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Backpacking Stoves: Some Basic Information
Every year when I hit the long trails, I see a wide variety of stoves in use. From old school MSR all fuel devices, to the modern stoves that seal the heat source within a custom titanium pot.
From Jet Boils to Beer Can stoves, eveyone has a stove they love and a stove they hate. The stove that's right for you is a product of your preferences and applications.
In my case my old MSR white gas-any gas-stove became my #1 stove after one of those Blu-gaz stoves failed to work properly at 11,000 feet on a real cold night.
The combination of cold and high altitude reduced the gas stove's pressure.
After that I started using my old-school MSR white gas (all fuel, but white gas burns cleanest) stove, as its pressure is provided by hand pump, and it's fuel is commonly avaiable.
As I occassionally do a series of trips in remote locations in rapid succession, this stove's ability to burn gasoline or kerosene makes refilling it easy anywhere, from the middle of a jungle in the Yucatan, to the nearest gas station.
Anyway, I just wanted to get this section started. I'm hoping you will post your experiences with various stoves, and why you like or hate them.
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Can't say I blame you after an experience like that. The good news is that they've improved gas stoves a lot.
For starters, the fuel isn't just butane anymore. Typically a blend of propane with either isobutane or butane is used. Blends like that give you a little better results in cold weather.
I've got a couple of "tips and tricks" articles I've written on using gas stoves in cold weather if anyone is interested.
http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/2011/03/01/stoves-for-cold-weather/
http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/2011/04/01/stoves-for-cold-weather...
HJ
AdventuresInStoving.blogspot.com
Hey Jim, The problem still exists with gas stoves. I just saw it happen this October 27.
On my recent late Oct 2011 trip Ari's MSR Reactor Stove's fuel cannister froze. No big deal, he had an extra one in a more protected location that was still usable.
My stove's (the MSR XGK II you so skillfully profiled) reaction to the cold was shrinkage of the leather seals. The pump got a little slack, and the seal attaching the fuel tank/pump to the metal stove leaked a bit.
I figure that knowledge is the key. Know your stove! That's where you are so valuable and knowledgeable. Know your stove's particular characteristics, and know when the situation starts to change into a situation that the stove falters in.
For the gas stoves you have to protect the fuel cannister like you protect your water! I see from your Cold Weather Stoves article that you agree. Alright, I've already got two water bottles stuffed into my coat and sleeping with me. I guess adding a fuel cannister to the bedtime bunch makes it a party...
For the 'ole MSR it is wise to dissassemble the pump and lubricate the seals prior to a cold weather trip, or prior to a new backpacking season. I love it! Leather seals...
Here's my Brilliant Idea: Stove-cannister cozies. Maybe make 'em out of neoprene, size it so your cannister fits in. Or how about this: Little Down Coats for gas stove cannisters. It'd be lighter than the neoprene...
I've come to the opinion that it is best to leave the gas stoves at home when the temps are going to be below freezing for the duration of the trip.
In any case backpackers who are packing gas stoves should keep an eye on the temps and protect the cannister when the temps begin to plunge.
And plunge they will. You can depend on occasional freezes during a typical Sierra Summer. This means three things for the typical backpacker.
#1: Know your gear and its limits. #2 maintain your gear, and learn its characteristics. #3: Observe the conditions. As conditions change take the measures to keep your stove operational.
It's real nice to have a stove expert keeping an eye on things...
Alex