Camp Stoves

[number9]

After reading about camp stoves on a couple other forums, I got the bug for one and ended up convicing myself that I will need one. Read many reviews, forum searches, etc... and ended up looking for a Snow Peak Giga Power. Found one on eBay and won it with a couple other accessories.

So what camp stoves do you guys use?

[Mellow]

Thanks for reminding me I need to review mine.

Here's the one I use, just got it and have only used it once but I like it and I already had the lantern:


Campingaz Twister 270 HPZ Stove (http://store.camping-cooking-supplies.com/68208.html)
http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/yhst-52287107803192_1885_129929628 (http://store.camping-cooking-supplies.com/68208.html)

[JCS]

The last few years we have been using a Whisperlite International. Folds up very small and will burn just about any combustible liquid known to man. It rides nested inside my cookset. A shaker deal makes cleaning the jet a no brainer. I start the trip with a cannister of Coleman fuel but if I need more fuel I can take some gasoline from the bike.
It takes a little while to get used to it but it is not hard to use. It can be a little finicky to get it to simmer but it can be done with practice.

[number9]

I initially was thinking along the lines of a Coleman 442 multi-fuel model but after I thought about it more, I didn't want to be toting around a bottle of gas/fuel that I had to pour into the stove because I know I'd get it on my clothes, which would end up going in a saddlebag with other clothes and totally stink the rest of the trip. Also, didn't like the idea of being alone in the middle of who-knows-where with a volitle fuel like gas. I have been on fire by gas and it gets out of control FAST - a 1+ month stay in ICU Burn Unit of University of Kentucky hospital was enough for me.

Some of the things that sounded good about the Snow Peak Giga Power (http://www.rei.com/product/4884579.htm) is that it will screw onto any brand isobutane/butane/propane mix cartridge that has a Lindal valve. And the stove itself folds up to go in a plastic carry case that is only 3.6"x2"x2". It is also reported to provide a very good ability to simmer - we shall see....

[Blues Traveler]

After several differant stoves I finally got tired of running out of fuel when on a trip. Ive two trips on this stove and so far it has worked out GREAT!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/fuelcell442stove007.jpg

Its a Coleman Exponent Series 442 Dual fuel stove. It runs on both white gas and unleaded gas. cost is around $45 at REI. Last trip we had 3 of these things going for dinner and Breakfast. On top is my new 33 oz. stainless steel coffee press.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/DVD06008.jpg

Thats my friend Brian who brings 2 of them along with a small standup grill. Makes for a great stove. We pouched salmon the night before on this setup.

Never running out of fuel with the bikes as a fuel source. I plan to add one more to have the same setup.

[Blues Traveler]

:) then again here's something I made up for camping. I started with a single burner propane stove. I cut it up and put in an aluminum box that makes up a nice kitchen complete with two work surfaces and easy access to everything needed for cooking.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/campkitchen.jpg

when not in use you can stow everything inside and close the front up and go to bed. If animals are a problem the whole thing can be moved to a bear locker.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/campkitchenpacked.jpg

It all fits inside this Seatle Sports soft cooler. As you can see its a great fit on the back of my ST1100. Total weight as shown with everything inside is around 15 lbs.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/campkitcheninsidecooler.jpg

I know its a bit much but its nice to have everything you need when camping. I have sort of retired this camp kitchen and only bring it along for local camping now. If we are staying in the same place for several nights I bring this one along. For longer trips where we are on the move everyday I bring my other setup.

[mongo]

Thats a nice setup. I really like the luggage rack on the 1100!

[dannyk]

Great looking setup.

[Mellow]

Wow, that is nice...

[Trailace]

To me the lighter the better and still works great after 10 years.
WhisperLite International

http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/60161899-S.jpg
Weight: 15.5 oz. (Packed Weight) 11.5 oz. (Min Weight)
Fuel Type: White gas, kerosene, auto gas, jet fuel

[number9]

Got the stove I won on ebay yesterday. It turned out to be smaller than I thought it would be, and on top of that it turned out to be the model that has the auto ignitor to boot :) . Snapped some pics tonight. Included a salt shaker for scale. The windscreen doesn't come with the stove but it came in the auction.

[Big Bandit]

To me the lighter the better and still works great after 10 years.
WhisperLite International

http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/60161899-S.jpg
Weight: 15.5 oz. (Packed Weight) 11.5 oz. (Min Weight)
Fuel Type: White gas, kerosene, auto gas, jet fuel

I love mine. I just carry a small plastic funnel and fill the stove when I am filling my bike.

[Mellow]

I do like the thouht of many fuel options... maybe when my campingaz all runs out I'll consider an alternative.. but, they last so long and I already have some $$ invested in them I may just keep 'em.

[Greg]

I've had this stove for 15 years or so.
I have only had to replace the O-rings in it once when they dried out and cracked,
which caused gas to leak out around the pump.
Very reliable, light as a feather, and compact.
Greg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/scoopdoc/120_2039.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/scoopdoc/120_2040.jpg

[txbikerinpa]

I am interested in the jetboil stove system. Anyone have one or opinions about one. Must you use their fuel or can I get bottles from walmart?
TIA
Chuck

[number9]

I looked around my local Walmart and did not find the butane canisters like my stove and the Jetboil use. I did find them at Dick's SportingGoods though. The Jetboil uses a small canister so it will fit inside the mug that comes with it. You can use other (larger and wont fit in the mug) brand butane canisters though, like MSR, Coleman, SnowPeak, etc.... BUT NOT the Gaz canisters as they have a pop-on type valve instead of a threaded Lindal valve like the other canisters mentioned.

Go to http://www.advrider.com/forums/ and search for Jetboil, camp stoves, etc.. and you will get enough reading to last a weekend.

[Nothrider]

For further info on the jetboil, have a look at these tester reviews :)



http://www.backpackgeartest.org/

[Blues Traveler]

Been working on a little something the last couple of nights for my Coleman 442 camp stove.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/newstovetop007.jpg
Using a Travelers Grill bought through Aerostitch "all stainless"

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/newstovetop005.jpg
I made some legs for it out of 6061 .050 aluminum. Making a few bends with my 24" box brake. Drill a few holes and assembling everything with a few AD solid rivets.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/newstovetop012.jpg
You get a nice little stand for cooking. Should work with any camping type stove. There are always a couple stoves among our group and two stoves work out great with this settup. When not in use it pulls apart and stows flat. The grill has its own sleeve for storage.

[JCS]

Good idea. Dang it. Now you've got me thinking again.

[Mellow]

Good idea. Dang it. Now you've got me thinking again.

That could be trouble... I know it is on the rare occasion when I start doing it... :D

[Mark]

Been using the SVEA 123R since the '70s (backpacking) and it has never let me down.
http://www.optimus.se/
I like this stove because my spare fuel doesn't sit getting old...
Here is a cut and paste from the Sweedish website (I had no idea it has been make for over a century!):
"
The cult stove of the climbing sosiety. A beautiful ultra-classic lightweight white gasoline stove made of solid brass. Optimus Svea has been manufactured since the late 1800’s and still sets a standard for compact outdoor cooking equipment. We doubt that any other outdoor stove has been field tested as much as Optimus Svea to this date. Widely used by Climbers all over the world, Optimus Svea is recognised for its performance at high altitudes. Optimus Svea is ideal for single ventures, high altitude cooking or whenever stuff volume and weight must be kept low. The lid of the stove also serves as a small cooking pot.
"

I like the rack systems I've seen here and think they'd make a good addition.

Mark