for the 3 cup pot, and perfect. This pot is just as lightweight as a Ti pot (3 oz), and a third of the price. No need for pricey Ti with pots like these. Plus a great smaller company, with lightnening quick service. I so wish they had their 2 qt pot in an uncoated version.
Two Speed
11-29-2007, 13:35
Hey FD, I've got a 2 qt anti-gravity pot w/cozy I'm not using. Interested?
Hi Bredler if you a pot that light and heat up fast get the Kmart grees Pot 1.5 liters really lite weight yet will cook your food even not like Ti. I got one send back not worth the money. likt Dino said will not cook your food right i like to have good meal when i am out hiking. I cook any thing from noodles to eggs and hot dogs or the new hamburg helper with meat in it. just my two cent.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-29-2007, 15:32
Hey FD, I've got a 2 qt anti-gravity pot w/cozy I'm not using. Interested?Uncoated?
Two Speed
11-29-2007, 15:49
I dunno; lemme check.
Two Speed
11-29-2007, 19:44
Looks like it's got the non-stick coating. Brand spankin' new, though.
Pots Pots what is wrong with the boy scout set it's got a pot with lid fry pan bowl and some cups to me thats the best set up has been for years and they are cheap on e bay.:D
Hi Bredler if you a pot that light and heat up fast get the Kmart grees Pot 1.5 liters really lite weight yet will cook your food even not like Ti. I got one send back not worth the money. likt Dino said will not cook your food right i like to have good meal when i am out hiking. I cook any thing from noodles to eggs and hot dogs or the new hamburg helper with meat in it. just my two cent.
Thanks. I'll probably pick one up to try because they're so cheap. I was also looking at the antigravity gear 3 cup pot. Looks like great quality and exactly what I was looking for (plus for $13, you can't beat it). I'm still gonna prep;) and make up a couple heineken pots to try as well.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-30-2007, 08:34
brendler, are you going to the ruck in Jan? If so, I have a new K-mart pot you can have. It was too small for two dinos.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-30-2007, 08:35
Looks like it's got the non-stick coating. Brand spankin' new, though.PM's sent and dino will be trying out coated cookwear :D
brendler, (CORRECTION: bredler...first initial, last name) are you going to the ruck in Jan? If so, I have a new K-mart pot you can have. It was too small for two dinos.
not sure. I had never heard of it until you mentioned it and I just checked out the website. I might be there actually. I might see if my buddy wants to come as well but it might not work out with school scheduling (I go to school in SoVa and my buddy is in Indiana).
P.S.
I assume you are talking about the 2007 PA Ruck, I couldn't find another one.
I just looked up the academic calendar and it looks like I'm going to be stuck here that weekend. My last class ends too late on Friday and my earliest class is too early on Monday, but I might just skip.
...we'll see I guess.
Thoughtful Owl
11-30-2007, 16:08
not sure. I had never heard of it until you mentioned it and I just checked out the website. I might be there actually. I might see if my buddy wants to come as well but it might not work out with school scheduling (I go to school in SoVa and my buddy is in Indiana).
P.S.
I assume you are talking about the 2007 PA Ruck, I couldn't find another one.
I think FD was talking about the Southern Ruck www.whiteblaze.net/soruck (http://www.whiteblaze.net/soruck)
It is January, check it out.
ah, thanks. Not sure if I can make that one, it's an eight hour drive from school and I can't double the trip with a stop by home.
I'll see what's going on.
JUST KIDDING!!!!
actually I just looked at my schedule and that's just before 2nd semester starts so count me in.