Kelly Kettle Trekker Review - Cooking Chicken and Couscous for Lunch!

[@brainfreeze1925]

I have the base camp and really like it. I did once need it when our power went out for a few hours in -20C temps. Very nice to have a hot cup of java. When I go tripping with it I fill up the base with dried hardwood "slices" from the wood shop (and cotton balls doused in Vaseline). The additional weight is minimal but the benefits of having dried wood and a starter to get the kettle going in damp conditions is huge.

[@davidrickard5616]

I've had a larger aluminum kettle for about 25 years. You'd think it too big for a pack, but it is hollow and a lot of stuff can be put in a bag and slid inside; it is dirty in there. It has a few dents and scuffs, but it has never leaked or failed! I can't really commend it enough. Thanks for the great review!

[@Inoxx44]

I've had one for about 15 years and still love it to bits.

[@yedman1958]

Once again, right on the mark Doc. I have owned one of these for years and it absolutely excels at boiling water, as it was designed to, 100 years ago in Ireland. The history of these kettles is long and interesting. With a fire in the base, it will boil water as fast as a Jetboil! True.. it is no lightweight, but for every other purpose other than ultralight backpacking, this one is an old friend.

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Thanks for watching!

[@sadiqaliabdullah129]

IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN A BRAND NEW KELLY KETTLE FOR CHEAP,PLZ FEEL FREE TO TEXT ME BACK FOR PRICE.

[@TinaMorandi]

Good job Paleo hiker for taking a second look at the K Kettle. I certainly enjoyed your review.

[@lilvalentine545]

I recently bought the kelly kettle scout kit. I was amazed how quickly it boiled water with just a handful of dried ferns and twigs. Our jet boil ran out of gas so the kettle kettle really saved the day. I'm keen to get the smaller model for solo trips.

[@chuckjohnson4048]

And you can use the pot support underneath the burn pan to keep from scorching campground picnic tables and other flammable surfaces.

[@rddavis1988]

I love my Scout in stainless. Got the pot stand not to put on the top but to hold the fire pot off the ground. Otherwise the heat from the base scorches whatever it is resting on.

[@Gstrowes]

Great video as usual. I've got a few of these kettles in varying sizes. If you need to boil water in the wild, there is no substitute, and they'll do it in any weather.

[@jamesfleming555]

Been using the Kelly for years, and I love it. It is totally awesome; and fast! I have the full kit, and really enjoy it's versatility.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

They are cool. I have one. I got the pot stand but I find them impractical, the stove is so hot the water will be boiling off while you try to cook. You would need to pay attention that the stove doesn’t run dry which will ruin the stove. The hobo attachment is a better choice.

[@danielkutcher5704]

I have the Scout aluminum kettle. Great for car and canoe camping. I wouldn't rule it out for a long weekend couples hike. I have not seen anything that boils water this fast with twigs. It's like a natural fuel Jetboil. With the bigger base, the Scout probably boils twice the water faster than the Trekker. I plan on trying it out on a winter overnighter soon.

[@chupacabra304]

I just purchased the scout myself and i’m in the “watching all the video reviews and reading all the comments” phase until it arrives 😂

[@elderhiker7787]

One additional benefit of the Kelly Kettle is that you can fill it with water eliminate bringing a separate water source in your backpack. Pretty cool and you have eliminated bringing a separate kettle/pot and a canteen.

[@IIDASHII]

I would agree if they gave one a waterproof plug with it. I tested the whistle plaug and it will leak from the whistle if the kettle leans over.

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

@@IIDASHII They do sell one, it used to be the default I think with the whistle being optional but it's still there in the spare parts section of their weebsite.

[@tjmorrison1909]

I have one of these stoves. Another plus is they work well in bad weather, once u get it started they stay lit ! I use this on the coast of Newfoundland and works even on a wet crappy windy day.

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Good to know!

[@Dreyno]

Well that’s Irish weather. So that’s what they were designed for. Wet, crappy, windy days.

[@tjmorrison1909]

Lol seems irish weather and Newfoundland close ! Thankyou for replying.

[@scottengh1175]

Best fire lay I have seen on a Kelly Kettle review. Also like your cold handle fry pan. Hard to find.

[@kanukkarhu]

I've always liked the idea of these things, especially, as you say, as part of an emergency scenario prep. I could also see it getting good use as a road trip/car camp scenario. An interesting review.👍🏻

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Thanks!

[@brianc1651]

I have had the Scout for almost a year now. I love using wood stoves, but am also impatient. This is perfect for that. I use it often at home. I also take it car camping. I just ordered the pot and cups, so they can all pack together. I recently ordered an mKettle from Ghillie Kettle. It is smaller and works perfectly for day hikes. I think I might add a Trekker down the road.

[@cb7172]

Glad I watched this after dinner, I guess I'm having chicken and couscous for dinner tomorrow though. Nice video, thanks.

[@paulcosmano1128]

I have the base camp and I love it. You hit it Earnie. Boils water quickly and efficiently.

[@ExpeditionaryJonny]

Thank you for this demo! This is exactly what I need to see. I was curious about the ability to cook with the hobo stove

[@alanyuen6001]

Good demo! You hit the nail on the head on all the points you brought up.

[@elderhiker7787]

Excellent review Ernie. The must be something in the air (or at least the algorithm) because I have gotten numerous reviews of the Kelly Kettle. Of course, yours is the best. Like you, I’ve always dismissed the Kelly Kettle as a too bulky and really just only for boiling water. But, over and over I’ve seen evidence to the contrary and your review puts it over the top. I think I might just pick one up. Thanks a million.

[@MrMann703]

I think I'll be happy with this little system, nice little bit of kit, great review

[@cotteeskid]

Thanks for mentioning the pot stand on top being super hot. I picked up the scout with two hobo attachments at a thrift store barely used. I was going to get the pot stand and the whistle stop (mines the previous orange solid bung), but I might just get the whistle now as you said, the stand is super hot and also can only cook on top when water is inside, so has to keep boiling if I'm cooking longer than the 3 or so minutes it takes to boil water.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

thanks for showing us the kelly kettle. I am intrigued by the kelly's design, but you just showed that the hobo alone would have worked too. Boil the water in the cup, fry the chicken in the pan, and leave that huge kettle at home. If I was setting up a base camp for 3-6 people somewhere, then the fast boil feature would be awesome... but I don't see a hiker schlepping that thing

[@jamesbparkin740]

Having used the Kiwi version (Thermette) the difference is that the chimney effect is significant, and the efficiency of heat transfer to the water is large.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@jamesbparkin740 I agree that it is fast and efficient. My point is that is is bulky & heavy, compared to other solutions. I am fascinated by the design, this has got to be the fastest way to boil water using wood/twigs, and I admire that very much, but the kelly kettle is not optimal for hiking. A solo stove & pot weigh significantly less (~600g vs ~750g) and can also be used to cook food. You need to bring more gear (more weight and bulk) in addition to the kelly kettle to do that.

[@jamesbparkin740]

@@alexandergutfeldt1144 True and though I have taken the thermette on day hikes and when helping at Scouts... I *really* wouldn't want it for overnight hikes... due, as you say to the bulk. The Scouts do have a Kelly Kettle for each patrol, but, not with the whistle, sadly

[@wbthornton]

@@jamesbparkin740 The older models have the orange stopper, but you can replace it with the new whistle type stopper.

[@wisenber]

I went with the bigger Base Camp version. I figured I'd never carry the smaller on in a pack, but the bigger one works for car camping and paddle trips. One kettle of the larger one is enough for four people to rehydrate a meal or six people to make a hot beverage.

[@lynyrdskynyrd9720]

In 16' when EVERYONE thought that killary, was going to win,I bought the 64 oz GIANT. I got the complete kit with 2 metal cupd both stoves, 2 ss plates,frying pan with pincer handle. I also bought a second 64 oz bottle. All of this cost me $76 !! I went with the "base camp version" because sometimes the power goes out here during a storm and it might be a week, before, we get service. Since then, I've gotten into smaller set ups with surplus army gear, and besides my buddy moved a couple of hours away, so it's just me and my dog these days.

[@IIDASHII]

I was in the same boat. I thought this was a gimmick. I got one for Christmas, and I LOVE it.

[@moorejl57]

That's a sweet stove, water heater. I have often looked longingly at it but was deterred by the weight.

[@IAMSatisfied]

Thanks for sharing, Ernie. I'd be interested to see a test where you put 1 oz. of alcohol directly into the burn pan, and see 1) if that will bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and 2) how fast.

[@RonaldRen]

Great video. Im thinking about getting one

[@michaelthayer5186]

Took my scout out last weekend and baked bannock on it.

[@michaeltillman1147]

Looks interesting! Also looks bulky but not to bad. I recently bought my first trail stove. I'm a cheap bastard so I got the Emberlit stainless. So far so good. 👍 😎

[@MichaelR58]

Great review , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@redsorgum]

The stoves are definitely very cool, I like the flexibility.

[@59chevt]

Ernie, I never miss a thumbs up................................

[@tbobmann229]

No wood stove boils water faster than the KK..I have the stainless trekker and tote it everywhere below the tree line..can pull bark off a pine in a pouring rain and still make hot water quickly... I have a msr Xgk just for snow and a whisper lite too.. But The KK is a damn deal and the hobo stove is a must.

[@trevethan82319841]

Iv used mine a few times and I'm glade I have it better to be safe than sorry I'm a emergency

[@RichardCooper-p7b]

You did a great job here.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

I'll looking forward to seeing more camping and hiking videos 👍🏼

[@janmariolle]

Have you tried the MKettle? It’s my favorite day hike boiler as it’s so much fun to use.

[@JamesJReid]

well done doc

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

I found it cheaper to buy the complete system rather than the kettle and some accessories I got the base camp big version and the trekker version to they really are an investment they will last you a life time and the next generation after you to not many things will last you as long as these a wise investment

[@davidbeal8054]

The good Lord gave fire to mankind. Years later, he gave us the Kelly Kettle. I don't carry mine on ultralight backpacking trips, but I carry one on almost every day hike or simple overnight -- for coffee and lunch. I own two. The small one demo'd here, and the next size up with holds about double the water. (I always bring the larger one when car camping.). If you ever have to bugout for several days, a Kelly Kettle would be perfect. One of the big worries (cooking and boiling water) crossed completely off your list.

[@donaldrohrbach502]

Great stuff as usual!

[@melissahoffman4687]

You can also use yellow bottle heet or denatured alcohol with this item. :)

[@danielkutcher5704]

I use a homemade alcohol stove in conjunction with the Kelly Kettle, in case of protracted wet weather. The fuel doubles as a fire starter, getting the wood started more quickly when desired, and, using the Kettle minimizes the alcohol usage.

[@sueciviero3866]

Thank you for the menu idea for my brand new Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout kit. Much more expensive in Canada, sadly.

[@mattkreitzer5622]

Nice video. You should take a look at reflector ovens, I really think you would enjoy using one, it seems like it would be right up your alley. I use one all the time to bake things when I am camping. I use the one made by Svante Freden, which is great, but there are many others you can use or even make your own.

[@yedman1958]

Exactly! I have a bunch of stoves, but lately I have been considering solar ovens. It takes your preps in an entirely different direction! I have been wondering which one would boil water the fastest.

[@mattkreitzer5622]

Being able to make virtually anything at the campsite that you can make at home with your oven is pretty awesome.

[@PaleoHikerMD]

It's been on my list to try. I'll check that one out!

[@mattkreitzer5622]

@@PaleoHikerMD if you do a KZbin search for Svante Freden reflector oven there is a cool video of him making one in his small shop, it is what made me pick his. That, and I liked how it folded down and had a handle to pick it up and move it closer or farther from the fire.

[@brianyoung8731]

I would live a Ghillie Kettle of my own 🔥☕️🥓🥩

[@mairnealachamu]

I wonder will it work with the Trangia alcohol burner, for days when everything is wet?

[@starlingblack814]

I watched the interview with the President of Kelly Kettle and he stated that he used gasoline to bring the kettle to a simmer.....what about esbit or alcohol? I will let you know after I get mine. Thanks Doc.

[@chirogirl67550]

Love it!

[@tomlock2535]

Check out the nCamp cook stove.

[@jediknightofthewoods]

What was the make/model of the frying pan please?

[@Kingnome]

What size frying pan did you use? Thanks!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

That looks like a lot of kettle to carry to produce a small amount of hot water. It looks good, fast, efficient, heavy, bulky, and low fluid volume.

[@GwladYrHaf]

The chimney of the kettle is dead space in your kit, as long clean the chimney after use, that dead space can be used to pack other items.

[@Neoj-dl6tw]

Out of all the stoves that you’ve used which one would you choose for an every day carry or survival stove?

[@raymondscott906]

personally I have the biggest and smallest versions. if im going in the canoe where there will be between 3 and 6 people I take the large one. one or 2 people the small but remember you can boil 2 lots of water in just over 5 mins with the small one if needed.i also put dry wood tinder and fire steel in the barrel so I have everything needed to get a brew going. if everything around is wet

[@GwladYrHaf]

Kelly Trekker full kit.

[@maninacan.6285]

Awesome kettle. Of course Amazon says unavailable for the hobo stove piece and the kettle. But Thanks for sharing.

[@MrNetnic]

Always check at 'Canadian Outdoor Equipment'. they generally carry the full range

[@IntheBlood67]

I'm seeing some great opprotunities for using this as a heater for winter camping?

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice one 👍 great video thanks 😊

[@markcummings6856]

Sure is neat!

[@strongbear9304]

@PaleoHikerMD , Hi Ernie, Before this video I watched your "Fancy Feast Stove" build and test video... I have a question going back to , Well Not only that video But all videos involving Alcohol Burning Stoves. Involving fuel for them---CAN 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol (Medical Grade) be used as fuel for the alcohol stoves? or should I just stick with Denatured Alcohol. I have several gallons of the Isopropyl and didn't want to buy the denatured if it's safe to use the isopropyl. OR IS IT ONE AND THE SAME? Thanks!

[@jerseydevil7895]

" I have the Base Model and the Hobo Stove will fit inside the bottom half of the kettle for travel "

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

Patagonia Wood Stove and the Sierra Zip wood stove would be cool to see you review!

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Patagonia and their Copper Bottomed Pot are on order :)

[@maxw-h]

What’s that frying pan?

[@Kay-xi9kv]

I just received the Trekker and it has a big warning on the box “never boil with the stopper in the spout”. I’m confused because what’s the purpose of the whistle

[@GwladYrHaf]

The whistle is not a stopper, old Kelly kettles came with a bung/stopper, that can cause build up of pressure and explosion if boiled with the bung inserted. The whistle was made to replace the bung and is ok to boil with it inserted as it releases pressure through the whistle. On the whistle you will see an arrow that tells you to have the arrow pointing downwards. Only a few rules with these kettles, Never boil with a the bung/stopper Never use without water Always lift the kettle off the base using the handle parallel to the ground, using both hands. General fire safety and ventilation rules apply. That is my understanding.

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

@@GwladYrHaf The never use without water is mailny the aluminium one but that's the same for all aluminium pot's etc. You can still buy the bungs so that you can use it for transporting water too if you want.

[@torandersen9848]

Hi - and thanks for a great KZbin channel. Have you had the opportunity to try mKettle. Is much smaller and can be used with alcohol burner if you wish.

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour is it a good item for bushcraft ?

[@whitetailcqb5782]

That would be cool to boil water and cook at the same time

[@ardellewachter1649]

Excellent review, you covered all the questions I had.

[@AA-wd2or]

I like my stain.steel Scout more compare to my aluminium Trekker is more practical to use with acessories and i belive is also more healty.

[@WeShootBack1776]

Sucks that the little one is 75 bux and you have to buy extra stuff for it . Guess I'll be sticking with the biolite campstove 2 plus , weighs the same and does more

[@gogamgogam5485]

Can u use alcohol stove for this?

[@elizabeththompson4424]

when the stainless first came out it LEAKED!!! had to silver solder the entire base the CORK stopper also disintegrated had to make my own stopper that all said it finally it finally worked not totally pleased but maybe the NEW is better really heats water fast with nothing but twigs

[@buggzo]

Link to wok?

[@vincentleuga8135]

Great Review ! New level : mKettle "SAS" model ;)

[@smellybearc7411]

Meh. I prefer the firebox and the solo stove. The solo stove is probably on par with kelly. The firebox boils water super fast with a boiling plate too, and it’s more portable and versatile.

[@risk_immersed]

This system.... this system... this system... etc......

[@pjcardone164]

Great video.....you probably could use wood pellets.....

[@MrNetnic]

I tried 2 cups hickory pellets in the firebox of a 'scout' model full of water, plus 28oz on the pot stand. Both kettle and pot came to a boil 25 minutes after the first spark to the cold pellets.After that , switch to the hobo with lump charcoal on a grill for your excellent steak. would never hump this on a hike, but great for canoe, car, or emergency home use.

[@MrNetnic]

oops!-I goofed. forgot to mention that I used an older model gassifier to contain the pellets within the firebase, and keep them off the floor, allowing more oxygen from below the pellets.

[@bobinmontana777]

Kelly kettle trekker and hobo stove unavailable on Amazon.

[@PaleoHikerMD]

As with many things these days, just have to keep looking. When I put the links in the video description last week they were both available..

[@bobinmontana777]

@@PaleoHikerMD funny, Kelly Kettle site is out also, you’re a good salesman. I did find it on battlebox.

[@TheHuntForSupper]

I'm surprised it doesn't melt the green plastic piece.

[@tjmorrison1909]

Its silicone rubber

[@brandonwilliams2431]

My wife said you had her till the chicken. She's allergic to chicken

[@therealinak]

They reinvented the 300 year old samovar but forgot the valve.

[@Unique377]

That chicken was not cooked but i get it for demonstration purposes no need to cook it all the way through

[@michaelp7617]

Thank you Karen.

[@RichardCooper-p7b]

Don't forger to try burning charcoal in it...

[@Aktenzeichen_007]

Achtung, der grüne Verschluss muss beim kochen raus sein, sonst bekommt die Kelly einen Schaden, so steht es in meiner Gebrauchsanleitung !!

[@aaronjaben7913]

that's way more fuel than needed

[@jamesbailand4311]

Oil, seriously?!

[@Geronimo_Go]

Tell mi name you fry pan, please?