There are a multitude of reasons as to why you would want to boil water over a campfire. A few of those reasons are as follows: boiling water can be a great way to kill any bacteria picked up from any nearby water sources, on the other hand, boiling water is often times required in the process of cooking specific foods.
Today we will be discussing specific methods to which you can implement in order to boil water over your campfire.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say, the simpler the better. Meaning, the simpler the method for boiling water the easier it is going to be both in terms of preparation as well as accomplishing the task. Nonetheless, more complex methods can make for an easier on going experience any time you need to boil water.
For these reasons, I will be listing out each method from easiest & quickest, to complex & stationery. You see, I want one or another of these methods to apply no matter the situation you find yourself in.
Anyway, How Do You Boil Water Over A Campfire? Well, In simple terms: When it comes to boiling water over a campfire you need to begin by selecting the proper container for the job (A container that can withstand heat). Then you need to create, or find a mechanism that will either hold or support the container (filled with water) over the fire. At this point it is just a waiting game.
Now that you have a broad overview of the idea, let’s dive a lot deeper into how specifically to best go about boiling water over your campfire! But before you even think about boiling water you need to get a pot, pan, cantien… that is made of the correct materials. Otherwise you could end up sick due to material from the container leaching out and contaminating the water.
Lets begin with selecting a container to boil water in.
Container Selection For Boiling Water (Important)
Using the wrong pot, bottle, kettle…etc for boiling water can prove to be either damaging to your health, and / or difficult to use. As well an improperly selected container can prove to be quite difficult to carry along the trail if you intend to be backpacking or do anything of the sort.
In this section we will be going over how to select the proper container for boiling water over a campfire. Even if you already have a canister in mind, I still strongly urge you to cover this section. As you may gain some valuable information that can prove to be worthwhile.
First: Decide What Your Intended Need Is?
I know it is somewhat difficult to assume now what you will require out in the backcountry. But try your best to plan for what you will have in mind for boiling water. For example. If you intend to cook soup for a large group over the fire, it will most likely be a good idea to go with a large pot. where as if you will be making rice for 1. then a small pot, or canister will likely do the job.
Are you going to be boiling water for:
- Cooking?
- Purifying Water?
- Making Coffee?
- Making Tea?
- Making Hot Chocolate or any other Hot Beverages?
Depending on your reasoning behind why your boiling water will help you decide which style of container is best for your situation.
Bail Or No Bail?
If you are not sure as to what a bail is. It is basically a mechanism typically seen on buckest, and kettles meant to make carrying the container easy. Containers that are equipped with a bail make the process of boiling water over a fire, rather than inside a fire a breeze.
If your going to be cooking. I strongly suggest you get a bucket style container with a bail. Simply because a bucket will provide you more space, hence more food can be cooked. As well, a bucket with a bail will allow you to hang the container over the fire, rather then set it in the fire. This will make stirring and managing your food as it cooks much easier.
Where as if you intend on making yourself, and possibly those with you on the trip a hot beverage, a kettle with a bail or something similar will be a nice touch. However, if your making a hot beverage for yourself. Or you simply need to boil some water for purification purposes. A simple water bottle that can withstand high heat is a good way to go.
Below in the “Container Material Selection” section are a few container recommendations. I know I had some difficulty when it came to selecting a container that was made of the correct material when I initially began using fire for more than just a heat source. I hope the recommendations below help make the process as simple as can be.
Last, But Far From Least: Container material Selection!
Selecting the right material that makes up your water boiling container can mean the difference between safe to consume boiled water, and risky water to consume. By that I mean, selecting the wrong material for boiling water can mean a break down of said material during the process of boiling water. This essentially means, traces of the material leach out of the walls of the container, contaminating the liquid inside, making it a danger for you to consume.
This is why selecting a container that is made up of the right materials is so vital. Obviously you don’t want materials, and chemicals from the container leaching out into your water. So lets go over some of the materials that best suit high heat situations. Later we will go over the materials to avoid.
Material To Acquire
- Stainless Steel
- Anodized Aluminum
- Titanium
- Carbon Steel
- Cast Iron
- Copper
More for water bottles specifically. You want a “Single walled” bottle, that has not been lined with any sort of protective coating on the inside. As an inner lining could cause chemicals to leach out into the water. Typically designated cookware won’t have any sort of inner lining. A large recommendation in the backpacking community for water bottles worthy of boiling in is the Kleen Kanteen. The specific one recommended is listed Here on amazon.
But when it comes to pots that are ideal for boiling, really the majority will work okay. As long as they are meant to be cooked in. Preferably the best option would be to go with a kettle or pot that is equipped with a bail. Me personally I prefer a smaller pot for boiling water, that can also double as a cooking pot.
Amazon has a large array of pots, and kettles that are ideal for boiling water, as well as cooking in over a fire. I personally really like the Open Country kettle / pot as it is simple, clean, and doubles as a pot for boiling water, and cooking food. Check current pricing of the pot Here on amazon. But if your looking specifically for a kettle I would suggest This One, as it is works wonders for boiling up a morning cup of tea, hot chocolate…
Material To Avoid
- Plastic
- Composites
- Ceramic
- Glass
Plastic or composite made bottles are most likely going to give you the most issues, specifically health wise. You see, plastics, composites, as well as silicone and rubber are most likely going to leach chemicals out into the water. Plus, they kind of have a tendency to not react well to heat.
However, ceramics and glass, though they can be used to heat, or boil water. They tend to be very heavy, and do not have the durability required when out camping. Me personally, I would avoid any of the materials listed here under “Materials to avoid” as they can either be harmful to your health, or prove to be a challenge to use.
Top 3 Methods To Boil Water Over Your Campfire!
Truely, there are likely many more methods, as well as, different combinations that could be employed when it comes to boiling water over or in a fire. However, some of the most commonly used methods are as follows:
- Build A Rock Platform near too, or inside the Fire.
- If your fire has been bunning for a while, odds are you have some good embers! Use Those!
- Build yourself a structure or mechanism to suspend the container above the fire!
Below we will go over how to properly set up each different method.
- 1st: We will go over how to setup the fire for best results
- 2nd: We will go over how to place the container
- 3rd: We will go over how to manage and remove the container once boiling
Before we begin I’d like to say: If you intend on cooking food, or making a hot beverage? Likely the best method for doing so would be to either use method 1, or method 3. My personal opinion would be to use method 3. As it allows you better access to better manage the contents inside the container. However, method 3 requires a bail, or alike mechanism to make hanging the container easier.
Oh, and it is highly important that you do not seal the container you place in the fire. Completely sealing a container full of water, and placing it inside a fire will result in pressure build up, and possibly the destination of the container. It is vitally important that you do not hard seal a container that is going to be heated.
Method 1: Build A Platform On The Fire
This method works best for simply boiling water for purification purposes. However, it can be used for cooking as well.
Fire & Platform Design (Complete Instructions)
1st: Fire Setup & Size
This method works best with small campfires. Simply because otherwise the flames will engulf the canister completely, which will make retrieving the container after boiling more difficult. The way that best describes this method is by picturing it as if you are using a backpacking style stove. However, instead of the use of propane to fuel the fire you use natural fuels such as wood.
The only downside to this method is you are essentially building a platform to set you pot or bottle on that will begin to burn down. So, this method requires a close eye on the structure of the platform so that it doesn’t fall over unexpectedly during the boil process.
2nd: Container Placement
Depending on what you choose to build your platform out of, and the size of your fire. This stage of the process can be as simple as can be, or as difficult as can be. Using this method it is best to keep your fire small, and build your platform out of thicker pieces of wood. Preferably 3″ in diameter logs. This will provide enough material that the fire won’t burn through it at a fast rate.
Resulting in enough time available to get your water boiling before the wood is to weak to withstand the weight of the water & container.
Now, Simply holding the tallest point of your canister place the canister sturdily on your platform. This will give your hands the most distance from the fire, so you don’t risk burns. Note, It is important to have a way to adjust / move your canister during the boil process. This is because the platform you built will likely shift during the time it takes for the water to boil.
3rd: Managing & Removal Of The Container
Being able to manage your water as it begins to boil is very important. Simply because, as the wood and material under the container burns, the structure will shift. And if it shifts, without you having the ability to grab the container in order to readjust it, you could end up with lost water, and a doused fire.
Obviously the container will be hot all around (Top & Bottom) after a few moments of being in the fire. That is why you need either a thick piece of cloth that you can use as you would a hot pad. Or, a pot handler. MSR makes a great pot handler that is ideal for camping, and it will work well for both placing your pots, or bottles, managing them, and removing them from the fire! Here Is A Link to the pot handler I’m talking about over on Amazon. It’s basically like a pair of pliers, but built specifically for picking up hot pans, pots, and bottles.
Though a pot handler is the best method to go with when it comes to placing, managing, and removing your container of water, their are naturally grown ways to go about doing this. By naturally grown I simply mean, sticks can work great when trying to remove hot objects from the campfire. However, their is a method when going about your stick selection.
Checkout the Video near to bottom of this page for an excellent demonstration on using sticks & paracord to remove pots and canisters from the fire
Method 2: Hot Coals = Fast Boil
This method is strictly ideal for boiling water for purification purposes. Cooking food using this method will likely prove to be difficult, but can be done.
Fire & Ember Bed Setup (Complete Instructions)
1st: Fire Setup & Size
Sizing of the fire really won’t matter as long as you have a somewhat average sized fire. Rather for this method, the most important factor will the burn time. Specifically the length of time the campfire has already been burning.
Since we are going to be using the coals / embers of the fire to boil water you will need to spend some time burning down wood in order to get a bed of coals hot enough to boil water. Which in reality shouldn’t take long if you are using 1 inch in diameter sticks as your fuel.
Anyway burn down some wood for a period of time, then once you feel you have a sustainable amount of embers quit adding wood to the fire. The goal here is to completely burn down any and all wood that has been placed in the fire.
Once this occurs, you will have a bed of coals with little to no flames, but a massive heat source. Once your to this point, using a stick or similar tool go about creating a pocket in the center of the coals.
2nd: Container Placement
Now that you have a pocket to place your canister in. Being very careful, begin to place your canister inside the small pocket (keeping your hands as far away from the heat as possible. Once the canister is placed, using your stick being to push the hot coals around the canister. Essentially burying the lower portion of the canister with hot coals.
3rd: Managing & Removal Of The Container
When it comes time to remove your canister I suggest you use one of the following methods:
- Get yourself a pan handler. We discussed this above in the previous method. However, if you missed it… A pan handler works essentially like a pair of pliers, except the angles have been changes. You simply grab the rim of the canister with it, and squeeze to maintain grip on the rim of the canister, while lifting the canister out of the fire in the same motion. Here Is A Link to one made by MSR on Amazon.
- The next best way to go about removing your canister is to go about using a stick, and possibly some paracord if needed. Simply a little creativity and you can make yourself a full blown Canister remover. Check out the video near the bottom of this page for 3 methods for removing your container using natural elements.
Method 3: Suspend Your Container Over The Fire
This method is ideal for cooking. However, it works well for really any scenario. To be honest, this method is my favorit to use. Simply because of the versatility!
Fire & Structure Design (Complete Instructions)
1st: Fire Setup & Size
This method works great for any average campfire size. Simply because it can be adjusted on the fly.
So basically, you are going to be building a TP like structure (You know, Like the indians used to use for shelter). But given how adjustable this setup is, you don’t necessarily need to build, or structure your campfire in any specific way. Simply an average campfire will do great.
But obviously, you don’t want to go to big with the fire, as it will make managing the container, and contents inside the container difficult… Simply because it will be difficult for you to get close enough to know what is going on inside the container.
2nd: Container Placement & Removal
Okay, so like I said above you will be building a TP like structure using 3 sticks and some twin / paracord (at least for this method, truly there is a multitude of different ways to go about suspending your pot over a fire, this one is typically the best).
Simply take 3 sticks of equal length and diameter, and lay them next to each other. Typically near to 5 feet is a good length for the TP structure sticks. Next you will tie some paracord around all 3 sticks about 6 inches down from one end. Once done, simply rotate the opposite end of one stick around in order to create tension on the tie point.
You now have your structure that will support the weight of your container & water.
For a demonstration of this check out the video below. You will need to skip to 3:30 for this exact method.
Simply some sticks and some paracord can be all you need in order to remove you container from the fire. However, its likely going to take some practice and tinkering in order to make these method for removal work well. But in can be done, and the skill of knowing how to do so can be life saving!
Once you have achieved a boil, you can simply remove the pot from the tripod using the string to carry it, and set it on the ground for cooling. Or, you could simply move the entire tripod away from the fire where the contents inside your pot or canister can begin to cool.
Conclusion
Obviously fire size, and setup will have a big part to play when it comes to how you go about boiling your water over the campfire. But the most important thing to know before you even place your container of water into the fire is: How, are you going to get it out once it begins to boil???
I have seen so many people place their canisters full of water inside the campfire in order to purify the water. However, they forget to think about how they will get the canister out of the fire once it has began to boil for a period of time. Getting the canister back out is likely the most important part. Simply because it can become the most damaging to your skin in the case of burns and so forth.
That is why under each of the methods above I have made an effort to walk you through the process of each method. This way you know exactly how you will get your container out of the pit before you have placed it in there.
To be honest, the most difficult part about boiling water over a campfire is the removal of the canister once you have achieved a boil. But in the above steps we go over a few different ways to go about doing this.
I hope you were able to find some value here. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding campfires, or simply fire in general. I suggest you take a look at the Outdoor Luxuriez Making Fire: Everything Campfire section of the site. There we go over campfire gear that is ideal to have any time you have a campfire. As well as, in depth information on how to start, maintain, and extinguish a campfire properly.
I wish you luck on your next outdoor adventure!
This Is Colt Signing Off!