Backpacking Stoves
RULES for using a backpacking stove:
- keep all fuels below 100 degress F
- let stoves cool before refilling
- check all fuel line fittings
- never operate a stove in an enclosed space (tent)
- always operate a stove on a level, secure surface
- keep extra fuel at least 20 feet away from stove
- do NOT hover over stove when lighting
- refill stoves/lanterns well away from open flames
- recap stoves/lanterns/fuel_bottles before lighting
- do NOT overload stoves with pots/pans/etc
- do NOT leave stove unattended
- perform regular maintenance
- always dipose of old fuel containers properly
- use stoves ONLY when permitted to do so
- use stoves only with supervision
The ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES of different backpacking stove fuels
(in decreasing order of preference):
- White Gas (AKA "Coleman Stove Fuel")
- ADVANTAGES:
Fuel readily available in the U.S. (Wal-Mart, etc);
Highest output of heat per fuel weight;
Lanterns are available;
Widest selection of available stoves.
- DISADVANTAGES:
Most flammabible of fuel;
Most expensive of fuels;
Stoves can be finnicky.
Stoves require pumping/priming
- Kerosene ( AKA #1 fuel oil)
- ADVANTAGES:
Fuel available world wide
- DISADVANTAGES:
Fuel hard to find in the U.S.;
Can be sooty;
Requires a primer fuel to pre-heat generator;
Stoves can be finnicky.
- Propane
- ADVANTAGES:
Light weight fuel;
Lanterns are available;
Simple operation: turn-on gas and light.
- DISADVANTAGES:
Doesn't work in cold weather;
Heavy weight fuel canisters
- Butane
- ADVANTAGES:
Light weight: fuel and canisters;
Lanterns are available;
Simple operation: turn-on gas and light.
- DISADVANTAGES:
Doesn't work in cold weather;
Doesn't produce as much heat as propane