Billy cans

[mad_man_moss]

Looking to buy a billy can as an alternative to standard mess tins

Any suggestions?

 

[ozzy1977]

Without question a zebra, I have a 12 cm and find it just right for me http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/zebra-billy-can-stainless-steel-12cm---auto-lock-lid-687-p.asp

 

[Big Stu 12]

I would say a set of Bulldogs......thats if you find a set for sale

But I am biased as I got a set..

 

[MertzMan]

Another vote for the Zebra range. I'd used mess tins for years and swore by them until I got myself the Zebra. One of those bits of kit I'd never part with now, pouring difficulties aside!

 

[Shewie]

Zebra, Tatonka, Bulldog copies, Mors Pot, Snow Peak, loads to go at.

Or you could scour the bargain shops looking for stainless biscuit barrels, tea/coffee.sugar pots etc, a bit of coat hanger for a bail arm and away you go.

 

[Clouston98]

I've got a zebra and they're great, so are MSR I've got the alpine stowaway and a Mors pot has been ordered so I've got something to look forward too!

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

I stopped using billy cans as I found them too narrow to cook in properly and swapped to the Tatonka 1.6 paired with a small kettle.

 

[ozzy1977]

I think that the msr stoway is made by zebra and sold as the lunch box. Sure that's what I have my woodgas stove in

 

[tartanferret]

Does anyone do non-stick ones?

 

[tiger stacker]

My dad used this when drumming up
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/s.../classic-enamel-billy-can-tea-can-314044.html

 

[ozzy1977]

I think trangia do non-stick sets, but they do cost a fair bit more than standard

 

[ozzy1977]

I do like that enamel coffee pot and mug.

 

[rik_uk3]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NESTING-B...997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item255202148d Bulldog clones, all you need and a dam sight cheaper than Tat onka or Zebra.

 

[Dave-the-rave]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NESTING-B...997?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item255202148d Bulldog clones, all you need and a dam sight cheaper than Tat onka or Zebra.

I've got a set of them. Got them when trying to talk 'er indoors' into coming with me. The small can is ok for solo use as is the middle size. The lid of the middle size can take around 400ml of water so all ya need is a cheapo home made lid to fit the lid, and you have a way to boil a brew while using the main can to cook with.

The complete set is good for two or three people. Lightweight for sure but they're okay.

 

[rik_uk3]

2, 4, 6 pint nesting pots for under £17 delivered...whats not to like.

 

[Big Stu 12]

2, 4, 6 pint nesting pots for under £17 delivered...whats not to like.

Been around for years....... used by many... had mine about 30 years .. Ok perhaps not quite the same as mine are the real Bulldog set.. ..

Seen loads of them in use, and know loads that like them....

Depends on what you want...

 

[Will_]

I recently made the change from nearly 2 decades of faithful service from my mess tins to a billy can
I splashed out and bought a Zebra 14cm. They're quite heavy but seem very durable, which is what I wanted. The mess tins have set a high standard and I expect the billy can to now serve me until the peace of the grave.
I'm guessing the nesting set in the ebay link that rik_uk3 posted will be lighter and perhaps more similar to British Army mess tins as they are aluminium.
To my shame, I haven't yet Christened it in fire yet as I haven't been out camping for months

 

[copper_head]

I stopped using billy cans as I found them too narrow to cook in properly and swapped to the Tatonka 1.6 paired with a small kettle.

I use the same set up. I also keep a Honey stove under the kettle and a Trangia burner inside the kettle. Very versatile .

I previously used a set of those nesting billy's linked by Rik, I've had them a few years now and they are very good given the price tag. Looking pretty beaten up now as the metal is quite dinged and the butterfly handles on the lids have fallen off.

 

[ozzy1977]

The originals of the linked one go for stupid amount on ebay, one set went for over £100 recently

 

[John Fenna]

Another vote for home made billies from SEAMLESS stainless steel biscuit barrels, coffee/ tea/sugar sets. Charity shop bargains with coat-hanger/knitting needle/fencing wire bails have been my standard kit for years and I do not seem to be able to kill them!