MCBushbaby
03-17-2008, 12:43 PM
I bought a Snowpeak Trek900 last year for it's light weight (titanium, 150g) and its size (.9L is perfect for solo/duo trips). Unfortunately I never really used the skillet lid (which accounts for 1/3 of the total weight) so last night I decided to modify this $43 package into the perfect backcountry pot.
The Pot
The pot itself is great. At only 100g and 900ml volume, it's perfect for gram counters and solo/duo trips. It also has gone from alcohol stove to campfire on many occasions, so it's durable as well. It has fold-out handles but no true hanging handle. The brim, and this is important, is rounded over (for strength and for safety) but it also provides the foundation for my modification.
The Modification
Enter about a foot of copper wire, wrapped around the brim, just under the folded lip with two twists on opposing sides, creating eye holes, and securely fastened back on itself. Another 8 inches of wire was attached between the eyes. Since I don't have pictures yet, imagine a paint-can handle. I tossed the lid (well, stored it in my closet) and created a lightweight lid from a pie tin, cut to size and kinked along the perimeter for a secure fit.
The Result
I dropped 50g, added the ability to hang my pot over a campfire, and have a lit that still doubles as a dish. Before this, there needed to be a flat surface over the flames for the pot, or I had to clear an area to the coals. Now it's just as easy as leaning a stick and attaching some twine. :) And all this modification is reversible in case I ever sell it.
Alternatives
I was thinking of using wire clothes hangers but the gauge was so great that it prevented easy manipulation. It was also heavier than the copper wire, so that was out.
I wanted to get a separate pot holder (the kind that latch to the pot like a can opener) to prevent infrequent hand burns associated with connected handles, so I was also thinking of removing the fold-out handles. However they were spot-welded and it may ruin the pot, thus I decided against.
Hope this serves as an example that, while your equipment may be minimal and lightweight, there is always room for small improvements. :D
The Pot
The pot itself is great. At only 100g and 900ml volume, it's perfect for gram counters and solo/duo trips. It also has gone from alcohol stove to campfire on many occasions, so it's durable as well. It has fold-out handles but no true hanging handle. The brim, and this is important, is rounded over (for strength and for safety) but it also provides the foundation for my modification.
The Modification
Enter about a foot of copper wire, wrapped around the brim, just under the folded lip with two twists on opposing sides, creating eye holes, and securely fastened back on itself. Another 8 inches of wire was attached between the eyes. Since I don't have pictures yet, imagine a paint-can handle. I tossed the lid (well, stored it in my closet) and created a lightweight lid from a pie tin, cut to size and kinked along the perimeter for a secure fit.
The Result
I dropped 50g, added the ability to hang my pot over a campfire, and have a lit that still doubles as a dish. Before this, there needed to be a flat surface over the flames for the pot, or I had to clear an area to the coals. Now it's just as easy as leaning a stick and attaching some twine. :) And all this modification is reversible in case I ever sell it.
Alternatives
I was thinking of using wire clothes hangers but the gauge was so great that it prevented easy manipulation. It was also heavier than the copper wire, so that was out.
I wanted to get a separate pot holder (the kind that latch to the pot like a can opener) to prevent infrequent hand burns associated with connected handles, so I was also thinking of removing the fold-out handles. However they were spot-welded and it may ruin the pot, thus I decided against.
Hope this serves as an example that, while your equipment may be minimal and lightweight, there is always room for small improvements. :D