View Full Version : jetboil on a thru-hike?
sarahgirl
03-20-2009, 04:02
Forgive me if this is already a thread somewhere, but there are hundreds of pages to the gear topic and I have dial-up (we don't have access to dsl yet in the sticks).
Here goes: I've used the jetboil and love it. I don't know how it would hold up long distance. I like how it packs into itself, but it is kind of bulky. I will probably be using it to boil water only. Has anyone out there used a jetboil on long-distance hikes and how did you like it? Pros & cons.
(I'm also looking at the pocket rocket)
Thanks!
There are lighter options out there but it's fine. A friend of mine has had one for a couple of years and it's never failed him.
You'll have to account for the fuel cans, though. I'm not sure how available they are along the AT but you could always use maildrops.
buckwheat
03-20-2009, 06:05
Pros:
Boiling water in 2.5 minutes (hot as the Sun ... you'll be eating while others are heating)
No worries about wind
Can't spill or adulterate the fuel
Difficult to damage inside your pack (hobo stoves can be accidently crushed)
Compact design collapses fuel, cooking container and stove into about the space of a nalgene
Fuel options (can use Jetboil fuel, or competitors fuel)
Can simmer as well as boil
Cons
Heavier than a "coke can stove"
Not suited to use over an open flame
Hot as the Sun (can burn food if not monitored)
Those are the biggies. The tradeoff with a Jetboil is weight-to-convenience.
Frick Frack
03-20-2009, 08:48
We used one on our sobo and it worked fine. If you are only boiling water its great but when we started cooking it wasn't so great (I wish we had our Pocket Rocket) because that pot stabilizer is garbage. Finding fuel canisters would be no problem. Half way at Harper's Ferry it died on us (it was the "o" ring in the stove unit...we had used the stove many times before our thru) but the outfitters took great care of us and fixed it.
garlic08
03-20-2009, 10:23
I haven't used one but saw many of them when they first came out. Everyone who had one loved it and no one I saw had a single problem with it.
Only problem I've had with mine in over two years is the peizio (sp?) lighter, and I lost the bottom cup. I called their customer service and ordered a replacement cup at a very reasonable $5 and when I mentioned the lighter quit working, they sent me a whole new unit free along with the cup. Was simple to install. T'was a very good customer service experience.
Frick Frack
03-20-2009, 11:06
Only problem I've had with mine in over two years is the peizio (sp?) lighter, and I lost the bottom cup. I called their customer service and ordered a replacement cup at a very reasonable $5 and when I mentioned the lighter quit working, they sent me a whole new unit free along with the cup. Was simple to install. T'was a very good customer service experience.
Good point....don't rely on the igniter and be sure to have a lighter handy. I have gone through three piezo-igniters. I just use a lighter now w/o even trying the igniter. And, yes, JetBoil customer service is excellent.
BlackRock
03-20-2009, 11:51
I've got both a Pocket Rocket and a Jetboil. I've had the Pocket Rocket for maybe 6 years and the Jetboil for the last three. While the Rocket is simple and small you still have to carry something to cook in and fuel. So for me the pack size was never that much smaller just not as organized and simple as the Jetboil.
Another thing to note is that unless you get a heat shield for the Rocket you'll be wasting alot of fuel. I used to take 2-3 cannisters for longer trips and would go through two or three sometimes but now with my Jetboil I'll work off a single fuel with me and my buddy for three days or more.
I cook alot in my Jetboil, it just takes some playing around to get it right but you can definitely simmer and warm in it. Mostly I just boil water for dried camp food and for that it works great. We've also used it when we ran out of iodine tabs once. We were in for four days and lost a bottle of tabs and had to boil water for two and a half days. Three cans of fuel and we boiled up all our food and probably 30+ Liters of water with fuel to spare (It was hot, what can I say :rolleyes:).
My recommendation is that if your going to get a manufactured stove then get the Jetboil. It's simple and robust, lightweight and has some nice accessories like the french press. I've never had the stabalizer legs and never needed them. The small fuel canisters last me about four to six days on my own or more in the summer, less in the winter and I used them to boil a few cups of water in the evening for dinner and another few cups in the morning for coffee and maybe some instant oatmeal.
Good point....don't rely on the igniter and be sure to have a lighter handy. I have gone through three piezo-igniters. I just use a lighter now w/o even trying the igniter. And, yes, JetBoil customer service is excellent.
To be fair to Jet Boil, it seems to be a problem with the pi's in general. My friend has a Snopeak Giga, and the same thing happened. Another friend with a jetboil had the same issue.
As others said, carry a lighter.
BlackRock
03-20-2009, 12:00
Clean the tip of your Piezo once every couple years with a wire brush and you shouldn't have a problem unless you actually break it off. Mine has been working strong since the day I got it with no problems and I've never had to use a lighter.
Then again I also carry a lighter so if it did ever fail I'd be covered but I wouldn't buy the stove and expect the Piezo to die on me.
Frick Frack
03-20-2009, 12:11
To be fair to Jet Boil, it seems to be a problem with the pi's in general.
I did not mean to seem down on JetBoil...I love ours and highly recommend it to anyone whose needs it would fill. The company was fantastic to deal with when we had a problem and took care of it immediately. Those pi's on the other hand......
Good point....don't rely on the igniter and be sure to have a lighter handy. I have gone through three piezo-igniters. I just use a lighter now w/o even trying the igniter. And, yes, JetBoil customer service is excellent.Me too! It's kinda hard to light it with the igniter without it going "boom" a bit, and using a lighter is easy and saves the hair on my hands and arms! :eek:
4eyedbuzzard
03-20-2009, 12:50
Here's the biggest cons I can think of on canister stoves in general: If you're like me you 1) don't definitely don't want to run out of fuel, and 2) you may be too frugal(cheap) to just dump a partially used canister in a hiker box or in the garbage. So at times, and especially on a long distance hike, you would wind up carrying two canisters, one that is being used and on its way to empty, and a full one, and you wind up carrying the dead weight and volume of the second canister(approx 4 oz.) The 3rd con against the jetboil system is that most other manufacturers canisters except Snow Peak won't nest in the PCS size pot, so if no Jetpower fuel is available, you'll be stuck carrying the somewhat larger diameter canisters outside the PCS pot. The 4th issue is if you only carry the jetpoil pot(s), which with it's heat exchanger is what makes it so efficient, you likely wouldn't want to use it over a wood fire to save fuel. This wouldn't be the case with other cannister stoves or if using alcohol or white gas.
Now, all that said, it's a really well engineered, fuel efficient, fast, convenient, and reliable piece of gear. That's a lot of plusses. I have one and love the speed and convenience--and especially for making coffee. Making a hot cup of coffee anywhere while taking a short break in literally under 5 minutes is a huge plus IMO. For a long distance hike I think I'd go with my alcohol stove and Ti pot in order to take advantage of cooking over wood as well, but given alcohol's lesser heat output by weight the savings isn't huge. Sgt. Rock here at WB did a pretty exhaustive weight/heating analysis of different fuels and stoves at one time if I remember correctly (you may be able to search for it or perhaps he'll post a link if he reads this), and we're ultimately talking about saving maybe 1/2 a pound here.
Allright, that wound up longer than I expected when I started...:o:D
Well since we are discussing pros and cons of various stoves.. ;)
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/stove_comparison.html
There is no right or wrong for the stove that works for you. Some like the lightness of alcohol, some like the convenience and speed of canister stoves and so on.
In the end, it is a just a stove. Franconia Ridge probably is stunning whether you use a Jetboil or an old soda can. :sun
I also have had difficulty with the ignitor on my jetboil... So one evening I was sitting around and decided to give it a good overhaul to see if I could address the problem... After a great deal of fussing and experimenting, I realized that the tip of the ignitor was too far from the metal contact (base of pot support) and therefore was not arching to create ignition. So I gently bent the tip downward, closer to the base of the stove... Have never had a problem since. I've even eliminated the exlposion that Summit mentioned...
It's worth a try...
I should add I love my jetboil and haven't used my pocket rocket or tangia alcohol stoves since... It is bulky, but it's reliability, simplicity and efficiency outweight the size..
did anyone get the recall notice on the jetboil mine works find but I guess there or cases of fuel leaks?
middle to middle
03-20-2009, 14:41
Do not get between me and my Jetboil at breakfast, or dinner time. Or when I need Caffene. Or when I want hot drink on cold day. Best to just to avoid any negative comments too. I take care of my jetboil and my jet boil takes care of me. My starter works fine just fine.
The 3rd con against the jetboil system is that other manufacturers canisters won't nest in the PCS size pot, so if no Jetpower fuel is available, you'll be stuck carrying the somewhat larger diameter canisters outside the PCS pot.True, but the workaround for that is pack something else in that space. When I carry the large 220 gr canister, I pack the PCS with my coffee supplies.
BTW, boiling approx. twice a day (first one for coffee I over-fill the two cup line), I get right at 7-8 days out of the 110 gr and at least two weeks out of the 220 gr. I cut off the fuel as soon as I reach a boil. So let's call that 15 and 30 2-cup boils respectively and conservatively, possibly a couple more, for the two canister sizes. Based on how much you cook, you can figure your 'canister mileage.'
BTW, when they sent me my replacement igniter, they said the red-button ones were known to be high failure, and the one they sent me has a black button. Haven't even used it yet on the trail, just tested it after install. Will put it to use here in a couple of weeks.
jimqpublic
03-20-2009, 16:13
The SnowPeak GigaPower 110 gram canisters will fit just fine inside the Jetboil. They're cheaper and have 10% more fuel than the Jetpower canisters.
I keep the canister attached to the stove. From packed to assembled, filled with water, and lit takes less than 30 seconds.
john gault
03-20-2009, 16:14
Never trust the igniter, always carry a couple lighters just in case. Giga power canisters are cheaper than Jetboil, I always use them with my JB. Have a nice hike.
4eyedbuzzard
03-20-2009, 16:23
The SnowPeak GigaPower 110 gram canisters will fit just fine inside the Jetboil. They're cheaper and have 10% more fuel than the Jetpower canisters.
I keep the canister attached to the stove. From packed to assembled, filled with water, and lit takes less than 30 seconds.
Didn't know that. Thanks for the correction. I've only bought the JetPower ones and an MSR one once that was a bigger diameter.
Frick Frack
03-20-2009, 16:33
I also have had difficulty with the ignitor on my jetboil... So one evening I was sitting around and decided to give it a good overhaul to see if I could address the problem... After a great deal of fussing and experimenting, I realized that the tip of the ignitor was too far from the metal contact (base of pot support) and therefore was not arching to create ignition. So I gently bent the tip downward, closer to the base of the stove... Have never had a problem since. I've even eliminated the exlposion that Summit mentioned...
It's worth a try...
JetBoil recommended that to me and I bent it (the last replacement came bent) but it hasn't been reliable yet (works only sometimes)...I'm going to check the color of my igniter button like Summit suggested (thanks Summit).
We used 8oz MSR canisters boiling a full pot (all the way to just below the rim) 3 times a day (coffee drinkers too) and it would last just over a week (in warm weather).
Frick Frack
03-20-2009, 16:43
Ah ha :-? , I have the red button version Summit described (and if i remember correctly it has always been that color). I will seek a black button version then give up on the pi for good. Its funny, I can see it spark but when it is attached to the stove and the gas is turned on it only lights about every 10-20th time....even after adjusting the distance to the burner a few times? I am a pro at using a lighter now :)
Giga power canisters are cheaper than Jetboil, I always use them with my JB. Have a nice hike.Agree! Between the Jetboil, MSR, and Snow Peak (Giga Power) canisters, the later are cheaper, work better in cold, and seem to last longer = translate: more fuel. I have heard also, but cannot confirm that the larger canisters work better in cold weather.
I keep the canister attached to the stove. I did at first but then I decided that while there may not be any leakage, why take the chance. But then, a little gas escapes when you attach/unattach, so which is better and what do I know? :rolleyes:
Its funny, I can see it spark but when it is attached to the stove and the gas is turned on it only lights about every 10-20th time....even after adjusting the distance to the burner a few times? I am a pro at using a lighter now :)That's exactly my experience with my original red one. Actually, if you search WB, someone else a while back mentioned the free replacement if you tell them you're having problems with it and it's the red button version. When I mentioned on the phone that I had heard that, they said 'yep, to what address would you like your free replacement sent?'
sarahgirl
03-20-2009, 17:53
I'm gonna go ahead and purchase the jetboil with a black button. I remember the recall, was do to it catching on fire. I wonder if it had to do with the red button. I should have played around with it more when it was in my possession, I don't recall it having a simmer option on it, or is it manipulated in such a way to simmer?
I owned a dragonfly a long time ago and loved it for it's simmer option, way to heavy and awkward for a thru hike though. Plus it sounded like a jet taking off! I remember getting scowled at by other hikers:mad:
Thanks again! :D
4eyedbuzzard
03-20-2009, 18:33
Here's the recall info with pictures, it had to do with the valve.
http://www.jetboil.com/recall
buckwheat
03-20-2009, 18:51
... I realized that the tip of the ignitor was too far from the metal contact (base of pot support) and therefore was not arching to create ignition. So I gently bent the tip downward, closer to the base of the stove... Have never had a problem since. I've even eliminated the exlposion that Summit mentioned...
It's worth a try...
I would hazard a bet that this is exactly what occurs to most people. Happened to me after the first ignition. Wouldn't light any more. I pushed the tip maybe 2 centimeters closer to the metal and - voila - piezo magic!
Of course, nobody walks in the woods without a spare lighter anyway.
Right?
Right? :eek:
buckwheat
03-20-2009, 18:54
... I don't recall it having a simmer option on it, or is it manipulated in such a way to simmer?
The flame on a JetBoil is adjustable. That is what makes it capable of simmering ... the fact that you can turn the heat down. It's still hot as the freaking sun though, so you have turn turn the flame down very, very, very low and keep a stirring spoon handy. I don't turn my back on that sucker or it goes supernova it's so efficient.
Good luck with it. I think you'll be happy with it once you watch how others struggle to get food going when the weather isn't cooperating.
Blissful
03-20-2009, 20:40
Both work good on the trail that I've seen. I used my pocket rocket throughout my hike and had no trouble at all.
I would hazard a bet that this is exactly what occurs to most people. Happened to me after the first ignition. Wouldn't light any more. I pushed the tip maybe 2 centimeters closer to the metal and - voila - piezo magic!
Of course, nobody walks in the woods without a spare lighter anyway.
Right?
Right? :eek:I had done that with my original red button one and still no spark. The Jetboil customer service rep said that when those red ones go, they go.
The day I bought my Jetboil I was on my way to checkout at REI with a Pocket Rocket in hand and passed a big display of Jetboil products. A sign said 20% off. I had looked at them closely before but thought $100 was a little more than I wanted to pay for a cooking system. Well, being a NPR (Never Pay Retail) fanatic, I took the bait, hook, line, and sinker and changed my mind on the spot. I tend to be one who doesn't look back.
A New Convert
03-20-2009, 22:54
I usually just pack a flint and striker in the cup and use that to light the gas. The piezo lighter is too fickle for me.
BC
JaxHiker
03-20-2009, 23:15
The flame on a JetBoil is adjustable. That is what makes it capable of simmering ... the fact that you can turn the heat down. It's still hot as the freaking sun though, so you have turn turn the flame down very, very, very low and keep a stirring spoon handy. I don't turn my back on that sucker or it goes supernova it's so efficient.
Good luck with it. I think you'll be happy with it once you watch how others struggle to get food going when the weather isn't cooperating.
I don't know that I'd say the JB simmers. Maybe technically but frankly I find it a difficult stove to actually cook with. Perhaps if you have the JB pots it's ok since they're designed to work together. However, you have to be very careful using your existing cookware. I warped the tar out of my fry pan trying to make pancakes. You also have to realize that all of the heat is concentrated in the center so it's very easy to burn your food. I'd only take the JB with me if I were doing DIY dehydrated meals or MH. If you plan on cooking take another stove.
I was very excited when I first got the JB and I still use it on occasion but I find myself using the Giga more. When you figure in the pot and fuel the Giga and JB weigh about the same but the Giga still packs down smaller.
I had to swap out my piezo as well. Of course as somebody mentioned piezos in general have problems. I made sure I bought a manual Giga instead of the auto. It's just easier to have a lighter with me.
SoonerTex
03-20-2009, 23:31
My JetBoil may not be working right and I didn't even realize it. Most of the time it takes several pushes of the button before it lights. Is this what you guys are talking about? SoonerTex
sarahgirl
03-21-2009, 00:30
yeah I will be a diy dehydrating fool this summer. I hopefully won't find the need to do any actual cooking. And I love the french press as an option. Works like a charm. I'm sold.
JaxHiker
03-21-2009, 00:38
Sooner, when I had the piezo problem it wouldn't spark at all. I tried bending it as others have said worked for them but still couldn't get it to work (though it did start sparking). I can say that I haven't had any problems since I swapped it out but I still carry a lighter just in case.
Sarah, if all you need to do is boil water you should be fine. The JB is a great little package and the convenience is nice. I also like the coffee press but it can be a hassle to clean. I also wish it stowed inside the cup with everything else. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything you want. :)
I also like the coffee press but it can be a hassle to clean.I've heard other people say that but I find it as simple and easy as can be. First, I remove the press, take the shaft between my fingers and twirl it while pouring a very little bit of water on the screen which I tilt to about a 45* angle. Spotlessly clean in about 3 seconds. Then I pour about a cup, maybe a little less in the pot and get it swirling around as fast as I can without it sloshing out and fling the water with most of the grinds into the bushes away from the campsite (coffee grounds are enviro friendly and good fertilizer).
I repeat that step and my cup is always clean as a whistle after the second fling of water with what few grounds remain after the first one. There may be a little coffee residue at the high water mark line in the cup (coffee type dependent I think), but I either don't worry about it or wipe it out with a bandana.
This way I clean it without even getting my fingers wet when it is a cold morning. I do love the press and really, really enjoy my gourmet coffee fresh brewed in the woods.
sloopjonboswell
03-21-2009, 04:53
alky stove. sure u dont boil as fast but it's the only reasonable alternative... cook on a fire.. less weight.
alky stove. sure u dont boil as fast but it's the only reasonable alternative... cook on a fire.. less weight.This is a thread about Jetboil stoves and how well they do on thru hikes, not a 'what's your favorite stove?' or in your case 'what's the only stove, cause I use it' thread.
RollingStone
03-21-2009, 12:31
Thought I would offer my experience with the Pocket Rocket which is positive. One fellow said this...
Another thing to note is that unless you get a heat shield for the Rocket you'll be wasting alot of fuel. I used to take 2-3 cannisters for longer trips and would go through two or three sometimes but now with my Jetboil I'll work off a single fuel with me and my buddy for three days or more.
I've had my pocket rocket out for as long as three weeks. Without a windscreen, and between two people being used to boil water 3-4 times a day, an 8 ounce canister lasted 6 days. So I am not sure if he was trying to heat water in a hurricane or what.
Having said that, I preferred the PR over the JetBoil because as someone else said, cooking in it isn't great. And on a long trip, or a thru hike you want options, especially with food. With he PR you can cook. We use the PR and Heineken cans tucked away in Ziplock Containers for our cook kit. Gives us plenty of options whether we are Freezerbag eating or decided to cook up some ramen or whatever. I also take a 4 ounce aluminum kettler from time to time that holds a liter for bigger capacity.
I did wind up makign windscreens for my PR stoves after moving to Montana from New England. Is much windier here, especially in the higher elevations.
Good luck with your stove choice.
Don't rely exclusively on the push button igniter. They sometimes break. Always have a cigarette lighter for backup.
Panzer
sticks&stones
03-21-2009, 13:07
i kinda like a jetboil, it's the only stove i've ever cooked with while hiking at the same time.
mweinstone
03-21-2009, 13:10
panzer is a master of preparedness. he carrys all mannor of cool crap he never needs but enjoys provideing for someone who might. weve hiked together and i know this first hand,...panzer is heir apparent to the theam song for hogans heros.
,...panzer is heir apparent to the theam song for hogans heros.
Why, which character in the show do I remind you of? I hope not sgt schultz. :)
Too bad we can't have music attached to our user id's.
Panzer
I've been organizing my gear for an upcoming 3 day hike on Grand Manan Island to check out the new born seal pups and in migration of the Puffins... So I was packing up my jetboil group cooking system, and realized I can pack the canister, stove, pot support, small towel to protect the pot, jetboil spoon, jetboil spatula and 2 sea to summit x bowls.. Complete meal kit all in one package!
sarahgirl
03-21-2009, 18:14
yeah, even if the jetboil is a little bulky one can pack a lot of stuff into it, which ultimatley might be a space saver in the end. Have a great hike! :banana
Earl Grey
03-22-2009, 10:50
I use a jetboil and love it. Of course there are lighter options but in the morning when I need to make some tea it does it fast.
What I do when boiling water is light the stove and then turn it up until its "loud" and doesnt get any "louder" even if you increase the gas flow. This seems to be the most effiecient setting because canisters last me a long time just boiling water this way.
I have a red button version and it broke not long after I got it. I wonder if I email them they will send me a new one.
Although snow peak does have 110g of fuel vs jetboil canisters 100g of fuel I do like the mix they use in the jetboil ones much better for winter. Ive never had issues with jetboil canisters when temps are in the single digits but the snow peak and the mixture they use doesnt work as good. I did see two snow peak mixtures before and one of them may have been a winter mix, not sure.
BlazeWalker
03-22-2009, 11:13
I bought mine when they first came out, 2004 I think. I've put it through normal use and have never had a single issue w/ it. Also the igniter on mine has the black button. I think a pretty good stove!
I have a red button version and it broke not long after I got it. I wonder if I email them they will send me a new one.I am sure they will, or call their toll free number - faster!
http://www.jetboil.com/contactus
JaxHiker
03-22-2009, 13:02
They'll definitely take care of you. I do believe they've got great customer service.
The Snowman
03-22-2009, 18:13
to be honest I like the Jetboil more for makeing coffee on day hikes or when car camping its just too big and heavy for multiday trips.
JaxHiker
03-22-2009, 18:44
My JB with a full canister weighs 22.5 oz. My Giga with the same canister and the Trek 900 pan set (aluminum) weighs 19.9 oz. That's only a difference of 2.6 oz. Not a huge difference in my book.
Now if you add a bandanna for a pot holder and a Bic lighter to the Giga setup you're up to 24.2 oz making this 1.7 oz heavier than the JB. :-?
middle to middle
03-23-2009, 14:16
Excellent thought process Jax, SPEED does count for something. That spring mountian water can get cold. The faster it gets hot the better. Ain't named Jet Boil for nuthin !
Here's the recall info with pictures, it had to do with the valve.
http://www.jetboil.com/recallThat's different from the 'red button igniter.' I have had no problems with valve leakage and the replacement igniter that they sent me has nothing to do with this recall article. They wouldn't likely do a 'recall' of the igniter since it's not essential to the function of the stove. But that's good information to know too for those who suspect leaking fuel.
I replaced my igniter mainly just to have a fully functional stove, but I'll continue to use a regular lighter most of the time. It's a lot less dangerous since you can light the lighter first, hold it over the burner and then turn the fuel knob slowly, thus lighting it very smoothly, rather than the kaboom you get with the igniter.
Evil Eye
03-24-2009, 04:21
Used my JetBoil all the way on my '07 Thru & have no regrets. As many have said, I too had ignitor issues so always carry a lighter ( the smallest Bic Clic fits in the burner ring for storage) No canister availability issues of note - did carry two occasionally.
Great Customer service - After 2-3 years of use - sent email to JetBoil for advice about burner ring & was sent new parts FOC along with a new ignitor.
Quick, straight forward, can simmer if you adjust to where it seems to "spit" at a low setting. Coffee press add-on works well. Another suggestion - REI has/had a longer stainless steel spoon engineered just for the Jet Boil - curved to fit the diameter of the JetBoil pot so clean up was easier.
Often fed & cleaning up while my alcohol stove friends are still waiting for a boil!!!
Chaplain
03-27-2009, 23:50
With the fuel canister does the jet boil weigh less than a Svea with gas in it?
With the fuel canister does the jet boil weigh less than a Svea with gas in it?To make a true weight comparison you would have to add a pot on the Svea side - probably pretty close to a toss up if that pot is an expensive titanium, otherwise I think the JetBoil would win. Also, the smaller propane canister will last about a week, so to get the same mileage out of a Svea wouldn't you have to carry some fuel in a fuel bottle? Just trying to level-set the comparison.
Chaplain
03-28-2009, 21:36
Summit: I don't know anything about the Svea. I was reading The Complete Walker IV and C. Fletcher sure like his Svea. So it got me to thinking. I thought I was an alcohol stove (Triangia) convert. Well, sorry, I don't want to hijack this thread off the subject. I looke at the pics of the jetboil. Wow, it looks like it'll do the job alright.
I've got mine packed up right now for my upcoming hike starting next weekend. Carrying the larger canister outside the PCS cup (smaller one fits inside), but that allows me to pack a week's worth of coffee, creamer, sweetener inside the cup, which is your cook kit and about the size of a travel coffee mug! Can't beat it!
Chaplain
03-30-2009, 23:04
I'd still like to know how much the Svea weighs against the Jet Boil and the other one we are talking about . . . . which one is it now??? (Seriously). With all other things being equal: The Jet Boil and etc., with a full cannister vs the Svea with a full tank of gas. ??????
JaxHiker
04-01-2009, 15:10
I dont' have enough experience with my Svea to give you a comparison on a canister vs full tank. However, I can help with the weights.
My JetBoil weighs in at 15.5 oz. Add the full canister at 7 oz and you're at 22.5 oz. My Svea with a full tank weighed 21 oz.
maybeFritz
04-01-2009, 16:08
On the practical cooking end-if you are just using the mug that comes with it, make sure your spoon/spork/whatever has a long-ish handle. Getting bits out of the bottom can be tough otherwise. Also can wrap bandana over said spoon to make cleaning easier.
JaxHiker
04-01-2009, 16:12
I picked up some long spoons at REI for like .97 ea. They sure are a lot better than even the LMF Spork XM which is longer than their regular spork.
I dont' have enough experience with my Svea to give you a comparison on a canister vs full tank. However, I can help with the weights.
My JetBoil weighs in at 15.5 oz. Add the full canister at 7 oz and you're at 22.5 oz. My Svea with a full tank weighed 21 oz.Plus a cooking pot = ? And will a full Svea tank last a week like a canister will?
JaxHiker
04-01-2009, 19:40
If memory serves correctly then the Svea weight includes their little pot. Not that you can do much with it. My Trek 900 weighs 9 oz. Somebody else will have to address the fuel issue for the Svea.
I love REI. Ordered Sun and got my LiteMax today. w00t! :banana
YoungMoose
04-01-2009, 20:08
i think it would hold up. i just think that it is too bulky just to boil water
JaxHiker
04-01-2009, 20:42
I'm going to have to do another JB test. The LiteMax just boiled 2 cups in 3:03. :sun
Chaplain
04-01-2009, 23:24
Thanks JaxHiker. I appreciate it. That means minus the pot, the Svea is lighter. Thats the info I wanted. I think the Svea would go the 7 days or less between resupply. I will use the same pot regardless of which stove I use. Thanks again. I like the looks of the brassy thing! :-)
JaxHiker
04-01-2009, 23:37
No prob. It is a beauty of a stove isn't it? Just don't use it indoors. It's stinky. :D
Just did a boil with the JB and it was 2:41. I was surprised the LiteMax was only about 25 secs longer.
brooklynkayak
04-03-2009, 10:46
Well since we are discussing pros and cons of various stoves.. ;)
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/stove_comparison.html
I notice this article and most articles play down the use of found fuel.
Many of us carry a simple, unbreakable, efficient wood stove. And I'm not talking about the kind that requires batteries or electronics.
These articles seem to be following the articles/advertisements they have read or often show off products for the company that pays them for advertisements. They are mostly a bunch toys for gear freaks.
Why carry fuel if it is all around you waiting to be used. On long trips fuel can be quite heavy and of course there is the minor environmental issues. Even alcohol has a very small impact, although much less than petro fuels.
Alcohol usually comes from grain, trees have to be cleared to grow the grain.
I do carry a Pepsi stove and small quantity of alcohol for those rare time where a found fuel fire isn't possible.
On the subject of which stove can cook the fastest, fast stoves scorch food, limiting the kind of food you can cook and/or your methods. Bag cooking and porridge is fine, but maybe you want to cook something else for a change.
Even the slowest wood stove will boil water in less than 15 minutes, but it will cook a much higher variety of foods, foods that you maybe wouldn't cook because they could use too much fuel or would scorch.
Of course you don't need to carry any stove and can set a pot between rocks, prop a pot on tent pegs or hang it from a stick over the fire.
Here's one of many good designs that won't fail you:
http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/stove.htm
You raise some good points and choices. Thru hikers should consider how much energy they will have or want to expend getting wood, getting it lit, waiting during a much longer cook time. Most thru hikers walk from sun up to sundown and prefer a speedy, no hassles meal cooking solution. While if you know what you're doing you can gather relatively dry wood even after several days of relentless rain, it does make cooking with a wood stove even more of a chore.
If you use one and like how it works for you, great! I'll stick with my water boiling in under 2 minutes from the time I put my hands on it Jetboil. :) Another unappealing feature of using/carrying a wood stove is the potential of getting soot all over everything in your pack and on your hands.
brooklynkayak
04-04-2009, 14:00
it does make cooking with a wood stove even more of a chore. .... Another unappealing feature of using/carrying a wood stove is the potential of getting soot all over everything in your pack and on your hands.
I always used found fuel as a kid, mostly because I couldn't afford a real stove.
I think the more you get used to using found fuel, the easier and quicker it gets. It also allows me to have a lighter pack.
I have been known to boil a liter of water in less than 5 minutes with a wood stove. Of course that was with perfect dry hot burning fuel. Damp wood can take a lot longer.
The soot on my hands and face never bothered me, it washes off easy and I keep my kit in a separate bag so the soot doesn't migrate to other camp gear.
Hints:
1) Gather your fuel the night before and cover it so you have dry fuel for breakfast.
2) Keep some gathered tinder and kindling on hand for rainy moments.
3) Use an efficient wood stove to cook fast, use less fuel and produce less smoke.
4) Keep stove and pots in a bag so they don't get soot on other items.
5) If you know you are going to be approaching a well used campsite, gather some wood before you get there. It may be harder to find near the campsite.
I have been known to fall back to the alky stove when I'm too tired, cold or wet.
Ramble~On
04-04-2009, 17:10
I started with my Trangia and switched to my Jetboil at Neel's Gap. Now, I'm toting my Pocket Rocket and happy as can be...until I switch again.
Jetboil PCS with small can on my scale was 1 pound 7 1/4 ounces :eek:
Yes, it boils water superfast but are you in that much of a hurry ?
Jetboil is awesome and I love mine but IMO it's too heavy on a thruhike.
The cup is small and that limits what you can cook in it and scorching stuff to the bottom of the cup is a PITA.
I switched over to Pocket Rocket and Evernew pot - weight savings is worth it to me and the extra minute or two waiting for the water to boil is that much more time for me to do something else...what's a couple minutes out of a 24hr day ? You'll spend far more time carrying your cookset than using it and for me the added weight of a Jetboil for the speed of boiling water wasn't worth it.
It is true that "Those with Jetboils eat first" and that's great if you're in some sort of race. Like I said, I love my PCS...and I love my Pocket Rocket too. I'm pretty fond of my Trangia and other alki stoves.
Life's full of choices and there really isn't a wrong answer here.
There are many thruhikers out there this year using Jetboils and all seem to be plenty happy with them. I was happy with mine but when I realized I could shave about a pound out of my pack...I did.