The Billy Pot by Zebra - a wonderful Bushcraft cooking pot for the campfire

The Zebra Billy Pot is the ideal camping and bushcraft companion. This stainless steel made bushcraft cooking pot is both durable and portable.

from Martin Gebhardt | Gear | reading time 5 Min
Updated on 03 July 2023 15.363 views 100% found this guide helpful
The Billy Pot by Zebra - a wonderful Bushcraft cooking pot for the campfire

Martin Gebhardt

From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.


👉 The key facts from this guide

  • The Zebra Billy Pot is a durable and portable stainless-steel cooking pot, ideal for camping and bushcraft. It is ready to use immediately and comes with an insert that can also be used as a plate.
  • The pot is available in various sizes (10 cm, 12 cm, 14 cm, and 16 cm), allowing you to choose the size that suits you. The 14 cm Billy Pot is a good choice for individuals or small groups.
  • The Billy Pot is sturdy and can withstand high temperatures without deforming. It can be used directly on the fire or over the fire using a pot suspension or a tripod.
  • Some disadvantages of the Zebra Billy Pot are its weight and the lack of measurement markings inside the pot. Additionally, it does not have a special spout, which makes pouring a bit more difficult.
  • Despite these minor drawbacks, the Zebra Billy Pot is a reliable and versatile cooking pot suitable for all outdoor cooking needs.

In the great outdoors, there are many useful materials and cooking utensils, which, however, differ in quality and equipment.

It can be difficult to find the right pot for your needs.

The Zebra Billy Pot is the ideal camping companion. This bushcraft cooking pot made of stainless steel is both durable and portable, providing you with comfort and peace of mind when you're out in nature.

Stop struggling with cooking over an open fire - read my review of the Zebra Billy Pot now.

I love cooking on the campfire

There is nothing more beautiful than sitting comfortably by the fire and cooking a delicious little outdoor meal.

When I started with Bushcraft back then, this pot was my favorite. I had been eyeing the Zebra Billy Pot for a while.

The Billy Pot is often with you on trips to the forest
The Billy Pot is often with you on trips to the forest

Great thing is that you can get the Billy pot in different sizes, just the right size for you. It is available in sizes 10 cm, 12 cm, 14 cm and 16 cm.

At first, I didn't know what size to get. For just myself, the small version with a diameter of 10 cm would have been enough.

But I waited a little longer because our family vacation was coming up. And then I decided on the 14 cm Billy Pot. The vacation was a great opportunity to finally try out the new pot.

The Billy Pot is a classic

The Billy Pot is a classic, an original of its kind. A truly solid cooking device. I understand why it has been so popular for decades among all those who love Bushcraft.

I have chosen the 14 cm model because the pot has a good size for cooking and cleaning for me. It is large enough to prepare soups or meals and at the same time suitable for eating the meal directly from it.

Fits perfectly on the Hobo: the Billy Pot from Zebra
Fits perfectly on the Hobo: the Billy Pot from Zebra

With larger pots, you have the advantage of being able to boil more water, which is generally important. This way, you always have more water ready for you.

If you run a lot, but keep in mind that the larger pot requires more space in your backpack. Maybe it's better suited for camping when you're on the road with your car.

Or if you are traveling with several people. For a larger group, the largest Billy Pot with 16 cm is probably the best choice.

The Billy Pot is also well suited for collecting items
The Billy Pot is also well suited for collecting items

Ready for immediate use

The Zebra Billy Pot is ready for use immediately. What's really practical is that it comes with an insert. By the way, you can also use this insert as a plate. Or for steaming vegetables. However, it's not absolutely necessary. If you prefer to save weight, leave it at home.

The lid clips, which are also included, secure the handle. You can also use the Billy Pot as an oven by placing it on the Hobo.

These brackets are intended to keep the handle out of your way and secure it. But be careful: they get damn hot on the fire.

However, since I do not use the Zebra Billy Pot as an oven, I have removed the brackets.

The Zebra Billy Pot is ready for use immediately - whether over a campfire or a gas stove
The Zebra Billy Pot is ready for use immediately - whether over a campfire or a gas stove

Lid and Handle of the Billy Pot

Overall, the pot is beautifully simple. No frills, a clear shape, and the material is made of high-quality stainless steel. It is manufactured in Thailand.

The lid has a recessed handle. While packing, this is a clear advantage, but this type of handle makes it difficult to remove the lid because you can't grip it well when it's hot.

The lid fits perfectly, but not completely tight on the pot. This is better when cooking, so that steam can escape. But be careful not to tip over the pot; otherwise the lid will easily fall off.

The handle is solid and flat, not like a thin wire handle. A notch in the handle helps to center the pot while it is hung on a pot hanger or tripod.

The use in firefighting

I have used the Billy several times on tripods, pot hangers, etc. over the fire. Furthermore, directly on the fire. When boiling water and soups, the pot did not deform due to the heat. (cheap pots can deform under extreme heat.)

The Billy Can tends to get sooty on an open fire, so bring an extra bag to keep your backpack clean
The Billy Can tends to get sooty on an open fire, so bring an extra bag to keep your backpack clean

I like to use the Billy Pot a lot, which inevitably causes it to get soot on the outside. It's best to bring a small bag to pack it separately, so it doesn't dirty your equipment.

As long as it's still clean, use it to store food like noodles or rice, so you don't have an empty space in your backpack.

There is plenty of space in the pot, so you better put your equipment in there
There is plenty of space in the pot, so you better put your equipment in there

The disadvantages of the Zebra Billy Pot

Because the pot is solidly and high-quality processed, it has a higher weight than perhaps similar pots. But for that, it does not deform as quickly and is stable. However, for some who are on foot for a long time, this can be a real disadvantage.

As already mentioned, the clips that hold the lid in place are rather unnecessary for me. But maybe you can make good use of them.

The Billy Pot does not have a special spout, which would make pouring easier. Additionally, it does not have any measuring marks on the inside of the pot. Some may also miss the handles on the sides, which this Zebra pot does not offer.

The Billy Pot is also suitable for melting snow
The Billy Pot is also suitable for melting snow

Bonus: Build your own pot hanger for the Billy Pot

I know of a fantastic pot hanger that will make your life easier in your camp.

Here you can see them in a short video:

Conclusion about the Zebra Billy Pot

For me, the Zebra Billy Pot is an ideal pot and container when I want to cook something while Bushcrafting or camping. To boil water or make a cup of tea. And of course, perfect for preparing stews and soups.

The pot is not too light, but it is stable and solid. It does not tip easily, and you can hang it over the fire easily thanks to its handle.

Its design is simple and primitive. It is sturdy, and the stainless steel is of high quality.

BasicNature Billy Can Edelstahltopf Silber 1,4 L
4,6 (54)

Data updated one hour ago

In my bushcraft equipment, the Billy Pot has been a permanent fixture for several years now.

I have never felt the need to buy another pot and can really only recommend it to you.

Take care, Martin
Martin Gebhardt

Author of the guide


Martin Gebhardt

Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.

Since this is a gear guide, here ...


🤝8 reasons to trust my recommendation

  1. Practical Experience: I have tested most of the products I recommend under extreme conditions myself.

  2. Independence: As a wilderness mentor, I am not tied to any specific brands - this means my recommendations are unbiased.

  3. Expertise: My many years of experience allow me to understand the intricacies and details of various products that a layperson might overlook.

  4. Target group understanding: I understand the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned experts.

  5. Quality focus: I attach great importance to quality and longevity. These are characteristics that are crucial in the wild.

  6. Clear communication: I try to explain the pros and cons of each product clearly and understandably so that you can make an informed decision.

  7. Currentness: I always keep my guides up to date and adapt them to new findings or products.

  8. Community Feedback: I work in wilderness schools, teach courses myself, attend courses and am active in various outdoor and survival communities and therefore integrate the feedback and experiences of others into my recommendations.

So when I introduce the best survival knives or flashlights, you can be sure that every recommendation is based on solid experience and extensive knowledge.

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