Re: [pct-l] Re: white gas

[Slyinmd@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/17/99 1:02:15 PM US Eastern Standard Time, 
mkdixon1@excite.com writes:

<< From my experience last year most thru-hikers still use white gas. Although
 it is not so popular on this mail list, it still is the fuel of choice for
 most of those I met on the trail. Finding white gas was no particular
 problem anywhere along the trail last year.  >>

Although many of the thru-hikers this year used alternative methods such as 
propane, iso/butane, esbit and alcohol, I believe white gas stoves were in 
the majority.  I used a whisperlite internationle, the one with the shaker 
jet.  I've probably used this stove close to a thousand times and never had a 
problem, although I carry around (or have it in a bounce box) the repair kit, 
I've never ever had to use it.  I carry the small 11 oz. bottle and have 
never ran out of fuel and only had to use gasoline once on the AT, and that 
only because I was alone and didn't want to purchase a gallon of Coleman 
fuel.  

The availibility of alternative stove fuels are limited in trail towns and 
since I like to do my shopping locally when on the trail, I'll continue to 
use white gas.

When I'm hiking, I normally cook boiled pasta or rice dinners, a hot drink 
for dinner and a hot cereal for breakfast (depends on the time of year).  I 
use my stove often, but I don't have time to sit in the woods and bake cakes. 
 If and when my current stove breaks down or alternative fuel becomes more 
availible, I may consider a different type of stove.

Sly
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