Camping Pot

Remember the Trail Chef Cook Kit that the BSA used to sell?  The best thing in the kit was the big pot.  They don't sell it anymore, and it's a shame.  I set out to replicate the big pot and here is what I came up with.  I wanted something inexpensive and lightweight that fits in a pack or over the end of a sleeping bag and has a bail that can be used to hang the pot over a fire. The bail had to be able to stand up on its own so it doesn't get hot. 

Start with an  inexpensive stainless steel stock pot.  You can get a 12 quart stock pot from Walmart for $6.71.

You will also need an aluminum sign holder like this one.  $1.28 at Lowes.

First cut the handles of the pot and grind them as flush as possible.  Don't leave any sharp edges.  I used a Dremel tool with a cut off wheel and a sanding drum.

Next drill a 1/8" hole centered between the handle stumps 3/4" down from the top.  Directly above that use a small round file to cut a notch in the rim.  This is used to make your handle stand up.

Now cut off the sign stake such that you have as long a straight section as possible.  Mark the center point with a Sharpie.  Use 2 pairs of pliers to bend it into the shape below.

Now for the lid.  Will need to put some notches in the lid to accommodate the bail.  I used the sanding drum on the Dremel for this.  This should be a bigger notch.  It is not holding the bail up.  This is just so the pot lid fits on with the bail upright.

The next part is optional.  I cut the handle off the top and added a heavy duty picture frame hanger that is attached with a rivet.

Here is the final product along with another 8 quart version that I made.  I found the small pot online somewhere.  The brand name was McSunley.  I didn't bother with the lid handle on the second one.

The other awesome thing in the Trail Chef Cook Kit was the cocoa pot.  You can get a 9 cup coffee percolator from Stansport or Texsport or Coghlans that is nearly identical for about $15.  Check Amazon.