View Full Version : Cheap Lightweight Brew Kit (Trangia)
MagiKelly
30-05-2005, 22:17
I have been looking for a lightweight brew kit for just making a cup of coffee when out and about. Not something for cooking etc. Up till now I was using a military mug and a small gas stove or a fire. I had decided to replace my gas stove with a trangia and clickstand for my main cooking kit but was still not sure about my brew kit. But a trip to the shops changed this.
I ordered my clickstand, from Gary, and went to Tiso to get a civilian Trangia. When there I also got a steel mug for all of £3.00. My Sigg bottle fits inside it with room to spare but even better the Trangia fits inside it as if it were made to.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew2.jpg
I got my new buys home and set about making a small stand from an old coathanger. This was pretty simple to do and takes up no space at all.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew3.jpg
The one pictured below is the mark 1 version. It worked well in the house but lifts the cup a little to far above the burner for outdoor use. It still brings it to a boil but it takes quite a while and needs to be well sheltered. You only want the cup about 1 cm above the burner (thats half an inch for our older viewers ;) )
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew4.jpg
So there you go a little while later a boiling cup of water to prepare your favourate beverage. This kit is ideal for me. Takes up little space, reliable and robust. As it is only for making a brew or two I do not need to take spare fuel with me. As long as the trangia is full when I set out that is plenty. With the gas stove I always had to bring a spare gas bottle just in case the one I was using was about to run out.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew5.jpg
In fact as well as being suitable for a brew this will also be fine for a quick batch of noodles. Even if you are not going to use it with a Trangia I would highly recommend these mugs. At £3.00 it is a great bit of kit. Next time I am in I will get another couple as spares.
very nice , maybe an addition of a windsheild ?
MagiKelly
31-05-2005, 09:17
A windshield would definately help but it is coming up with one that does not increase the size or weight too much. I will have the clickstand and windshield when I am doing any real cooking (for cooking read heating up food ;) ) but I may have a play with some tinfoil wrapped round the cup in transit and used as a windshield during heating.
John once you get your clik stand you'll be amazed how well it all works mate.
Be interesting to hear what you think of it!
I love my clik-stand very fast :D
MagiKelly
31-05-2005, 15:27
I have no doubt that the clickstand will be first class but it is for when I am cooking a meal not for when it is just a brew up for one. And of course I am going to let you know how the clickstand does. Of course I need to wait for it to arrive from where I ordered it ;)
I have made a small windshield from the side of a coke can and will give that a try to see how much it helps. In transit is can wrap round the cup or even sit inside it above the burner. Should make a fair difference.
I have made a small windshield from the side of a coke can and will give that a try to see how much it helps. In transit is can wrap round the cup or even sit inside it above the burner. Should make a fair difference.
Sure I'm doing the grandma/eggs[1] thing here, but a lid on t'pot will help a lot...
Jim.
[1] You could, in fact, boil eggs in it. Don't teach gran to suck 'em till they cool down :D
MagiKelly
31-05-2005, 20:37
Tried the windshield out tonight and it makes a big difference. The thing I did not realise at first was to point the opening in the windshield so that the wind went in to the opening. When you do this it heats up the cup in jig time. The windshield sits in the cup on top of the burner when not in use and only projects slightly above the brim. It can wrap round the cup for easier storage but inside is fine.
A couple of pictures.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew6.jpg
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/brew7.jpg
A lid would help as well but that may be gilding the lilly. Still won't stop me making one ;)
MagiKelly
04-06-2005, 20:48
As an update. I have now made a lid for the cup. Turns out that a Tuna can lid fits perfectly. Just added a small loop of wire as a handle. Water boils much quicker.
I have also recieved my Clickstand. I have added a couple of bits of coathanger so that I can put the steel cup on it. Works great and they must be made for each other as the windshield coils up and fits inside the cup, above the burner and lines up perfectly with the top edge of the cup. So my kit is now the steel cup with the burner inside and the windshield above it, with the lid on. The rest on the clickstand is in either my bag or pocket. All works a treat.
raskusdrotti
04-06-2005, 22:06
Oh my God!!!! :D
I've just sat and made one of these MagiKellyKettles in my living room while the better half (who thinks...no....is increasingly sure that i am bonkers) is watching casualty.
A couple of differences though... I used the twisty bit from the top of the coathanger to make the back leg, and i've got spikes on the end of the legs so i can dig it into the ground for stability.
Once i can work out how to put photos on i'll post pics!
I haven't got any meths at the mo so i will be up B&Q first thing in the morning.
Bring on the brew.
raskusdrotti
04-06-2005, 22:08
:eek:
I didn't read your last post.....
Off to the kitchen to get a can of tuna........ :o
John the foil from BBQ trays makes a good windshield, if you punch holes in it all the way around about an inch up from the ground you will ensure air flow to the stove. :)
MagiKelly
05-06-2005, 21:20
:eek:
I didn't read your last post.....
Off to the kitchen to get a can of tuna........ :o
Here is what you are trying to make, the lid not the clickstand.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/click1.jpg
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/click2.jpg
In the picture above you can see the knot in the wire that stops the handle coming through. Also you can see the windshield part of the clickstand coiled inside the cup above the burner.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/click3.jpg
Here you can see the bits of coathanger I used so that the cup can sit on the clickstand.
http://www.magikelly.co.uk/click4.jpg
And here is the cup, with lid, sitting on the clickstand. The clickstand is a great bit of kit and not very heavy at all. I imagine I will probably use it most of the time, even when only taking the cup but for a really cheap and lightweight option, using my original stand, putting a lid on the cup and following Leon's suggestion of the B & Q tray with holes punched in it would most likely be just as efficient.
One thing to remember is to make sure there is sufficient space between the windshield and the cup to let the burner breathe.
It’s me banging on about these again, http://www.minibulldesign.com/vidminiin3.htm,
Make your own for the price of an empty coke can. Mine work as well as my trangia, you don’t need a pot stand as it sits directly on the burner, they weigh nothing and you can make your own in three minutes. Even if you don’t want a recycled stove, knowing how to make one just might get you out of a mess one day or at least amaze your mates!
MagiKelly
06-06-2005, 15:51
It’s me banging on about these again, http://www.minibulldesign.com/vidminiin3.htm,
Make your own for the price of an empty coke can. Mine work as well as my trangia, you don’t need a pot stand as it sits directly on the burner, they weigh nothing and you can make your own in three minutes. Even if you don’t want a recycled stove, knowing how to make one just might get you out of a mess one day or at least amaze your mates!
It is a great site and the stoves look great but for me the Trangia has the advantage that I do not have to carry a separate fuel bottle. The stove itself holds enough for at least 3 brew ups. Still a great resource though.
beachlover
06-06-2005, 16:25
In fact as well as being suitable for a brew this will also be fine for a quick batch of noodles. Even if you are not going to use it with a Trangia I would highly recommend these mugs. At £3.00 it is a great bit of kit. Next time I am in I will get another couple as spares.
I have just Checked the tiso site and cant find these stainless mugs. Can anyone suggest a source, as all the ones I have looked at are either titanium or have handles that are fixed? Perhaps they are just a local offer.
MagiKelly
06-06-2005, 21:04
I have just Checked the tiso site and cant find these stainless mugs. Can anyone suggest a source, as all the ones I have looked at are either titanium or have handles that are fixed? Perhaps they are just a local offer.
Tiso's web site is not very good for finding anything so I would be surprised if these were on it..
If anone wants a mug or two PM me and I will try to pick some up next time I am in. I am going to be going in shortly to get a spare one for myself anyway. Not trying to make a profit just charge enough to cover postage etc. Probably about £4 for one cup to cover postage, an envelope and PayPal costs. Anyway, anyone wanting one just let me know.
raskusdrotti
06-06-2005, 22:05
Hi All,
I found these mugs in Blacks this weekend at £3.99 - don't think they have a website though. They are stamped "18-8 Stainless steel"
MagiKelly
06-06-2005, 22:20
Hi All,
I found these mugs in Blacks this weekend at £3.99 - don't think they have a website though. They are stamped "18-8 Stainless steel"
Same mug then, mine has the same thing stanped on the bottom. Does the Trangia fir in yours as well? and how did you get on with your stand, lid and windshield?
raskusdrotti
06-06-2005, 22:48
It works a treat!
All the kit fits in perfectly - it boils in about 8 minutes with the lid, and with the spikes and three legged trivet set-up it's really stable (on softish ground anyway!)
I reckon there's enough meths in one burner full to do about six brews.
I'm working on a strap for the kit now, and i reckon there's enough space in the top of the cup to put the coffee / teabags and milk powder etc inside the kit too!!
I' gonna test this theory out next week as i'm off to the lake district for a week's walking and general outdoorsy stuff (although the wife thinks we'll be shopping :D )
I'll post photos of the finished article, when i've finished and worked out how to do the pics!!
:eek: :confused:
MagiKelly
07-06-2005, 07:30
I managed to get a small net bag, with a drawstring, to keep mine all in.
I expect you will get some funny looks in the shopping centre when you are brewing up :D
Blankfisherman
07-06-2005, 08:20
PM sent regarding mug
hey, i use a coleman F1 light weight and a 100 gas bottle.
its very light, packs into a small pouch and the water bottle pocket of my northface bum-bag. it lasts for ages, is controlable and brews quickly. it can also be used to brew up your main scoff, if you need it.
well, thats my penny's worth, hope it helps.
rob
MagiKelly
07-06-2005, 20:02
hey, i use a coleman F1 light weight and a 100 gas bottle.
its very light, packs into a small pouch and the water bottle pocket of my northface bum-bag. it lasts for ages, is controlable and brews quickly. it can also be used to brew up your main scoff, if you need it.
well, thats my penny's worth, hope it helps.
rob
I used a very similar set up. My 100 gas bottle and stove both fitted inside a titanium mug and lid. Very quick and simple to cook on but this set up takes up less room than the 100 gas canister on its own. Also I always had two gas bottles with me in case the other was about to run out. With this set up I can top up the burner with meths before I go. I liked the gas set up I just wanted something smaller for when I was only taking brew kit. For cooking of any sort I would either take the gas stove or the Clickstand and billy can. Gas is definately quicker but somehow the meths burner feels more bushcraft.
Also I npicked up some mugs today so will PM those who asked.
yeh, the gaz had an odd feel. its quick, easy and very controlable so it always get a space in my pack, but i prefer having an open fire when ever possible. not that its that often, alas.
i know what you mean, if you could get a home refill thing it would be superb - if a little dangerous... i can judge quite well how much gas is left and if in doubt i take a spare, it does last well though.
FeralSheryl
17-06-2005, 16:30
Ooh, I do so love a bit of innovation. Only spotted the thread last night, but I went out and got my mug (from Blacks) this morning too. A little disappointed when I got it home, to find that my 12cm Billy can wouldn't close with it inside. It was little dish type thing or mug but not both.:( Little dish type thing belongs with it so it won.
I did find a Trangia burner unit too but there was something wrong with it and they had no more in stock. Curses, I'll have to order one off the Interweb.
Tuna can lid... No problem the Cats are having their Friday Tuna treat tonight. At least I'll get something out of it myself this time :D
Can't believe we have no wire Coat Hangers in the house. Someone I know must be able to part with one.
Well impressed with the idea, mate. Thanks for sharing :)
MagiKelly
17-06-2005, 16:41
Can't believe we have no wire Coat Hangers in the house. Someone I know must be able to part with one.
No wire coathangers! You freak :eek:
MagiKelly
17-06-2005, 16:43
I did find a Trangia burner unit too but there was something wrong with it and they had no more in stock. Curses, I'll have to order one off the Interweb.
Oh and make sure it is the civvy one as the military spec one is way too big.
FeralSheryl
17-06-2005, 17:07
No wire coathangers! You freak :eek:Ahem! Only the best here darling :p
Beautifully crafted wood (well hanger shaped) or contoured plastic in natural tones gifted by the various ladies clothes stores :D
I ordered the Standard Burner Unit (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/product.asp?pf_id=18111&sfile=1&user_search=1&name=burner&filter_cat=EQUICAMPCAMPSTOV&cid=ITU87VWEHFUH5H7JE7H44IT311 8JDQWI) from Field & Trek. That's the right one I hope?
MagiKelly
18-06-2005, 08:52
I ordered the Standard Burner Unit (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/product.asp?pf_id=18111&sfile=1&user_search=1&name=burner&filter_cat=EQUICAMPCAMPSTOV&cid=ITU87VWEHFUH5H7JE7H44IT311 8JDQWI) from Field & Trek. That's the right one I hope?
Yep, that's the one.
FeralSheryl
18-06-2005, 09:18
Yep, that's the one.Excellent.
Brangdon
25-06-2005, 20:57
Great article, thanks.
Had you considered the "Nesbit" style rectangular army stoves, eg here (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=2002)? They are what I currently use. Their main advantage is that they burn solid fuel, which I find easier to carry. You don't need a water-tight and air-tight container, or have to worry about meths leaking. Although they don't fit neatly inside a mug, nowadays I usually carry store-bought bottled water and the bottles fit into my mug so the mug-space isn't wasted. Also when the stove is folded the space inside can be used for fuel (and I store a lighter and spoon inside too). They actually come in two sizes but I've only found links to the larger size today.
While looking for a link, I came across this (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20008) which looks interesting - another attempt to solve the same problem.
MagiKelly
25-06-2005, 21:09
I know a lot of the guys ( and gals) use the solid fuel but for me it has the same problems as the "coke can" stoves in that you have to make sure you light enough fuel at the start and if you have too much you have to let it all burn off. I was origianlly not keen on trangia stoves and went for the gas solution. But I have mellowed and now the trangia feals more Bushcrafty.
Anyway, welcome to BCUK. I am sure you will find lots for you here.
Brangdon
25-06-2005, 21:45
Thanks for the welcome. I've been reading US forums for a while, and am glad to have found somewhere with a UK bias.
I don't let the solid fuel all burn off. I blow it out, let it cool and then reuse it next time. If it doesn't look like being enough, I add another (half) tablet while the first one burns. It didn't occur to me not to do this - another advantage of solid fuel over meths. I use a small pliers-based multitool as tongs to avoid burning my fingers.
As it happens, I just make coffee in the morning and evening, when there never seems to be any wind. I use the largish rectangular army hex tablets rather than the round ones you get at Millets etc - they pack better and leave less residue. As they are so big I cut them in half before I leave home, and that usually gives about the right amount for a mug of coffee. You can't really simmer with them, but I've found them OK for doing 4-minute noodles.
Had you considered the "Nesbit" style rectangular army stoves,
Are they the ones that use Tennents Super for fuel?
Or do you mean "Esbit"?
Sorry, couldn't resist. Welcome on board.
Jim.