Just completed three quickie myog items this weekend. All are focused on ultra-light ultra CHEAP, which I find way more fun :) Anyone can buy crazy light stuff, but more fun to get 80% of the way there for 10% the cost!
Item 1: folding handles for IMUSA mug
–everyone knows about the IMUSA mug but that huge, rigid handle just sucks. It finally dawned on me that I could remove it and install folding handles. Basic process was to carefully drill out the rivets then sand down inside and out of the holes to get a good seal. Got the smallest nylon washers and aluminum bolts I could at Ace. Measured and cut up thin aluminum flashing to make the bracket (cut out "excess areas" that didn't contribute to strength). The flashing folds over underneath so the bolt goes thru 3 layers of flashing actually making it far more stiff than I was expecting. Handles are just your basic shirt hanger, contoured to wrap the cup properly.
Made it a shade heavier but final product is a very functional 3oz metal mug for $5, vs 2.25 oz ti mug for $50+. Original 22.5oz IMUSA cup: 70g (~2.75 oz)… Modified w/ folding handles: 75g (~3oz)
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Item 2: lid for IMUSA mug
–again real basic, but dirt cheap and light. Just traced the top of the mug on the same aluminum flashing used for the handle bracket, cut it out and left 3 ~3/4" wide x 1/4" long tabs. Folded down the tabs at ~75-deg angle to keep the lid on. Foil tape handle.
Total weight: ~7g (.2 oz)
Item3: platypus for fuel!
–this one seemed like a no-brainer but I haven't come across anyone doing it so maybe there's an issue I'll discover (or someone will let me know about here). But until then, I've found a super cheap, super light and flexible container for alcohol… those little pouches that baby food and a lot of health shake things are coming in these days. The grocery store I was at had sizes from 3oz up to 8oz amongst the various products (so pick your size) and cost was ~$1.25 to $3.00. The caps have huge wings/doughnuts around them for easier handling, but no real need for them. Cut off all excess from the lid and nipped the excess on the package seams. Initial weight was ~8g but got it down to 5g by removing excess. Typical 3-4oz bottle is ~15g.
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