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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How To: Use a Backpacking Stove

Abs: Mountain Man guest posting here on various types of backpacking stoves and how to use them.

In planning for an emergency situation, it is a good idea to be prepared for the very worst. In the case of cooking, we need to be prepared to go without the microwave and gas/electric ranges.

One of the best ways to be prepared in this area is to purchase a small backpacking type stove. They are light, and thus very portable. They are small and easily stored. They boil and heat very efficiently, cutting down on the amount of fuel that you must purchase.

There are many types and varieties of stoves. Most stoves use either a liquid white gas, or a butane/propane mixture that comes in a canister (I think these are the best, for what its worth...). Any of these can be found at REI, Sierra Trading Post or Campmor. I have also found many good deals on eBay. Keep in mind that the price is for the stove only--fuel is sold separately (usually $3-5/canister--1 canister usually lasts 60 minutes of cooking time).

I have two different stoves that I use, and my backpacking friend has let me borrow his to example another.




Example 1: Jetboil

The head screws into the gas canister,



And then the mug screws into the head.



Push-button ignition. Pretty simple. Boils water really quickly. Not great for cooking in, but you can also buy a bigger pot that is better for cooking. This unit is best for just boiling water really fast. Pricey.


Example 2: Camping Gaz Bluet Micro Stove

The head screws into the gas canister,



Turn on the gas,



This stove does not have an automatic ignition, and needs to be lit with a lighter or matches. I have cooked everything on this little stove, from pork-chops to risotto. The scouts invented the delicacy known as "candied spam" on this stove.


Example 3: Brunton Raptor

The head screws into the gas canister,



turn on the gas,



Push-button ignition. Really simple. Really effective. Boy scouts cook with this one once a month. If a twelve year old can cook on it, so can you.


The Brunton Raptor is similar to the giveaway stove, the MSR Pocket Rocket:


180 comments:

Will said...

Nice overview of fuel canister stoves. Remember that they will not work when the temperature is too low. I have found that my Jetboil has trouble when it's 20 degrees or less outside.

arisa said...

yes, i would love to win that little baby!

The Monkey Mama said...

Thanks for the tutorial!
We gave my dad the MSR Pocket Rocket for Christmas last year (he's a big-time Scouter) and he LOVES it.
Ooo- I hope we can win one and be cool with him now too :)
-Cortney

Noel said...

I love my Jetboil. But I would never try to simmer anything in it. Nothing better in my opinion for heating up a cup of water for a dehydrated meal.

Anonymous said...

Great post, can I have my stove now please

Carl in wisconsin

Really very good post

Jessica Anderson said...

That's just what I need for my 72 hour kit!

Sarbear said...

Great idea to keep these in the kits.

Jen said...

great blog. I barely discovered it a week ago and have already found it very useful. (now even more so!!) Thanks

Anonymous said...

I just found you today and LOVE giveaways! random please pick me :)

Cam said...

I enjoy reading your blog, great practical information for everyone to use!

jksfam said...

Thank you for doing this blog and having this give-away! I really enjoy the information given and appreciate so much all of your efforts!

Megan said...

That would be great!! Why don't they work when it's too cold outside?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reviews. I've been saving coffee cans, thinking I'd make several "hobo stoves" or looked into making soda can/catfood can alcohol stoves. But I'm think that I'd actually get more done, more efficiently with a stove like you're reviewed here. At least I think it might be wise to have one of these kinds of stoves, and then maybe a few of the DIY ones.

kriscake said...

We are long time backpackers and have used the MSR Whisperlite International for over 10yrs without fail. I do carry a small repair kit but have never had to use it. I chose this stove because it burns white gas, kerosene and unleaded auto gas. I have never tried anything other than white gas but I thought it would be useful in an emergency situation. Plus I can refill the canister.
We have into the 20's and never had a problem with it.
Thanks for such a great site with tons of information. I am so going to can some butter!

Phill, Allie, and kids said...

Oh I could totally use this! I love all of your genius ideas!

Shary said...

Excellent tutorial! Thanks for all your work and research. Once again I'll be referring my friends to your blog!

Will said...

Re: Megan
"That would be great!! Why don't they work when it's too cold outside?"

When the canister gets sufficiently cold, the fuel becomes a liquid instead of a gas.

If you want a cold-weather solution, the MSR Whisperlite recommended by kriscake above is a good option. It's more difficult to use than the fuel canister stoves though.

Aubrey said...

I'd LOVE to put that in my 72 hour kit!

Anonymous said...

I'd love the little stove! What a great blog you have!
Amie amierachelle @ gmail .com (remove spaces)

The Oman Family said...

That would be great in my 72 hour kit!!

Leslie & Matt said...

Sweet! I love free stuff, especially when it is for such a good use!!

David and Andra said...

Ooh, pick me! I really need one.

Christine said...

I would love to win! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

How sturdy is the raptor? I have a coleman camp stove(too big for backpacking) and a small esbit trioxane stove(probably too small for much other than boiling a cup of water), so I'd love to win .
lukenichols78@yahoo.com

BWei said...

Great job, Mountain Man! Count me in on the giveaway.

Amy said...

Sweet.
I hope mountain man makes more guest appearances.

Jen said...

Thanks for all your work on this blog. It has saved me a lot of time! Hope I win.

I am LoW said...

Count me in.

Jana said...

Thanks for the blog! Great resource for getting prepared! And yes, I would love to win that stove!

Debbie said...

Thanks for the great info. I'm sure these posts all take a lot of time and effort. They are helping tons, though. So thanks!

Faith said...

Love your blog!! Thanks for all the great info.!!

Hannah said...

You have a great site here!

Courtney said...

We could use one of those. Andrew's camping stove is a little bulky. Great job with the blog ladies!

Chase said...

great post, I'm not much of a blogger, however I have learned much and consider myself fortunate to have stumbled onto this blog page. As a Scout troop, we have used each of these stoves and each performs well for its intended use. I like the Jet Boil a lot, expensive but boils water in no time at all. I personally own two Brunton Raptor's. My 15 and 13 year old sons use them with ease. Occasionally, they allow me to use them also. Two thumbs up for Raptor

LeLe said...

Great post! So glad that you started this blog, such a great help for a newbie. Hope I win!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I had no idea that you had his blog! It's great!

Candy said...

I currently have a coffee can with a sterno fuel can. It works ok, but a stove might be better. Count me in for the giveaway!

Jess the photographer behind the lens at JWilsonPix said...

Thank you for all you do to get this sort of information out to the public!! I think its wonderful!! I am always excited to see when there is something new!!

Even more fun that you do fun yet needed give aways like this!!! Woohoo!!! Heres hoping for the luck of the draw!!

Ann Marie said...

A giveaway... Yay! Pick me!

Cory and Becca said...

I recently found your blog and appreciate all the useful information! I am working on creating a car kit that you have posted. Hope I get drawn for the prize! :)

kanewoman said...

Since I know Hannah personally, how about picking ME for the giveaway!

Dianna said...

Just discovered you. What a great site! I just realized the other day that we have no way to cook if the power goes out . . .

Lisa said...

I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for the chance to win.

Lisa in TX

Heidi said...

We would love it, we've not figured out yet what to use for cooking in emergencies. Thanks for the very helpful review of options!

Tiffany -- the mommy said...

Wow talk about a response to Mountian Mans post!!! Loved the post!!

Liz Johnston said...

Very Cool!

roxanne said...

This sounds great. We have a camping stove that I figured I'd rely on in an emergency, but I didn't think about anything for the 72-hour kit. As always, you are a step ahead! Do you have to use these outside?

Karli said...

This is pretty great! We're doing a Preparedness Fair this Sat for our ward and would love to share your blog with people if that's okay. Very helpful!

Connie said...

I love your blog! Hope I win- I am in the middle of redoing our 72 hour kits!

Connie- greenappleorchard at gmail dot com

Redneck said...

I currently have one very similar to the Pocket Rocket, but my wife needs one!

Tulip Girl said...

We have a backpacking stove that you refill the fuel tank. Didn't know about this option. Thanks for the info.

Carrie J said...

Just found your blog a few days ago. Linked to it in a post.
Please enter me in the drawing.

Marisa May said...

I just linked to your site from MSM. It looks awesome and I hope will help me in my efforts in keeping my family fed and prepared.

Rachelle said...

I love that mountain man made an appearance! You two are awesome and I truly count myself lucky to be considered one of your friends. Is that enough sucking up for a stove? J/K

Camille said...

Wow, everyone wants to win this stove! I'm impressed at how many readers you have. Way to go, girls!

Queen Bee said...

Great blog here! I came over from Shiloh's blog and have been looking for more help with food storage. Thanks! We have a small stove but I've never used it, I've always let my husband do it. Now it's time I did it myself I guess!

RedTresses said...

I've been reading your blog from the beginning. Everyday I learn something new or get reinforced for the things I have in place. Thank you!

Jessica Marie said...

You can't use those stoves inside, though, because of the propane, right? Interesting how many people must read this blog and just not comment! I've really appreciated the help with finally getting my 72-hour kits put together. I hope you do the car one again because I found your blog when you were just finishing that up. Thanks for everything!!

Patricia said...

What a great way to generate comments! Who wouldn't want a pocket rocket? :) Great blog, by the way. I learn a lot here. Love the oven post a few days ago.
HM

Cecily said...

I have to say that stenno fuel will work well in a punch. (That is the stuff that you use to keep your food warm in chaffing dishes.) I've taken it backpacking (to heat water) and it works well.

Kerri said...

I would love a stove! I like your blog. It keeps me excited about being prepared!

Jackie said...

Pocket Rocket, we need you!!! Oh please oh please pick us!

J.F. said...

Count me in. - Jacob

Robyn said...

I'm new to your blog and am absolutely loving it. Thank you for the effort and preparation you've given to this. It's making it seem more reasonable for me to really be prepared.

Thanks.

And yes, I would love that stove!

Kimberly said...

I thought this very informative. Thanks for breaking down the differences. It really helped me. I hope I win. Again, thanks for all the information.

Sara R said...

I love your blog!

Anonymous said...

What a great blog. I bet you are getting a lot of people looking for info on food storage. Things just are not looking so good. I belong to a food storage chat group and someone linked to your post on the cardboard box oven. Thanks Cindy in FL

Virginia said...

Oh what a great giveaway!

VIrginia

Justin and Lindsay Wilkin said...

Oh Please pick us! :) You guys are so on the ball! I love reading your blog and enjoy all the useful information. Thanks for all that you do! :)

Michelle said...

fantastic review of the stoves! We'd love one to add to our family's storage..Thanks guys!

Anonymous said...

My daughter introduced me to your site. I, in turn, have sent it to several people (they've probably already commented). Thanks so much - I have learned and continue to learn much through your efforts. Hopefully, the person needing this stove the most will be the lucky winner. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing how it works. Would love to add this to our camping stuff. Thanks katie_mmartin at yahoo dot com.

Bonita said...

When do we get the recipe for Candied Spam?

Mark said...

I appreciate the information you are providing. In Minnesota it gets cold enough to liquify the propane so I prefer the liquid (white gas). I can always use an other stove - espaecially a smaller size. Thanks, Mark

Jessie said...

This blog is so helpful, I'm so glad you've shared so much knowledge with us. I'd love to win the free stove.

Lisa said...

What a great idea!

Anonymous said...

Brave man to do that on a wooden table! I can only imagine what damage I would have inflicted :) Great giveaway and fantastic blog. Thanks! Sydney (sydneymin at gmaildot com)

Unknown said...

Your blog is been such a blessing to our family. I love the info on the stoves. I hope I win!!

Suzanne said...

My husband and I have just recently discovered your blog. I really enjoy all the info. And a stove would be great too.

Kelli said...

Thanks for the info on the stoves! Count me in the drawing, please. :)

Topsy said...

Love it all!

Kylee said...

Hi.

My name is Kylee and I am starting a blog for Mormon moms-anyways I was wondering if I could add you as a link on my page.

October has been designated as food storage month on my blog and your info is AWESOME!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks! This is exactly what my husband and I were looking for. We had no idea what kind of stove to buy (we have a huge Coleman camping stove, but it just won't work for a 72-hour kit). Appreciate the info!

Mist said...

Thank you to Hannah for stopping by my blog and commenting. You didn't know I already subscribe to your blog, Hannah! ;) You all share a wonderful amount of useful, practical advice. I'm just a shy commenter.

This post is beautifully done. Thanks for sharing this information. I've never cooked with a backpacking stove before, so all of this is new to me. Just another way to expand the horizons...

Anonymous said...

Nice pictures. I didn't realize there were so many choices nowadays. What about the pellet backpacking stoves? How do they stack up?

Gavin in UT

Lindsay said...

Cool camp stoves! Do you find that they wobble when you're using them?

the Jesters Court said...

Love the blog!
What a great give a way.

Anonymous said...

Anything to be more prepared. This would be great.

Brittany said...

I definitely need this stove. I love your blog. Very informative.

Brittany American Fork Utah

Nikki said...

Wow!! Are you completely overwhelmed by the response to your blog? I've told everyone I know about it. It's such a great blog. You guys are doing such a service. Keep up the good work!

Kathy said...

This looks great! I'm trying to get prepared, and this little stove looks like a super addition to my stash o' stuff. Thanks for all your good advice.

Michele said...

Love the blog! I am motivated to keep working on my preparedness stash.

Chris said...

I so need that!! Pick me, pick me!!

gina said...

I don't have anything like this in our 72 hour kits, but it sure would be nice to eat our food warm! Thanks for the info.

Jo Ann said...

I would love to have this and my scout would too!

Anonymous said...

Love your site. Heard about out from Commanderzero. Thanks for the giveaway!

Ivy said...

I would love to have something like this in my 72-hour kit. I hope I win!

Anonymous said...

Great Blog! Like a previous commenter, I have an MSR Whisperlite International multi-fuel stove. It is more difficult to light, but you can burn regular unleaded gas in it. It's kind of handy filling your fuel bottles and your car at the same time!

Sharron said...

Good info. We use our stoves like this when traveling. Makes a quick hot meal at rest areas. We keep a sheet of aluminum foil handy as a wind guard so that we don't lose heat. Makes is it go faster and saves fuel.

Dan H said...

Great stove, if I win it, you can keep half!

anissa ferguson said...

Thanks for all your great insight. My boy's would love to have one of these. My husband is on a mission to get us PREPARED IN ALL THINGS. I will have to show him this....

Anna said...

I love your site!! Pick me!!!!

Samantha said...

Would be fantastic to win this!!!

Garrett said...

I wanna win

Stacy said...

Thanks for checking out my blog. I really like yours as well. A lot of great information. Now that I've got a pretty good start on food storage, we're working on stoves, washers, heaters etc....

Check me out from time to time to see other great deals and freebies

http://apennyearnedisapennysaved.blogspot.com/

Lars said...

Love the blog! Thanks so much for all of the helpful information!

Ian and Lara said...

Just found your blog, love the information! You are inspiring!

Shayleen Lunt said...

Love it! Want it! NEED IT!

Mistress Meeyee said...

Thats a must have for me!!! I sure hope I win this!!!Yay!

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed your blog for the past couple of months. Thanks for your service.

Danielle Taylor

Michelle said...

Thanks for the chance to win! You have quickly become one of my most favorite blogs. Thanks for sharing everything you are doing!

Kirsten said...

INclude me please!!!!

Carolina girl said...

I love it and I love your blog!

Cathy said...

Perfect for my 72 hour kit. I keep it under my bed.
Oh, and I love the blog.

Kathy said...

Great blog!! A giveaway? What fun!
Thanks for all your hard work to help the rest of us!

Anonymous said...

Just a great blog so full of great info, and now a give away. Thanks for everything.

Deb

West Family said...

Just what I need. Thanks for all your advice and motivating help!

Jamie

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Way to expand your readership!

Cameron Siguenza said...

I enjoy your blog and appreciate the good work that is done here. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "how to" on using the stove! I'd love to win one!

tristanandtricia said...

Pocket Rocket Away! I am amazed at all the readers...AWESOME job! Ummmm, do you hand deliver? :)

Carla said...

This is so cool! I would like to enter please :)

btw, I'm enjoying your blog :)

Erin said...

I would like to enter please.
This is a great blog btw and I have been finding so many great ideas. Thank you!

Brandis said...

I never knew there were so many different backpacking stoves! Thanks for the great info!

Tanya said...

I would love to win this. Thank you!!

Unknown said...

Cool! Love this blog. Thanks for the fun giveaway chance.

bookworm said...

That's pretty cool, I would love to win that. Thanks for offering it!

Unknown said...

Nice coverage of the isobutane stoves? What about some of the multi-fuel stoves like the MSR WhisperLite Internationale

Anonymous said...

Please enter my name and thanks!

Christy

candbgom@yahoo.com

Debbie said...

I need one. I've been looking at finding a stove to put in my 72 hr kit. Thanks!

Britt said...

Count me in! My husband and I would love one of those!

shauna said...

What a fantastic giveaway! Crossing my fingers that it will soon be joining my 72 hour kit!

This is Us! said...

Wow, I don't know much about these types of stoves, so thank you for sharing! If I win, I'll learn quickly. If not, I'll be buying one for sure!:-)

Derrick said...

I like free stuff.

Emma and John said...

Love the blog, love the pocket rocket.

Unknown said...

This is something my husband has been wanting for camping and our 72-hr. kits. It would definitely come in handy.

Danielle said...

We are woking on building up or 72 hour kit and this would be a great addition.

ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com
http://homeschoolunitstudies.blogspot.com

Sondra said...

Thanks for your blogsite! I love it and would love to have this stove for my 72 hour kit. Sondra

keri said...

I love your blog. Thanks for all you do

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info!!

Anonymous said...

Wow great tutorial... I think that maybe I could use it lol !! i would love a chance to win this for my hubby!! He would love it!!!!

Robyn said...

I would love to have this thing! Awesome.

Phil said...

Random number generator, do your thing!

Good post on the differences to watch for.

Chris said...

Wow, that's a lot of comments. We'll gamble on this one. At least in an emergency we could have some warm food...

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

We really needed this last winter when the ice storm killed our electricity for 3 weeks!

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

Eggy said...

nice blog. If your random number generator picks me you can save on shipping.

Heffalump said...

I am assuming that these are for outdoor use only? I know you aren't supposed to use camp stoves and such indoors.
We use a butane burner like they use in catering. They cost around $30, and come in their own case that looks like a small briefcase. They are safe to use inside and the butane is inexpensive as well. We have used ours often in power outages and such. The burner on it is full sized, so we can make soup in a stock pot or whatever. Last winter we did onion rings, fries and tempura shrimp during our power outage.
It would still be cool to have a small one, but we are pretty happy with our butane one for emergencies.

Heffalump said...

I am assuming that these are for outdoor use only? I know you aren't supposed to use camp stoves and such indoors.
We use a butane burner like they use in catering. They cost around $30, and come in their own case that looks like a small briefcase. They are safe to use inside and the butane is inexpensive as well. We have used ours often in power outages and such. The burner on it is full sized, so we can make soup in a stock pot or whatever. Last winter we did onion rings, fries and tempura shrimp during our power outage.
It would still be cool to have a small one, but we are pretty happy with our butane one for emergencies.

Bobby said...

So I consider you guys very lucky to be my friend! That being said, if I don't "win" this give-away I will probably never talk to you guys again. Just something to keep in mind...

Anonymous said...

That's a neat little stove, but can it make Peanut Butter cookies?

Scott in Washington said...

Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!

I found your process description of canning pears interesting. Peeling them looks tedious but I do love canned pears.

Got our pressure cooker this past weekend. Can't wait to fire it up on Saturday.

Christine said...

I'd love to win this! Thanks.

Christinerupp(at)gmail(dot)com

April Greener said...

I am just getting into the 72 hour kits- and would love LOVE love this!

Doty Family said...

What a nice addition to a 72-hour-kit. I'm crossing my fingers for this one!

Anonymous said...

What great information, and what a great addition to a 72 hour kit! Pick me!

Unknown said...

That's quite the machine. :)

Nicole said...

I love your site and read it all the time!
I want to win! :)

Troop 1309 said...

I found your blog about a week ago. I have spent lots of time reading about your food storage, recipes, etc and LOVE IT! Thanks so much. I am new to food storage and this site has answered many questions I had.

Aleasha said...

holy cow, 158 comments?!?!? i told you you guys are famous!!!! i would love to have the trusty pocketrocket!!!!

Tracy DeLuca said...

I would LOVE to win this! Please enter me! And great directions.... easy to follow!

Catherine said...

I've only been married 9 months and we have a long want to go on our food storage--this stove would be a wonderful addition! BTW I'm new to this blog--what a great resource!

Kelly Tillotson said...

i love your blog! on my homemaking blog i do a "food storage friday" and when searching for some information, I came across your blog...I posted about your homemade box oven and linked up to your site--i know the sisters in my ward will appreciate your blog for ideas...i know i do! thanks for being so thorough with pictures and explanations--im just starting to learn about the many facets of food storage!

Anonymous said...

pick me pick me!!!

Heather said...

Just found your blog and I love it! Pick me!

Unknown said...

No Pick me! And I love the pumpkin in the background!!!

Survival Chick said...

I need that!

Sarah said...

Wow, cool. This is the first time I've bee to your site. I'm bookmarkig you for sure!

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog, and I'm delighted to see how many young people are catching on to the concept of being prepared. This one is especially creative. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

You have SUCH a great blog! I love reading it.


seven_of_jo@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you or showing the differences. Now I know what to look for ....but I am going to win one..right?

lzaagsma

Justin, Beth and Owen said...

We really like the whisper lite camp stoves....but wouldn't mind trying this thing out.

Tiffany said...

Which one is the most economical?

Anonymous said...

I remember when I was a Scout I used one just like the Camping Gaz Bluet Micro Stove, so reading this post brought back memories.

Jake said...

Awesome! I am want it so I can cook some good ramen noodles!

Gretchen said...

I would love this!

Justin said...

Nice blog and good advice. I didn't know that people used the internet for things other than youtube. If I win the stove, I'll cook us a meal for dinner group up in north georgia.

Romie said...

Wonderful blog, hope you know you really are helping people like me get prepared! Fuel is an area I need help with.

Anonymous said...

FYI - one or two weeks ago, a Coleman propane camp stove on Amazon cost about $35. Today, they are listed at anywhere from $50-$100. Even at Walmart they are now $47. I got one on sale today at K-Mart for $24.99.

Also, here's a good lightweight alternative for a Go Bag in an evacuation scenario. It's a Single Burner Sterno Emergency Folding Stove. You could heat a can of food or water on it. It's tiny and lightweight (as are sterno cans) and would be good in a Katrina-type situation if you were in some kind of holding area and needed to heat food.

I got one on sale for $3.50 today!

http://www.campsaver.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=ste0002

Paul said...

Love the site. Only thing I would add to your list of needed item would be a firearm. A good priesthood leader and his wife should should be prepared to defend what they have. choose a weapon with common a caliber and adequate stopping power. I keep a 9mm in my kit with several loaded mags and a hundred rounds of ammo.

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