Pot to heat water on/in the fire

How about an empty 1 lb coffee can with a wire handle?

A steel can is obviously the cheapest. If you’re looking for a cheap AND light alternative I recommend pots by Open Country.

Anti Gravity Gear’s versions

Open Country website

I've used this rig for quite a while and it works well. The wire bail would suspend it over an open fire. My ti stove wraps around the keg to protect it in the pack.

What's to ruin? It will get a little sooty.

AntiGravityGear has inexpensive pots: http://www.antigravitygear.com/antigravitygear-3-cup-aluminum-non-stick-cook-pot.html

The classic cheap cook pot is the Walmart or Kmart grease strainer/pot, but both may be discontinued. Cost was about $6. Update — found it here: https://www.end2endtrailsupply.com/Stanco_Greasepot.html

I see orphaned aluminum pots from mess kits in thrift stores all the time– usually about $3.

I made a survival kit using a 1 liter wide mouth stainless steel water bottle. It is heavy for a water bottle or pot, but evens out when used as both. The one in the link below is 6.7oz on my scale. FYI, the lid threads are not compatible with Nalgene stuff.

http://www.planetzerogravity.com/water-bottles/1-liter-water-bottle.html

You just want one that has a lid that can be removed completely for use in the fire. Some wide mouth bottles have a plastic section with the threads. Guyot Designs, Klean Kanteen make suitable bottles too, but the price goes up unless you can find a used one.

You don't necessarily need a wide mouth bottle. I sought them out to use for survival kits, storing all the items in the bottle and getting water bottle, cook pot, water purification and storage container all in one.

Kris,

A friend of mine uses a soup can with "one-piece" construction – meaning it has a rounded bottom, not welded.
Free & light.

I believe Progresso and Chef-Boy-Ardee make some.

He used it all week in Colorado a few weeks back and it worked great. We were in the Holy Cross Wilderness.

Todd

Progresso cans do have a rounded bottom. Not a bad idea, but I wonder about the linings in food cans. Seems just a tad small too.

I use my titanium backpacking pot. The soot washes off.

If you are worried about getting your pot dirty, a good cheap, but slightly heavier altrnative would be:
http://pearlriver.com/v2/FramesCat.asp?iGroup=333

I used one for years. before I could afford the titanium pot.

Steven, your link went to a general Pearl River page. Did you use one of these pots and if so, any idea of the volume?

Stainless Steel Mug
http://pearlriver.com/asp/v2Detail3.asp?iPic=15817&iGroup=333

Round Stainless Steel Lunch Box
http://pearlriver.com/asp/v2Detail3.asp?iPic=10454&iGroup=333

Also, is there a preference of stainless steel over aluminum (or vice versa)?

Look for "Round Stainless Steel Lunch Box – With Dish"
I can't actually link to the page:-)

They have three sizes. You can see the dimensions when you click on the selection bar.

Mine is approx 1 liter.
I prefer stainless steel as aluminum can effect the taste of acidic foods, eg. tomato sauce.

Although aluminum is lighter, stainless can be made thinner for the same strength. So works out about the same.

Of course Titanium is the best, except for price.

this is light and costs $20… it's what i use and i primarily heat water on a wood stove

http://www.rei.com/product/768513

Thanks, I can't afford the titanium, but the $6 stainless steel one with handle will work nicely for now. Will stop by Pearl River to see if my MSR pocket rocket will fit inside, and if not, I may try to make an alcohol stove.

IMUSA mugs are great and cheap, and LIGHT! Lighter than titanium.
You can also fit a wood stove (bushbuddy, but my wood stove is handmade from a quart paint can) inside of it.

It’s been my man cup for about a year and a half now.

https://www.end2endtrailsupply.com/Imusa_Mugs.html