.png)
So you’re buying your first backpacking stove, or picking which to use for an upcoming trip? With so many options on the market it can be tough to know what type to look for. This brief overview may help explain the differences and point you towards the proper tool to make your meals hot for years to come.
Backpacking stoves can be divided into three basic types: Liquid fuel, canister, and quick-boil. Liquid fuel stoves attach to their fuel bottles via a fuel line that keeps the stove and fuel about 6″ apart. Canister stoves thread on to the top of their fuel canisters directly and the pot sits on top of the completed tower. Quick-boil stoves are a subset of the canisters but have a proprietary pot that will only match that model’s stove to increase efficiency. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks, outlined below, and can be selected based on the trip you are planning.
Liquid Fuel stoves: (Ex. MSR Whisperlite, Optimus Nova) Pros: Because the fuel source is separate from the heat sources, these stoves can be completely enclosed in a windscreen/heat shield which leads to faster boil times in inclement weather. Their low and wide stance makes them more stable with heavier pots and many models will burn multiple types of fuel (white gas can be hard to find in smaller towns and internationally). Service can often be done in the field with supplied maintenance kits. They perform well at altitude and in extreme temperatures and their fuel bottles are refillable. Cons: This type is almost always heavier and bulkier and the options are more limited. They require time to prime and more steps to get them running. Starting prices are higher and they are prone to carbon buildup after prolonged use.
Canister stoves: (Ex. MSR Pocket Rocket, Snow Peak Litemax) Pros: These stoves are now very popular so there are plenty of options starting at lower price points. They can be extremely small and light and are simple to use with no priming required. Cons: Their tall, narrow design is much less stable, especially with larger pots. Although the stove is compact, the fuel canister is not; on longer trips the volume of the fuel may outweigh the size saving of the stove itself. They MAY NOT be enclosed from wind completely due to risk of the canister exploding nor can they handle extreme temperatures making them less applicable in poor weather. Their fuel bottles are non-refillable, generally, and are comparatively expensive.
Quick-Boil Stoves: (Ex. MSR Reactor, JetBoil Flash) As a subset of canister stoves, these have almost all the same pros and cons. What makes them unique is their shockingly fast boil times. However, they are more expensive and bulkier than many other options making them mostly suitable in situations where rapid boiling of smaller quantities of water is the primary concern. They are also not suitable for actual cooking; no food should be placed in the pot, only water for boiling and adding to pouch meals.
So, keep these options in mind when you’re shopping for your first backpacking stove or packing for your next trip. Keep on adventuring!
This article was written by Ethan Moorhead of St. Elias Guides on September 25, 2018.N.A.C. News
(Sunday, December 6, 2020)
Hello Everyone,
It's time for Adventure Weekly, Volume 27. 2021 is coming up fast, and with it, many new NAC events! Register now, and be ready! See all the member benefits here. REGISTER NOW!
It's almost 2021! Can you believe it. Although, I can't think of anyone, (other than Trump) that is sad to see 2020 go.
The promise of a vaccine in the very near future brings with it a bright outlook for 2021. The Federal Government has announced that vaccine distribution will begin as early as the end of December here in Canada and would be available to the general public within months of that.
We have 2 more hikes and one evening walk left for 2020. The Buttermilk Hike is already full, and there are only 3 spots left in the Offa's Dyke Hike, which will be the final hike of the year. The Winter Festival of Lights Walk will be a beautiful 9km walk along the Niagara Parkway to enjoy Niagara Fall's Winter Festival of Lights display and Niagara Falls itself. There is still plenty of space, so get your spot now before it fills up!
I have planned out the hike schedule for the 2021 season. Instead of bi-weekly, the new schedule will be 2 weeks on, 1 week off, as this will give more people a chance to attend NAC events.
Here is a list of all the possible Saturdays for day hikes;
January 9th, 16th and 30th.
February 6th, 20th and 27th.
March 13th and 20th.
April 3rd, 10th and 24th.
May 1st, 15th and 22nd.
June 5th, 12th and 26th.
July 3rd, 17th and 24th.
August 14th and 21st.
September 4th, 11th and 25th.
October 2nd, 16th and 23rd.
November 6th, 13th and 27th.
December 4th, 18th and 25th!
(Please note, some of these dates may not be used or may have other events scheduled.)
Remember NAC's Pandemic Rules;
all attendees are required to perform a COVID Self Assessment within 72 hours of attending NAC Events.
INFORMATION:
Click here to find out what zone you are in, and the guidelines you are to follow.
Click here to take your COVID Self Assessment.
Read NAC's Pandemic Protocols and Terms.
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club