Not everyone loves Denatured alcohol Stoves

[Rooster]

I would just like people out there trying to research stoves for a long distance hike that not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves. The people who write on this site are mostly people with very strong opinions that want to speak their mind. I hiked the entire AT in '08 and met a number of people who regretted their choice of the denatured alcohol stove. The stoves are great for boiling a cup or two of water but they take a while to get the hang of the correct amount to use and you will waste a good bit of fuel before you get it right. You will run through your fuel faster than with white gas. Also, wind effects them more than other types of stoves and reduces their effectiveness. If you only anticipate need a cup of water or two at a time and don't intend to simmer anything it is fine, but I like a little variety in my dinners and some of my dinners required a little simmering. I used a simmerlite and I know it loses badlyon the weight battle but I never had any trouble with it the entire time and I thought the extra weight was worth it. I'm not going to get into an argument with people who want to discredit everything I just said, but please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.

[Rocket Jones]

Alcohol stoves are great for heating water to near boiling. Not so good at simmering. Since I FBC on the trail, the alcohol stove is perfect for me under most conditions that I encounter. For those other times, or when it's more than just me, I carry a canister stove.

[ShelterLeopard]

I hate alcohol stoves. (Well, not hate, but they're definitely not my favorite) I use an MSR PocketRocket, and LOVE IT. (Used to use a whisperlite int'l, but the pocketrocket has won my heart)

[ShelterLeopard]

Besides, I don't freezer bag cook. And I often use my frying pan. Pancakes and bacon with an alc stove? Nooo. I just don't like 'em.

[Spokes]

.....The people who write on this site are mostly people with very strong opinions that want to speak their mind.....



Sounds like you did a pretty nice job yourself.

You gotta admit alcohol stoves are popular (and for good reason) among thru's.

I say use whatever you're comfortable with...... Heck, carry an acetylene torch if that floats yer boat.

[ShelterLeopard]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/

This flashlight can cook an egg.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/zoom/

[srestrepo]

yeah i tried the alchy stove thing. its cool and all. definitely has its pro's but the cons outweigh it for me.

i hike with a simmerlite in winter time

or an optimus crux lite or a pocket rocket the rest of the time...

[Cookerhiker]

I would just like people out there trying to research stoves for a long distance hike that not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves. The people who write on this site are mostly people with very strong opinions that want to speak their mind. I hiked the entire AT in '08 and met a number of people who regretted their choice of the denatured alcohol stove. The stoves are great for boiling a cup or two of water but they take a while to get the hang of the correct amount to use and you will waste a good bit of fuel before you get it right. You will run through your fuel faster than with white gas. Also, wind effects them more than other types of stoves and reduces their effectiveness. If you only anticipate need a cup of water or two at a time and don't intend to simmer anything it is fine, but I like a little variety in my dinners and some of my dinners required a little simmering. I used a simmerlite and I know it loses badlyon the weight battle but I never had any trouble with it the entire time and I thought the extra weight was worth it. I'm not going to get into an argument with people who want to discredit everything I just said, but please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.


I hate alcohol stoves. (Well, not hate, but they're definitely not my favorite) I use an MSR PocketRocket, and LOVE IT. (Used to use a whisperlite int'l, but the pocketrocket has won my heart)

Here, here! Tried one once - never again.

[Jester2000]

I don't have a strong opinion either way. I've used liquid fuel, canister, and alcohol stoves. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Experience teaches each individual what's best for them.

It also teaches them not to try pouring more alcohol in an alcohol stove mid-cook because "it looks like the flame is out."

[Tinker]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/

This flashlight can cook an egg.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/zoom/

"Battery run time 15 minutes"!!!
It's all yours, ShLep. ;)

[Tinker]

Alcohol stoves can be quite sensitive to setup. If the windscreen is too close to the pot the stove will burn cold and you will smell raw alcohol. If it is too far away flames will go up the sides of the pot and take all that heat into the air where it won't do your cooking any good. Once you get it right, though, you can light them and forget them. My biggest problem is using too much fuel and, after I get my water boiled, watching 1/10th of an ounce of fuel burn away before my eyes. Again, you have to know your stove and watch your fuel usage. Cannister stoves are the way to go if fiddling isn't your idea of fun.
Also, alcohol stoves probably aren't the best for two or more people. The more water you try to boil at once the more fuel it takes per fl.oz. of water boiled.

[Spokes]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/

This flashlight can cook an egg.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cd85/zoom/

Sure....... and the next thing you'll tell us is you can actually boil water in a paper cup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFL2B_14sLc)!

[ShelterLeopard]

Ha! To heck with this all, I'll just carry my generator and an oven!

[Spokes]

Ha! To heck with this all, I'll just carry my generator and an oven!

Then you'll have to change your trail name to "Top Chef".

[ShelterLeopard]

Ugh, no! (Though, I do love food...)

Man, my pack keeps getting lighter... maybe I should go ultra heavy...

[Snowleopard]

I used gas stoves for a long time, then converted to canister stoves for summer. I tried an alcohol stove without much success; it seems to depend critically on wind screen if there's any wind. I will experiment more with alcohol stoves. Something that's gotten lots of excellent reviews is the Caldera Cone, an alcohol stove with a built in windscreen. It's best suited to freezer bag cooking, but I like to be able to simmer.

Winter, I'll use my Optimus Nova with gas.

[kayak karl]

but please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.
and they are????

[Spokes]

I've seen good reviews too about the Caldera Cone design. I had enough of a problem keeping up with my wimpy little wind screen on the Etowah Stove and can't imagine how in the world people pack a monster screen like the Caldera.

Maybe someone will enlighten us?

[Spokes]

and they are????

.......well for one you can't fry steaks.

[kayak karl]

I've seen good reviews too about the Caldera Cone design. I had enough of a problem keeping up with my wimpy little wind screen on the Etowah Stove and can't imagine how in the world people pack a monster screen like the Caldera.

Maybe someone will enlighten us?
i use the cone and your right. i can't fry steaks.

[Jester2000]

I've seen good reviews too about the Caldera Cone design. I had enough of a problem keeping up with my wimpy little wind screen on the Etowah Stove and can't imagine how in the world people pack a monster screen like the Caldera.

Maybe someone will enlighten us?

Um, it rolls up? It can go inside its caddy if you don't mind carrying that.

[Don H]

I designed my own cook system consisting of an alcohol stove made from a Red Bull can, windscreen made from 4" aluminum dry duct, and a Snow Peake 600ml cup for a pot. I've used it in all kinds of conditions and it works like a champ. Add a cozy, spoon, measuring cup and stuff sack for a little over 5 oz. total weight. The key is the windscreen.

[mister krabs]

.......well for one you can't fry steaks.

I can't imagine cooking a steak in a backpacking style frying pan when there's a fire ring right in front of me. The best place to cook a steak is on the coals, I'd prefer to wait for a real fire to cook a steak.

but it's not quite right to say you can't fry on an alcohol stove. My favorite fried meal prepared over a starlyte with an imusa 6 in skillet goes like this. Toast a bagel in the pan, then fry a spam single. Put single on the bagel and fry an egg in the spam grease. Put the egg on your sammich with a packet of texas pete's. Ummmm Good!

Ya got to pay attention so you don't burn anything, but that goes for your kitchen stove too.

[harryfred]

I LOVE! my alky stoves. They are light cheap and fuel is very available, at least for now. I do tell people , I don't cook I boil water and add something to it. BTW steaks are heavy and expensive. Ramen noodles cheap, light, readily available and get the job done.:D:banana

[Raul Perez]

Tinny at minibull designs has made some interesting developments regarding Compact Alcohol Burners (CAB) whereby you can regulate how much fuel you use by using a remote feed system and utilizing a carbon felt wick.

Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/user/minibulldesign#p/u/74/FylHdRIRLLI


Not saying I'm for Alcohol Burners or against. I like both but find the alcohol burners more suited for what I need to do when it comes to cooking and keeping the weight down.

[SGT Rock]

As many as I have made and trusted, my wife still uses a canister stove ;)

[Jester2000]

Matty cooks steaks on alcohol stoves.

[Mags]

Wash, rinse and repeat. :)

There is no best stove..only the best for your own needs, desires, camping/hiking style, time of the year and many, many, many, many other factors.

Many of us use different types of stoves for different purposes (or even no stove at all). Off the top of my head, I have various incarnations of alcohol stoves, a canister stove, a Coleman 2 burner stove, a Whisperlite and a Simmerlite (gift) and a mini-propane canister stove. :) In the past year, I've used all the types at least once.



For my own take on stoves, go to this link:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/stove_comparison.html

I'll sum it up again THERE IS NO BEST GEAR. Only what is best for you, your situation, hiking style etc.

FINALLY: Remember folks, it is just a stove. While gear is important, it is the LEAST important part of hiking. The top of Katahdin is gonna look pretty damn cool no matter what you used to make your "Generic Glop of Noodles and Things" the night before. Go out, hike, and enjoy yourselves. The internet "discussions" are just gear wankery until we all get outside. ;)

[Spokes]

Tinny at minibull designs has made some interesting developments regarding Compact Alcohol Burners (CAB) whereby you can regulate how much fuel you use by using a remote feed system and utilizing a carbon felt wick.

......

No doubt, Tinny is a pretty innovative guy.....but if I wanted a remote fuel system I'd just go back to carrying an old MSR Whisperlite - NOT.

Why deal with multiple components, hoses, fuel nipples, blah, blah, blah....?

I guess it is part of the natural evolution process though. Just took time before somebody decided to muck up a good thing by trying to pimp a simple alcohol stove.

[Spokes]

Um, it rolls up? It can go inside its caddy if you don't mind carrying that.

Yep, but it won't fit inside my cook pot. The CC looks a whole lot stiffer and bulkier to pack. Interesting concept and one worth checking out.

I'll make one up and do some tests. Should be fun!

[JAK]

Not everyone loves wool either, but hey.

Alcohol stoves and hobo type stoves are the most environmentally friendly.
People might also keep trying to make wax and vegetable oil wick stoves work.
They certainly solve the simmering problem. DIY stoves are cheap also, and fun.

The people with the biggest beef against DIY stoves are outfitters.
Also, maybe people that like to shop and spend money, and like company.

Eventually, time in the woods will teach us better practices.
For that to work we also have to spend less time shopping.

[Chaco Taco]

Pancakes and bacon with an alc stove? Nooo. I just don't like 'em.

False, dont let Matty hear you say this:D some of our most memorable mornings:sun

[Chaco Taco]

I've seen good reviews too about the Caldera Cone design. I had enough of a problem keeping up with my wimpy little wind screen on the Etowah Stove and can't imagine how in the world people pack a monster screen like the Caldera.

Maybe someone will enlighten us?

We have an Etowah Stove and the wind screen is just fine. You can make your own screen ya know, aint that hard:rolleyes::D

[SGT Rock]

I've cooked omelets, stir fried chicken, and fried steaks on my stoves. You can cook on an alcohol stove, it just isn't the same as cooking on a burner at your house.

[JAK]

In India there are still kids that go around making fuel tabs out of bits of char left in ashes, mixed with dung and scraps of straw, which they sell or trade with people for cooking. Not unlike folks here that used to run along the railroad tracks gathering bits of coal that fell from the old steam trains. There are many ways to cook with fire. Geez, if we aren't willing to explore and discover a little while out hiking in the woods, what are we there for?

[BrianLe]

Spokes said:
"Yep, but it won't fit inside my cook pot. The CC looks a whole lot stiffer and bulkier to pack. Interesting concept and one worth checking out."

The UL version of the Caldera Cone is designed to roll-up and fit inside the particular pot/mug it's designed for. I have the MLD version (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=129&osCsid=484cf2b44482314c742438565ed7d7f6), with their 850 ml mug, and the cone fits inside the mug just fine. That said, I think there is some minor loss of efficiency over the full-sized cone, but it's still an efficient and very wind resistant combo.

For more on the Caldera UL Compact system, look at the source material on the trail designs site (http://traildesigns.com/caldera-ulc.html).

[JAK]

Might as well just straighten that sucker out, pave it, and run a gas line.

[RichardD]

No one mentioned Woodburner stoves.
I use a Titanium Zip stove with great success. There is a learning curve to it but it sure is nice to have unlimited fuel just lying around in the forest. When I use this stove I use a lot of hot water, hot breakfast, two mugs of hot coffee, hot lunch, hot afternoon tea, hot chocolate at camp and a hot dinner. If its cold, a hot water bottle to warm my sleeping bag.
Sometimes even hot water to wash and shave.
My pocket rocket is certainly more convenient to use but I always seem to run out of fuel at inopportune times and always at places where I cannot buy a new cannister.
Disadvantage is a black cookpot and some difficulty if it's raining.
The stove uses very little wood, just twigs and burns them to a very fine ash. The single AA battery easily lasts a week of my rather excessive use and the fan can fun on slow for slower cooking or off for simmering.

[sarbar]

I think what the OP is missing is this:

Having one stove is like having only one pair of hiking socks.

Live a little and have multiple setups. I have many stoves to choose from, just as I have multiple pots to take. And multiple tents/tarps/hammocks.

One setup doesn't cover everything.

Loudly saying though that alchy stoves suck isn't factual for everyone or every situation. Lots of hikers love them for ease in use. They don't need a fancy liquid fuel stove.

And I might add...with the right alchy stove you can fry food ;) It does though take a learning curve.

[JAK]

As many as I have made and trusted, my wife still uses a canister stove ;)
But she is a sweetheart, so that's ok.

But the rest of you cansiter stove users out there are no good. :banana

[Jester2000]

The people with the biggest beef against DIY stoves are outfitters.
Also, maybe people that like to shop and spend money, and like company.


Yes. And, you know, the people who have tried them and not particularly liked them, like those on this thread. As an aside, when we sit around at the Outfitter complaining about alcohol stoves, we make sure we don't have ours with us when we do it. Because that would make us look silly. We also hide the containers of denatured alcohol and HEET.


Geez, if we aren't willing to explore and discover a little while out hiking in the woods, what are we there for?

We are there to have sex in public without getting arrested.

[Jester2000]

I think what the OP is missing is this:

Having one stove is like having only one pair of hiking socks. . .

. . . in that, if it's an esbit stove, everyone will think you're stinky.

[SGT Rock]

. . . in that, if it's an esbit stove, everyone will think you're stinky.

I remember hiking behind a pair of women thinking: these girls need to get into Damascus and BATHE. :eek:

Then we all stopped at a shelter and they started cooking. Thats when I realized the stink was their fuel.:sun

[Two Speed]

. . . . . . . . . .

[JAK]

OK, Sarbar and Dixie are excused,

and maybe ShelterLeopard, if she can cook,

but none of the rest of you.

[springerfever]

I picked up a Trail Design Caldera cone for my MSR titan Pot and it works great. It came with a plastic container that keeps it nice and safe (the cone itself is fairly fragile). The container also holds 6 oz alcohol/mini-bic/snowpeak spoon/MSR titan cup and a small section of a sham-wow towel. All very compact and secure. This container fits nicely into the Titan pot which is nested into an AGG pot cozy and all above into a small stuff sack.

What's so neat about the caldera setup is the efficiency realized from the windscreen paired up with the soda-can stove. Check out the Trail design website for more information and also the Anti-gravity gear website for caldera packages.

http://www.traildesigns.com/caldera-cone.html

http://www.antigravitygear.com/proddetail.php?prod=TDCCALD&cat=40


not inexpensive but the best alcohol design out there

[Blue Wolf]

Hell why not just carry a Colman stove....and a cast iron skillet just strap it to your pack with some bungee cords. cooking and simmering with a alcohol stove takes a bit of common sense and some practice at home. Once mastered you'll never go back.

[JustaTouron]

Ha! To heck with this all, I'll just carry my generator and an oven!

That's my wife's idea of camping - generator & microwave oven.

Actually she would do fine without the microwave, but the flush toilet and not sleeping on the ground are non-negotiable requirements.

[Jester2000]

Hell why not just carry a Colman stove....and a cast iron skillet just strap it to your pack with some bungee cords. cooking and simmering with a alcohol stove takes a bit of common sense and some practice at home. Once mastered you'll never go back.

Well actually, why not? if someone wants to carry a coleman stove and a cast iron skillet, more power to them.

As for the last sentence, it's factually incorrect. It would be accurate with the right pronoun and tense, as here:

"Once mastered, I never went back."

Plenty of people switch back and forth. I do. All it takes is a little common sense to figure out which stove will work best given the circumstances of a trip.

[Skidsteer]

.......well for one you can't fry steaks.

Sure you can.

A campfire works better though.

[Mrs Baggins]

Alcohol stoves are only popular with the cool crowd. Like homemade gear. You're not a "real" hiker unless you use a stove made from a cat food can.

[sarbar]

Someday I will post a photo or two of my gear room/office :D :D

I have issues with gear - like I should have it all. Mine! Mine! Mine!

I always wonder how people can be happy with one setup :D How boring! Hehheh....

[Dogwood]

You made that common sense hiker savvy post over 20 posts ago Mags, but some just can't help themselves by not debating, complaining, or attempting to pursue that overused notion of BEST gear. BEST tent. BEST sleeping bag. BEST shelter. BEST sleeping bag fill. BEST stove. Give it a rest! Different gear for different purposes, people, trails, hiking styles, seasons, ETC ETC ETC! It begins sounding like a political or religious debate. Assess the pros and cons, whatever they may mean to each individual, when opting for any piece of gear, and come to your own conclusions because that's who is probably in the BEST position to make those decisions.

[Skidsteer]

Alcohol stoves are only popular with the cool crowd. Like homemade gear. You're not a "real" hiker unless you use a stove made from a cat food can.

Uhh. Minnesota Smith used an alcohol stove. Made from a cat food can.

Next.

[Slo-go'en]

I say use whatever you're comfortable with...... Heck, carry an acetylene torch if that floats yer boat.

I actually saw some guys with an acetylene torch at a camp site in the ADK's (an easy one to get to). They were trying to set fire to a giant, wet tree stump with it. (even had welding glasses on!). I took one look, said good luck and moved on...

[Graywolf]

I must add, I love my Trangia.. You do not waste a drop..While I wait for it to boil (5-7 MIN) I set up camp.. Kill 2 birds with one stone..And since I basically boil water, works fine for me..

On the other hand I must say, I do also love my Whisperlite, (even though it dosnt whisper) But hey, I get the best of both worlds.. Canaster stoves, well, thats another story.. I have been working at losing my pack weight, why turn around and weigh it down again..

JMO...

graywolf

[Rooster]

I posted that for the people out there who do the AT as basically their first Backpacking trip of any kind. They exist. Telling them to own six stoves isn't helpful. Telling them they are stupid if they can't use a denatured alcohol stove isn't helpful. Try to remember this is a source of knowledge for the initiated as well as for a public forum for experienced hikers to bicker. Canister stoves and and white gas stoves are easy. Someone trying to deal with all of the issues involved in adapting to a thru-hike doesn't need an extra headache. Canister stoves work too, but I prefer the white gas stove. I just thought the many voices in support of denatured alcohol could use some balancing out.

[moytoy]

There three things that should never be discussed in public. Religion, politics and ul stoves.....;}

[Skidsteer]

I posted that for the people out there who do the AT as basically their first Backpacking trip of any kind. They exist. Telling them to own six stoves isn't helpful. Telling them they are stupid if they can't use a denatured alcohol stove isn't helpful. Try to remember this is a source of knowledge for the initiated as well as for a public forum for experienced hikers to bicker. Canister stoves and and white gas stoves are easy. Someone trying to deal with all of the issues involved in adapting to a thru-hike doesn't need an extra headache. Canister stoves work too, but I prefer the white gas stove. I just thought the many voices in support of denatured alcohol could use some balancing out.

I agree with you. White gas and canister stoves are easy. Same for Alcohol, esbit, and wood stoves. I own and have used them all at various times.

I think they're easy. You think they're easy.

That being said, you know what this site could use? A couple articles on white gas stoves, like, "How to light a white gas stove: and "How to clean a white gas stove" 'cause every year and I mean every year, I end up showing someone how to light their stove or taking somebody's stove apart on the trail to get it working or just plain cooking their food for them cause their stove was toasted or 'cause their canister is empty and they don't know how that could've happened 'cause the guy at the store told them it would cook 12 meals no problem.

On the other hand, I have yet to meet anyone on the trail that can't set fire to denatured alcohol by themselves. A few set fire to themselves but that's a different discussion.:D

[Hikes in Rain]

I actually saw some guys with an acetylene torch at a camp site in the ADK's (an easy one to get to). They were trying to set fire to a giant, wet tree stump with it. (even had welding glasses on!). I took one look, said good luck and moved on...

I spent the night with another group that carried one, at Woods Hole Shelter. Same deal, it was carried to start fires. Who knew those guys got around so much with that load!

They'd also clogged their water filter by dipping the intake tube into some sediment, and asked if I knew how to repair it. Even brought out a took kit for me...full sized lineman's pliers, a set of screwdrivers, vice grips...lots of other stuff! Plus the big nine-volt battery lantern that wasn't all that much brighter than my little antique brass candle lantern. Proud of the fact that their packs weighted 90 pounds. I tried lifting it; even with a lot of the junk out of it, I could barely budge it. Bet they were right about the weight.

[gunner76]

I have several stoves and each one has its place

A Coleman 2 burber propane stove I used when I was car camping with the kids

A canister stove for my wife and me.

An alcohol stove if its just me.

I like my steaks passed over the fire one time and rare.

[Lilred]

We are there to have sex in public without getting arrested.

DAGNABBIT!!!!! Why am I always the last to know these things!!????!!! :o:mad:

I've used the same alky stove since 2003. Made it myself and that's most of the reason I love it. Never had anything I couldn't cook. Use heavy duty Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil for a wind screen. Same one for the last four years. I carry my fuel in a plastic whiskey flask with a one ounce jigger on top. Never waste any fuel. I have my boil time down to a science and know just how to adjust the amount of fuel for the volume of / and temperature of water. Alky stoves rock. I carry a couple of esbits too. If I run out of fuel, flip the alky stove over and it's an esbit stove. Let's see your pocket rocket do that....

[Slack-jawed Trog]

Hey now, Rooster!

I think my Whisperlite and I just celebrated our 25th Anniversary, and I love it as much as the day I brought it home from EMS. It's heavy, sorta, but the fuel bottle is the fuel tank and I like that feature.

Lately, I've been playing with alcohol stoves, too. Just to boil, say coffee for instance. When b-packing with the Scouts, the crew uses one stove to prepare the one-pot meals, so no room or time to make coffee in the morning...need coffee... While the ol' reliable (Whisperlite) is outstanding, it's just a little too big and heavy to carry for this simple task.
I've played with the Super Cat, and LOVE it's simplicity but it doesn't work too well in the cold. While it made my soup just fine in the sleet during deer season, it doesn't work too well below about 30º. OTOH, I have made a pot* of coffee on 1.5 oz of HEET in 22º F weather with a UniCan style stove (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzGJzUxnwCM). (*That's in a coffee pot with the guts; it perks! No I won't bring the coffee pot b-packing but that's more than enough stove for making a grease pot full of cowboy coffee-it works for me.) Best of all, I made the stove for nothing; ok, it cost me a nickle for the deposit on the can...can't beat that with two sticks. ;)

YMMV,

[sarbar]

I posted that for the people out there who do the AT as basically their first Backpacking trip of any kind. They exist. Telling them to own six stoves isn't helpful.

Why? The only way a person learns skills is to try new things out. Too often you see hikers who use the same gear for freaking 15 years because they have never ventured out of their comfort zone.

If they are going to go and thru hike for 5 to 6 months it is in their best interest to play with gear for a couple months before hand. This doesn't mean they need go buy it - but they should be researching options, down at stores checking it out, having friends show them their gear, etc. Then they get a well rounded idea of what is out there - and not just what was on REI or Walmarts shelves, pushed on them by a sales person.

Because that is why we see newbies who have never hiked before hit a couple hundred miles in and either quit or have to buy an entire new setup of gear....when they find out that nothing works for them well and carrying 45 to 60 lbs sucks and blows. This hits first time hikers all the time...but is much worse when it is a newbie who elects to hike a couple thousand miles instead of working up to it ;)

[Spokes]

There three things that should never be discussed in public. Religion, politics and ul stoves.....;}

Now if somebody asks about water filters vs. Aqua Mira we'll have a real party!!!!!



pass me another one over here........

[moytoy]

Now if somebody asks about water filters vs. Aqua Mira we'll have a real party!!!!!
.......

:rolleyes: then we'll have four things?:datz

[beakerman]

i use my old MSR whisperlite...now there's a misnomer if I ever heard one it's not quiet nor is it what most would call light. However it always works and with some real careful knob work (stop it now) I can even simmer most of the time.

All of that being said I do tinker with alky stoves and that is the appeal of them for me. I'm sure that is a big draw to many of the alky converts as well.

[Jofish]

I've started to make a foray into freezer bag cooking and for my purposes an alcohol stove (simple cat can stove) works great. As others have indicated, there is NO PERFECT STOVE. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.

While "not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves", this guy does. Great for my applications. On the other hand, I see how they aren't for everyone.

[sarahgirl]

I've started to make a foray into freezer bag cooking and for my purposes an alcohol stove (simple cat can stove) works great. As others have indicated, there is NO PERFECT STOVE. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.

While "not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves", this guy does. Great for my applications. On the other hand, I see how they aren't for everyone.

Go Fancee Feast!!! :D

[Toolshed]

I would just like people out there trying to research stoves for a long distance hike that not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves. The people who write on this site are mostly people with very strong opinions that want to speak their mind. I hiked the entire AT in '08 and met a number of people who regretted their choice of the denatured alcohol stove..... yada yada yada.....
Yeah but you could take this back 15 years ago and substitute Whisperlight, go back another 10 years and substitute Primus or Phenix or Svea....
People complain to have something to talk about.

[kanga]

I posted that for the people out there who do the AT as basically their first Backpacking trip of any kind. They exist. Telling them to own six stoves isn't helpful. Telling them they are stupid if they can't use a denatured alcohol stove isn't helpful. Try to remember this is a source of knowledge for the initiated as well as for a public forum for experienced hikers to bicker. Canister stoves and and white gas stoves are easy. Someone trying to deal with all of the issues involved in adapting to a thru-hike doesn't need an extra headache. Canister stoves work too, but I prefer the white gas stove. I just thought the many voices in support of denatured alcohol could use some balancing out.


I agree with you. White gas and canister stoves are easy. Same for Alcohol, esbit, and wood stoves. I own and have used them all at various times.

I think they're easy. You think they're easy.

That being said, you know what this site could use? A couple articles on white gas stoves, like, "How to light a white gas stove: and "How to clean a white gas stove" 'cause every year and I mean every year, I end up showing someone how to light their stove or taking somebody's stove apart on the trail to get it working or just plain cooking their food for them cause their stove was toasted or 'cause their canister is empty and they don't know how that could've happened 'cause the guy at the store told them it would cook 12 meals no problem.

On the other hand, I have yet to meet anyone on the trail that can't set fire to denatured alcohol by themselves. A few set fire to themselves but that's a different discussion.:D


i am so confused. how is a white gas stove easier to operate than an alcohol stove? i pour alcohol in my alcohol stove, light it, then set my pot on it. i cuss and bang and stomp trying to attach my whisperlight to my canister hose thingie. and after that, i get to play that mountain man game from the price is right with the valve and always end up having fuel come gushing over the plate regardless. then you get to try to blow your hand off by lighting it, all the while holding the bottle at an angle or rearranging the perfect rock because the stupid fuel hose has never relaxed in 20 years. which one is easier again?

[RollingStone]

I would just like people out there trying to research stoves for a long distance hike that not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves. The people who write on this site are mostly people with very strong opinions that want to speak their mind. I hiked the entire AT in '08 and met a number of people who regretted their choice of the denatured alcohol stove. The stoves are great for boiling a cup or two of water but they take a while to get the hang of the correct amount to use and you will waste a good bit of fuel before you get it right. You will run through your fuel faster than with white gas. Also, wind effects them more than other types of stoves and reduces their effectiveness. If you only anticipate need a cup of water or two at a time and don't intend to simmer anything it is fine, but I like a little variety in my dinners and some of my dinners required a little simmering. I used a simmerlite and I know it loses badlyon the weight battle but I never had any trouble with it the entire time and I thought the extra weight was worth it. I'm not going to get into an argument with people who want to discredit everything I just said, but please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.

There are 70 replies to this thread so I thought I would share about -.02 cents worth of comments :D

The two things I get tired of seeing people write on these boards:

#1 - You don't need to carry a water filter just use Aqua Mira
#2 - Alcohol stoves are cheap, light and will never fail you.

We like alky stoves for short one or two day trips, but longer and we prefer our canister or White Gas stoves depending on temps. We'll be carrying canister stoves on our thru hike as we have for all our LD trips over the past 4-5 years. They give you a wider variety of cooking oiptions, you can see the flame in daylight, and can be assured of never having alcohol leak into your pack :)

Water treatment is the same. Sure you can kill viruses, bacteria, etc with either a filter or Aqua Mira. But you can't beat a filter for fresh taste. If you're a Camelback user, you can't beat a filter for refilling it on the go.

Experienced hikers need to quit telling people to do this and that. Instead.. MAKE SUGGESTIONS. And then suggest they try things out to see which they might prefer. Many of us are glad to take our filters at 12 ounces for a variety of reasons. Just because YOU dont use a filter, or, didn't use a filter on your thru hike doesn't mean your's is the only solution to use.

Same on the stoves. SUGGEST. Not everyone has the skill to make their own, and there are so many people "making" stoves that a newer person to the trail cannot always be assured he is getting something safe.

So in the spirit of the OP... SUGGEST rather then tell. :)

[Lone Wolf]

Alcohol stoves are only popular with the cool crowd. Like homemade gear. You're not a "real" hiker unless you use a stove made from a cat food can.

i agree. they're just a fad.

[garlic08]

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=251

[JustaTouron]

Alcohol stoves are only popular with the cool crowd. Like homemade gear. You're not a "real" hiker unless you use a stove made from a cat food can.


I only consider it a REAL alcohol stove it is made out of beer cans instead of soda cans and you use an old Jim Bean bottle for a fuel container.

[saimyoji]

Uhh. Minnesota Smith used an alcohol stove. Made from a cat food can.

Next.


yeah, but i understand he only did that for a while, and didn't like the taste of the cat food....

[Two Speed]

Not enough cuttlefish.

[Jester2000]

I only consider it a REAL alcohol stove it is made out of beer cans instead of soda cans and you use an old Jim Bean bottle for a fuel container.

Agree with this but would like to note that to save weight (and for safety) the plastic travel Jim Beam bottle is acceptable.

[Dances with Mice]

i agree. they're just a fad.Yeah, like that whole internet thing. It won't last long.

[Grinder]

Skidsteer said
"Uhh. Minnesota Smith used an alcohol stove. Made from a cat food can."

Now I'm confused!!??
Is that a vote for or against alcohol stoves? Minnesota Smith seems to have slipped into disfavor around these parts.

I say "love the one you're with."

It's always a battle between walking and camping. If only you could get mail drops at the shelter with overnight delivery. Eh?

[Two Speed]

Skidsteer said
"Uhh. Minnesota Smith used an alcohol stove. Made from a cat food can."

Now I'm confused!!??
Is that a vote for or against alcohol stoves?Yes, it is.

[Hikes in Rain]

Yeah, like that whole internet thing. It won't last long.

I'm just waiting for everyone to get tired of playing with there's; then, I'll get me one cheap.

[JustaTouron]

I'm just waiting for everyone to get tired of playing with there's; then, I'll get me one cheap.

Exactly how low are you expecting them to go? Even in the most expensive state (Michigan) the cost is only twenty cents for two used soda cans.

[Hikes in Rain]

Them there internet things? They'll go way down! I don't want to spend a lot for mine.

Oh, you meant the stove!

[Dances with Mice]

Them there internet things? They'll go way down! I don't want to spend a lot for mine.See if MinnesotaSmith will sell you his. I don't think he's using it anymore.

[Jester2000]

Skidsteer said
It's always a battle between walking and camping. If only you could get mail drops at the shelter with overnight delivery. Eh?

I had a pizza delivered to the trail once, and it wasn't even at Partnership Shelter.

[Spokes]

I had a pizza delivered to the trail once, and it wasn't even at Partnership Shelter.

What kind of tip do you give for that?

[Heater]

On a cat stove, do you cook the cat whole or do you cut it in pieces first? Recipes and Pics if you got 'em, please.

[Jester2000]

What kind of tip do you give for that?

Well, it was on the PCT actually, kind of in the middle of nowhere at a dirt road crossing. My friend Breezeway got reception & called information for the nearest Dominos. We eventually convinced them to deliver, despite not having an actual address to deliver to. We ordered 2 pizzas and 2 Liters of Coke.

Because they didn't get it to us in 30 minutes, everything was free. So we tipped the driver what we would have paid for the food, plus $20. I've got the whole thing on video.

[Jester2000]

Well, it was on the PCT actually, kind of in the middle of nowhere at a dirt road crossing. My friend Breezeway got reception & called information for the nearest Dominos. We eventually convinced them to deliver, despite not having an actual address to deliver to. We ordered 2 pizzas and 2 Liters of Coke.

Because they didn't get it to us in 30 minutes, everything was free. So we tipped the driver what we would have paid for the food, plus $20. I've got the whole thing on video.

This story, by the way, is an excellent illustration of why carrying maps is a good idea, even if you don't think you'll get lost. If we hadn't had a map, we wouldn't have been able to figure out the name of that dirt road.

[kombiguy]

Well, I suppose I'm really out of date. I'm still using a Svea123. My second one in 38 years. Works like a champ in all conditions. Always starts right up. Easy to clean, too. Suits me to a T. It may not be the lightest or most modern, but I'm happy enough with it.

Except for the starts right up part, sort of sounds like my wife! :)

[Jester2000]

Well, I suppose I'm really out of date. I'm still using a Svea123. My second one in 38 years. Works like a champ in all conditions. Always starts right up. Easy to clean, too. Suits me to a T. It may not be the lightest or most modern, but I'm happy enough with it.

Except for the starts right up part, sort of sounds like my wife! :)

Well, clearly you're doing something wrong here. It shouldn't take you 38 years to realize you're supposed to hate that stove.

[kombiguy]

Well, clearly you're doing something wrong here. It shouldn't take you 38 years to realize you're supposed to hate that stove.

The stove or the wife?;)

[Jester2000]

The stove or the wife?;)

Hahahahaha! That gives me an idea for the humor thread . . .

[prain4u]

An analogy:
People who golf, generally use more than one golf club. Different kinds of clubs work just a little bit better in different kinds of situations. CAN you golf an entire 18 holes using just one club? Sure! Is that the optimal scenario? No! And, if you are going to pick just one club to use for all 18 holes--will people argue all day regarding which ONE club is the "best" club to use. YES!

The same is true with stoves. There are different stoves which are better equipped to deal with different situations and different menus. Can you find a way to cook just about anything with any one stove? Sure! Will that one stove be optimal in all situations? No! If you are going to pick just one stove for ALL circumstances--will people argue all day over which ONE stove is the "best"? You bet!

No one stove is the "best" one for use in all situations. You either need to use a few different kinds of stoves--or accept the fact that whichever ONE stove you pick will have good points and bad points. (and people are going to argue regarding those points).

[Jester2000]

An analogy:
People who golf, generally use more than one golf club. Different kinds of clubs work just a little bit better in different kinds of situations. CAN you golf an entire 18 holes using just one club? Sure! Is that the optimal scenario? No! And, if you are going to pick just one club to use for all 18 holes--will people argue all day regarding which ONE club is the "best" club to use. YES!

The same is true with stoves. There are different stoves which are better equipped to deal with different situations and different menus. Can you find a way to cook just about anything with any one stove? Sure! Will that one stove be optimal in all situations? No! If you are going to pick just one stove for ALL circumstances--will people argue all day over which ONE stove is the "best"? You bet!

No one stove is the "best" one for use in all situations. You either need to use a few different kinds of stoves--or accept the fact that whichever ONE stove you pick will have good points and bad points. (and people are going to argue regarding those points).


Good analogy and I agree with you 100%. It's one of the reasons I stopped golfing with just a putter -- my handicap was 572.

[JustaTouron]

Good analogy and I agree with you 100%. It's one of the reasons I stopped golfing with just a putter -- my handicap was 572.


Actually it was a horrible anology. Every time me and my kids go golfing we only use a putter. As did everyone else on the course. I don't know about other groups but we each came in under par last time we played To top it off my youngest got the ball in the clown's nose on the final hole so he gets a free round next time we go. :)

[Jester2000]

Actually it was a horrible anology. Every time me and my kids go golfing we only use a putter. As did everyone else on the course. I don't know about other groups but we each came in under par last time we played To top it off my youngest got the ball in the clown's nose on the final hole so he gets a free round next time we go. :)

Hahahaha! I'm a scratch miniature golfer myself . . .

[Mags]

I had a pizza delivered to the trail once, and it wasn't even at Partnership Shelter.

Wild Child and Friendly Bear had Chinese food delivered on the Butte Route while on their CDT hike. I saw the video. No ****.

EDIT: Just saw your equally cool pizza story. :)

[bullseye]

Hell why not just carry a Colman stove....and a cast iron skillet just strap it to your pack with some bungee cords. cooking and simmering with a alcohol stove takes a bit of common sense and some practice at home. Once mastered you'll never go back.

I actually saw a guy carrying a green two burner coleman gas stove and a cast iron frying pan bungeed to his pack on top of Bear Mt last November. He said he liked GOOD pancakes for breakfast. His buddies didn't mind as long as he was carrying the kitchen:D.

[kanga]

Well, I suppose I'm really out of date. I'm still using a Svea123. My second one in 38 years. Works like a champ in all conditions. Always starts right up. Easy to clean, too. Suits me to a T. It may not be the lightest or most modern, but I'm happy enough with it.

Except for the starts right up part, sort of sounds like my wife! :)
freak.







The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.this is stupid ****.

[kanga]

Hahahaha! I'm a scratch miniature golfer myself . . .
hahaha. i'm gonna go poke my eyes out now...

[Jester2000]

freak.


hahaha. i'm gonna go poke my eyes out now...

Kanga is on fire!

No, seriously. Kanga's on fire. Stove accident. Little help?

[kanga]

you're retarded.

[Jester2000]

you're retarded.

Hahahahahahaha! Yep.

[Graywolf]

I posted that for the people out there who do the AT as basically their first Backpacking trip of any kind. They exist. Telling them to own six stoves isn't helpful. Telling them they are stupid if they can't use a denatured alcohol stove isn't helpful. Try to remember this is a source of knowledge for the initiated as well as for a public forum for experienced hikers to bicker. Canister stoves and and white gas stoves are easy. Someone trying to deal with all of the issues involved in adapting to a thru-hike doesn't need an extra headache. Canister stoves work too, but I prefer the white gas stove. I just thought the many voices in support of denatured alcohol could use some balancing out.

I think it is prefernce.. It took me a while to even consider alcohol stoves..First time I tried to make one it actually exploded on me..LOL.. I have used and will continue to use a Whisper Lite..Love it..I take it Canoing and kayaking with me and always performs flawlessly..But on my Backpacking trips, its the Trangia..basically for the light weight.... I have never used the canister stoves as it just dosn't appeal to me..You are paying not only for the fuel but also the canister which you throw away anyway, then have to buy another.. I find it much easier carring a MSR fuel bottle that can be resupplied anytime..

JMO, Graywolf

[sherrill]

I have never used the canister stoves as it just dosn't appeal to me..You are paying not only for the fuel but also the canister which you throw away anyway, then have to buy another.. I find it much easier carring a MSR fuel bottle that can be resupplied anytime..


This is my thinking as well. From what I understand, you don't refill the canisters, they just get tossed? Like freezer bag cooking, when the bag gets used once and then thrown away, I don't want to generate that much waste.

Sorry if this constitutes threadjack.

[Two Speed]

Nah, by this time most threads have veered all over the place. On a good day we achieve thread ricochet.

Yeah, the canisters are disposable. Theoretically you can recycle them, but that doesn't happen very much. Then again I can't remember recycling the 1 gallon can I buy alcohol in very often, either. Gotta wander around and see if the local paint retailers sell alcohol by the gallon. Back in the day I used to get mineral spirits by the gallon; reused the same metal can until it got crushed or something.

[sarbar]

This is my thinking as well. From what I understand, you don't refill the canisters, they just get tossed? Like freezer bag cooking, when the bag gets used once and then thrown away, I don't want to generate that much waste.

It isn't hard to fully empty a canister and then key it - and dumping it in the recycle bin. Even Snow Peak sells a tool for this for a couple dollars, though a well placed screwdriver works.

Psssstttt! Folks, ALL fuel comes in some kind of canister....be it a large metal jug of Coleman fuel, a plastic bottle of HEET or a metal container of denatured alcohol. Don't fool yourself in thinking that ANY fuel is greener than the other simply because the container is bigger :rolleyes:

[Two Speed]

. . . Don't fool yourself in thinking that ANY fuel is greener than the other simply because the container is bigger[/B] :rolleyes:Technically incorrect. Larger containers mean less material required for the same amount of fuel.

Of course to get that absolutely correct we'd have to know if we're comparing 1 gallon cans of alcohol vs. 1 gallon cans of white gas vs. 4 oz or 8 oz propane canisters.

Personally I think that's splitting a frog's hair four ways and don't care that much, but if someone wants to jump on that one feel free to knock yourself out. :cool:

[Hooch]

.......please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.Just as there are drawbacks to cannister fuel stoves, white gas, and woodburning stoves, etc. There is not a single stove out there that is without its pro and con. It's all a simple matter of doing research, trying different stoves and finding out what works well for each individual hiker. True enough, alcohol stoves are not a one size fits all solution to cooking. But neither are the aforementioned stoves, either. Personally, I'm a Caldera Keg kinda guy, but that's what works for me. To each their own, HYOH, etc.

[Two Speed]

. . . and finding out what works well for each individual hiker.Truer words were never spoken.
Personally, I'm a Caldera Keg kinda guy, but that's what works for me.Freak. Any real hiker knows you can die a slow horrible death unless you have your trusty hockey puck, oops, Trangia in your pack, ready for instant action!

[Hooch]

.......Freak.......Pot.......:rolleyes::D

[sherrill]

It isn't hard to fully empty a canister and then key it - and dumping it in the recycle bin. Even Snow Peak sells a tool for this for a couple dollars, though a well placed screwdriver works.

Psssstttt! Folks, ALL fuel comes in some kind of canister....be it a large metal jug of Coleman fuel, a plastic bottle of HEET or a metal container of denatured alcohol. Don't fool yourself in thinking that ANY fuel is greener than the other simply because the container is bigger :rolleyes:

Right. But I see more half empty and used in the trash than I have ever seen in a recycle bin, to this point.

I'm not so naive as to think any fuel is greener than another, unless you consider the can of Coleman fuel I've had for almost 10 years in my shop...:D

[Two Speed]

Pot.......:rolleyes::DSilence! I kill you!

[Hooch]

Silence! I kill you!You got nothin'. It's ok, I know.

[Two Speed]

Truer words were never spoken. :p

[Hooch]

Truer words were never spoken.


Truer words were never spoken. :pYou need to make up your mind. You're confusing me.

[Two Speed]

Wasn't hard, either, was it?

[JustaTouron]

[QUOTE=Two Speed;959999]Last edited by Two Speed; Today at 09:34.. Reason: innocent party caught in crossfire QUOTE]

LOL

[Two Speed]

What can I say? Accidentally picking off an unoffending civilian is always poor form.

[weary]

In several moments of boredom I read -- or skimmed really -- this whole thread. I still am convinced that a woodburning Zip stove is the best backpacking choice -- even at Chimney Pond in Baxter State Park, where it's use is banned. I don't actually carry my zip that three miles to the pond. I just ask a ranger if it the rules allow a Zip Stove to be used. He then always brings me a canister stove to use instead.

Weary

[Mags]

woodburning Zip stove is the best backpacking choice --

...for me and a wooded environment perhaps. :sun

Not so much if you plan on doing more hiking than camping and/or a fragile use environment with little downed wood/burnable material.


I just ask a ranger if it the rules allow a Zip Stove to be used. He then always brings me a canister stove to use instead.

Weary

PErhaps the best stove of all..the one someone else carries for you! :D

[Two Speed]

Gosh, Mags, do you mean that a skilled, considerate and experienced hiker would consider where they plan on hiking when selecting their stove and other gear?

Damn, that's an earth shaking concept! Do you think it'll ever catch on?

[weary]

[B]....PErhaps the best stove of all..the one someone else carries for you! :D
It's the ultimate ultralight solution -- for Chimney Pond anyway.

Weary

[weary]

Gosh, Mags, do you mean that a skilled, considerate and experienced hiker would consider where they plan on hiking when selecting their stove and other gear?

Damn, that's an earth shaking concept! Do you think it'll ever catch on?
Two Speed you need to learn to smile without having to be cued by a smiley.

[SGT Rock]

In several moments of boredom I read -- or skimmed really -- this whole thread. I still am convinced that a woodburning Zip stove is the best backpacking choice -- even at Chimney Pond in Baxter State Park, where it's use is banned. I don't actually carry my zip that three miles to the pond. I just ask a ranger if it the rules allow a Zip Stove to be used. He then always brings me a canister stove to use instead.

Weary


So basically you yogi a stove.:sun

[sarbar]

So basically you yogi a stove.:sun

Smart and UL :sun

[Two Speed]

Two Speed you need to learn to smile without having to be cued by a smiley.No, no, that was sarcasm. No smiley required.

[garlic08]

This is my thinking as well. From what I understand, you don't refill the canisters, they just get tossed? Like freezer bag cooking, when the bag gets used once and then thrown away, I don't want to generate that much waste.

Sorry if this constitutes threadjack.

I agree with this 100%.

I just remembered meeting a hiker who would not use denatured alcohol because of the small percentage of gasoline used to denature it. He did not want to consume any petroleum products on his hike. He used 100% grain alcohol only. I'm sure he carried a piece of plastic or two, but I did admire his commitment to sustainability.

[JustaTouron]

I agree with this 100%.

I just remembered meeting a hiker who would not use denatured alcohol because of the small percentage of gasoline used to denature it. He did not want to consume any petroleum products on his hike. He used 100% grain alcohol only. I'm sure he carried a piece of plastic or two, but I did admire his commitment to sustainability.

If he didn't want to use any petro products did he insist that the grain be harvested by horse, fermented locally, and delivered by bicycle to where he purchased it?

[Jester2000]

And I admire his commitment to self-delusion, unless he was also only buying locally grown produce when he hit town.

[beakerman]

I had a pizza delivered to the trail once, and it wasn't even at Partnership Shelter.

We had pizza delivered to the gate at a BSA camp--two years in a row. Nobody else thought of it until we did. We got in trouble the first year for not following the buddy system then the second year they busted us for leaving camp...our leaders knew exactly where we were and what we were doing. They told the local pizza shop not to accept anymore orders that were to be delived to the camp gate.

[The Old Fhart]

There are a lot more stove around than are being discussed in this thread. Here are a few from my collection.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/3/1/stoves_p1010488.jpg

On the left is a Radius, middle front-unused Russian copy of Optimus 8R, middle back-Phoebus 725, all white gas.

Right (front to back) Trangia, Retec, and Optimus alcohol stoves

[Two Speed]

What's that got to do with getting pizza delivered on the trail?

[Connie]

My favorite is the JetBoil. I don't want to carry it.

My other favorite is the Caldera Cone. I like the integrated stove, pan and windscreen.

I think I have got the alcohol stove bug because I want to make Caldera-type cones for every stove, pot and pan I have ...and I want to have.

The height of the pan above the stove makes a difference. The number and placement of the vent holes make a difference.

I guess the foolin' around with the stoves, pots and pans, and windscreens will change me into a "stovie".

But canister stoves that do not tip over your dinner are the most convenient.

Maybe a detached canister stove in a Caldera-type cone is stove perfection?

No, I have to carry the canisters.

[Hikes in Rain]

What's that got to do with getting pizza delivered on the trail?

Oh, nothing whatsoever! But it scores real high on the "man, that's awesome!" scale. Sure beats my antique (but functional and still used) collection!

[kombiguy]

There are a lot more stove around than are being discussed in this thread. Here are a few from my collection.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/3/1/stoves_p1010488.jpg

On the left is a Radius, middle front-unused Russian copy of Optimus 8R, middle back-Phoebus 725, all white gas.

Right (front to back) Trangia, Retec, and Optimus alcohol stoves

Cool. In addition to the Svea123, I too have an old optimus like the 8R, but they called it the hiker when I bought it years ago.

[Connie]

The Old Fhart, I had never seen a Phoebus until now. Do you have a picture of it opened up?

When I got the Optimus 8R stove, it was called "the Blue Box".

I was told if you put a big pot over it, covering the gas tank in front, it could explode.

I was too afraid to use it after that.

I had a Swea 123 and I went back to it, although I had seen one make a really spectacular flare-up, it wasn't mine.

I never did know what caused that guy's Swea 123 to flare-up like that. It looked like a vertical flame thrower - really impressive.

It convinced me to never have a stove near my tent.

[Chaco Taco]

STILL have an original Starlyte. Got about 2300 miles on it and no signs of failure. Have only just added a Heineken Pot to the system and wish I had in March of 2008 when I received it.

[Tinker]

If he didn't want to use any petro products did he insist that the grain be harvested by horse, fermented locally, and delivered by bicycle to where he purchased it?

Not to mention all that nylon.........
Unless he carried canvas.

[The Old Fhart]

Connie-"The Old Fhart, I had never seen a Phoebus until now. Do you have a picture of it opened up? ....When I got the Optimus 8R stove, it was called "the Blue Box"......"
Note I mentioned that what I have is not an Optimus 8R but a old unused Russian copy painted grey, In the photo below is the original box with the cyrillic name of the stove, I guess. Here is a photo of the Phoebus and a few others.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/3/1/more_stoves_p1010496_original.jpg

On the left is the Svea123 with pump and 3-cup stainless steel cup that serves as a pot and carrying case for the stove. Behind it is a Coleman M-1950 military multi-fuel stove. Middle front is a Gerry butane stove that unscrews and reassembles for packing to be about 1" thick. Behind that is the Phoebus on top of its carrying tin. On the right is the boxed Russian copy of the 8R and behind that is a Primus No. 71. That's enough stove photos for a while.

[Feral Bill]

Well, I suppose I'm really out of date. I'm still using a Svea123. My second one in 38 years. Works like a champ in all conditions. Always starts right up. Easy to clean, too. Suits me to a T. It may not be the lightest or most modern, but I'm happy enough with it.

Except for the starts right up part, sort of sounds like my wife! :)

2 in 38 years? What went wrong? I'm over 40 with my first one, and recently bought my daughter one on Ebay. Only 26 with my wife. (also the first)

[kombiguy]

2 in 38 years? What went wrong? I'm over 40 with my first one, and recently bought my daughter one on Ebay. Only 26 with my wife. (also the first)

Wife number one took it. It was still working when she took it!

[Two Speed]

STILL have an original Starlyte . . . and wish I had in March of 2008 when I received it.What? They didn't make Heineken way back then? :-?
Wife number one took it. It was still working when she took it!I take it that you miss the stove. :p

[Dances with Mice]

We had pizza delivered to the gate at a BSA camp--two years in a row.Camp Strake in Conroe?

Back to stoves: There's a simple one piece combination pot holder / windscreen, similar to the Caldera but much easier to pack, shown in my gallery.

[ShelterLeopard]

Note I mentioned that what I have is not an Optimus 8R but a old unused Russian copy painted grey, In the photo below is the original box with the cyrillic name of the stove, I guess. Here is a photo of the Phoebus and a few others.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/3/1/more_stoves_p1010496_original.jpg

On the left is the Svea123 with pump and 3-cup stainless steel cup that serves as a pot and carrying case for the stove. Behind it is a Coleman M-1950 military multi-fuel stove. Middle front is a Gerry butane stove that unscrews and reassembles for packing to be about 1" thick. Behind that is the Phoebus on top of its carrying tin. On the right is the boxed Russian copy of the 8R and behind that is a Primus No. 71. That's enough stove photos for a while.

The Russian box says it's a primus- is it the actual primus brand stove? (Just curious)

[kombiguy]

What? They didn't make Heineken way back then? :-?I take it that you miss the stove. :p

More than the wife!:D

[Chaco Taco]

What? They didn't make Heineken way back then? :-?I take it that you miss the stove. :p
Nah, my first pot was an MSR Titan Kettle and it is really light. Carried it for 4 years and have just now decided to move to something even lighter. I was attached to that pot because it is so awesome. MSR makes some fine quality product

[Snowleopard]

The Russian box says it's a primus- is it the actual primus brand stove? (Just curious)
They use 'primus' as the generic term for backpacking stove in the former Soviet Union. We used a really old brass kerosene stove that looked a bit like a giant Svea 123. I got the impression that with a bit of tinkering it would last a couple generations.

[Blue Jay]

I love alcohol stoves because I enjoy seeing people without eyebrows.

[zelph]

I would just like people out there trying to research stoves for a long distance hike that not everyone loves denatured alcohol stoves.

I'm not going to get into an argument with people who want to discredit everything I just said, but please know that there are drawbacks to denatured alcohol stoves.

I agree with everything you said:)

There are drawbacks to alcohol stoves but I won't go into the specifics;) Can't believe I said that!

Oop56 had issues with a "Penny" stlye stove and had the perfect solution for it. His avatar reminds us of the solution.;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/sub%20two/65.gif

[ShelterLeopard]

They use 'primus' as the generic term for backpacking stove in the former Soviet Union. We used a really old brass kerosene stove that looked a bit like a giant Svea 123. I got the impression that with a bit of tinkering it would last a couple generations.


Gotcha, thanks. (It'll either last forever and be a faithful stove, or explode, and take down half of the US....)

[ShelterLeopard]

Kidding :D