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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Jerry Bellmyer on February 03, 2013, 12:21:00 AM

Title: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Jerry Bellmyer on February 03, 2013, 12:21:00 AM
would like to hear comments on which to buy. I am sure it depends on backcountry type hunts plan. But I am interested in hearing some reviews or suggestions.  I like the fact you don't have to carry fuel for Kelly....
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Dan Adair on February 03, 2013, 12:47:00 AM
My advice...

Stay away from gimmicky items in the backcountry.  Kelley Kettles are one of those items that is a neat enough theory that it sells product.

Now a Jetboil, with a fresh 100 gram can, you can BANK on 15 2 cup boils, in just about any conditions, you can maybe stretch it to 18 downhill with a tailwind...

Or, you could run 133 grammers with a Soto Micro Regulator with an MSR Titan Kettle, and bank on 17 2 cup boils, and maybe get 20 downhill with a tailwind.  Of course, this set-up is really lightweight, and the least bulky.

Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Jakeemt on February 03, 2013, 12:50:00 AM
What he said.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: stalkin4elk on February 03, 2013, 12:51:00 AM
Dry times have fire restrictions by USFS so that means canned or bottled fuel depending on the severity of the restrictions. Something to consider.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: David Yukon on February 03, 2013, 01:07:00 AM
I use a Kelly kettle, and it is a great tool. It will work in any temperature, even at -40... And there is no moving parts to break get loose or lost. you never run out of fuel, you don't have to pack empty canister out. And it will boil more that 2 cups at the time.
It is far less gimmicky, than the jetboil gimmick!!
To each is own i guess
I also cook on camp fire and use a Dutch Oven...
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: freebird134 on February 03, 2013, 01:48:00 AM
I was reluctant to get a Jetboil, but ended up scoring the titanium Jetboil at REI for a killer price.  I love it.  I repeat: I LOVE IT.  So fast, so efficient. It is not the lightest option.  On my backcountry hunts (7-10 days, Idaho) I usually cut every ounce I can.  But the jetboil is worth the extra ounces, especially with a buddy to share the weight.

I can't comment on the Kettle.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Tatonka17 on February 03, 2013, 01:48:00 AM
I've used the Jetboil A LOT in the backcountry and have always been very satisfied. Great product.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: ozy clint on February 03, 2013, 03:21:00 AM
that kelly kettle is neat product for camping out of a car but there is no way it would make its way into my backpack! just way too big and heavy. it would be useless above the tree line unless your going to carry fuel with you and go to the trouble of keeping that fuel dry. just no way it will beat a jetboil. what do you use for a cup with the kelly kettle? another item to carry....

freebird- i have a jetboil SOL titanium and i believe it's the lightest setup for trips of the duration you speak of. there are lighter stove and cup setups, for example a titanium kovea stove and evernew titanium cup which i used to use. but on long trips the jetboil blows it out of the water. for 13 days i can get away with the jetboil and two 100gm cans of gas. with the kovea setup i had, i had to take a 100gm can and a 230gm can to get the same amount of boil ups. the jetboil is that much more efficient! so although the jet boil is heavier than the other setup, (not including cans) for long trips it works out to be a lighter system because you don't have to carry as much gas. jetboil and two 100gm cans is lighter than kovea stove, Ti cup, 1x100gm can and 1x 230gm can. for trips upto 4-5 days the kovea stove wins. but your pack is lighter anyway on those trips so the little weight penalty of the jetboil is acceptable to me.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Andrei101 on February 03, 2013, 05:01:00 AM
The kelly kettle I use it's great for boiling water on short fishing trips outside the city. I don't stay out camping for more than two days in a row. Also I travel by car so space isn't really an issue. It weighs so little that when I received it by post from Ireland it was labeled as a 'large letter'. I think it might be hung from the backpack in case of long distance walking. But if it rains and all it's soaked then the lack of fuel might be a problem.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Steve O on February 03, 2013, 05:25:00 AM
I was worried about the durability of the JetBoil when it first came out. I studied it for around the first year it was out, but decided it was just too perfect for my style of backcountry cooking and picked one up.  As an engineer, I appreciate its incredible efficiency and the self contained modularity.

It   IS perfect for my style.  So perfect, in fact, I picked up a Flash in case something ever happened and they stopped making them.  Then I picked up a Titanium one so I would have the lightest possible JB set up.  

My concern about durability is long gone.  The first one is still going strong after countless miles in the back country and trips to the kids football games, and baseball games, and picnics, and mushrooming, the turkey blind, and so on....
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: centaur on February 03, 2013, 08:04:00 AM
Last elk season, I used a JetBoil with zero problems. If I had the Kettle, I would not have been able to use it because of fire restrictions. JetBoil is very efficient and trouble free. I like the concept of the Kettle, but in dry years, it might be violating fire ban restrictions.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Gil Verwey on February 03, 2013, 08:13:00 AM
I used the MSR Reactor for two, two week backcountry elk hunts in the last two years. It is the cats meow!

It boils water so fast you won't believe it. It therefore does not use alot of fuel.

The wind does not affect it.

I used it on each hunt for 28 meals, some snacks during the day (like romin noodles) and many coffees, hot chocolate and tea during the hunts. Each hunt I used under 3 fuel canisters. I was camped at around 11,000'. It packs nice too.

Good luck.

Gil
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: wvtradbow on February 03, 2013, 08:21:00 AM
I also use a jetboil,and really like it,it's so easy and fast,I even take it on cabin hunts just in case someone else is using the stove and I just need some hot water...Great product !!
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: KellyG on February 03, 2013, 08:24:00 AM
Wow some many choices and each with there limitations and advantages. I use a MSR with a refillable bottle that you pump. Unlike pressure bottles they work at all elevations and use any liquid fuel. You just have to keep them pumped up. I know guys that used them bottles and at higher elevations and lower temps they would not work.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: jcar315 on February 03, 2013, 08:49:00 AM
:campfire:
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: The Night Stalker on February 03, 2013, 10:04:00 AM
Jet boil here, 2fuel cans for 10 days above 10,000 ft
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: mjh on February 03, 2013, 10:23:00 AM
I have a large KK and as others have posted not a pack in type of item,Really like it for what it does though,  and you can buy smaller ones that might work for packing.  For packing in I like an Emberlit stove with a Mors pot and as back up an alcohol stove.  I can burn easy to find materials or if no burn rules in effect still have heat.  Never been enticed enough to buy a jetboil, don't like canister type stoves.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Walt Francis on February 03, 2013, 10:50:00 AM
Of the two stoves in question the Jet Boil (JB) is my choice' they are fast and efficient.  My preference is the MSR Pocket Rocket because of weight, speed, and versatility.  Last fall on our moose hunt in Alaska I took the MSR and my partner took the JB, we got a good side by side comparison.  The MSR's weight with a pot and pan was lighter than the JB with the titanium pot.  I believe it was 1 the liter, it was tall and narrow which have it a greater potential of topping over.  The MSR boiled the same amount of water faster than the JB, though the difference was not enough to matter much.  The big difference was the ability to cook a moose steak (or grouse) without building fire.  The JB might have a special pan available but we didn't have it so the we used my pan.  One other thing, the lighter on the JB quit working the second day, a match or lighted stick was needed to get it going, a BIC style lighter won't work.  That being said, the JB potects the flame better than the MSR. Also, availability of fuel for the JB can be a problem, the Sportsman,s Warehouse in Fairbanks was out of the fuel canisters, it took four phone calls and a trip across town to find the correct ones.

If your only use is boiling liquid, the JB would probably be my choice.  However, I use my stove for more then boiling liquid so I will stay with my 20 year old MSR, it has always worked.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Biathlonman on February 03, 2013, 11:05:00 AM
I don't think the Kelly Kettle rates contention with the jetboil, however I do think the Backcountry Boiler does.  Check it out, add on a fire wick for an alcohol option and you may have the best of both worlds.  The convience of the jetboil is nice, kind of different animals.

I also have experience with all three, not just arm chair speculation here.  They all work well for their intended purpose.  Environment and trip length/type defending.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: snag on February 03, 2013, 11:06:00 AM
Thanks Walt for the comparison. I always like to hear "real world" reports.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: freebird134 on February 03, 2013, 11:23:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by ozy clint:
freebird- i have a jetboil SOL titanium and i believe it's the lightest setup for trips of the duration you speak of. there are lighter stove and cup setups, for example a titanium kovea stove and evernew titanium cup which i used to use. but on long trips the jetboil blows it out of the water. for 13 days i can get away with the jetboil and two 100gm cans of gas. with the kovea setup i had, i had to take a 100gm can and a 230gm can to get the same amount of boil ups. the jetboil is that much more efficient! so although the jet boil is heavier than the other setup, (not including cans) for long trips it works out to be a lighter system because you don't have to carry as much gas. jetboil and two 100gm cans is lighter than kovea stove, Ti cup, 1x100gm can and 1x 230gm can. for trips upto 4-5 days the kovea stove wins. but your pack is lighter anyway on those trips so the little weight penalty of the jetboil is acceptable to me.
I pretty much agree.  There are lighter options for a stove (Esbit, for example) and you have to consider packing out the empty canister and (i'm a worrier) possibly a backup canister just in case something happened to yours.  That's why we pack 2 smaller ones, rather than 1 big one.  But what you say is dead on!  The JetBoil Ti is really hard to beat (except in price!).
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Michael Pfander on February 03, 2013, 11:29:00 AM
The only camping I have done above timberline has been in the tundra.  There were things to burn in that place too.  I take a MSR when I plan on cooking something as opposed to just boiling water.  For what ever its worth I have been using a Kelly kettle for over 5 years now.  It has been on a Montana sheep[and is going again this year] at least one elk hunt and sometimes 2 each year since I got it.  My only complaint is that it smokes with wet fuel.  We normally pack into wilderness areas 15 or 20 miles.  I do take a small tube of JB weld in case I knock a hole in it.  Haven't had to use it.  Anymore I cook the tenderloins on a fire.  I haven't carried a gas stove for quite a while.
MAP
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: FarmerMarley on February 03, 2013, 11:46:00 AM
LIke someone else said I think they are like apples and oranges. Not comparable.

I haven't tried a jetboil yet but I did get a mid-size Kelly Kettle a few years back after much research. I really liked the idea of being able to use any type of burnable fuel, and not buying canisters.

I have used the Kelly Kettl on several car camping trips, however it is not the easiest thing to pack in a backpack. Not heavy but it is awkward and kinda bulky. It does a good job of boiling water for a small amount of twigs, bark, or whatever. Mine almost always smokes like crazy though!

For canoe type camping, or with pack animals, or cars I think the kelly kettle is a good option. But I'm definitely considering getting a jetboil for more lightweight hunts where everything is on my back.

One other thing that may or may not be a consideration for you, if there should be a situation where you can't just go buy more fuel canisters at the local REI or Wally World, the Kelly Kettle will still work.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Walt Francis on February 03, 2013, 11:52:00 AM
MAP, like you I prefer to cook the meat on an open fire.  However, a fire is not always an option.  We flew in for the moose hunt and wanted to keep disturbance of the area down to a minimum.  I got my moose on the second day of an eleven day hunt, we wanted to give my the best chance of taking his moose, thus no fires.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: kibok&ko on February 03, 2013, 12:05:00 PM
personaly I really enjoy the fact  of being able of not buying any gas can and just carryng the KK

with the pint one capacity you can make a good cup size of coffée + noodle soup

but the traditional gas things can be more easy to use

never think about the smoke perhaps must be

the fire restriction can be an issue , during the roe deer summer hunt i dig a hole to use my kk but i stay vigilant
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Bob B. on February 03, 2013, 12:33:00 PM
Well, I am someone who spends significan time in the back country alone.  Last summer I did a 32 day solo trip in Woodland Caribiou Provential Park ( North western Ontario).

I have used a jetboil and really like it.  However, I have been using ( and like it better) 442 coleman single burner as well as a Littlbug twig stove   http://www.littlbug.com/  .  The Littlbug, like the Kelly, will burn fuel on hand, twings pine cones etc.  It is lighter and packs to nothing, wraps around my sleeping bag.  

This way, like others have mentioned, I can use either, but if there is a fire ban I am good to go with the white gas stove ... and I can simmer.  I bake bannock on it, boil water, fry fish etc.  ALso with the twig stove I can cook on that, or use it as a smudge to keep insects away.

I feel I have more options and carry less - all good.

Bob.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: David Yukon on February 03, 2013, 12:53:00 PM
By the way,I do pack my KK pretty much every where I go. It is far from being heavy. I got mine with the optional pot support and a small pot, I can do soup, I can make toasts, and can use a small frying pan and do eggs and bacon etc etc etc.... way more versatile rig, way more simple, I just like its simplicity... Just like hunting with my LB, no gizmos, simple!!
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Smallwood on February 03, 2013, 02:26:00 PM
I have a jetboil and have used it as high as 12,000ft and it worked perfectly. boils water in about 2 to 3 minutes, it self ignites. I'm really happy with it, and i found the jetboil website has a ton of recipes to try with any kind of similar stove. I also have a  http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/H2O-Carrier.html  to carry the whole thing in to keep it protected.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: fnshtr on February 03, 2013, 04:14:00 PM
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq19/fnshtr/P1040792.jpg)

I had planned to purchase a jetboil, but ended up with this instead. It's an Optimus Crux. A 4 oz. canister fits inside and the whole package includes stove, canister, small (very) frying pan and 2.5 cup pot for MH meals. I can hunt for 14 days on two 8 oz. canisters.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: fnshtr on February 03, 2013, 04:16:00 PM
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq19/fnshtr/P1040785.jpg)

Separated pieces. I would recommend this to anyone.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Andrei101 on February 03, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by FarmerMarley:
Mine almost always smokes like crazy though!

Keep the flame high and it will not make so much smoke.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdPFdfLEjng   :knothead:   "are you still here? where am I?"
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: ozzyshane on February 03, 2013, 06:31:00 PM
Here is on the check out solostove.com

But it is very hard to beat the jetboil it is just so easy to use Thanks Shane
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: FarmerMarley on February 03, 2013, 07:20:00 PM
Wow, I checked out the website for the Littlbug stove mentioned above...looks pretty sweet! Versatile, resilient, and simple like the KK but looks like easier to pack, plus more efficient for large volumes, and alcohol fuel option.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Matty on February 03, 2013, 07:29:00 PM
I went with a slightly different approach when I was once in the market for a similar product.  I thought I was sold on the jet boil. But decided to go with my own hodgepodge. GSI makes the pinnacle soloist and the pinnacle dualist. I got the dualist.  Incase my better 1/2 comes along. Comes with titanium pot plastic bowls with covers sporks, a cover for a pocket rocket etc.. Then I bought a pocket rocket stove.  Then use snow peak fuel. Works awesome. And super compact!!
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: twistedlim on February 03, 2013, 08:27:00 PM
Jetboil only. I have used a number of stoves and Jetboil is by far my favorite.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: HenrikBP on February 03, 2013, 09:26:00 PM
I just pulled out my 30 year old Trangia stove, and for fun did some web searching. Turns out alcohol stoves are still in use by hunters and hikers. They're super easy to work with, you can get fuel for them everywhere, and there are many new and interesting options out there. Including DIY burners made from a single soda can:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-35L_xdtQE  

Just another option.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: kibok&ko on February 05, 2013, 11:45:00 AM
:campfire:
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Tutanka on February 05, 2013, 12:20:00 PM
Lots of good information in this post.  The way  I see it, is what are your primary uses for it going to be.  If you want a quick light setup to boil water then the Jetboil is a good choice.  I personally try to stay away from any stove that I have to physically build a fire, will they get the job done, sure they will.  But, how much time do you want to spend messing around with a fire, especially when you are up early and to bed late.  

However, what if you are going to want to use the stove to do other things that just boil water?  Things like large pots and frying pans, then you may be better off buying just a stove and outfitting it with various cookware assortments.  

Last, what type of fuel source are you going to use, liquid fuel (white gas..etc.) or do you want to stick to canisters.  The nice thing about liguid fuel is that it tends to perform better at higher altitudes and lower temps, and you can refill at your convience.  Canisters at least to the best of my knowledge cannot be refilled.  

For the reasons listed above I have a Soto head that I will use with canisters if I am looking for light weight and boiling water.  However, if I am looking to get more out of my stove I use a MSR Whisperlite Universal.  The nice thing about the MSR is that I can run it off canister fuel or liquid fuel, all I have to do is change the jets in the fuel system.  Also, the base and holding tray on the MSR are built to hold bigger pots and pans.  The downside is that it is a heavier setup.  

I really do not like the ignition switches on the Soto or the Jetboil  I prefer to have a stove that you light with a match.  I am sure you will get different opinions on this, but I have seen the ignition switch go out on the Jetboil on more than one occasion.  Sure, it can be replaced, but only if you have a spare with you.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: Steve O on February 05, 2013, 12:49:00 PM
And that right there^^^^^^^^^^^is why my answer said for   MY style the JB was perfect.

BTW, you   can light a JetBoil with a lighter or match if your ignitor breaks.  My original has traveled at least 50,000 miles of airplanes, trucks, boats, quads, horses, and backpacks and I've not replaced part one.
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: wingnut on February 05, 2013, 01:38:00 PM
We used Jetboils in Moose camp and loved them.  Now you can't fly with the fuel so we are back to gas stoves.

If your not going to fly into camp go with the Jetboil.

Mike
Title: Re: Jet boil vesus Kelly Kettle
Post by: calgarychef on February 15, 2013, 01:13:00 PM
Jet boil is a great stove and the KK has cool factor.  If weight was the main problem and I was camping below tree line I'd bring my little MSR pot with the lid and use a handful of twigs, that's the lightest set up by far.