What is your favourite way to suspend your billycan.

Brokor · Apr 12, 2010

I thought it sounded Australian in nature. Thanks for the info, Colt. I am with you in your assessment -the term "Billycan" threw me a bit, but I narrowed the parameters down the same as you and just concluded that he means "pot".

ghrit · Apr 12, 2010

ColtCarbine said: ↑

General-purpose pot handles, often called billy-grips, can be bought separately.
Click to expand...

A lifetime ago, we called 'em HPTs. Any other ex- or current boy scouts recognize that?

sticks65 · Apr 12, 2010

ColtCarbine said: ↑

Well f*ck me, I guess I replied to the wrong thread with the wrong answer. Sorry for such an off-topic reply.

Billycan

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For the dolls or icons called Billycan, see billiken.

Modern billycan on a gas stove

A billycan, more commonly known simply as a billy or occasionally as a billy can (billy tin in Canada), is a lightweight cooking pot which is used on a campfire or a camping stove.

<TABLE id=toc class=toc><TBODY><TR><TD>Contents

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1 Usage and etymology of the term

2 Modern billies

3 See also

4 References

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> //<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> </SCRIPT>[edit] Usage and etymology of the term

A traditional billycan on a campfire

The term billy or billycan is particularly associated with Australian usage, but is also used in the UK and Ireland <SUP id=cite_ref-0 class=reference>[1]</SUP>. Elsewhere, there is no special term for a pot designed for camping use.
It is commonly accepted that the term "billycan" is derived from the large cans used for transporting bouilli or bully beef on Australia-bound ships or during exploration of the outback, which after use were modified for boiling water over a fire. <SUP id=cite_ref-1 class=reference>[2]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-2 class=reference>[3]</SUP>
In Australia, the billy has come to symbolise the spirit of exploration of the outback. To boil the billy most often means to make tea. "Billy Tea" is the name of a popular brand of tea long sold in Australian grocers and supermarkets<SUP id=cite_ref-3 class=reference>[4]</SUP>. Billies feature in many of Henry Lawson's stories and poems. Banjo Paterson's most famous of many references to the billy is surely in the first verse and chorus of Waltzing Matilda: "And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled..."
[edit] Modern billies

A billy with integrated heatsink, lifted using a billy-grip

In recent years, conscious of the important role played by billies in lightweight backpacking and mountaineering, much research and innovation has gone into improving their design and performance. Issues include:

Weight. Billies are typically made from lightweight aluminium, or the more expensive titanium,<SUP id=cite_ref-4 class=reference>[5]</SUP> and handles are often omitted.

Durability. Light aluminium billies can be easily dented, so quality billies are often made from stronger alloys and anodised to harden the surface. Sometimes stainless steel is used instead.

Thermal efficiency. In order to save fuel and speed-up cooking, some modern billies have heatsinks integrated into their bases, and it also possible to buy separate heatsinks which can be wrapped around the pot.<SUP id=cite_ref-5 class=reference>[6]</SUP> These heatsinks trap much of the heat which would otherwise escape up around the sides of the pot.

Packability. Billies are often sold in nesting sets, and the innermost billy can often be used to store the stove or other items. Handles are either omitted, removable, or hinged to allow nesting.

Versatility Frying-pan-shaped billies can often be used as lids, and lids can often used as plates to eat from. Small pots can often be used as mugs for drinking from.

Ease of use. Non-stick finishes are common, to make cooking and cleaning easier.

Weatherproofing. Some manufacturers produce "integrated cooking systems" consisting of one or more pots and a stove, designed to work as a wind-resistant integrated unit. Trangia, and more recently Jetboil,<SUP id=cite_ref-6 class=reference>[7]</SUP> are well-known examples of this.

General-purpose pot handles, often called billy-grips, can be bought separately. These have a hinged pliers-like construction and can be used to grip almost any pot which has a lipped rim. The term "spondonicle" has also been applied to these handles by some Australian users; <SUP id=cite_ref-7 class=reference>[8]</SUP> it is widely understood that the term is derived from a Three Stooges comedy sketch where the term is used to refer to a mock surgical instrument.
Click to expand...

Ok i forgive you this time but don't do it again LMFAO

Seawolf1090 · Apr 13, 2010

Since I have a van now and can carry more gear, I'm planning to get the iron tripod rig to hang a pot over a fire. I could probably make a light-weight rig for MC use though. I do have the East German military cookpot that has a bail handle - should 'work a treat' as the Brits say!

sticks65 · Apr 13, 2010

Seawolf1090 said: ↑

Since I have a van now and can carry more gear, I'm planning to get the iron tripod rig to hang a pot over a fire. I could probably make a light-weight rig for MC use though. I do have the East German military cookpot that has a bail handle - should 'work a treat' as the Brits say!
Click to expand...

Id like one of those iron tripods with a dutch oven

Tracy · Apr 13, 2010

sticks65 said:

Id like one of those iron tripods with a dutch oven
Click to expand...

I just saw one of those the other day (though it had a cauldron) and decided that's what I need!

'Course, ask my Mr. and he'd swear that I already have a cauldron; kept right next to my broom

sticks65 · Apr 13, 2010

Tracy said: ↑

I just saw one of those the other day (though it had a cauldron) and decided that's what I need!

'Course, ask my Mr. and he'd swear that I already have a cauldron; kept right next to my broom
Click to expand...

LOL

Some call a dutch oven a couldren.

ghrit · Apr 13, 2010

sticks65 said: ↑

LOL

Some call a dutch oven a couldren.
Click to expand...

And some us call those that use cauldrons - WITCHES.
(Then we die.)

sticks65 · Apr 14, 2010

ghrit said: ↑

And some us call those that use cauldrons - WITCHES.
(Then we die.)
Click to expand...

hog · Apr 14, 2010

My eyes are watering with dispair.

Tracy · Apr 15, 2010

ghrit said:

And some us call those that use cauldrons - WITCHES.
Click to expand...

Cauldron or not, we all have our moments. [batteye]

ColtCarbine · Apr 15, 2010

ghrit said: ↑

A lifetime ago, we called 'em HPTs. Any other ex- or current boy scouts recognize that?
Click to expand...

I remember them being called hot pot pliers.

ETA: for the life of me, I can't find mine but I did locate the hot pot pliers we use for Corningware cookware. They are a little different but same principle.

ghrit · Apr 15, 2010

ColtCarbine said: ↑

I remember them being called hot pot pliers.
Click to expand...

Hot pot tongs ---

Brokor · Apr 16, 2010

Pot doingus.

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