Just Up The Trail

The Kelly Kettle is a unique camping kettle that boils water using natural fuels, such as sticks, twigs, pine cones, and even dry animal dung. It is made of stainless steel or aluminium and has a chimney that helps to create a draft and draw flames up into the kettle, boiling water quickly and efficiently. The 1.6L Kelly Kettle is the smallest size available, and it is perfect for solo campers or backpackers. It can boil up to 1.6 litres of water in about 5-7 minutes, depending on the fuel you use.

Pros:

• Boils water quickly and efficiently using natural fuels
• No need to carry fuel canisters or camp stoves
• Durable and built to last
• Easy to use and clean
• Comes with a whistle that lets you know when the water is boiling
• Can also be used for cooking food

Cons:

• Can be bulky and heavy to carry
• Not as versatile as a camp stove
• Can be difficult to use in windy conditions
• Requires finding and collecting fuel

Overall, the Kelly Kettle is a great option for bushcrafters and campers who are looking for a durable and efficient way to boil water using natural fuels. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before you buy one, as it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Here are some additional things to consider before buying a Kelly Kettle:

• The size: The 1.6L Kelly Kettle is the smallest size available, but it may not be big enough for groups of more than two people. If you are camping with a group, you may want to consider getting a larger size.
• The material: Kelly Kettles are made of either stainless steel or aluminium. Stainless steel is more durable, but it is also heavier. Aluminium is lighter, but it is not as durable.
• The accessories: Kelly Kettles come with a variety of accessories, such as a whistle, a pan stand, and a fire base. These accessories can be useful, but they will add to the cost of the kettle.

There’s nothing better than a campfire but our Kelly Kettle offers the next best thing. We use it to boil water for a cuppa or to rehydrate food, usually noodles, and with a couple of handy attachments can, from time to time make the greatest camp supper ever. Instant Mash Potatoes (Smash), Hot dog sausages and baked beans.
There’s a pot stand which sits in the chimney of the kettle which takes a little pot, and if you’re not using the kettle there’s a bit they call a hobo stove which can take the pot directly or pop a little grill on if you’re desperate for some real sausages.

It burns just about anything so you can gather fuel from aroundabouts and soon get a nice fire going to cook on. Once we’ve finished cooking we keep it going for toasting marshmallows, it becomes a mini fire bucket really.

We always take it when we’re out for a day hike in the winter and make up some soup and it’s our primary stove when car camping. Unfortunately some campsites don’t like it but I usually find a few bricks to protect damaging the turf. If they still don’t like it, we do have a little hiking gas stove as back up. It is, however, far too cumbersome for longer trips without the car, and the need for dry twigs etc can be a bother in a typical British summer, but we usually keep a bag of fuel with us for day hikes or a bigger bag of twigs in the car when we have it. I have, on occasion, boiled enough water for 2 coffee’s and 3 Hot Choc’s using just 2 firelighters, although this does create more soot inside the kettle.

Overall, it’s our favourite stove, it’s versatility (with the accessories) overcomes the size and occasional issues and in the end it’s just so much fun.