[gandelf]

I will be giving BIB a go in a couple of weeks. What mesh would you recommend? I will
be doing it in a 15 gallon Polorware with a false bottom. So, what about the medium
nylon mesh and 18.75" x 19" at Northern Brewer? Not having seen the fine mesh, I would
think it's probably a little too fine and would risk plugging up.

[morticaixavier]

If you have a 15 gallon pot with a false bottom why bother with the bag? sounds like you have a mash tun ready to go already. Perhaps I am missing something?

[gandelf]

If you have a 15 gallon pot with a false bottom why bother with the bag? sounds like you have a mash tun ready to go already. Perhaps I am missing something?

A bag would allow me to remove the grain and then to do the boil in one kettle. The motivation
behind this is: Next summer we are planning on doing a 5.5 gallon all grain brew in the boundary
waters; canoe access only. We plan on brewing, fermenting, kegging/carbing and drinking it
before we return to civilization.

[bo]

You can also drain into buckets, clean and refill the kettle with wort.

[morticaixavier]

If you have a 15 gallon pot with a false bottom why bother with the bag? sounds like you have a mash tun ready to go already. Perhaps I am missing something?

A bag would allow me to remove the grain and then to do the boil in one kettle. The motivation
behind this is: Next summer we are planning on doing a 5.5 gallon all grain brew in the boundary
waters; canoe access only. We plan on brewing, fermenting, kegging/carbing and drinking it
before we return to civilization.

that sounds like a blast! in that case, when I used a bag to mash in I used the grain bag that they sold at the LHBS which is a pretty fine mesh. kind of like a paint strainer bag or hop bag fineness.

[Kit B]

Wow...That's an ambitious idea.
How long to you plan to be in the BWCA?
You might be able to get away with using 5 gallon paint strainer bags, from your local hardware store.
But, in my experience they are pretty coarse.
Maybe, double bag?
They're only like $2 for a 3 pack.

[richardt]

Buy one at your LHBS or online.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/nylon-straining-bag-18-3-4-x-19-fine-mesh.html

If you want to make your own, the local fabric store often has un-dyed sheer nylon or polyester "voile" or "chiffon" used to make curtains and/or dresses that comes just about as fine as one can get.  You can make a bag out of that.  I'm not that resourceful.  I believe some Aussies originally described using this material for their BIAB techniques.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voile

http://www.eastsidebrewers.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=7&id=558&Itemid=86

[weithman5]

the bags i have used were very fine stretchy almost t-shirt like material.  they start out about the size of a sock and stretch to basketball or bigger. 

the other option is to brew normally and give me your permits to the boundary waters.  i have had multiple scout troops up to ely, mn and loved it.

[gandelf]

Thanks for the replys, the guys and I do a man camp or two/year. We have been tweaking our
equipment and process accordingly. As the last two decades have went by, our camp brewing
has developed into brew camping; age and energy was/is a factor. None the less, experience
has taught use the importance of fermentation temps. We have three options; lake, stream and
dig hole to ground water based on water table elevation. Is there a lager in our camp future?
Hmm? Anyway, we have a great time enjoying brewing and the out doors. Give it a go.

[Jimmy K]

You might be able to get away with using 5 gallon paint strainer bags, from your local hardware store.
But, in my experience they are pretty coarse.

The mesh strainer bags from Northern Brewer (and other places) are only $5, reusable, and they are food grade - unlike those paint strainer bags.

[Kit B]

...and they are food grade - unlike those paint strainer bags.

Doesn't the "Food Grade" rating pretty much go out the window, when you hit it with 170+ degree water?
...Just curious...Not trying to argue.

[Jimmy K]

Doesn't the "Food Grade" rating pretty much go out the window, when you hit it with 170+ degree water?
...Just curious...Not trying to argue.

That may be right (probably is) but I'd still feel better starting off with food grade.