[pct-l] Canister Stove vs. Alcohol

[giniajim]

I use an alcohol stove exclusively.  It does require some care, but to me the weight savings is worth it.  You do have to find or make a level spot for it.  You have to figure out when the flame is "lit" (I use a little twig or piece of grass to avoid burning my self (I have burned my self when I didn't realize the flame was going!  But only once; I'm a fast learner!).  My stove came with a wire frame "cage" that easily holds up a small pot, and a tin base the holds the stove and stabilizes the wire cage.  A wind screen is essential.  I didn't build mine but got it from one of the purveyors of these things.  Hope this helps!

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kathi 
  To: Steve McAllister 
  Cc: Pacific Crest Trail List 
  Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 11:56 AM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Canister Stove vs. Alcohol


  So I just recently got an alcohol stove. I haven't used it in the field 
  yet but have lit it on my patio. I like it cuz there's not much to it 
  and it's light, but am very concerned that I can't see the flames. Kinda 
  scares me for out in the wilderness even if I do have a nice area clear 
  from flammables. It also doesn't seem like the most stable thing either 
  on the ground or putting a pot on top. One of the nice things is how 
  light it is, but to ad legs or something for stability would put the 
  weight back up.

  Any advice from seasoned alcohol stove users would be appreciated. I 
  plan to go cookless for most of the trail, but in the areas of lots of 
  rain or snow I want the possibility of a warm meal once in a while.

  Thanks!
  Kathi

  Steve McAllister wrote:
  > Regarding:
  > "If you can safely operate a homemade alcohol stove, go for it.  If
  > not, take a canister stove. If you burn down the forest, you should
  > pay."
  >
  > But only if you are confident with a canister stove. Many are not and
  > a canister produces a flame that can get out of control in the hands
  > of someone who doesn't know what they are doing. They can be tipped
  > over and they have potential of being explosive should there be a leak
  > in the tank, gasket or stove.
  >
  > It is best to practice using your stove of choice in windy conditions
  > so you know what to expect.
  >
  > And don't light your stove on or near flammable materials!
  >
  >
  >
  >   
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