Survival Stove
Planning to go camping with family or friends? Are you finding ways to relax for a day or two out in the wilderness? The first things you should think of when you go out camping are the basic needs - something for you to sleep on, first aid and survival kits, and, of course, food. The first two mentioned are already given, but food is something you need to prepare. You still have to light a fire before you can cook. For some, this is the hardest part, but not for long. Portable camping stoves are made available for you to bring.
Camping and backpacking can be wonderful, but after a long trek through the wilderness, you might feel like having a warm meal. Of course, you can light a fire to keep you warm and boil water, but a warm meal might be nice. There is no quicker and easier way than using a camping/backpacking stove.
In this article, we will go over the different things that you have to look for in a camping/backpacking stove. We will look at what is important and what is not, why you should care about getting the best camping stove there is.
When it comes to choosing the right camping/backpacking stove you need to consider several factors like where you'll be using the stove, how far you have to carry it as well as other factors like the kind of fuel you may need to use to light the stove.
1. Main Fuel Types
Canister - For short overnight stays, propane camping stove or isobutane fuel systems are good.
- Pro: They are compact units and easy to use as well.
- Con: On the downside, they cost a lot and the fuel is hard to gauge.
Solid Fuel (as alternative fuel source) - These are compact fuel tablets made of hexamine. They are lightweight and great for emergency situations.
- Pro: Light and easy to light
- Con: They burn for a short time and tend to be more expensive than other systems
Liquid Fuel - White gas, also known as naphtha, which is highly refined, works well in high altitudes and extremely cold temperature.
- Pro: Ideal for cold temperatures and at high altitudes
- Con: Liquid fuel systems are a heavier option and they require priming
Alcohol (as an alternative fuel source) - You can find alcohol in most remote parts where hiking or backpacking is common. Look for denatured alcohol, preferably high ethanol content alcohol. Never use methanol, it is toxic.
- Pro: commonly available in various countries and it also fits a wide range of systems
- Con: If the alcohol is not pure enough, it can produce heavy soot.
Wood (as an alternative fuel source) - Wood as an option is ideal for long-distance hikes and very light
- Pro: Wood is easy to source even if you are on the go.
- Con: Need constant attention; tricky to control especially in windy situations
When you've decided on the fuel you can now consider other factors that will make your stove ideal.
2. How big should your camping/backpacking stove be?
The size of your camping backpacking stove will depend largely on the number of people you'll be cooking for. Generally there are two sizes to choose from: A two-burner that sits on a tabletop or a freestanding stove
- Group of 4 or less
For small groups of people just camping or backpacking for a few days, a compact two burner will work just fine. Look for a camping stove that is light, will easily fit into the trunk of your car and has enough cooking power to suit a small group. With a Coleman Chef Everest, you can use a 16-ounce canister or use a larger propane tank. Space is limited with this model so be sure that the usable cooking space fits your pot.
-Groups of seven or less
If you have a mid-sized group of say, seven, choosing the right camping stove can be really hard. It might help to know what you will be cooking, or how long you expect to be out in the wilderness. You can start off with a two-burner stove and include one more if the demands increase. A freestanding burner might be too bulky and too much of a hassle to lug around and assemble. With a two-burner stove, you can cook meals that you would typically cook at home like a Sauce meal and pasta.
Coleman and other brands offer different versions of two burners stove. The difference between these versions is the space for the pots. Standard versions work well for mid-size families or small groups but with a little creativity, these can be used to even cook for as much as eight people. A campfire can always be used to heat up some dishes.
-Group of 8 and more
Eight is a large number and you may need more than a standard two burner stove. Freestanding models are perfect for large groups. The advantage is that they don't need a tabletop. Check out camping stoves that have more powerful burners and prep trays, which give you more cooking and space. You need to keep in mind that freestanding stoves take time to pack and unpack and they take up a lot of space too. If space is an issue you might want to get two compact two-burner stoves instead.
3. BTU & Power
The power of a camping stove is measured by how many BTU (British Thermal Units) it. BTU is a measure of the amount of energy required to heat or cool one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. So the more BTU a camping stove has the more power it has. This should not be the only factor that you consider when buying a camping stove, you should also consider the cooking space it has.
-Simmering Capability and Wind Resistance
Most products that are tested can boil water relatively fast but they are unable to keep a small flame to simmer down. You should look for a model that can boil water fast but also keep a small flame without turning off when the burner is lowered. The fact that you are using a camping stove should not mean you should expect it to perform any less than your stove at home.
When it comes to wind resistance things are more straightforward. You can buy a camping stove with a windscreen or you can forego the windscreen and create your own by putting your stove in a protected area. If you camp in extremely windy places then its best to invest in a camp stove with a powerful burner and a windscreen.
-Look at the time it takes to boil water
All stoves should be able to boil if the temperature is ideal, wind conditions are moderate and the group size is fairly manageable. However, before you choose a camping stove you should know how fast it could boil water. This is crucial if you have a big group and time is of the essence. Boiling water for your morning coffee should not be a two-hour event. The number of BTU should be an adequate indicator, but it is not always the case.
If you enjoy camping and enjoy food and cooking then you should choose a product that really meets your requirements. Remember also to maintain your stove so that it can last for as long as you need it to.