[pct-l] Cooking systems

[mkwart at gci.net]

I have been using the pocket rocket for several years--it fits right in 
my pot. I only cook at night, so an 8 oz canister lasts for weeks. I 
tried an alcohol stove--I don't like the invisible flame (or having to 
add a pinch of salt to make it visible), the mess of carrying liquid 
fuel or the proximity of the flame to the ground and flammable 
surroundings. I made a pot cozy for my pot--so if the recipe calls for 
simmering for 10 mins, I just bring it to a boil and then shut the stove 
off and put the pot in the cozy and it cooks the rest of the way while I 
do other chores. With this method a lot more grocery store food is 
available to use backpacking. The cozy is made of the material used for 
car windhshield sun protectors.

It has not been hard to find isobutane canisters on the PCT--sometimes 
they are in hiker boxes. Many stores along the way have become hiker 
gear savvy and carry them. If all else fails you can ship yourself 4 oz. 
canisters--with appropriate labelling. You can google the right post 
office procedures. I have had a friend ship me 4 oz canisters, no 
problem.


--Fireweed