ive never really used esbit but it seems like a weight advantage over the 20 ounces of denatured alcohol. does this work? how does esbit compare?:-?

When you throw in the difficulty of always finding Esbit tabs for sale; the times you'll have to carry lots of extra ones cuz you're unsure of where the next ones are coming from; and most of all, the expense of the fuel itself, Esbit is not such a great deal.

I carry a couple Esbit as back-up and flip the alcohol stove over if I need to use it. Otherwise I find it too expensive. Heet is easy to find.

leaving tomorrow to start a north bound from unicoi. happy trails.

Nothing against Esbit by the way; I know folks who've been perfectly happpy with their Esbit stove, but sooner or later, getting the fuel is a problem.

Denatured alcohol (or a substitute like "Heet!") is available just about anywhere.

Have fun sloop and remember to flip your soda can stove over if you use Esbit - the stuff leaves crud and you don't want it in your stove. And you'll be happier with the yellow bottle heat.

I was an avowed Esbit user for several long hikes. Its convenience is indescribable. Trust my hiking partners when they say they envied how quickly my food was cooking once we hit camp. I wouldn't even bother carrying a can. Just find two rocks and place your pot on that. Use another to block wind if need be.

As for availability, they are hard to find. However, there are knockoffs made by Coughlin's that are round and are about 30% cheaper. Plus, they usually burn one per meal so no fussing with halfburnt tabs, like you do with Esbit. If that is your plan, I would buy online in bulk and carry a nice load at all times.

I must say, don't tell anyone, but they also make a helluva firestarter.

Esbit is a quality product if you can work around a few inconveniences.