Campfire Tripods
Campfire tripods have long had a romantic image; probably
from all those cowboy movies churned out by Hollywood in the
black and white era.
They're great for hanging a kettle or a billy can from, and a
strong one will even support a Dutch Oven or a really large
cook pot. However, you need a deeper model pot not a shallow
one, or you risk the whole thing spilling your chow out over
the fire.
You'll find campfire tripods are simple enough to make. They're
just three long steel legs about 4 foot long attached to a
heavy-duty ring at the top, and cut to a sharp angle at the
bottom end so they push into the ground a little more
easily.
You can pick one up at a good camping store, or you can make
your own campfire tripod out of three short steel fencing posts
and some fencing wire or a length of chain. You could also use
coat-hanger wire, but it is not as strong.
Then to hold the cooking pot underneath, there'll be a length
of chain with adjustable hooks or else no chain but two or
three steel hooks of different lengths. Campfire tripods come
in many different designs, depending on the whims and
experience of the manufacturer, and whatever is handy at the
time.
When using the camp fire tripod, you regulate the heat by
moving your cook pots closer to - or further from - the flames.
It's simple but effective.
Many people camp for years without ever needing a fire tripod.
So they're an acquired taste.
Campfire tripods are heavy and they do take up a lot of
room. But they're sure great for that John Wayne image, and
they will impress your friends. They also look great and "old
time" in your souvenir photographs.
|