View Full Version : Cookpot and windscreen suggestion?
akamai42
07-01-2016, 12:03
I'll be using a SnowPeak gigapower stove and need something to cook/eat in. This is something I could upgrade later, so I don't want to spend a fortune, but I also don't want something super heavy, so I'm looking for a balance. Any suggestions?
Do I need a windscreen if I'll be doing most of my cooking at shelters? What do you recommend?
Thanks in advance and happy trails!
MuddyWaters
07-01-2016, 12:14
You can get a small stainless cup at fleamarkets from china for $1, and use watter bottles and gear as windscreen. Without windscreen, fuel use goes thru roof in a breeze
cmoulder
07-01-2016, 12:45
With a topper type canister stove such as the Giga you've got to be careful not to use a windscreen that encloses both the stove and the canister, because the canister might overheat and explode at temps above approx 125°F (overall canister temperature!)
Best to use, as MW suggests, large items of gear or also natural items such as rocks, rock ledges, tree trunks etc.
August W.
07-01-2016, 13:00
GSI Soloist.
cmoulder
07-01-2016, 13:06
As for a pot, hard to know personal preferences but something like THIS (http://www.campsaver.com/lt-lightweight-pot?gclid=CjwKEAjwqdi7BRCL6Zmjk5-rsTwSJABmrVabmi8OlbFgLaFML4jepUURBZxqsLV84FCqMOJBK SzFHRoC0q3w_wcB) is pretty reasonable. Hard-anodized Aluminum is a good option and generally 1/3 the cost of titanium.
CarlZ993
07-01-2016, 13:38
Be very careful about using windscreens w/ canister stoves.
As for pots, GSI makes the aforementioned Soloist (1.1L) pot w/ bowl, spork, waterproof stuff sack, & stove protector (~ $45). For $15 less, they also make essentially the same pot but w/o all the fancy fixings. Both are good pots.
For the true budget hiker, Walmart sells the Umusa 12 cm mug/pot that is about 1L in size. I bought mine a couple years ago for $2.97. You'll need to make a pie-tin lid & use your bandana to insulate your hands when you take it off the stove.
Odd Man Out
07-01-2016, 13:52
As for a pot, hard to know personal preferences but something like THIS (http://www.campsaver.com/lt-lightweight-pot?gclid=CjwKEAjwqdi7BRCL6Zmjk5-rsTwSJABmrVabmi8OlbFgLaFML4jepUURBZxqsLV84FCqMOJBK SzFHRoC0q3w_wcB) is pretty reasonable. Hard-anodized Aluminum is a good option and generally 1/3 the cost of titanium.
I have the XLS version of this pot and it is awesome. Not UL, but bombroof. I like the anodized coating and the proprtions which are a 1 to 1 height to diameter ratio (approx). I don't like pots that are tall and skinny or short and wide. Mine has the heat exchanger which increases efficiency. I use it with an alcohol stove but have always thought it might work well with a canister stove. I thought the heat exchanger which extends about an inch below the perimeter might act as a bit of a windscreen in addition to capturing more heat. Would be curious if anyone had experience with this combo.
If cooking for two, I really like 1.5 liter cookware.
I suggest, make your selection based on heating two cups hot water, if cooking for one.
I have a 750 ml Vargo Titanium Sierra I like because I can heat 2-cups water with no boil-over, plus I can saute and use a spatula. If you like straight sides, Toaks has a titanium 600 ml with or without handles.
I have a titanium windscreen, because it "springs back".
I haven't purchased this, but the price is favorable. I paid more.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017IE4B7S/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_13?colid=1UJ8M0DU8TC9U&coliid=I35X0Q8HDHFEC5
I do not use aluminum foil because it deteriorates too rapidly to use more than a 2-3X, if that: heat makes it brittle.
I do not use aluminum foil because it deteriorates too rapidly to use more than a 2-3X, if that: heat makes it brittle.
Aluminum roof flashing (like this (https://www.amazon.com/AMERIMAX-PRODUCTS-68306-Aluminum-Flashing/dp/B000BQUIIM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467410569&sr=8-4&keywords=aluminum+roof+flashing)) also works well and lasts infinitely longer than foil. It's also much, much, much cheaper than the titanium stuff.
MtDoraDave
07-01-2016, 18:19
The Gigapower has its own custom windscreen. They are $10. Get one! Some complain that they aren't Titaniun, but the stainless steel is only a couple ounces.
For cookware, I like something about 5" wide, as the flames sort of spread out from the stove rather than blasting straight up.
If you have a good outfitter near you, try out different sized pots to see how well you can nest the windscreen, fuel cans and possibly your stove.
MtDoraDave
07-01-2016, 18:22
https://www.backcountryedge.com/snow-peak-gigapower-windscreen.html?gclid=CPjtw8-m080CFZKGaQod-d4NjQ
saltysack
07-01-2016, 23:48
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/e7429169a6f1093f3af04e1ae5754e2b.jpg
This diy beer can windscreen works good.. Cheap greese pot or I like my SP600 but not cheap...
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cmoulder
07-02-2016, 07:17
Well I learned something new — I never realized Sierra Nevada Pale Ale came in a can. :)
With any of these close-fitting windscreens, quite often the turbulence behind them is still going to be pretty bad, enough to blow out the burner. What is needed is a wind-sheltered AREA of calm air, which is why stacking up a fairly large rock shield or pack items helps so much. If actual wind-worthiness were my top priority I'd definitely be looking at the MSR Windboiler, which operates extremely well in direct, gale-force winds.
saltysack
07-02-2016, 08:34
Well I learned something new — I never realized Sierra Nevada Pale Ale came in a can. :)
With any of these close-fitting windscreens, quite often the turbulence behind them is still going to be pretty bad, enough to blow out the burner. What is needed is a wind-sheltered AREA of calm air, which is why stacking up a fairly large rock shield or pack items helps so much. If actual wind-worthiness were my top priority I'd definitely be looking at the MSR Windboiler, which operates extremely well in direct, gale-force winds.
Yep sure do....best part of this diy was emptying the cans[emoji482]...I've had good luck with this windscreen as I used it on top of max patch in heavy unprotected wind with no issues.
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theoilman
07-02-2016, 10:31
I use a section of an Al disposable baking pan - heavier than foil, lighter than roof flashing. With care (not getting it too close which may cause the canister to overheat) and going about 3/4 the way around it will last for weeks. I carry it rolled inside my pot.
Be very careful about using windscreens w/ canister stoves.
As for pots, GSI makes the aforementioned Soloist (1.1L) pot w/ bowl, spork, waterproof stuff sack, & stove protector (~ $45). For $15 less, they also make essentially the same pot but w/o all the fancy fixings. Both are good pots.
For the true budget hiker, Walmart sells the Umusa 12 cm mug/pot that is about 1L in size. I bought mine a couple years ago for $2.97. You'll need to make a pie-tin lid & use your bandana to insulate your hands when you take it off the stove.
I just checked Walmart online. Unusable 12 cm mug is gone. Unavailable.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
Imusa mug. Autospell. Yuck
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
cmoulder
07-03-2016, 07:07
Yep sure do....best part of this diy was emptying the cans[emoji482]...
Gotta love any project that starts off "Step One: Drink 2 beers":sun
Many of my alcohol stove projects start off with "Feed the dog some cat food."
cmoulder
07-03-2016, 07:21
Imusa 12cm (http://www.amazon.com/Imusa-Aluminum-Mug-1-25-Quart-12/product-reviews/B004444XMY) still available thru Amazon, of course!
One-stop shopping for Imusa in general is Minibulldesign Cult. If the 10cm Imusa (https://www.minibulldesign.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=123) (which holds about 2.5 cups) is good enough, you can also get a lid for it (https://www.minibulldesign.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=10) from Minibulldesign. Getting a tad spendy for both at $17 +shipping, but light and durable enough.
saltysack
07-03-2016, 08:00
Gotta love any project that starts off "Step One: Drink 2 beers":sun
Many of my alcohol stove projects start off with "Feed the dog some cat food."
Haaaa that's exactly what I did several years ago when I made a super cat stove...only alchy stove I ever built....dogs love cat food and cat crap.....nasty animals....[emoji23]
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LIhikers
07-03-2016, 23:05
I've been using the Stanco grease pot for years.
Last time I looked it was still less than $10 at K-Mart.
It's cheap, light, and bigger enough for 2 people when you need it.
You can see it HERE (https://www.amazon.com/Stanco-Non-Stick-Grease-Strainer-Black/dp/B000MVTIOQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467600983&sr=8-1&keywords=stanco+grease+pot)