Grilliput - Anyone use one?

[EASt]

I used to carry a small mess bag with a gas stove, cooking utensils, etc. whenever I take a long trip on the ST.

BUT, I never use the thing anymore. Most days, I just eat at a restaurant before getting to the campsite, and I never cook. In the morning, I just pack and go.

I don't want to be without cooking gear, though, and am looking to trim down. Anyone ever use a Grilliput (http://candlelantern.com/grilliput.html)? All internet reviews are good, its ultra compact, and open flame cooking could be a solution to packing all the other stuff.

[dannyk]

A couple of downsides that I can think of would be if there is a open fire ban. Otherwise you would need to get/carry charcoal etc. to use it. :biker:

[EASt]

Charcoal???

I'm thinking more of using it over your average camp fire ring.

[georgeorge]

From what I can tell there would be no way you could use it over the average campfire ring. The site says that the grill is 26cm by 29cm which means it's about a foot by a foot. That would have to be one small fire ring.

[mageerc]

A friend of mine bought one of those... used it once, decided it was a PITA to assemble, wasn't strong enough to support much of anything, was too small for his needs... he then pitched into the closet reserved for "useless junk I bought but won't throw away".

[EASt]

A friend of mine bought one of those... used it once, decided it was a PITA to assemble, wasn't strong enough to support much of anything, was too small for his needs... he then pitched into the closet reserved for "useless junk I bought but won't throw away".

Well, I guess that settles that! :)

[Ripshod]

I have one and I like it. It's big and sturdy enough to hold two big steaks and yeah, its a little tedious but after the second or third time it goes together in about a minute and a half. If you're like me (I think there are drugs you can take for that now) and you absolutely, positively have to be sure that you'll be able to grill up dinner no matter where you camp, it's well worth the space to pack it along.

As far as ground fire bans are concerned, you can also get their folding fire bowl. It's like those vegetable steamers with the folding interlaced wings that fan out nearly flat, but bigger and without the holes. It fits under the grilliput and holds enough charcoal to do a good job, and it packs in my cook pot.

Okay, I'm an exception. I carry lots of gear. Lots and lots. But that's just because I'm an old fart who loves to camp but insists on having the gear to be comfortable, dry and well-fed no matter what. (Don't get me started on my Kermit camp chair) If you're a dire minimalist and would just as soon hit a diner, it might not be for you.

[EASt]

(Don't get me started on my Kermit camp chair)

Why not?? I've been drooling over those for a long time, but they're a bit cost-prohibitive. They sure look nice.

[BridgeMan]

Never used one, but back when I used to grill/camp on bike trips, a great way to carry/use charcoal was to place six brickettes into one-half of an empty cardboard egg carton. Then dribble a generous amount of melted wax (paraffin) over everything, close it and dribble some more. Tie some store string around it to keep it closed, and you've got an easy-to-light, self-contained fuel source for your next meal.

[Ripshod]

Why not?? I've been drooling over those for a long time, but they're a bit cost-prohibitive. They sure look nice.

The Kermit chair is sweet. It's really comfortable. sure beats a hard picnic table or a stump. They pack down a little long, about 22", but it sure feels good on these old bones. If you get one, I don't recommend getting the leg extensions, but by all means do get the drink holder.

My riding buddy gave me one for Christmas, so I had to get him one for his birthday. I didn't want him stealing mine on the next camping trip.

While we're talking gear, there's one thing that's been a real life saver. I have a 12' Noah's tarp rain fly. It's nice to know that you'll have a dry place to eat, and if you've covered the picnic table it makes packing and putting on gear a lot more pleasant on a rainy morning.

BTW - is there a thread here where guys brag about how much (or how little) camping gear they haul around? I'm going for a record.