Backpacking Stove

Persons that are in the market for a new backpacking stove need to keep several things in mind as they shop for a stove that will be dependable, yet easy to carry. Choosing the right stove can make your next backpack trip much more comfortable.

The first step is to determine the type of backpacker you are. Use the base pack weight to determine the weight stove that will be best for your. The base pack weight is the weight of the pack before you add food or water that will be consumed on the trip. The following guidelines may help. Backpackers that carry less than 25 pounds in the base pack are considered ultra-light backpackers. Those who carry and additional ten pounds in the pack may be called Kinda Light backpackers. Regular backpackers will have a base pack rate that is forty pounds, give or take five pounds. The Everest climbing backpacker carries more that 45 pounds in his base pack.

A second determining factor is the number of persons you will be cooking to serve. Most backpackers carry a stove that allows them to cook for themselves, but there may be times that you will need to cook for more than one or the entire troop.

After gathering this information, you will want to weight the options. How much weight can you carry to meet the needs of the number of persons you will prepare meals. How long can you wait while the food is being prepared? Before heading out into the woods, you should try out the stove and test some of the foods you plan to cook with the stove. Getting to know your stove helps you to prepare for all types of situations that actually exist when you are in the wilderness. Making appropriate meal plans that work with your stove means that you will not go hungry during the trip.

Here are some of the available along with a brief review of each:

Canister stoves run using pressurized canisters filled with butane. These stoves burn very hot and are fast. They can boil 2 cups of water in two to three minutes. The stove will burn at nearly any altitude and in most weather. Temperatures must be above 40 degrees F or the fuel will not vaporize correctly. Stoves are easy to set up requiring that users connect the canister and light the stove. There is generally enough heat to cook for groups. These stoves tend to be more expensive and heavier than some other choices. Fuel costs can also add up and add weight to your backpack. In addition you will find that these stoves are heavier than most. The stoves weigh just under a pound and the fuel canisters weigh about the same. That means an additional two pounds of weight that can be substantial over a long hike. The disposable canisters cannot be refilled but should be carried back out of the woods with you along with other waste in order to keep the area clean for the next campers.

White gas stoves use a liquid fuel. While similar in properties to a canister stove, these stoves use white gas for their fuel. At times the stove and fuel may be less expensive than canister stoves, however not always. While white gas is cheap and has lots of energy it is also a bit more finicky. Parts will need to be kept clean, especially where the gas tank connects to the stove. Many of these stoves require that the users pressurize the fuel tank It is important to keep the storage tightly sealed or you could have fuel that spills in your pack and all over your gear. Leaking gas may stain the gear that is stored in the backpack. Boiling water may take a little longer with the liquid fuel stove, 2 1/2 to 4 minutes for 2 cups of liquid. There is plenty of power to cook for groups and a liquid fuel stoves are an excellent choice for cooking when you are at a higher elevation. They also work well for melting snow when other stoves may take a very long time. Weight of the stove and fuel are about the same, but you do save some weight on the container as steel is not required for the liquid fuels. Butane and all of the liquid fuels all offer approximately the same energy on a per pound basis.

Many backpackers prefer inexpensive alcohol stoves. These are ultra light weight and often made from recycled soda cans. They are reliable for cooking as well as reliable. Insturctions for making your own Beverage Can Stove are found here. Heating 2 cups of water to boil will take 4 1/2 minutes at low altitudes, but more time at higher elevations. While they work well for group cooking, you have to be careful of the weight placed on the stove. Stoves weigh just 1.5 ounces and 4 oz of fuel is enough for a 2 to three day trip. Fuel is safe even if it spills as it does not leave stains and evaporates completely. There are several different choices of appropriate fuel to burn in the stove. Burn Liquid Heet is sold in the auto parts store. Ninety-one percent isopropyl alcohol can be purchased at a pharmacy and denatured alcohol is sold in hardware stores.

Esbit Stoves are actually pot stands that have a cup underneath that holds fuel. Fuel is sold in solid tablets and very lightweight. The price is very inexpensive for the fuel that is needed for a trip, and packets that provide enough fuel for one trip are available. The cooking times are slow when compared to other types of stoves. It may take up to twelve minutes for just 2 cups of water to boil. This system is not the choice if you are preparing a meal for a large group. Overall, the stoves are cheap and light in weight.

Wood stoves which are actually little fire pits can even bet the weight of an Esbit stove. Fuel is gathered at the campsite and does not have to be carried, which may sound like a good idea, but can present some problems. If the only wood that is available is wet or no wood is to be found, you may have no way of cooking your food. These stoves can be made at home using any tin can and punching holes in the bottom to allow for ventilation. The boil times can vary widely but should be about the same as cooking over any wood campfire. The size of the stove will determine if it is sufficient for group cooking.

All the stoves have both advantages and disadvantages. The best backpacking stove for you will depend on several factors. Some of these are cost, heating time and weight.