300winmag
02-03-2015, 19:39
I have a Trail Designs Sidewinder ti stove and 3 cup anodized aluminum pot & lid.
Using ESBIT fuel tabs and a Brian Green modified tablet holder I now have a very efficient stove.
PROS:
>As most here know by now, alcohol stoves are not weight efficient beyond 3 days compared to canister fuel. ESBIT however, WITH the Brian Green tab holder, becomes much more weight-to-BTU efficient. The Brian Green mod almost doubles the burn time of an ESBIT tab by saving the liquid residue for burning.
>In a pinch wood burns nicely in the Sidewinder, even without the Inferno gassifier burner insert.
>The 3 cup Open Country anodized aluminum pot is:
1. lighter than a ti pot
2. width-to-height ratio more thermally efficient than a taller, narrower mug type pot
3. dissipates heat FAR better than ti (i.e. no hot spots)
4. 1/3 the price of a similar ti pot & lid
>The Caldera Cone Sidewinder stove is the most efficient yet for both alcohol and ESBIT fuel.
CONS:
>ESBIT tabs have a fishy odor and must be kept in an aluminum foil lined coffee bag
>ESBIT leaves a dark brown oily film on the cook pot (easily wiped away with Bonners & 3M pad W/water)
>ESBIT not always available in camping stores
>not as pretty as an alky flame ;o) (but a bit hotter)
But until solid rocket fuel is "de-tuned" to work in a stove I'll stick with ESBIT as a fuel for week-long trips.
Using ESBIT fuel tabs and a Brian Green modified tablet holder I now have a very efficient stove.
PROS:
>As most here know by now, alcohol stoves are not weight efficient beyond 3 days compared to canister fuel. ESBIT however, WITH the Brian Green tab holder, becomes much more weight-to-BTU efficient. The Brian Green mod almost doubles the burn time of an ESBIT tab by saving the liquid residue for burning.
>In a pinch wood burns nicely in the Sidewinder, even without the Inferno gassifier burner insert.
>The 3 cup Open Country anodized aluminum pot is:
1. lighter than a ti pot
2. width-to-height ratio more thermally efficient than a taller, narrower mug type pot
3. dissipates heat FAR better than ti (i.e. no hot spots)
4. 1/3 the price of a similar ti pot & lid
>The Caldera Cone Sidewinder stove is the most efficient yet for both alcohol and ESBIT fuel.
CONS:
>ESBIT tabs have a fishy odor and must be kept in an aluminum foil lined coffee bag
>ESBIT leaves a dark brown oily film on the cook pot (easily wiped away with Bonners & 3M pad W/water)
>ESBIT not always available in camping stores
>not as pretty as an alky flame ;o) (but a bit hotter)
But until solid rocket fuel is "de-tuned" to work in a stove I'll stick with ESBIT as a fuel for week-long trips.