[pct-l] Esbit

[Wayne Kraft]

Esbit stoves are widely used and Esbit tablets are my fuel of choice most of 
the time.  The tabs are widely available online.  REI and Amazon both sell 
them and there is usually someone peddling Esbit on Ebay.  Backpacking Light 
sells Esbit and another brand they claim is a bit better.  I haven't tested 
them:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/ss/Esbit%20Stoves%20&%20Fuel/index.html?criteria=%20&search_clear=1

Your best bet is probably buying them from a store, such as REI' because 
shipping the tabs is a problem and adds to the cost.  Due to their 
flammability, they must be shipped ground.  This is something you need to 
plan for with mailing your resupply packages along the trail.

I have not attempted to purchase Esbit at on-trail locations, but I'd guess 
it would be difficult to impossible.  I would be very surprised if you could 
purchase Esbit tabs in any Oregon trail towns north of Ashland. Maybe in 
Sisters. You might consider a Vargo Triad Titanium Stove (google it --  
available from multiple sources) which is designed to burn either esbit or 
alcohol.  Gives you another option should you run out of esbit.

Personally, I want a stove that will burn Esbit, alcohol or wood.  Maybe 
peanut butter, too.  Wait, maybe it would be more efficient to just eat the 
peanut butter and forget the cooking. So many options.