Zebra Billy Cans [Archive] - Natural Bushcraft

JEEP

18-11-2010, 07:07 AM

What's the deal with Zebra Billy Cans?

I can see that they are a favourite among here and other bushcrafting sites.

I have been using aluminium pots and cans for a long time, but I am getting really tired of having to replace them ever so often. I have finally found a Danish supplier of Zebra Billy Cans, so I might take the plunge at the 12 cm version.

Regards.

Jakob

Martin

18-11-2010, 07:15 AM

I think the reason they are popular is because:

a) They are well made
b) They are quite fashionable
c) They are reasonable priced (compared to titanium)
and
d) They aren't made of aluminium

I know a few people who have them and they do look like good pieces of kit. My next purchase though is hopefully going to be a decent titanium pot which my Bushbuddy cooker will fit inside.

Martin

JEEP

25-12-2010, 04:45 PM

Got one (a 12 cm) from my parents this christmas. It looks to be extremely sturdy and well made.

GaryBeaner

25-12-2010, 07:01 PM

I've got a 16cm Zebra which I use quite a lot, but the other day I came across Tatonka Bail Handled Pans/Kettles (I'd call em billy cans!) on the Bison Bushcraft website. They look well made(stainless), and reasonably priced, with sizes going from 14.5cm - 23.5cm. Never used one yet but I'm tempted.
Here's a link If anyone wants a look.... http://www.bisonbushcraft.co.uk/page16/page16.html

JEEP

26-12-2010, 09:05 AM

Ashley Cawley

26-12-2010, 10:14 AM

... Imho. the Tatonka burner is a better burner than the Trangia - I'll have to do a formal test someday.
Just got one of those for Christmas! :)

I also have a 10cm stainless Zebra & would recommend them. I used ali ones for years but the zebra-stainless are more sturdy & you don't get the oxidization/pores of Ali.

OKBushcraft

09-01-2011, 01:46 AM

I have ali phobia is why I use stainless. I hate the taste of ali also. I have a very sensitive sense of taste. I can tell the difference between silver, aluminum, stainless and others. Stainless is less offensive to my tastes. Also ali is a reactive metal. It will react to any acidic food leaving a bit of it's self in your food.
I have a Swede stainless surplus mess kit, wonderfulstuff if you don't mind the weight. I have since bought two Zebra billys, a 12cm and a 14cm. I am very pleased with their sturdiness and ease of use. I haven't made bannock in the top tray yet but hope to soon.
Also, I have several USGI stainless canteen cups, I like them for my canteen set up. Both the wing handle and the fold under-the last one is my fav. I would like a Mod58 with crusader cup but man they are expensive to have imported!

Mang

22-01-2011, 03:27 PM

Martin

22-01-2011, 04:05 PM

Well, I just got a 12cm Zebra from Ray Mears and it didn't have any plastic clips on it.

Martin

sabot

22-01-2011, 04:22 PM

I'm thinking of getting some Zebra Billy cans but if you look at the images from this retailer http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/zebra-billy-can-stainless-steel-12cm---auto-lock-lid-687-p.asp there appears to be plastic clips on them...Uncle Ray's pictures haven't...confused!

There are two kinds of zebra billy can. The ones with the clips and the ones without. So be sure which ones you are ordering if you specifically want or don't want the clips.

Fletching

22-01-2011, 05:13 PM

There are two kinds of zebra billy can. The ones with the clips and the ones without

The plastic clips come off very easily (you can put them back on too) as I found out when completely removing the handle and replacing with bike brake cable. They're just there to keep the handle upright on a stove (pretty useless over an open fire).

Steve

sabot

22-01-2011, 06:56 PM

The plastic clips come off very easily (you can put them back on too) as I found out when completely removing the handle and replacing with bike brake cable. They're just there to keep the handle upright on a stove (pretty useless over an open fire).

Steve

Good to know. I've not seen the clipped ones in person so can't say for sure how they work. But I agree, the clips do seem kinda pointless for on open fires.

Ashley Cawley

22-01-2011, 07:59 PM

It must be a new model they're doing? Wonder how they'll stand up to the open fire?

JEEP

22-01-2011, 09:52 PM

My Zebra billy can came with the clips. I removed them before using the can though. I am quite sure they will not hold up to an open fire, though I do recall reading somewhere that the clips should actually be fire resistant. I may have to test this out some day.

OKBushcraft

23-01-2011, 01:59 AM

I removed mine from both the 12cm and the 14cm. It has been said in bushcraft groups that they do not uphold to open flame.

MSkiba

23-01-2011, 08:49 AM

I removed my clips too. It only holds the lid up if the handle is in the upright position, so if the pot should fall off its stand they will let go anyway.

I also ground the rivets off and removed the chunky handle, and replaced with a nice 2mm cable, much easier for packing.

leon-1

23-01-2011, 10:06 AM

I have the Tatonka Multiset (a Trangia copy with pots, pan and burner in stainless steel), two Tatonka handle mugs, five Tatonka steel bottles (of various sizes). I am a big fan of Tatonkas stainless steel products - I can highly recommend them.

Imho. the Tatonka burner is a better burner than the Trangia - I'll have to do a formal test someday.

I am a fan of tatonka kit as well, but it's quite expensive here in the UK. There billy cans are better in many ways than the Zebra ones (they have some billy cans which are not as tall as a zebra, bur have a locking bail arm). Due to the walls being higher there is less heat dissipation from the walls of the can so things keep warmer for longer.

The burner is not more efficient than the standard Trangia, it is more efficient than the one from the swedish army cook set though (actually I think a couple of birthday candles and a lot of prayer would possibly be more efficient).

I'm thinking of getting some Zebra Billy cans but if you look at the images from this retailer http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/zebra-billy-can-stainless-steel-12cm---auto-lock-lid-687-p.asp there appears to be plastic clips on them...Uncle Ray's pictures haven't...confused!

Someone here mentioned that there are two models, they are correct, old and new. If you ask the retailer for one without clips they just take them off. From what I understand the manufacturer listened to feedback with reference to the cans. The major gripe about them was that the handle / arm would drop down and become hot. So they fitted them with plastic clips to hold the Handle / arm up.

My Zebra billy can came with the clips. I removed them before using the can though. I am quite sure they will not hold up to an open fire, though I do recall reading somewhere that the clips should actually be fire resistant. I may have to test this out some day.

From all the initial reports the clips don't hold up.

I have a number of pans including two standard Zebra cans ( 10cm and 14 cm), I also have a 12cm split level pot that is the same as the MSR stowaway pot made by Zebra. One of the best pans I have is a pan made by Gelert based on the old Peak / Coleman pans with a locking handle. The tatonka ones I mentioned are almost the same, however they have a hanging groove fitted on the bail arm and the pan lid is better than that of the gelert.

I would suggest playing with a number of different pans before saying yep, Zebra is the one for me. :)

klause

23-01-2011, 03:06 PM

Just been and checked on mine (just bought it ) - and it has got plastic clips on it !!!
Never mind I can't see 'em lasting long on an open fire i'll just have to get myself a big elastic band to keep the top on in my pack !

Having now read pg2 of the thread lol, i think i'll take your ideas onboard and remove the clips and the handles and replace with wire...thanks.

CanadianMike

23-01-2011, 04:44 PM

Never mind I can't see 'em lasting long on an open fire i'll just have to get myself a big elastic band to keep the top on in my pack !

Why not just get a bungee net to attach to your pack? They are well worth the expense, usually found at motorcycle stores, but recently my local dollar store chain has been selling them for $2.

http://www.ascycles.com/images/products/1/100010.jpg