This review dives deep into the Kelly Kettle Base Camp, exploring its capabilities as a bushcraft essential. We'll examine its design, functionality, and performance in a real-world setting, covering everything from efficient fire-building techniques to the kettle's impressive boiling speed. From the sturdy Firebase base to the thoughtfully designed kettle itself, we'll assess the Base Camp's practicality and durability, highlighting key features like the whistle stopper and silicone bung cover. This comprehensive review will help you determine if the Kelly Kettle Base Camp is the right investment for your outdoor adventures.Expect a detailed look at the fire-starting process, showcasing best practices for wood preparation and tinder selection. We'll analyze the kettle's chimney design and its impact on boiling time, comparing its performance to other water boiling systems. We will also discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks, ultimately providing a balanced assessment of the Kelly Kettle Base Camp's value proposition for both novice and seasoned bushcrafters. Get ready to discover if this kit truly lives up to its reputation as a must-have piece of bushcraft gear.
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The Kelly Kettle Base Camp: A First Look
The Kelly Kettle Base Camp is a standout piece of Bushcraft gear. Its 1.6L capacity is perfect for solo trips or small group adventures, easily boiling enough water for multiple cups of tea or coffee.
The design is sleek and functional, with a sturdy base and a well-engineered kettle that sits securely on top. The included Firebase provides a stable platform for building a fire efficiently.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the design elements; it's clearly crafted with both convenience and durability in mind for outdoor use.
Essential Bushcraft Tools for Efficient Fire Starting
Proper wood preparation is key for a successful fire. The presenter demonstrates using a Gransfors Bruks axe to split wood into smaller, more easily combustible pieces.
Feather sticks, created using a knife, and pre-split kindling are shown as excellent tinder. These techniques maximize surface area, ensuring quick ignition and a sustained burn.
A flat piece of wood acts as a stable chopping block and a surface to prepare other kindling, and the presenter highlights the versatility of their Gerber knife for various tasks.
Fire Starting Techniques with the Kelly Kettle
The presenter uses wax twine as a reliable fire starter, ignited by a ferrocerium rod and their Opinel knife. This method ensures a controlled and steady flame.
The process of building the initial fire in the Firebase is demonstrated, starting with tinder and gradually adding larger pieces of kindling. The importance of proper airflow is emphasized.
The presenter showcases their efficient fire-building technique, resulting in a quickly burning fire ideal for heating the water in the Kelly Kettle.
Kelly Kettle Functionality and Design Details
The Kelly Kettle's chimney design ensures efficient heat transfer, boiling water remarkably quickly. The air flows through the bottom, up the chimney and heats the whole kettle.
The whistle stopper is highlighted as a convenient feature, signaling when the water boils. The silicone bung cover prevents dirt from contaminating the kettle's opening.
The presenter's modifications, such as adding silicone to the bung and oiling the handle, demonstrate a commitment to improving the kettle's functionality and longevity.
Conclusion: Is the Kelly Kettle Base Camp Worth It?
The Kelly Kettle Base Camp is a high-quality, efficient, and versatile piece of Bushcraft equipment. Its quick boiling time and large capacity make it perfect for various outdoor settings.
The durable construction and well-thought-out design ensure longevity. The added accessories in the base camp kit are useful additions and well-integrated with the Kelly Kettle.
While the initial investment might be higher compared to other boiling systems, the value and convenience it offers make the Kelly Kettle Base Camp a worthy investment for serious Bushcrafters.
