Where can I get a good small stove for camping/emergencies?

[blasternank]

I'd like to find a small compact one I can bring on hikes or use if I need to leave in a hurry. Single burner, small is what I'm looking for. I just don't want to get one and when I really need it I try to fire it up and it doesn't work or only half of it does. :)

Thanks.

[Punisher1336]

REI, Cabelas, Campmor, any of these sits should have what your looking for.

[J_Dub_503]

+1 for REI and Campmor. I've used both of them in the past with frat experience. I particularly like Campmor's sale/clearance section. You can find some great prices their.

[Reagans Rascals]

convert a 5.56 ammo can to a wood stove.... small, portable, and versatile.... use it for both heating and cooking... never have to worry about running out of fuel..

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=71486

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27077&highlight=ammo+stove

[shua713]

Have you checked your local wal-mart?

[RIDE]

REI is great!!! The stoves from JetBoil and MSR (I have both) are absolutely good-to-go. Great gear, ultra dependable.

[TR1]

I'd echo RIDE's comments: the Jetboil PCS or MSR Reactor. They are comparable products but have different strengths. Goggle "Jetboil vs MSR" or some similar terms and read through several reviews to determine which unit is best for your needs.

[Battle*Hound]

REI is great!!! The stoves from JetBoil and MSR (I have both) are absolutely good-to-go. Great gear, ultra dependable.

I second that

[Quiet-Matt]

I've had a MSR Dragonfly for about 12 years and it has always been ultra reliable. It's small enough to store in my backpacking cookware and it can burn just about any fuel. Boils a quart of water in about 3 minutes.

[panzerr]

this: http://biolitestove.com/BioLite.html

[Armati]

If multi-fuel is a requirement then look at Optimus Nova or MSR Dragonfly. I have both, personally I like the Optimus better but most backpackers prefer the Dragonfly.

For real KISS, look at a beer can stove.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverage-can_stove

mechanic_mike69 on Ebay has very nice ones that he makes using his own dies. He also has some youtube vids. I own two of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVkW2YONyYM&list=PL92A16F0B010F4228&index=2&feature=plpp_video

http://myworld.ebay.com/mechanic_mike69/?_trksid=p4340.l2559

http://www.youtube.com/user/mechanicmike69?ob=0&feature=results_main

Consider putting one in your BOB. My stove, 500cc of fuel, a 500cc Ti cup, and a sheet of heavy aluminum foil (wind screen/heat reflector) packs down to less than 1L in volume and is very light weight.

[faster200]

I'll second the MSR Dragonfly for a burn/boil anything stove. I've taken my MSR up Rainier, Baker, Hood, Stuart and several weeklong backcountry hikes along the Pacific Crest trail. It never let me down, and we burned almost everything in it. I remember that diesel burned quite dirty, so if it is a potential fuel source, get a cleaning kit. It weights a bit, and takes up a bit more space in your pack than a jetboil system but to me the utility and durability makes it worth it.. That being said, if weight or space is an issue, I have a Snowpeak Gigapower Titanium stove. I'm not sure if they still make this model, but it also has the piezeo ignition system, which is nice. It fits in my coffee cup, weighs in at around 2oz. and the Isopower gas canisters last a decent amount if you rig a heat/wind shield. I don't quite remember the burn times, but boil times are around 3 minutes, and a single canister would last several days if you cook smart.

Like all hiking equipment, your mileage may very.

[91Bravo]

I have a little MSR propane stove that has served me well. It was used twice a day for more than a month on the John Muir Trail. It used to be that the propane canisters were no good below freezing but they changed the formula 6-7 years ago. We were sold when it made coffee for lunch when it was 11deg below zero(F) and blowing 30 knots in the winter Adirondaks. Figure an 8 oz canister every 4 days if simply boiling water for Mountain House food. Gormet cooking or making water from snow then double that estimate.

[eternal24k]

Backcountry has the Optimus Svea, my dad has been using his Svea for 30 years with heavy use, that thing is awesome. I have the Nova, great multi fuel stove but more hiking compact than use around the house during power outages etc.

[euro]

this: http://biolitestove.com/BioLite.html

I preordered this back in the early fall. Im patiently waiting.

This is the answer in my book.

[cjnuckols50]

You can make one! I thought this was interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LgArTl_BSU&feature=g-all-u&context=G2913280FAAAAAAAAMAA

[Iraqgunz]

I picked up a JetBoil for about 20.00 below retail from Amazon.com. It uses the little feul containers that screw into the bottom.

[Vic303]

MSR Whisperlite International.
Great and reliable multi-fuel stove. There is even a new updated version out that can really burn just about any fuel...including canister fuels!

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/simple-cooking/whisperlite-universal/product

[broylz]

i have a coughlans brand pocket stove that uses esbit tabs that i keep in my 3 day bag. i am looking to add a MSR Whisperlite Internationale to my longer range bag / hiking bag. i like that it will burn most any fuel.

[ovlov28]

I got a Optimus Crux at Cabela's, have not had it outdoors yet, but have tried it a few times at home and it has worked well, and boils water quickly enough for how small it is. Very compact, I keep it and a can of fuel in my EDC backpack.

[Jack-O]

you know, I've played with the fancy gas canister stoves and the multifuel stoves like the Optimus, used the old school Primus military stoves, and currently carry a collapsible titanium wood burner in my pack for testing, but to be honest, the one stove that always worked, was reasonably compact but not flimsy, was very affordable and just flat out worked and heated fast at all sorts of altitudes and all sorts of conditions ...

the Coleman single burner dual or single fuel white gas stove from walmart.

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-1-Burner-Sporter-Liquid-Stove/dp/B0009PUQAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332427908&sr=8-1

For emergencies the old school coleman dual burner stove used with the coleman white gas fuel always does the trick, and that fuel keeps for a REALLY long time. I still have a can from 1995 that I use.

I know that aint the most high tech answer or the most lightweight, but the design has been around for a long time and it still works great. The caveat with the dual fuel thing is dont mess with unleaded unles you have no other choice. it's a pain and doesnt work as well as the coleman fuel.

[ovlov28]

you know, I've played with the fancy gas canister stoves and the multifuel stoves like the Optimus, used the old school Primus military stoves, and currently carry a collapsible titanium wood burner in my pack for testing, but to be honest, the one stove that always worked, was reasonably compact but not flimsy, was very affordable and just flat out worked and heated fast at all sorts of altitudes and all sorts of conditions ...

the Coleman single burner dual or single fuel white gas stove from walmart.

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-1-Burner-Sporter-Liquid-Stove/dp/B0009PUQAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332427908&sr=8-1

For emergencies the old school coleman dual burner stove used with the coleman white gas fuel always does the trick, and that fuel keeps for a REALLY long time. I still have a can from 1995 that I use.

I know that aint the most high tech answer or the most lightweight, but the design has been around for a long time and it still works great. The caveat with the dual fuel thing is dont mess with unleaded unles you have no other choice. it's a pain and doesnt work as well as the coleman fuel.

Can you explain more on what kind of reliability issues you were having? Weather at the time? High altitude?

[Jack-O]

Can you explain more on what kind of reliability issues you were having? Weather at the time? High altitude?

not exactly sure which stoves you are talking about, but the coleman just flat runs better and is easier to light using the white gas. the unleaded is a bit finicky and needs to be really fresh IME. the white gas keeps longer and you dont have to worry about it leaving residue as bad as gasoline

as to the other stoves, the multifuel had some issues with warming up the preheater well enough with deisel, and in cold or high altitudes the gas canisters can get a bit weak. in normal summer temps and altitudes under 8000 the gas stoves with the bottles run great but some are bit flimsy (a needed sacrifice for weight and well worth it). I'm not sure they save much space, as the cannister kinda balances that out. I still have and use one on occasion.

I have a military primus white gas stove that needs to be heated up properly and when it is it runs great, when it's not it's slow to heat. It is a bit bulky compared to some other options. the procedure to get it heated is to fill a indentation in the outside of the fuel tank with a bunch of gas then basically you set the whole thing on fire. looks kinda freaky but it works if you can get the fuel from IN the tank to ON the tank.

The coleman isnt the lightest or the most compact but it does work really well and the liquid fuel isnt as messy as you might thing when packed properly. bang for the buck is really high with that little coleman tho if you can deal with the extra few ounces. you really dont give up a whole lot going with one.

right now I'm keep a Vargo titanium wood burner in my day pack, but weight is a primary concern and this thing doesnt weight much, takes no extra space and is better/safer than the small open fires I'd been using to heat water.
http://www.amazon.com/Vargo-Titanium-Hexagon-Wood-Stove/dp/B0042J2PL2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1332444146&sr=1-1

IIRC my buddy says one tank of fuel lasts him for about 3-4 days.

you'll save space by getting a pot that fits over your stove, or vice versa finding a stove and canister that fits in your pot.

[Fairweather8588]

MSR Pocket Rocket has served me well for a long time now, just enough stove to boil water for coffee, mountain house entrees etc.

[ovlov28]

not exactly sure which stoves you are talking about, but the coleman just flat runs better and is easier to light using the white gas. the unleaded is a bit finicky and needs to be really fresh IME. the white gas keeps longer and you dont have to worry about it leaving residue as bad as gasoline

as to the other stoves, the multifuel had some issues with warming up the preheater well enough with deisel, and in cold or high altitudes the gas canisters can get a bit weak. in normal summer temps and altitudes under 8000 the gas stoves with the bottles run great but some are bit flimsy (a needed sacrifice for weight and well worth it). I'm not sure they save much space, as the cannister kinda balances that out. I still have and use one on occasion.

I have a military primus white gas stove that needs to be heated up properly and when it is it runs great, when it's not it's slow to heat. It is a bit bulky compared to some other options. the procedure to get it heated is to fill a indentation in the outside of the fuel tank with a bunch of gas then basically you set the whole thing on fire. looks kinda freaky but it works if you can get the fuel from IN the tank to ON the tank.

The coleman isnt the lightest or the most compact but it does work really well and the liquid fuel isnt as messy as you might thing when packed properly. bang for the buck is really high with that little coleman tho if you can deal with the extra few ounces. you really dont give up a whole lot going with one.

right now I'm keep a Vargo titanium wood burner in my day pack, but weight is a primary concern and this thing doesnt weight much, takes no extra space and is better/safer than the small open fires I'd been using to heat water.
http://www.amazon.com/Vargo-Titanium-Hexagon-Wood-Stove/dp/B0042J2PL2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1332444146&sr=1-1

IIRC my buddy says one tank of fuel lasts him for about 3-4 days.

you'll save space by getting a pot that fits over your stove, or vice versa finding a stove and canister that fits in your pot.

Good copy, that is what I was after, just looking to see what you were using and where it was working.
It is pretty well known around the PNW that White Gas is the king for anything high altitude, but the canister stoves work well for general back packing and the like. Thanks for your follow up reply! Cheers!

[Armati]

And for real KISS, I give you the Dakota Fire Hole:

http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/the-dakota-fire-hole

[Jack-O]

And for real KISS, I give you the Dakota Fire Hole:

http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/the-dakota-fire-hole

sweet, I'll have to try one of those sometime!

[broylz]

can you post up a pic or link to info on them?

[Positive Displacement]

Have this for hurricane preparedness. Two large fuel bottles and two small fuel bottles.

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/simple-cooking/whisperlite/product

[Jack-O]

I found the Coleman exponent stove on Amazon for ~$28 shipped used. Looks like they may be the original peak 1 stoves mixed in. there are still some available if anyone wants. helluva deal.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VC7QK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

[Jack-O]

Well I hope someone buys that stove I linked above. I got mine today and it's an older military surplus model. It had and NSN on it and everything but said PEAK1 by Coleman.

it had never been used or even fueled up!! it's a helluva deal for $28 shipped.

all the parts were there and the instructions. I topped it off and decided to pull out the other stoves for a head to head test.

I boiled 1 liter of water on high after each stove had warmed up. I'm at 5000ft and the temperature was 51degrees. the water was cold water right out of the hose probably in the 40-50 degree range. here's what happened:

Primus #71 military stove. I got this at a gunshow for $20 and it's an old white gas/coleman fuel generator no-pump style. the thing just rocks. it came as a complete kit with pot, top, handle, stove, burner assembly and adjustment tool. to prime it you have to fill up a little resevoir on the tank with fuel and close the valve then set it on fire. it's freaky but it heats up the shaft and vaporizes the fuel and then is self generating from there on out. it took 7:30 to boil the water

Primus MFS multifuel stove. looks like the new primus omnifuel or the MSR whisperlite international. I used Isobutane compressed gas canister. it took 8:15 to boil

the Peak1 / Exponent Coleman got topped off with white gas/coleman fuel and pumped up pretty good after a warmup then let er rip. it took 8:45 to boil

all these stoves were really close together in performance. I wouldnt hesitate to grab any of them but the white gas stoves both have a neat little self contained package that is hard to beat for functional usage. the compressed gas is easier and faster to make go, and that might give it a slight advantage but I wouldnt say any of them have a decided advantage.

bang for the buck, the $20 gunshow special is a real winner, and the Exponent/PEAK1 is right there next to it. The primus MFS/omnifuel is SO flexible as it can use isobutane, Gasoline, White gas, Kerosene, Diesel and jet fuel with the provided fuel tank and pump.

As a side note, I have been pouring out of the same can of coleman fuel since 1995 and it still works just fine. I have no idea what the shelf life is supposed to be but keeping it around seems like a good idea. I've always had better luck with it than Unleaded or diesel.

[ra2bach]

right now I'm keep a Vargo titanium wood burner in my day pack, but weight is a primary concern and this thing doesnt weight much, takes no extra space and is better/safer than the small open fires I'd been using to heat water.
http://www.amazon.com/Vargo-Titanium-Hexagon-Wood-Stove/dp/B0042J2PL2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1332444146&sr=1-1



I have that wood burner but I use it with the Vargo Decagon stove that fits inside it - http://www.vargooutdoors.com/Titanium-Decagon-Alcohol-Backpacking-Stove

this serves as a wind screen, pot holder, and also concentrates the heat and makes it much more efficient. I can place a 1/2 liter aluminum bottle directly on the stove inside of the windscreen and tap temperature water boils in about 5 mins., or a frying pan heats up about as well as any other system which is all I need...

[TAZ]

MSR Whisperlite International.
Great and reliable multi-fuel stove. There is even a new updated version out that can really burn just about any fuel...including canister fuels!

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/simple-cooking/whisperlite-universal/product

1+ on the Whisperlites. I've had mine for well over a decade and it just works. I've run it at 12k feet or at the beach with equal success. It does require outside fuel, so it may not be the best for zombie apocalypse, but is sure works for camping.

[Gunrgood]

http://www.rei.com/search?query=jet+boil

[mallowpufft]

If anyone is in the market for a small stove huckberry.com (have to sign up to shop /view items) has a couple of MSR stoves for about 25% off of regular prices right now.

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[uncommon commoner]

Google this: Swedish Army Trangia mess kit

Good explanation here: http://swissarmytrangia.blogspot.com/2011/05/swiss-army-trangia-stove-and-messkit.html

I purchased 4 for my family years ago @ $5 per from Sportsmens guide. Don't know the cost now, but they will be worth it. I heated all the parts over a fire, just in case the anodized or painted parts release chems. To save weight you can leave the alcohol burner at home and use heat tabs or sticks to cook. The handles are made so you can attach longer handles made of branches.

[Iraq Ninja]

For emergency situations, liquid fuel will run out before wooden fuel.

I have been playing around with the BioLite stove and it works well. A tad bit heavy, but not so much when you consider you don't carry the fuel with you. You can also charge your phone with it...

http://biolitestove.com/Media/CampStove/camp_overview_img_2-942x648.jpg

[interfan]

For emergency situations, liquid fuel will run out before wooden fuel.

I have been playing around with the BioLite stove and it works well. A tad bit heavy, but not so much when you consider you don't carry the fuel with you. You can also charge your phone with it...

http://biolitestove.com/Media/CampStove/camp_overview_img_2-942x648.jpg

I have an old MSR Firefly stove that's been working for the past 30 years, but MSR doesn't stock parts to rebuild it anymore.

That looks pretty good and excellent to save weight on fuel. How durable is it? Have you used it on any extended trips?

[Battle*Hound]

I am really interested in more info on this Bio Lite

[PlatoCATM]

I just bought a Solo Stove (http://www.solostove.com/solo-stove/), and although I have only used it a couple times, I am impressed. This follows IN's rationale of not carrying fuel. After I had it warmed up and drawing air properly, I set a chunk of 2x4 maybe 3" long inside and all that was left was a small bit of ash to shake out. No generator though.

[usmcvet]

For emergency situations, liquid fuel will run out before wooden fuel.

I have been playing around with the BioLite stove and it works well. A tad bit heavy, but not so much when you consider you don't carry the fuel with you. You can also charge your phone with it...

http://biolitestove.com/Media/CampStove/camp_overview_img_2-942x648.jpg

That is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. I'd like to see that technology used in my wood stove!

[Battle*Hound]

I just bought a Solo Stove (http://www.solostove.com/solo-stove/), and although I have only used it a couple times, I am impressed. This follows IN's rationale of not carrying fuel. After I had it warmed up and drawing air properly, I set a chunk of 2x4 maybe 3" long inside and all that was left was a small bit of ash to shake out. No generator though.

Pricy little thing but I think it's my top pick so far

[mike_556]

Walmart has mini Colman duel fuel camping stoves. I own one and it works great. I use regular unleaded in mine.

In regards to the OP, do you plan on humping unleaded gas around while hiking?

[mike_556]

Unless you are burning wood fuel as has been mentioned. Liquid fuel will run out far before wood fuel, at least in the Carolinas for me.

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[JasonB1]

Haven't tried a white gas, canister, or compressed fuel stove that will really beat these:

http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/SuperCat/index.html

[fyrediver]

I'm a fan of basic alcohol stoves. I've got several Trangia alcohol stove kits like these in my cars:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LN7HUC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000N8L90Y&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1N6DJ0BBRJ2BX9C3KZWD

No moving parts, quiet, uses inexpensive alcohol (gasoline additive HEET). You can make one out of two soda cans if you want.

I also think the folding wood burners are a great idea. Haven't bought one yet, but there are several I'm interested in. I have built several prototypes and wood gas burners. Good experience to understand the principles, but not as durable as the commercially made ones.

[whiskey lake]

I am a huge fan of the Snow Peak Gigapower stove. Tiny, adjustable, auto light, efficient, cheap. I use it A LOT!

[tb-av]

REI has that biolite stove on sale for two days. ends 4/7

code Mem2013 $25 off

[Lost River]

I found the Coleman exponent stove on Amazon for ~$28 shipped used. Looks like they may be the original peak 1 stoves mixed in. there are still some available if anyone wants. helluva deal.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VC7QK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

I have used the one in Jack's link quite a bit. I run unleaded in it. It runs for a very long time on a single filling of fuel. It also runs great at below freezing temps. Mine stays with me in my hunting packs and day packs and has been a stellar performer. It is not the lightest by far, but it is pretty much bomb proof.

It is actually running (cooking) in the first pic, but the camera cannot pick up the blue flame for whatever reason:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/ColemanStove.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/099.jpg

[Lost River]

Another stove that I use quite a bit when I am out hunting is a titanium "volcano" type stove.



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/019-3.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/018-4.jpg

It rolls up and fits in a side pocket of my pack and pretty much weighs nothing. I use it to get some hot chow in me or to have a hot cup of tea or coffee. sometimes I will just hunker down under some rocks and wait for a snowstorm to blow over.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/015-9.jpg

Using the volcano stove and feeding small sticks into it works like a charm. Like anything else, there is a learning curve.

[Lost River]

More pics...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/011-10.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/010-12.jpg

[EricTheRed]

I used a Whisperlite for 5 months, every day, on the AT in 97. I never had any issues with it. One of the small bottles of white gas (11oz IIRC) could last up to fifteen days. That was by using a heat-x and usually only boiling once a day. (Boil water, pour in food, shut off heat, let stand. With the heat-x it'll stay hot enough to cook, and you can do other camp chores while waiting. No worries with constantly fussing about the stove either. Boil, shut off. Easy. I've done this in the Rockies as well and it works just fine. If it's really cold maybe I'll leave the stove on for an extra minute before I shut it off. My experience using other fuels in it has been limited as White Gas has been everywhere I've gone.

I like the idea of the Biolite and charging phones, etc, but since I go outdoors to get away from my phone and IMO if the SHTF the phones will be out of order along with not having fossil fuel, well, it's not for me, although a staight wood burner is certainly something that would be useful in that scenario. As stated above I like to keep cooking simple in the backcountry. Alcohol and wood stoves are too much into the "fiddle factor" area for my liking. Wood especially, as I have enjoyed laughing at one of my hiking partners who carried one and was trying to find dry fuel while were in the midst of 5 straight weeks of rain.

The only other stove I still use out of several I've owned, borrowed, and used with others on the trail (coleman one and two burners, optimus, Gaz, wood and alcohol stoves) is the jet boil. It fits my same philosophy. Heat the water quick, then let the hot water do the work while you do something else productive. Both the Whisperlite and the Jetboil are light and small. I don't like to carry more than about 30 to 35 pounds base for a multiday trip, and low 20's is not out of the norm during summer. (yes I know the wood thing cuts fuel carrying requirements. I shave weight elsewhere, and as mentioned keep fuel req's low)

If I buy another stove anytime soon, it will be the new Whisperlite that accepts canisters. Just my 2 cents. Like most of us have a box full of holsters, I also have boxes full of camping equipment- some things have worked, some haven't, but everyone likes different things, and that's why so much stuff is out there. The more experience I have gained with backpacking and camping, the more my experiences and resultant philosoph guides what I look for in a design. On the bright side I hit more home runs right off the bat now. Good luck!

[HKGuns]

I did quite a lot of research before deciding on a Snow Peak stove. It also uses canisters and it is a lighter package for hiking than the jet boil setup. Snow Peak also has a titanium pot and cup and they all fit together in a very compact and light package. I also second Campmor and REI as your sources.

This is essentially my lightweight camping / hiking kit.

Ti Spork (http://www.rei.com/product/660002/snow-peak-titanium-spork)

Ti double walled cup (http://www.rei.com/product/659999/snow-peak-titanium-double-wall-450-mug)

Ti Mini Cook Set (http://www.rei.com/product/668926/snow-peak-titanium-mini-solo-cookset)

Ti Light Max Stove <2 oz (http://www.rei.com/product/768603/snow-peak-litemax-stove)

I've used this setup for every hunting trip I've been on in the last several years and it has worked fantastic with the Dehydrated food packs.

[wrcpete]

I may be repeating what others said, but I own an MSR Whisperlite int, Reactor and a Snow Peak Gigapower. They all have strengths. The Reactor is great for group climbs on Rainier or other snow adventures ( take in mind canisters don't perform well in cold. I put the canister in a dish and add warm water every now and again. It really does work well and helps burn all the fuel. it is to big for solo use though. If boiling water in a hurry is needed a Reactor is the ticket. The Whisperlite is reliable but time consuming and heavy. I use a Snow Peak gigapower stove in a titanium cup for solo use. I haven't tried alcohol stoves yet. I do have my fathers old Optimus 8R stove he used when he was a kid.

Most of what I do in the wilderness lighter is usually better. Some of you guys don't seem to mind though, you have posted some heavy equipment!



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[VooDoo6Actual]

Some random thoughts.
For any long sustained cooking, heating w/o any fuel other than Bio-mass (wood etc.) in the bush is not realistic. All fuels will be exhausted depending on the depth of your resources eventually. Whether it's Alcohol, propane, Iso-Butane, Butane, white gas, diesel, gasoline etc. Structure heating w/ propane & alternating w/ Bio Mass or not makes sense for a while until that mega tank runs out. Then go to cast iron Bio-Mass stove.

Built one myself after using so many I forgot them all & learned all their long term failings. Your needs may be different. I want something that will sustain day after day use & not have such a thin wall thickness to not hold & radiate heat YET be light enough to carry it needed. I want something not too bulky & can be broken down if needed.

I'll put pictures up after it's registered & protected.

YMMV....

[Preliator]

I will add a +1 for the biolite stove, even if you aren't using it to charge a phone or a GPS device it has some other advantages over standard wood burning stoves. The fan really gets the fire burning hot and fast to quickly cook meals is one, granted if you are burning damp fuel then it may take a while to get the heat up enough that you can take advantage of that. However once it is started the extra heat seems to burn damp fuel more effectively than a traditional wood stove. The other major advantage that I have found is that I can attach a USB powered LED light to my stove so that I can enjoy some light while cooking or eating.

I have maps, a compass, star charts, tide charts and survival books saved onto my Ipad mini, as well as the usual assortment of games - The biolite stove potentially allows me to use that mini as a survival reference guide as well as assists me in navigating for long periods of time off grid.

[ra2bach]

a lot of stoves work well depending on the situation. for general camping I always have a camp fire but still use an old Optimus 8R for cooking. it's faster, easier to clean the pots and regulate the heat. I haven't used the little wood burning stoves but they do seem better and quicker than an open campfire. pots get just as dirty though...

for hunting, or single person meals, an alcohol stove like the Vargo Decagon with the Titanium windscreen is very quiet and heats pretty well. I even use it in my stand sometimes for heat but the platform needs to be very stable to be safe and the blind well ventilated. the stove and windscreen are very light and all the weight is in the fuel. it's not especially frugal with fuel - 2oz of alcohol burns about 18 minutes, but that's plenty of time to boil 16oz of water and fry some bacon and eggs though. 12oz is good for a 2-4 days depending... one thing alcohol has going for it over gasoline stoves is contamination of spilled fuel. I only use high % ethanol, not methanol - that's toxic. some folks even go so far to carry grain alcohol (a little for the stove, a little for a nightcap) :cool:

if I don't care about the noise and just want hot water quickly for coffee and oatmeal or dehydrated meals, nothing beats a jetboil. this is really just a water heater though. I don't like cleaning food out of the cup and I tried it with the platform for pans but it doesn't fry very evenly. they do offer pans with the heat exchanger but they're expensive and the diffuser is fragile. I don't have any other butane stoves. for real meals, I prefer the Optimus stove...

in camp, I generally like a combination of one of these stoves and the campfire. nothing beats a steak over an open flame with some foil wrapped onions and potatoes in the coals...

I also have one of the esbit kits in my get-home bag but never used it. that's an emergency thing only...

[SteveS]

My son was in the Boy Scouts and it was an active troop we yes we spent about 30 days camping / backpacking a year for 5 years which allowed me to witness the operation of many different styles of stoves. All the major name brands work well and the hard part is thinking which to choose . They all do something the best.

[Jim D]

I have a whisperlite international, but for extended or unplanned needs, I have the canteen cup stoves from the canteen shop. You need to be more comfortable with your firebuilding skills, but for me (in this region) and my skill set it's a good option.

[slappy]

I picked up a biolite after reading this thread a while back. This thing is terrific for everything I've needed. It's probably the handiest little contraption I own.

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[ra2bach]

one of the problems with small Iso-Pro stoves (Jetboil, pocket rocket, etc.) is frying in larger diameter pans. you can boil water quickly but they have a small diameter burner and usually burn the center, leaving the edges cold.

I saw this and thought what the heck, it's cheap, so why not?..
-- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YLU6O6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this thing rocks! that's a full size burner - 3.25" across - with sturdy fold out pan supports. It gives even heat all across the bottom of a fry pan, though with smaller pots, it can throw flames up the side. combined with a Jetboil (they use the same fuel) it covers all the bases.

[billybronco]

pure badassery....

http://www.rei.com/product/829302/vargo-titanium-hexagon-backpacking-wood-stove

[wrcpete]

This it's an interesting post but we all seem to be coming from different backgrounds with different needs. Some of you want to carry wood stoves and ridiculously heavy gear (being sarcastic) and guys like me who backpack and climb glacier covered mountains usually want water boiling fast whilst carrying the lightest stove possible. We accept a slight drop in versatility and possibly durability for weight.

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[Jim D]

This it's an interesting post but we all seem to be coming from different backgrounds with different needs. Some of you want to carry wood stoves and ridiculously heavy gear (being sarcastic) and guys like me who backpack and climb glacier covered mountains usually want water boiling fast whilst carrying the lightest stove possible. We accept a slight drop in versatility and possibly durability for weight.

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Agreed, there is a radical difference between someone who is meticulously packing for a specific trip to a set destination for a fixed time period, and planning for an unknown event of unknown duration, any time of year, in whatever region they're in.

I would pack very differently for a 2-3 day backpacking trip than I would in preparing a BOB.

[ra2bach]

This it's an interesting post but we all seem to be coming from different backgrounds with different needs. Some of you want to carry wood stoves and ridiculously heavy gear (being sarcastic) and guys like me who backpack and climb glacier covered mountains usually want water boiling fast whilst carrying the lightest stove possible. We accept a slight drop in versatility and possibly durability for weight.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
so given your uses, what are your recommendations?..

[wrcpete]

I use a snow peak gigapower stove and titanium cup for 2 person trips. (I don't do allot of solo trips ) I have an msr reactor for melting snow on winter climbs (again in a group setting). I have delegated my msr whisperlite international for my get out of dodge box (bob or whatever you want to call it ) it's stainless robust and burns multiple fuels. Can be repaired in the field and msr sells maintenance kits.

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[mike_556]

one of the problems with small Iso-Pro stoves (Jetboil, pocket rocket, etc.) is frying in larger diameter pans. you can boil water quickly but they have a small diameter burner and usually burn the center, leaving the edges cold.

I saw this and thought what the heck, it's cheap, so why not?..
-- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YLU6O6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this thing rocks! that's a full size burner - 3.25" across - with sturdy fold out pan supports. It gives even heat all across the bottom of a fry pan, though with smaller pots, it can throw flames up the side. combined with a Jetboil (they use the same fuel) it covers all the bases.

Interesting, and inexpensive too!

[wrcpete]

Just saw the MSR Whisperlite Universal. A great stove with the added feature of being able to use canister fuel kerosene, white gas and unleaded!

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/simple-cooking/whisperlite-universal/product

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[ra2bach]

Interesting, and inexpensive too!

yep. it was cheap so I thought why not? if I'm using Iso-pro canisters I usually have my Jetboil because most of what I eat involves hot water but it sucks to try to fry with the optional pot holder. you can get their special pans with the heat condenser/diffuser but that's expensive and pretty fragile. for just $10 more, I have a system that can let me make my coffee and fry bacon and eggs quickly and efficiently using the same fuel...

[Mbrokaw89]

+1 on the beer can stove. I have one that I use backpacking and need nothing more.

[Will Fennell]

I just fired up my new BIOLITE campstove for the first time tonite....and while this thing is certainly not the right answer for a serious backpacker because of the weight, but for some uses.....probably uses that most of us need....I can see this thing being a very usable option. Yes, I did plug up my Iphone, and get a charge....but the most practical feature is the self powered fan that fuels the fire.....this thing got a HOT roaring fire going almost instantly. I used the first semi dry twigs/branches I could find in the yard....not exactly seasoned hickory. I was boiling water in my cup in short order( I should have timed it, but forgot). I like it, and will continue to test/use/experiment with it. YMMV.

[lunchbox]

one of the problems with small Iso-Pro stoves (Jetboil, pocket rocket, etc.) is frying in larger diameter pans. you can boil water quickly but they have a small diameter burner and usually burn the center, leaving the edges cold.

I saw this and thought what the heck, it's cheap, so why not?..
-- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YLU6O6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this thing rocks! that's a full size burner - 3.25" across - with sturdy fold out pan supports. It gives even heat all across the bottom of a fry pan, though with smaller pots, it can throw flames up the side. combined with a Jetboil (they use the same fuel) it covers all the bases.I decided to give this one a try. I have a ESEE class this weekend and will put thu the paces. For price and compactness (even comes with pouch) it's defiantly worth a try.

[SuaSponte175]

My vote would be for the Jetboil via REI.

[lunchbox]

one of the problems with small Iso-Pro stoves (Jetboil, pocket rocket, etc.) is frying in larger diameter pans. you can boil water quickly but they have a small diameter burner and usually burn the center, leaving the edges cold.

I saw this and thought what the heck, it's cheap, so why not?..
-- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YLU6O6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this thing rocks! that's a full size burner - 3.25" across - with sturdy fold out pan supports. It gives even heat all across the bottom of a fry pan, though with smaller pots, it can throw flames up the side. combined with a Jetboil (they use the same fuel) it covers all the bases.


I decided to give this one a try. I have a ESEE class this weekend and will put thu the paces. For price and compactness (even comes with pouch) it's defiantly worth a try.This thing worked great!! Boiled water, fried up my breakfast/dinner and didn't take up hardly any space nor weight. Would highly recommend, thanks ra2bach!

[ra2bach]

This thing worked great!! Boiled water, fried up my breakfast/dinner and didn't take up hardly any space nor weight. Would highly recommend, thanks ra2bach!

yeah, it's cheap but it works well. only $8 shipped for the stove plus $4 for the fuel. not bad. coffee, oatmeal, bacon and eggs. pretty cheap breakfast...

[Leftie]

I just fired up my new BIOLITE campstove for the first time tonite....and while this thing is certainly not the right answer for a serious backpacker because of the weight, but for some uses.....probably uses that most of use need....I can see this thing being a very usable option. Yes, I did plug up my Iphone, and get a charge....but the most practical feature is the self powered fan that fuels the fire.....this thing got a HOT roaring fire going almost instantly. I used the first semi dry twigs/branches I could find in the yard....not exactly seasoned hickory. I was boiling water in my cup in short order( I should have timed it, but forgot). I like it, and will continue to test/use/experiment with it. YMMV.

I've been wondering how those stoves would work. Glad to hear that yours did the trick! I'm a big fan of my MSR Pocket Rocket.

[jahrule]

I personally like dual fuel stoves. Msr are nice.

[rcoodyar15]

kelly kettle

http://www.kellykettleusa.com/kelly-kettle-kits.html

http://www.kellykettleusa.com/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/t/stainless_trekker_kit_-_50048.jpg

[Fredericianer]

kelly kettle

http://www.kellykettleusa.com/kelly-kettle-kits.html

I've been looking at getting one of these for a while, as I've heard a lot of good reports on them.

[Jim D]

I like the concept of that kit, but it seems rather large/heavy for what it is.

If I have to pack it around, I'd rather use something like this kettle at 5oz weight - 20oz capacity for $20
http://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Water-Kettle/dp/B00ZDBGRFS

And use it over a hobo stove (I use the canteen shaped stove, you could use a round one if you don't use those canteens) for about 3-4oz weight sub $20.
http://www.canteenshop.com/cooking.html
or an Esbit stove at $10 and 6 ounces
http://www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO you can still treat it like a hobo stove if you run out of fuel cubes, or you have the time/opportunity to use harvested fuel instead of the cubes.

The added benefit to the kettle I listed above is that the lid is well sized, so you can store items inside of the kettle while it's in your pack, reducing bulk even further.

[ubet]

Nothing small about it but I have a camp chef 3 burner that hooks up to propane and that thing flat cooks food. I do know they make single burner ones

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[Outlander Systems]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71A-79D8yML._SY355_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/NDuR-Lightweight-Compact-Stove-Gray/dp/B00BMTRKCY

Pretty much completely replaced my JetBoil. Impossible to beat for the price.

[ST911]

http://www.amazon.com/NDuR-Lightweight-Compact-Stove-Gray/dp/B00BMTRKCY

Pretty much completely replaced my JetBoil. Impossible to beat for the price.

Has to be a joke, or a bad proofreader:


NDuR Lightweight Compact Stove, Gray
by NduR
Be the first to review this item
List Price: $25.00
Price: $20.95 & FREE Shipping
You Save: $4.05 (16%)
Only 1 left in stock.
Get it before Christmas. Select delivery options in checkout.
Estimated Delivery Date: Monday, Dec. 21 when you choose Two-Day Shipping at checkout.
Ships from and sold by Outdoor Merchants.
Ultralight weight just 317oz
Compact pack size dimensions: 45" x 2" x 2"
Simple operation there is no need for priming, pressurizing or maintenance
High heat output - 3000W Boils 1 liter of water in under 35 min
Full flame adjustment control from a simmer to a boil

[Outlander Systems]

Dude, mine consistently boils within 34 minutes, so I think they're trying to be conservative.

; )


Has to be a joke, or a bad proofreader:

[khc3]

And it's under 4 ft tall and less than 20lbs!