My kitchen (Zelph...) vs. MSR.

[David@whiteblaze]

First, let me list everything I was going to buy from Msr:
Pot: Quick 1 pot (http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR/Cookware/Fast-And-Light-Cookware/Quick-1-Pot/product)
Cup: Insulated Mug (http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/modular-mug/product)
Windscreen/stove: Simmerlite (http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR/Stoves/Fast-And-Light-Stoves/SimmerLite/product)
Fuel Bottle: Medium (http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/stove-accessories/msr-fuel-bottles/product)
Spork: MSR Spork (http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/folding-eating-utensils/product)

Second, what I bought:
Pot: 24 oz. Heinekin can (completely legal, I assure you)
Cup: same as pot
Windscreen: ordered from Zelph
Stove: Mtn. Dew Super Stove (also Zelph)
Fuel Bottle: $1 4 oz bottle from walmart (includes $4 cost of the one I ordered from Zelph)
Spork: same

And Third, a comparison chart:


Kitchen Weight

MSR

Mine

Pot

7 oz.

1 ½ oz

Cup

3.7 oz.

1 oz.

Windscreen

2 oz.

¾ oz.

Stove

10.2 oz

1 ¾ oz.

Fuel Bottle

4 ½ oz.

½ oz.

Spork

½ oz.

½ oz.

Total

27.9 oz.

6 oz.







Kitchen cost

MSR

Mine

Pot

$70

$3

Cup

$15

$0

Windscreen

$0

$5

Stove

$100

$15

Fuel Bottle

$18

$6

Spork

$5

$5

Total

$208

$34


I think I made the right choice...

[David@whiteblaze]

sorry about that, im gonna try a picture:http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/3/4/6/9/gedc0704.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=39176&original=1&c=553)

[GeneralLee10]

Looks like you have done your home work. Good Job:)

[Kerosene]

In your first post, you state that the cup and pot are the same (i.e., dual use), but in your weight calculation you add an ounce for the cup.

How long do you think that 4 ounces of denatured alcohol will last you? Check out the 0.5L Platypus Softbottle (http://www.rei.com/product/797975), which weighs 0.8 oz. and costs $8 at REI.

Definitely pays to build your own and patronize the better cottage suppliers.

[David@whiteblaze]

In your first post, you state that the cup and pot are the same (i.e., dual use), but in your weight calculation you add an ounce for the cup.

How long do you think that 4 ounces of denatured alcohol will last you? Check out the 0.5L Platypus Softbottle (http://www.rei.com/product/797975), which weighs 0.8 oz. and costs $8 at REI.

Definitely pays to build your own and patronize the better cottage suppliers.
good eyes: i weighed the entire pot set (pot, lid, clamp thingies) and then seperated the weight of the pot as the weight of cup and the weight of lid and clamps for the weight of pot...
also, I do not know about the availibility of denatured alcohol, but I have noticed that the heet type comes in a lightweight plastic bottle and the 4 oz. bottle is just marked by the ounces with a squeeze spout... much like you would find on a ketchup bottle... just smaller. I know that 12 oz. of heet comes in a bottle, so maybe I could take three and combine them into 2 and my little 4-oz... I'll have to check into that.

[Kerosene]

Make sure that you test burn your new Zelph Mountain Dew Super Stove a bunch of times before you head out. Fuel usage can be greatly influenced by the starting temperature of the water (usually pretty cold coming from a spring), how much water you need to boil per meal, the specific alcohol you're using for fuel, the configuration of your pot and how well the lid fits, as well as the efficacy of your windscreen. Even the most efficient alcohol stoves out there take 0.5 fl. oz. of denatured alcohol to boil a pint of water, which means you'll only get 7-8 burns from a 4 oz. bottle. I think you'll find that most stoves take about an ounce to boil a pint of cold water.

[David@whiteblaze]

Definitely pays to build your own and patronize the better cottage suppliers.
Okay, what's a "cottage Supplier"?

Make sure that you test burn your new Zelph Mountain Dew Super Stove a bunch of times before you head out. Fuel usage can be greatly influenced by the starting temperature of the water (usually pretty cold coming from a spring), how much water you need to boil per meal, the specific alcohol you're using for fuel, the configuration of your pot and how well the lid fits, as well as the efficacy of your windscreen. Even the most efficient alcohol stoves out there take 0.5 fl. oz. of denatured alcohol to boil a pint of water, which means you'll only get 7-8 burns from a 4 oz. bottle. I think you'll find that most stoves take about an ounce to boil a pint of cold water.
also, I said that heet comes in really light 12 oz. bottles, so the 4 oz bottle is kind of formaility (if I found a heet-adaptable lid spout, id take that)

[white_russian]

Okay, what's a "cottage Supplier"?
glorified term for small business

[David@whiteblaze]

Andy thornal is the only business (short of walmart, big lots and K-mart) with backpacking gear (wher i got my spork and pot clamps)

[Kerosene]

Check out the Favorite Cottage Gear (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=57843) thread.

[David@whiteblaze]

Well, now I see what a cottage supplier is... I may just PM this thread to Zelph... I'm pretty proud of the $aving$ from his gear.

[skinewmexico]

glorified term for small business

A small business where you call, and talk to the guy who designed your gear, and sometimes sews it. And they'll usually call you back with any questions you have.

[David@whiteblaze]

oops, that should be pleased. :rolleyes: