http://www.theboilerwerks.com/pre-order/



For 3-season use you can't get much lighter than this.

Thanks Steve!

I hope everyone on here who made a reservation or signed up for the mailing list has gotten a note about ordering there bad boys - I've been having some email problems.

And I have even made use out of it in the 4th season: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41308912@N04/4409707954/. :)

Nice pages and all the best with the project, this really deserves to succeed. And that's an awesomely good intro price too, when you compare to a bushbuddy which weighs only a few oz less, and doesn't come with integral boiling pot, windsheild, insulator, etc etc.

I'm pretty hyped about this little kettle. Placed my order on friday night. Can't wait to get it.

I'll order one eventually. I got real excited at first because I was thinking this would be perfect for making my 2 week trip next month a little more pleasurable.

Good Job Devin!
I look forward to trying mine.
Funds sent.

Looks fantastic; funds sent, and I'm really looking forward to using the thing.

Cheers

Hey, thanks guys! It's so exciting to finally be to this point, and I can't wait to hear what you all think about it once it's in your hands.

Definitely gonna have to order one of these puppies. Great work Devin, now if they just don't preorder out before my next paycheck comes in.

See, this is why I stayed away from your thread. I just knew it would be trouble. Bought and paid last night. Too cool to pass up.....

All right, so I'm a bit "late to the party here" in that I haven't read all the posts that lead up to the Backcountry Boiler's being finally available, but: Is there a reason that the base is so small? It seems like the boiler would tip over very easily.

HJ

I hope everyone on here who made a reservation or signed up for the mailing list has gotten a note about ordering there bad boys - I've been having some email problems.

I was wondering what happened to the kettle, since I never heard anything since the summer. This is the first I've become aware of there being any progress with the designs. I hope I don't lose my place in line and my chance to order!

Hi Miguel,

Gosh, I'm sorry! I have you on the list (#18), but it looks like your address didn't survive the trip from excel to gmail. Your boiler is waiting for you if you'll have us back. :) I'll email you what you've missed, and make sure you get all future messages.

Hi Jim - The bottom of the base is relatively small because it flips and nests inside the conical chimney for transport. I've used my prototype everywhere from talus fields to a stick platform on snow and not really had any problems - I think it looks more unstable than it really is. If one wanted to be extra sure, stakes or some rocks could be used to really keep it in place.

Apologies if this has been covered previously, but why a relatively heavy neoprene sleeve rather than Reflectix? or fiberglass? (Or silicone if that's by chance lighter.)

Awesome project with a great result.

This is so simple, it's a genius design. As an only cooker, would this be as efficient as one of the caldera systems if only boiling water? Weight ratio vs. Size?

Really cool design, but I can't see how this would be lighter than a pot / stove combo. You can't cook in the kettle, so you'd have to carry an extra pot / mug anyway.

Andrei, you're right, but for people who are only doing boil in bag meals/FBC (like myself), this is awesome.

Edited by Konrad1013 on 11/16/2010 12:52:38 MST.

Well, I have two Caldera Cone systems, and enjoy using them very much. I've also had fun with a 19 ounce Kelly Kettle. That said, I look forward to using my 6.5 to 8 ounce Boilerwerks wood burner. You speak of weight ration vs. size, but don't forget, with the wood burner you are not lugging fuel. I love all of these pieces of kit, and I expect to love the new lighter kettle too.

I agree with these 2 comments (yours and Konrad's), I just thought I was missing something here.

Thanks all! Those explanations are at least as good as those I could give. :)

On the neoprene, Eric - I'm kind of a material snob and Neoprene has a lot going for it. I couldn't find anything that could do all of what I wanted the sleeve to do as well as neoprene - insulate for lifting, protect the kettle, not slide off. Even though it's a bit heavy, the material has a lot of integral characteristics that make it an elegant solution.

I find both reflectix and fiberglass rather ugly. Both would also require some kind of adhesive to fix them to the kettle wall and I didn't want to do that. And fiberglass can splinter.

Since silicone is, loosely, a rubber rather than a foam, it's actually heavier per volume than neoprene.

Having said that, I do offer the bare kettle for those who want to experiment. The lightest and most multi-function option I've come up with is folding it up in a handkerchief in transport and then rolling the handkerchief up and looping it around the boiler to lift it. It takes some practice, but can be done. I'll probably need to provide an illustration of that technique at some point.

Edit: Sorry for misspelling your name Eric!

Edited by dsmontgomery on 11/16/2010 14:35:48 MST.

Do you have any videos of this beast in action? To suck up my pride, I really don't understand how it works.

Hi David:

Sure! I really need to make my own diagram of the anatomy of a chimney kettle.

Here's a video of my prototype in use: http://www.theboilerwerks.com/2010/05/rainy-day-hot-tea/

Here's a page with Thermette's diagram: http://www.thermette.com/thermette_history.htm

Edit: didn't regular old html links used to work on here?

Edit Edit Hmm: link. I swear that didn't work the first time. :)

Edited by dsmontgomery on 11/16/2010 14:54:16 MST.

"Edit: didn't regular old html links used to work on here?"

Yup

Hi Devin
Great video. Yes you are correct you did not need to blow on it 'cause you had no marshmallows to toast...
I used the Thermette (2 L) about 30 years ago and yours pretty much works like that one.
Probably the easiest wood operated burner as there is no skill at all involved in lighting that up and keeping it going.
Well , very little anyway.
Very much looking forward getting mine.
Job well done !
Franco

Thanks for the links. That makes things quite clear. What a cool device. I love how light and compact it is.

Now, if I can just convince myself that it's worth violating the law to use (wood fires are generally illegal in Southern California except in developed campgrounds).

HJ

Thanks for the explanation about the neoprene. I'm won over enough that I ordered the deluxe version but I'll probably mostly eschew it. (But maybe a little Thinlight CCF?) Looking forward to trying it out.

BTW my own can-ufactured alcohol-burning kettle is described here. I'd like to bring that project home to field-usable completion one day if my fabrication methods can be improved, and the burner design optimized, so that it could survive packing. Just about 2.3oz heavy.

(Don't sweat the misspelling. My name gets misspelled all the time, but usually it's my last name.:)

Edited by efredricksen on 11/16/2010 17:04:46 MST.

BTW when you ship them abroad please dont include the tip in the item value :p.

Tim & Eric: I feel like you two should talk. You know what would make the boiler "no fires" compliant? An optimized alcohol burner that could achieve better than 50% efficiency. :)

Fred- Absolutely, I had actually been thinking about this. I don't think the good vibes, heartfelt thanks, and any other intangibles you all receive from giving me a gratuity are subject to import taxes. So I'll just list the amount you were required to pay.

Kind of fun to have an Fred Eric and an Eric Fred(ricksen) on the same thread. :)

My kettle was 41% efficient in my kitchen. It's possible that enough tweaking could get it to 50%. Who knows? Iterating is difficult, and I don't have your attention span, it seems. :)

What's the thickness of your aluminum, Devin? I'll guess 2 or 3 times that of AL cans?

Also, is the fire bowl AL too? Doesn't it burn up?

Could not resist! Just ordered one up, the fact that you are only 26 away from 100 also sped it up. Can't wait to brew a little cup while fishing!

Only 24 left now. I'm not sure if that counter is "live" but 2 were sold while I was browsing his videos.

Hmm. So maybe a little alchy stove could fit in the burner area? Hmm.

HJ

what method of shipping would you use to go north of the border? usps would be preferrable since private couriers do their own brokerage and charge outrages fees, especially ups.

Hey all!

I'm actually working on a presentation today (still in law school until December, after all) so I won't be too responsive until tomorrow, but I wanted to offer some updates.

On the fire bowl thickness: this is actually still in flux to some degree. In its thinnest possible iteration (what I've been using on my prototype), it's been fine through 100s of boils. The heating soft tempers the Al (so don't bang it against a rock to remove ashes), but the time it's expose to these temperatures is relatively short under normal use. Physically, you'll notice some softening between boils 0 and 1, but I have noticed no appreciable difference between boils 1 and 100. The kettle does not experience the same changes because of the heat sink effect of the water.

On availability: the numbers on the site are quasi-real-time. I update them when I see that I have a new order.

Shipping to Canada: Most likely USPS. Unless I see a reason to do otherwise, USPS is the way I'm going all around, with a 3d party providing shipping insurance where necessary.

I can see that many of you have been recommending these to friends and other little virtual communities on the web. Thanks so much! It's humbling to have such support.

Can you use a regular stove (canister) to boil up the water. How about alcohol stove?

Edited by akatsuki_the_devil on 11/18/2010 13:55:54 MST.

Only 12 left and that doesn't include the order I just placed. Better get a move on if you want one.

>Can you use a regular stove (canister) to boil up the water. How about alcohol stove?

Yep - I've with a modified White Box alcohol stove and I'm sure the same could be done on a canister as long as the support progs are more than 4" from tip to tip. I've actually used it on a really regular stove (as in a range top). The challenge is for the flames to flow up the walls of the conical chimney rather than just straight up and out.

Just placed my order. I can't wait to use it!

Only 4 left to go!

I won't get one since a) wood fires are generally illegal in Southern California and b) I frequently hike above tree line when I go up further north to the Sierra, but dang they look cool.

Devin, I think it's really cool that you've been able to design, prototype, and now basically bring to market such a great addition to the stove world. My hat is off to you. Good luck and God speed.

HJ

Over 100 just before I head out to lunch. Now the waiting really begins....

Orders stop at midnight tonight so get 'em while you can!

I jumped on this one early in the count! Other forums are talking this up also (i.e. HammockForums.net)

I'm really glad to see Devin's dream coming true. Few would have had the perseverance that he has demonstrated, which we will all benefit from now. Thanks Devin!

My current go-to stove system is a Caldera Cone alky stove with a Vargo 0.9L ti pot. I only do "freezer bag cooking." I figure that I will save about 2/3s of the weight and volume carried when I also factor in the fuel.

Edited by mad777 on 11/19/2010 13:14:08 MST.

just put two and two together and think i figured out where Devin probably got the original inspiration for his kettle design....




COOK IT GOOD! Cant wait to get mine.

(sorry, couldnt resist, happy friday)

Edited by rbeard on 11/19/2010 13:19:00 MST.

My Bushbuddy Ultra may be up for sale once i test out Devins Kettle. :)

Mike, Don't forget to sell your pot also! :)

Congratulations, Devin!

Good job.

HJ

Hey, thanks all!

There will be regular updates to the blog until these puppies are shipped. As I said there, the support from customers and people who just think it's cool has been humbling.

Thanks. :)

Hey, Devin,

It looks like the Backcountry Boiler web site is down as of 12/3/2010 17:35 (PST).

HJ

Works for me. Maybe give it another try.

Yep, it's up. Must have been a temporary glitch.

HJ

A wonderfully designed boiler made by one of our own. Exciting!

What about a gasifier kettle? Tos save even more fuel?

Somehow, I must have missed the posts before this. I'm glad the site didn't implode. And thanks for the kind words, Jeff!

I think you just blew my mind, Alan. :) I haven't run any tests to determine how complete the combustion is with the Boiler. It's kind of a chaotic system in there and conditions change based on the state of the fuel used as well how densely packed it is in the chimney. On one hand, you can break up some twigs very small and batch load it like is done with gasifiers, on the other, you can also break them up into larger pieces and add them as you go - that flexibility is something I think is a real advantage.

But getting back to your point, more complete combustion would increase efficiency, so would doing something like making the chimney another several inches taller. The latter would actually both aid in combustion by increasing the internal draft as well as catching more of the exhaust heat.

In the tests I did perform, though, I found that it took just about 2 oz (a decent-sized handful) to boil 20 oz (so a bit less for the now-recommended 16). The thing to remember about wood stoves is that since you don't have to carry the fuel, it's environmental impact rather than pack weight that drives you towards efficiency. Given how small this already impact is, and that almost any measure to increase efficiency would add weight or complexity, I went the way I did.

But would I like to see a gasifier kettle? Heck yes. I bet you could just toss the kettle on top of a Bushbuddy...

Is the outside of the water vessel double walled?

It's kinda double wall in that the water is held by an outside wall and an inside wall. But I think you are asking if the outside wall itself is double wall, in which case it's just single wall. The neoprene cozy allows you to pick it up when water is boiling and probably helps reduce heat loss to some extent. If you google "chimney kettle" and look at the images you can see the basic layout.

Like:
Outside air:Neoprene:Metal:Air Gap:Metal:Water

Does that make sense?

Ourtside air : Neoprene : Metal : Water (or air if the water is low) : Metal : Air (burn chamber)

Nine hours to go! Good luck Devin.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1763800459/backcountry-boiler-hot-water-from-found-fuel

Thanks, Steve! I hope you and some of the other really early guys know that if you hadn't been there to say "yeah, that's cool," this probably wouldn't have gotten past the aluminum bottle stage.

Oh, and it is soooo close to 60K! It's not even about the small number of extra sales it takes to get there. I just want a nice round number. :)

Glad I saw this thread in time! Very inspiring to see the progression of your idea. Had to order the Signature model to do my part to get you up to that 60k mark. Good luck!

$60,642...amazing.

Devin came to my house the day (or maybe day after? can't recall now) he posted his project on kickstarter and I was blown away that he was at ~9K, you can imagine how impressive this is now...something tells me you're gonna be quite busy over the next little while!

Good luck man, and a big congratulations.

Thanks Steve! How wild is that? I will have my work cut out for me over the next several weeks. Dinner's on me next time I'm up there. :)

Edited by dsmontgomery on 06/11/2011 11:15:19 MDT.

missed out due to lack of funds. when will these be for sale again? looks great!

I'd like to get one of these as well............

Al

+1 on wishing I had the funds at the time to get one of these. (stupid unexpected moving expenses) I even did the math and when used aa a canteen it would've only been about a 1-2oz weight penalty over my current alchohol stove + trapper mug set up.

Just have to wait till they're available in stores, I guess.

Hey guys - thanks for the interest!

So part of what the Kickstarter funding will allow me to do is have an inventory for the first time (sweet!), and there won't be all this waiting around for the Boilers in the future.

For those who want get one right after the Kickstarter backers do, I'll be setting up the ability to pre-order one through my website (www.theboilerwerks.com) in the near future. I'll throw in free shipping or something like that for those who want to pre-order, but they'll also be available once they come in.

Edit: And just because I can't help myself - Once you throw in the weight of fuel for a few days, Jim, it should save you weight. And be more fun. :)

Edited by dsmontgomery on 06/13/2011 07:22:52 MDT.

don't need another stove, don't need another stove, don't need another stove.....oh, poo that thing is just too cool..... I will also be keeping a lookout for the pre-order option on your website :)

Big congrats Devin!

And remember - biochar is a great natural fertilizer and actually helps new 'wood' to grow where you picked it up from.

If anyone is interested in using alcohol with the Backcountry Kettle...
I is possible that some could benefit from being able to use alcohol hiking through areas where wood is not available or there are fire restrictions in place.

So I did a few experiments.
My aim was to boil 500ml consistently with 2/3ds of an ounce of alcohol.
No success so far but I can do it with 1 oz with either the White Box stove (avoiding the huge flame it usually produces without a pot on top) or a very simple soda can stove I made for it.
If anyone is interested , let me know ..
Franco

I frequently wind up camping in no-fire zones, so I'm definitely interested... my current plan is to use a Zelph Companion stove with mine (when I get my BCB :)), but I'm open to experimenting a bit, also :)

Have you tried isopropanol? It might be better suited to this boiled because of its slower burn rate. It creates soot, but I can't imagine that'd be an issue in a wood burning stove.

I haven't, so far. I've been using the Crown denatured fuel alcohol that REI carries (largely because it's so inexpensive and easy to get). It does burn pretty hot, and when I put my Companion stove in a Kelly kettle, it produced a flame that reached the pot on TOP of the kettle (and with 3 oz of fuel it still burned for over 20 minutes).

I'm interested as well. One of the things that gave me pause about getting one(before the moving expenses) was that I aspire to camp in places that often don't allow wood burning. For example, you can't burn wood in Desolation Wilderness, so if you were hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, there be a stretch where you'd have to spend a least 1 night without cooking. Not the end of the world, but not ideal to not be able to use your stove, either.