Be a BACKCOUNTRY CHEF: 2021 Ultralight COOK KIT

GEAR IN THIS VIDEO:
Pot: bit.ly/3s0WxTL
Pot Stand: amzn.to/2QaeNvI
Wind Screen: bit.ly/2QaeX6i
Towel: amzn.to/30Vyslk
Lighter: amzn.to/30WiGa0
Alcohol Bottle: amzn.to/3vGGi0r
Spork: bit.ly/3eUR25g
Grill: amzn.to/2OJu8mA
Frying Pan: amzn.to/3vEGk8T
Spatula: bit.ly/30XIrXb
Small Bottle: bit.ly/2P3npDW
MY BIG 3 (Shelter system, sleep system, and backpack):
BACKPACK: ula-equipment.9xrw.net/vrvqd
TENT: bit.ly/331TdL3
HAMMOCK: ugqoutdoor.com/product/hammoc...
TARP: ugqoutdoor.com/tarps/?ref=2540
TOP QUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: bit.ly/33pb9A7
COLD WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
UNDERQUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/under-quilts/z...
COLD WEATHER: bit.ly/2OYyAMi
SLEEPING PADS: bit.ly/31OYxS2
PILLOW: bit.ly/2NmE1Do
I’m an Ambassador for the Zoleo Satellite Communicator. Check it out, and see it it’s for you: bit.ly/2N2JnpW
Always practice Leave No Trace principles. Go to their website to learn more: lnt.org
_____________________________________________________
#backpacking #2021 #Gear
_____________________________________________________
My Camera Gear:
Canon EOS 80: amzn.to/2XoqsWD
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: amzn.to/2Ih5l2c
Godox SL-60W LED Video Light: amzn.to/3ouTb9o
Godox 47" Octagon Softbox with Bowens Mounting: amzn.to/3m63kYq
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro: amzn.to/2L8Z7p1
Geekoto 77" Tripod: amzn.to/2WtImG9
Jobi Gorilla Pod 5K: amzn.to/2Pnw6J8
iPhone X: amzn.to/33Kg6mv
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UGQ Outdoor: ugqoutdoor.com?ref=2540
Hilltop Packs: partners.hilltoppacks.com/1433...
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What's with all the links? These affiliate links are the best way for me to invest money back into this channel to purchase equipment, gear and pay for trips. By clicking on these links to do the shopping you would do regardless, I get a minimal kickback from the sale. This is the best way to support this channel without it costing you anything more than what you would already be spending. Thanks so much!

[@SurvivalistChick]

I have the Firebox, Firebox Nano, and Firebox Nano Gen 2; so I'm covered no matter the camping situation, whether in car or on foot. They are brilliant!

[@jesusisaliveannie3594]

Would the grill be mentioned in the video fit on top of the firebox 5"?

[@john_kelley]

I’ve never used the firebox 5”, so I really don’t know.

[@megbowyer6436]

Loved this video really made me chuckle and some good ideas. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

[@JamesGMunn]

Be careful not to overheat your non-stick pan if you want it to stay non-stick!

[@ShawnsDailyChallenge]

Another great video. Def my favorite hiking channel! A video on how you actually bring “real food” like eggs and steaks would be super helpful

[@EatsTreatsMREs]

Some of those things are awesome. Always looking for new ideas for future reference.

[@stevenmartin528]

very similar to my goto Alcohol & Ti pot/pan kit - love it :)

[@jdshl8423]

Line the cup handles with 3mm internal diameter silicone tubing. Same method applies for the tiny handle on the lid. Drip some mineral oil into the tube to help it along. Double-sided spoon/fork combo if you really want it ultralight. Alternatively, titanium spoon and titanium chopsticks. You can also use the chopsticks to skewer stuff to barbeque, and also use them to lift pots without handles off the flame. If you're going to use the chopsticks as skewers, you will need a bit of large inner diameter silicone tubing (depending on the thickness of your chopsticks) to fit over the ends so you don't burn your fingers.

[@TheBloodwaraxe]

I don't do a lot of back packing but I have a 1942 military mess kit that I use while camping. We will hike in a mile or two and set up camp. I use a lot of military gear due to having a lot of knowledge about these systems. I served 8 years in Army National Guard in Kentucky.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Great cook kit! I switched to an alcohol stove late last year. So far I’m loving it!

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@bencoombes2711]

I love you stuff keep it coming I like to use aluminium cake tins they are so cheap and with a pot handle work a treat and a pie dish as a lid I can put hot coal on the tops for more dish's I also use the UCO quotro grill Hevery but fantastic

[@titanpreparedness]

Very nice set up. I prefer the uco switch to the titanium spork. The switch goes together to make a long handle spoon/fork

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

I bought the toaks 750 for this years season. Haven't used it yet, but already love it because it is so light.

[@john_kelley]

I kept trying to use other pots, but I always come back to the toaks.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

@@john_kelley I think I really know why 😉 I don't think I will change again very soon either.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I love the frying pan!! I have a Sea to Summit one but it weighs a lot more than that!

[@john_kelley]

I almost got a sea to summit one

[@Oldsparkey]

Can't beat the Vargo BiFold grill , it's great. For lots of years my cook kit has been the Evernew titanium Appalachian set at 5.67 ounces. At times I include a Evernew titanium ( Non Stick ) frying pan at 4.2 ounces. It's 6.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches high. I like the titanium because it's light and it cools quicker then anything else. I'm sure you will like the Evernew titanium frying pan and the M.S.R. Spatula makes a good companion with the frying pan.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

Chaffing is no Bueno 🤣👍 funny stuff dude great layout!!(=✌💚

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@thorn3377]

Just got into bike-pack-camping. My setup is heavy and includes a trailer. I can get away with a bit more weight than a backpacker but still looking to reduce where I can. Good info here and I will be watching a lot of your videos.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@jasonmorrow216]

I just bought a titanium grill top , hopefully I can get out soon a try it.

[@TrailandBackAgain]

Great cookware, Mr Kelley! Like you, I go UL in some areas so I can relax in others. 🤙🏕

[@john_kelley]

Right on! Sometimes, you eat like a backpacker. Other times, you eat like a king!

[@operationseekingtruth]

I like that little stove, haven’t used one before though. Have the same pot and have just used the camp fire to heat water or cook food. Going to go watch the video of the making of that stove now.

[@john_kelley]

Awesome! Spiguyver is the man.

[@AtomicBleach]

@@john_kelley do you find that the stove flares up with you use it with the pot stand vs using it without? Thats one thing that scared me about the stove I made in this design. the moment I would go to take the stove off it would flare up and spit out flaming alcohol on the ground (ive never had this happen with others Ive made), and if I used it with a pot stand it was a little more aggressive than I would have liked.

[@kimberlymayo9951]

Will be the first overnighter for me this summer. Looking to keep my base weight at 15#, food @ 5#, and water between 5 to 7#. I think that will be a good balance.

[@isabellapellegrini778]

This is just the video I was looking for, I'm a beginner and all I have right now is a stainless steel mug

[@john_kelley]

Great! I hope it really helps out.

[@AtomicBleach]

Toaks makes great budget friendly Ti pots and accessories. Their woodstoves are also pretty fun to use. More finicky than using say a firebox nano, but when they are working properly they kick ass. Alot of ultralight hiking supplies can be found on the cheap at sites like aliexpress. Lixada brand carries those ti pot stands, and ti pots that are identical to the toaks (which is also made in china)

[@benjaminc4717]

look into grease pots. they cost $10 and with some small mods work as a cooking pot fine.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I have a jetboil zip that I replaced the burner and valve with a cheaper one that simmers much better. It mounted right onto the coupler so it was an easy mod.

[@kcricket39]

I have the GSI Bugaboo Small Camper Set for bigger group trips. It has two pots (1.5L and 2L and an 8" skillet that all pack into a bag and share a single pot handle that snaps onto each one. It is big enough that I can fit the handle, a canister, my stove, both sizes of my Wildo Fold-A-Cup and a lighter inside. It's great for multiple people, but way too much for solo trips. I'm still deciding what I want to make my solo kit look like, so this was super useful!

[@john_kelley]

Glad I could help. GSI makes great stuff.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

That grill is cool. Don’t know if I can justify a steak...but the more I think about it...hmm. Also I have that same spatula. I don’t backpack with it but it’s great for frontcountry.

[@TheIamyourmother]

May have to pick up that folding grill! A steak here and there sure would get my bf to join me on more weekend trips. Also, what have I done wrong in my life to get an ad for the Kardashians after this video?!

[@john_kelley]

LOL!!!! The Kardashians?!?!?!?!? What am I doing wrong in my videos that they're getting ad time? HAHAHAHA

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Can't go wrong with Toaks !

[@john_kelley]

Yessir!

[@mackjenkins7721]

JK hello man how how you doing! Man That was awesome seeing your gear that you use when you are out. My wife got me a MSR non-stick pot set for Christmas a couple years back for one of my kayak camping trips that I was going to do. Man I love the pot set that she got me and it work very well so far that I have had it. Easy to clean and put away. Awesome video man you know I love it when you throw your funny parts in there.

[@john_kelley]

Hey Mack! Thanks, man! I always appreciate your comments.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley you are welcome man i appreciate appreciate the laughs you give me.

[@john_kelley]

😂

[@jonsanford2515]

My basic kit is the same Toaks 750 pot, except with the bail handle, a pocket rocket 2 stove, bic mini and 2” cut off the end of a full size kitchen sponge ( the yellow ones with the green scratch pad on the back. ). One of those S2S accordion style collapsible cups and a long handle spoon. I keep a second bic mini in my first aid kit, just in case. If I’m not worried about weight, I have a full tailgating kitchen setup to take to PSU games. I can usually find some stuff in that bin that works for whatever situation pops up.

[@john_kelley]

Great setup!

[@jonsanford2515]

I’ll probably try an alcohol stove at some point, but my 11year son usually comes with me. I want to keep it safe enough so he can start learning to use it.

[@yCherkashin]

9:20 bend a couple of sliding rings of wire onto the inner touching feet. It will slide down when opened, and hold it for you. Cheers.

[@john_kelley]

Good idea

[@alexanderweaver4838]

If I'm not overland camping I love to bushcraft camp. You may know that bushcraft gear and kits are not lightweight. You can mix some lightweight items like Toaks titanium cups, lids, pots, etc, into your gear. I have my favorite bushcraft backpack, something similar to a large Alice pack and it alone weighs 6.5 pounds, have it set up for a trip this weekend into the Monongahela Wilderness area of West Virginia. The backpack and a chest pack total 29.58 pounds including food and water for three days. I love to cook and experiment with different cuisines but one item I always make on the trail is bannock bread which I usually make for breakfast with bacon and eggs. I like to bring an Expedition Research bushcraft grill and use it for steaks and bacon.

[@jamicrawford6729]

My pack changes depending on my trip and length. I can do ultralight when needed and standard when needed. Most trips i am around 18-19 pound mark, if I carry a few extra luxuries it's around 23 pounds. Worth it in most circumstances

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Well done! Love this video. I do the same. Nice choices. Crow✌️

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Crow!

[@HuckOutdoors]

That picture of Mark! OMG! Too bad out west we cant use those Alcohol stoves. :(

[@josephjamison5007]

Those bic mini's last even longer than you think. I had one run out of fuel when I was thruhiking the PCT, but it still sparked, I used it to light my stove until the end. I just picked up a Titanium grill from Self Reliance Outfitters, that I can't wait to use. Doesn't have legs, so you have to use a rock or stakes to support it. Great video man!

[@john_kelley]

I never even thought about using the spark. Great thinking.

[@josephjamison5007]

@@john_kelley It works great for canister stoves. Alcohol stoves you still want a flame.

[@colmacjames8424]

John you be very careful with that thin Titanium frying pan with the non stick surface mate. Do not let it over heat other wise that non-stick surface will gas off and its highly toxic you know, anf it will go into your food. Yes Titanium is an excellent lightweight metal, but your little alcohol stove has no heat control and that thin Titanium will locally over heat where the flame is concentrated. Personally I prefer S/S mainly for the health aspects and its durability. A bit heavier yes, but health outweighs everything else. Other wise a nice video mate, very enjoyable.

[@RapidGW]

Try some Body Glide on that chafed pot.....LOL. But good stuff as always 😎👍🏼

[@RapidGW]

BTW - I'm lazy. Either cold soaking or meals that just require hot water. Man, I ain't got no time to clean a pot :P 🤣

[@john_kelley]

Hahahaha!!!! Great idea!!!

[@AlucardFeeds]

Use mechanics orange pumice hand wash to clean your stainless pan

[@DaveOffGrid]

If I'm going heavier I'll use the chinese Etekcity with the piezo igniter. I'm about to buy my first alcohol stove kit that'll save me ~4 oz in my backpacking gear so def excited about that! I'll then have to make a video on it! Great video!

[@john_kelley]

Do it! I'll watch!

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@john_kelley Ya know I was wondering in which video I would give you a shout out....I now know haha. Gave love to Jeremiah in my latest video and your backpacking podcast. I'll also throw this video in the cards when I make that video!

[@john_kelley]

@@DaveOffGrid Thanks, man!

[@sparrowflying864]

Run a thin piece of metal through the length of griddle to reinforce it.

[@mikesmeaton1232]

Good luck with the MSR spatula. Don't use it on any pan that is above medium low heat or it will melt. Melted mine on first use!!

[@alexjohnson668]

I have msr pot and the snow peak 550 cup and msr generation 1 pocket rocket.

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@sandieasmr4187]

Nice

[@john_kelley]

Thanks

[@kimekholm7178]

I bring a big 3L Primus stove and pot. While the weight is high, it can cook for 4-5 people at once, with good fuel efficiency and fast boil times. I've been looking into getting a skillet as well but haven't pulled the trigger yet. If I did bring one I'd leave one of the pots behind (the primus comes with 2). Not sure how I'd pack the skillet without it taking too much space tho. If I'm going solo, I'll just take a BRS stove and freeze-dried food along with a titanium pot. For my "spork" I bring a Humangear plastic fork and spoon that clip together to make for a long-handled spoon but can be used separately too. I picked it up on Amazon for like 10 bucks. It has to be plastic because the Primus pots are coated, so metal tools would destroy the coating.

[@john_kelley]

All good choices. The evernew titanium pan only weighs in at a few ounces. The handles fold back two, so it packs well.

[@TheTrailDancer]

I don't like Titanium unless it's only for boiling water. I use Sea to Summit cookware; it's awesome! :)

[@sissydreams7494]

Yes, titanium is an excellent inert material that is great for boiling water. However, many people have had problems with using titanium pots for even simple actual cooking. Frying pans are especially problematic and require both skill and luck to prevent burning the pan/food. I'd get another cheap, lightweight Walmart frying pan, instead. Yet, YMMV.

[@angryshrub1]

I like to cook so I’ve been using the Trangia UL 27. I don’t take all of it, but it does a great job. I can cook for 30 minutes on one fill up of the Trangia burner.

[@john_kelley]

Nice! I have a trangia alcohol stove that I haven't had the chance to use yet.

[@jamesthornton3339]

Just bought the toaks 1100 so I could use my trangia with the aluminum pot stand. That said, I still take my 750 and the fancee feest!

[@angryshrub1]

@@john_kelley I find the titanium stand you use to be to low for optimal heat, but it fits in the Trangia burner perfectly.

[@donreinholz8121]

Your cook kit is super light. I like the foldable grill and frying pan. Is alcohol your stove of choice? The pot stand looks nice too.

[@john_kelley]

I’ve moved to alcohol stoves. I still use a canister one from time to time as well.

[@chriskeiper7117]

John, have you been happy with your Evernew skillet? I’m considering getting it and wondered what you thought of it.

[@eddiesanchez2328]

Right john needs to do a full review of camp skillets @johnkelley

[@lynnandj]

Tajin Clasico Seasoning.

[@mtscott]

Thanks for the info. Just be aware that non stick coating is considered toxic by some. I go plain titanium or stainless.

[@IAMGWH1]

Ceramic is non stick and non toxic! They offer that as well by some companies

[@Doc_Watson]

Have you seen the modification to the spigyver stove where he uses the top and bottom instead of the middle and bottom. By using the top as the insert it stiffens up the top and makes it less fragile to the heat from the flames. I replaced my 2.0 with this modification and looking forward to trying it out this season. The windscreen makes a big difference on canister stoves too. I am using extra wide tinfoil that has been folded over 3 or 4 times to stiffen it up. I have a short windscreen for the alcohol stove and a tall one for the canister stove. My grill is an aluminum small grill tray. A couple bucks at big box store so no big deal to replace. Only downfall is you need to set it on the coals or on a couple logs to either side of the coals. Stove(s) Spigyver stove, Amazon canister stove that goes on top of the canister and another Amazon stove that connects to the canister via a tube. (Larger cook area for a fry pan and I can use it with propane in the winter) Cookware: Aluminum cup with folding handles from WalMart (~$5), Lodge 6.5" pan, Lodge 10" round griddle (the cast iron is for when camp is close to the trailhead) Utensils: Ozark Trail long handled spoon (

[@john_kelley]

Great setup! I didn’t know about the stove mod.

[@Doc_Watson]

@@john_kelley Here's his video on the mod. (I normally wouldn't put someone else's YT video in the comments, but since you attached one of his videos to yours, I hope it's ok.) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaquh2ubq9Zso7c

[@ursulaanne]

I'd like to try an alcohol stove but so worried about knocking it over! Last few years I've been using a MSR pocket rocket cook kit that weights about 10oz i think, but it works for me. As far as gear in general - Im not much of a gram weenie, comfort is king 👌

[@john_kelley]

Do what works best for you! I still use a canister from time to time.

[@TheNypenfan]

I gave up on the flimsy windscreens and tinfoil DIY’s and bought a fold out windscreen. It had 10 sections and was about 20” long, but I took it apart and only bring 4 sections, about 8”. Weighs only 2ozs and the pegs at the end push into the ground to hold it up agains the wind. So less frustrating.

[@john_kelley]

I looked at one of those. I’ll probably end up getting one at some point.

[@transfixit]

I'd be curious to compare the spiguyver to the p3rs

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

You know what doesn’t weight anything to carry in? A rock to cook your steak on and your spork to flip it with haha

[@phishermonjon]

I never seen a rock that doesn't weigh anything and if it is pretty light they usually crack from the heat. Nope no thanks

[@sparrowflying864]

You could probably carry one of those disposable metal baking tins and make a fry pan/ griddle, pot or a wind screen out of that. Might last a couple of times if you were careful with it. Imjs.

[@kimberlymayo9951]

@@phishermonjon you missed the key phrase of carry in...not the rock weight when stationary ☺

[@phishermonjon]

I believe you where trying to say scuffed

[@john_kelley]

😂 That would’ve been a much better choice of words.

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Lighter will still light canister stove even if the lighter is empty!

[@AtomicBleach]

You gotta get those capillaries just right with this stove. I made one with too many and it literally spewed out burning alcohol everywhere. If you make it right its an awesome stove.

[@AtomicBleach]

Also if you are a cheapo like me and you still like frying up stuff on a frying pan every once in awhile, imusa makes a 6" aluminum fry pan that only weighs 3.8oz after you take the handle off.

[@john_kelley]

Wow! That’s light!

[@AtomicBleach]

@@john_kelley light in the wallet too. Can be picked up for like $6

[@kimberlymayo9951]

If you are bringing meat on the trail how are you keeping it from spoiling? Eggs you can do farm fresh and keep at room/ outside temp but how are you doing meat that way?

[@john_kelley]

I hit the trail with a frozen steak. It’s usually thawed by the time I get to camp. I’ll do bacon when it’s colder outside. You nailed it on the eggs.

[@SouthernHike]

Dude I carry like 3 Bic minis. I get nervous hahah

[@john_kelley]

LOL. I carry a second one in my med kit.

[@toastiesburned9929]

I keep a mini bic along with a mini ferro rod in case anything happens to the lighter. I've seen the buttons get depressed in the pack and people's pockets. I know an old guy who swore if you wrap the end in duct tape it would stay good for years. He pulled one out from 10 years ago and sparked it, but it was completely empty.

[@SouthernHike]

@@toastiesburned9929 ferro rod is for sure not a bad idea.

[@firemarshaldil]

Have you tried barkeeper's friend on the Walmart pan?

[@john_kelley]

No I haven’t. What is that?

[@firemarshaldil]

@@john_kelley it's this powder cleaner. You rinse the pan, sprinkle the powder on, scrub with paper towel. Then wash clean with dish soap. It can clean just about any stained pan I've ever had.

[@firemarshaldil]

Literally the first thing that pops up on amazon, like 10$

[@john_kelley]

@@firemarshaldil awesome! I’ll check it out.

[@firemarshaldil]

I know it's a pan you don't care at all about, but you may find use for it with better cookware. Lol

[@Wondering_Fireball]

What have you found to be the best fuel?

[@john_kelley]

I use denatured alcohol, but Heet really works well, too.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@john_kelley, I have found that the weight- cook time and cost. Alcohol stoves really don’t save you money VS canister stoves.

[@bretthikez6567]

Come onnnn JK ya now that a talenti Gelato jar and non filtered water on top of cold Ramen is true UL😅😅😅...nice kit though for real ..

[@john_kelley]

😁 Of course! What was I thinking?!?!?!?! LOL

[@markcummings6856]

I just eat dry ramen like Frozen.

[@john_kelley]

You do you

[@evanhammond7305]

Hopefully for 2022 you ditched that alcohol stove.

[@juz70]

The most widely used unit of measurement in the world for weight is grams. Please add grams to your weight references my friend.

[@sharpthingsinspace9721]

Good god what reality do you live in, I have a MSR microrocket and my Stanley adventure pot just barely fits on it and boiling water never tipped it over. It’s just physics, even 240 mls of water is enough to keep the pot in place.

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

Dry pan is too expensive. Ever new is full of themselves haha

[@jb42jb]

Pfft you wanna talk about ultralight let me put you on something. 15in lodge cast iron skillet. Things barely an ounce.

[@john_kelley]

YES!!!!! 😂

[@01huntingtown]

Only listing the weights in ounces kinda makes this video way less useful to the rest of the world.