I'm looking for any opinions on both of these products. I'm going into the BWCA in mid May with a group of 5-6. I have a small gas stove but I think either one of these will be a nice addition to my kitchen set. Im leaning towards the Vital Stove, but I don't like that its electronic and runs on batteries. The Kelly Kettle seems pretty solid but I read that its hard to keep lit and seems kind of bulky. Any info on either one would be nice!

I'm simply curious if you ruled out the little bug for a reason or just had it come up.

Wow, tough call, I don't think either would be my first choice for the BW. My first and favorite way to cook in the BW is over a good ole fashioned camp fire. But i do understand the need for a secondary stove on occasion. Do you have something against liquid fuel based stoves? I carry a MSR Simmerlite I only carry it as a backup in case there has been a lot or rain in the area and fire wood is hard to find. I also like it for a quick breakfast, you can make breakfast/ coffee fast and not have to wait around for a fire, allowing you to leave camp a little quicker. We also used it last fall when there was a fire ban.

In the case of either of your stoves, they would not be permitted to be used during a fire ban. Also dry wood/tinder would be needed to use either. Also I think the "Vital Stove" may be a little small for a group of 5-6. The Kelly Kettle looks interesting though. I like the way you can boil water and cook above at the same time. Looks like it could be a little tipsy though.

Hopefully you can get some other opinions on this, but no matter what anyone else says. Do and use what you feel is right for you. Remember we only offer opinions here not guarantees - LOL.

I agree that those would be a tough choice. You have to consider a fire ban or a three day rain and then both would be useless.
I have had to rely on one stove for a group that size and it was not too fun. I would get another gas stove for your group. You could find one for the same price as your two stoves. Look at MSR stoves.

from what i have read on other sites the Kelly is a water boiler and that's about it.it does have some new add-on's to make it more attractive to campers but it's main use is and always was to boil up large amounts of water for making tea.

the best deal for an early season trip with that group size is to bring a decent size coffee pot. wood fire and pot on the side of the grill makes for a ready supply of hot coffee in camp. nothing better for a cool season trip. bring a cloth bag for the pot so you can pack it away without worry.



i have a large Kelly kettle, and it has it's uses, but your type of trip is not one of them.

I brought a Kelly Kettle back from a fishing trip to Ireland about 20 years ago. I have taken it on all my Quetico and Adirondack canoe trips even since. It works great in all weather and on a week plus trip it saves weight on fuel. It will bring a liter of lake water to a boil in about 5 minutes. I must admit I use freeze-dried dinners and am not into gourmet camp cooking. I take a simple fish-grilling basket for the rare occasions I actually catch a fish. I do suspect it is not strictly legal during a fire ban.

Mid may you should not have a problem with a fire ban. Have you looked at lighter alternatives. Trail designs woodstoves or the Bush Buddy stove. I made a bush buddy stove. It is easy to make and weighs under 8oz. Just to add to the decision making.

two cents

Jrlatt