Backcountry Stoves, what are your suggestions?

I've been using a Primus ultralight stove for years. Not sure what current model it is comparable to. I think the name changed a couple of years back. Arms fold up, and it has a built-in lighter, and good control over the output level. Very compact. I keep it in my little MSR cooking pot, along with a cup, and spork or spoon (that's all my cooking/eating gear, btw). It uses either a Primus or Coleman fuel canister, which I put the middle of the pack where it can't get pressed against me, or banged on rocks easily.
 
Another vote for MSR.

I've used their Expedition model for >20 years! (though I have had to replace the pump a couple of times.) It's a little finicky to simmer with, but for boiling water or melting snow-it's terrific. Mine predates the current model-it's white gas only, but the multi-fuel model (all they produce now) ought to be as durable. If I ever kill this one, and that seems unlikely, I'll get another one!

I also have a Whisperlite. For generally backpacking and cooking, it sees a lot more use for me these days, and has been as dependable as the Expedition.

I have always preferred liquid fuel stoves over canister gas stove, simply for economics. They're cheaper to run. Though I admit, I keep looking at the canister stoves for convienence...
 
Anybody own a woodburning Sierra Zip Stove? I've been thinking about buying one. I use a nearly 20 year old Coleman Peak 1 now.
 
the latest vol. of the woodsmaster has Alan Halcon showing you how to make a alcohol stove out of a pop can. very compact design
 
These 2 sites used together make up a versatile basic lightweight stove

1) http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html

2) http://www.datasync.com/~wksmith/dryer.html

At the 1st site go to the left side index, then "STOVES", then "Modified Esbit"

With this setup you can use trioxane, hexamine, alcohol, small wood pieces, or even tealight candles(2 or 3 candles will fit in the stove at once, depending on their size for faster heating and allow you to work in a tent if you follow all the safety precautions).

Mith.
 
My Primus is probably the exact same model that OwenM has. Been using it for the past eight years. My favorite since it heats water faster than my MSR International (which requires priming and preheating). Plus the Primus flame is adjustable, unlike the MSR. The one problem with the MSR is that the fuel tank O-rings cracked on me and the repair kits that MSR offers is a complete rip off. I plan on going to Lowes or Home Depot and buy a couple of 50 cent o-rings.

It just depends on what the stove is going to be used for. Fancy cooking requires an adjustable flame, melting snow for water does not. Just buy two different kinds and try them out on your next outing. :)
 
I've been playing with a real lightweight alcohol stove. Can't remember who to credit the idea with, wasn't mine.


Use a tin, such as an altoids, then fill it with Vermiculite. You can get that at any garden store, and one bag is enough for about 100 stoves. Then pour in a couple of capfuls of alcohol, and light. Works great, as long as you use a windscreen.
 
Used to use a trangia alcohol stove. Buy HEET when it's on sale in the winter for fuel. Cheaper than those overpriced gallon cans of Alcohol at the hardware store.

Bought a "Kelley Kettle" about 6 years ago. (See post #20, this thread, check the link to "Volcano Stove"). I haven't used anything else since. All it does is boil water, fast! But that's all I need to do for my kind of cooking!

Bought a second one last year, now I've got both sizes. They both get a lot of use.

Bought one for each of my kids out in Colorado, they love them.

I Recommend them very highly!
 
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