Multitool.org Forum
+-

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.


Show off your backpacking stove!

av8r1 · 42 · 4984

00 Offline av8r1

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
    • Posts: 391
Show off your backpacking stove!
on: April 04, 2014, 12:42:36 AM
I was requested in this thread to show off my Bug Out Bag cooking solution, so here it is.

It's a slightly modified Esbit tablet burner and 16 oz. pot. It's made of anodized aluminum.


Inside, I keep a bunch of Esbit hexamine tablets in little zip lock baggies to keep their fishy smell down, a bit of folded up aluminum foil to use as a wind guard/reflector, and a Bic Mini.




The burner base/pot stand fits nicely down inside the pot.  It has a little square tray in it that holds the Hexamine tablet in place.





^That is where I've made my modification. That little tray is a separate piece of aluminum that's held in with a steel rivet.  I drilled out the rivet and replaced it with a screw so that I could remove it and use a penny stove in it's place. I found that a penny stove made from a full-size can was a little much for the size of the pot stand, so I made one out of V8 veggie juice cans.  With the tablet tray removed, it's still about a half inch too close to the pot, but it works pretty well.



There it is with two bottles of fuel. As mentioned in the thread linked above, those are 5-hour energy bottles filled with a mixture of red bottle and yellow bottle HEET (that fuel additive you can get practically anywhere. One is pretty much denatured Ethanol, the other is Methanol, I forget which is which. I mix them to get a visible but clean flame).

This stove is used only to boil water to prepare the three mountain house meals and three hot beverage mixes I carry in my BOB.  Since I eat the mountain house meals out of their bags and line a cup with ziplock sandwich bags to drink the hot beverages, I have no dish washing to do on the trail, so I don't have to carry as much water.

I gave it a proper field test during the Uwharrie Mountain 40 mile race (I work one of the aid stations along the trail as a radio operator) using Esbit tabs.  I wasn't using the foil as a reflector that day.  It did a bad job. I had warm chocolate. I used 1.5 tabs and it barely got 2 cups of water to start to steam.  They just don't have enough grunt.  I'm going back out to the Uwharries with some of the radio crew for a day of fun in the woods this weekend, and I'm gonna try it again with the penny stove and HEET fuel.  I know from a bench test that this pot and stove will handily boil 2 cups of water, now I want to try it in the field.

Esbit makes a bigger version of this pot set that has a larger base and includes their own professionally made alcohol stove, but it's bigger, bulkier, heavier, and more expensive.  This one seems to do the job just fine.
My EDC:
Leatherman Skeletool   Led Lenser P3 AFS P
Leatherman Style CS    "Fauxton"
Sharpie Twin Tip           Bic Mini


gb Offline Sparky415

  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 12,996
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #1 on: April 04, 2014, 10:10:49 AM

Thanks Av8r1  :salute:

Great pictures and review  :tu:
Everything’s adjustable


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #2 on: April 04, 2014, 11:42:37 AM
I have exactly the same Esbit stove and I think it's an extremely well made bit of kit. :tu:  I agree that without some form of wind shield (like you I've added a foil screen to the kit) it's not really up for doing more than making water warm.  With the screen though it works much better. Here's a little about some other people's experiences with the Esbit.

I'd always thought about making the same modification you've done, but never quite gotten around to it yet. :-[

Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline ducttapetech

  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 18,707
  • Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over.
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #3 on: April 04, 2014, 12:45:47 PM
Nice kit!
That reminds me, gonna have to make a new wood gas stove.

live from Nate's mobile

Nate

SEND IT!


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #4 on: April 04, 2014, 12:50:18 PM
I will say that this Vango stove has been my go-to for hiking for the last little while.



Cheap, well made and quick to heat.
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


hr Offline enki_ck

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Absolute Zombie Club
  • *
    • Posts: 20,903
  • I may get older but I refuse to grow up.
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #5 on: April 04, 2014, 02:39:36 PM
My campingaz one. Small, foldable, light weight. Had it for 7, 8 years, maybe more. :tu:


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #6 on: April 05, 2014, 06:39:55 PM
A set I've been assembling with some retro gear...based around a Svea 123R

Sigg Billy pot, Optimus 88 cookset and a seasoned Paderno Blue steel cake pan as a frying pan. The enamel mug in in the photo for scale.
svea_cookset01.jpg
* svea_cookset01.jpg (Filesize: 18.98 KB)
svea_cookset02.jpg
* svea_cookset02.jpg (Filesize: 27.96 KB)
svea_cookset03.jpg
* svea_cookset03.jpg (Filesize: 29.56 KB)
svea_cookset04.jpg
* svea_cookset04.jpg (Filesize: 25.48 KB)


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #7 on: April 05, 2014, 06:43:23 PM
Nice cooking gear Dave (as ever). :tu:  There's something very nice about enamelware IMO, feels...authentic? :think:
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #8 on: April 05, 2014, 06:44:36 PM
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies baked in an Optimus mini oven...
opti_oven03.jpg
* opti_oven03.jpg (Filesize: 31.14 KB)
opti_oven04.jpg
* opti_oven04.jpg (Filesize: 35.72 KB)


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #9 on: April 05, 2014, 06:46:15 PM
Nice cooking gear Dave (as ever). :tu:  There's something very nice about enamelware IMO, feels...authentic? :think:

I agree...I like enamelware mugs and have a hoard of older ones  :D


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #10 on: April 05, 2014, 06:51:44 PM
Nice cooking gear Dave (as ever). :tu:  There's something very nice about enamelware IMO, feels...authentic? :think:

I agree...I like enamelware mugs and have a hoard of older ones  :D

Why does that not surprise me? :D  I tend to use enamelware as well, both mugs and plates, though all my stuff is in white with blue edges.  Still readily available from Falcon.  Though for some reason the site shows nothing like the full range. :think:  Easily gotten from Amazon.uk though.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2014, 06:56:49 PM by Gareth »
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #11 on: April 05, 2014, 07:39:50 PM
It's odd, over here it's difficult to find new solid color enamelware. Everyone seems to only stock blue speckled locally...and then there is the hideous splatterware :P

Crow Canyon

Golen Rabbit



scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #12 on: April 05, 2014, 07:57:47 PM
can't say I'm a fan of that myself. :-\
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #13 on: April 05, 2014, 08:17:44 PM
I've been toying with the ideal of putting together an all enamelware set from GSI enamelware Their kettles and pots are a bit large...maybe starting with the 1qt saucepan with the handle removed.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #14 on: April 05, 2014, 08:26:19 PM
I hadn't really thought about it but I was most of the way there on my last trip, enamel mug and enamel plate doubling up as a pot lid, all I need is a enamel pot.  Off to browse Amazon I guess. ::)
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #15 on: April 05, 2014, 08:37:31 PM
I hadn't really thought about it but I was most of the way there on my last trip, enamel mug and enamel plate doubling up as a pot lid, all I need is a enamel pot.  Off to browse Amazon I guess. ::)

Sorry, I'm a bad influence   :D


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #16 on: April 05, 2014, 08:44:20 PM
you always were Dave.  :D

I'm looking at something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Falcon-Enamel-12cm-Pudding-Basin/dp/B00309IYXI/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1396723091&sr=1-1&keywords=falcon+enamel+basin

Comes in three sizes, 12, 14 or 16cm (4 3/4", 5 1/2" or 6 1/2" aprox).
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #17 on: April 05, 2014, 08:52:47 PM
That would work...and you wouldn't have to cut the handle off a pot like I was thinking. Looks like the rim would work with a spondonicle.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #18 on: April 05, 2014, 09:16:35 PM
I'm away from home for the next few days, but when I get back I'm going to have to check the size of the rice plate I have and pick something to suit.  :)
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


gb Offline Millhouse

  • *
  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 2,275
  • This isn't me, but I'm just as dysfunctional
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #19 on: April 06, 2014, 01:01:34 AM
MSR Pocket Rocket.
P1000111.jpg
* P1000111.jpg (Filesize: 164.08 KB)
If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.


00 Offline av8r1

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
    • Posts: 391
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #20 on: April 06, 2014, 01:16:06 AM
Tested my new alcohol stove, and it performed much better. I find that one 5-hour Energy bottle of fuel will neatly boil 2 cups of water.  I much prefer it to the Esbit cubes.
My EDC:
Leatherman Skeletool   Led Lenser P3 AFS P
Leatherman Style CS    "Fauxton"
Sharpie Twin Tip           Bic Mini


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #21 on: April 07, 2014, 12:10:37 AM
I'm away from home for the next few days, but when I get back I'm going to have to check the size of the rice plate I have and pick something to suit.  :)

Gareth, I found some enamelware bowls at the local Hispanic grocery. They were only $3 so I thought I'd give it a try...and it matched an enamel Cowboy cup I have. It's about 14cm diameter...about the same volume as the Trangia 28 in the photo. Practical capacity is about 14oz. I would have preferred a slightly larger size, but it can work with a bit of care.

A small aluminum plate worked for the lid, but I'll be looking for something that fits better..I've seen some stainless dishes in various sizes at one of the Asian groceries. On top of a titanium Kovea Supalite stove, I did the "Ramen" test for volume. It was a little tight, and I had to quickly dial down the heat to prevent boil-over...but I managed to do it without making a mess.

Given a choice, you might consider the 16cm Pudding bowl for a bit more volume. I also noticed that the enamel was sort of slippery on the pot supports...I might have to paint the bottom with high temp paint to add a little grip.
enamelware_set01.jpg
* enamelware_set01.jpg (Filesize: 20.39 KB)
enamelware_set02.jpg
* enamelware_set02.jpg (Filesize: 32.54 KB)
enamelware_set03.jpg
* enamelware_set03.jpg (Filesize: 33.33 KB)


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #22 on: April 07, 2014, 01:00:00 AM
Looks good Dave. :tu:

Yeah, I'm thinking the 16cm is probably the best size to go for, but I'll check in the next couple of days. :)
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #23 on: April 07, 2014, 07:59:22 PM
OK, I have to admit I'd totally forgotten about a enamel bowl that I had sitting in the shed, not a bad fit, but not quite what I was after either.  I've ordered the 16cm pudding basin and will see if it suits me more. :)
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #24 on: April 07, 2014, 08:21:12 PM
Here's the idea at least;

Bowl/pot, cup and plate/lid.



Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #25 on: April 08, 2014, 12:24:22 AM
How large is that bowl? Do you think the base might be too narrow to sit on your stove securely? Are you going to do a Pot Noodle test? Do you like Gladiator movies?


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #26 on: April 08, 2014, 12:36:21 AM
It's about 15cm.  Yes, I do worry it will be too narrow to sit well on a stove.  It will comfortably hold the 1/2 pint of water plus noodles, but I've not boiled it up yet.  Yes, I do like Gladiator movies, though the recent Hercules film was disappointing.

Any more you need to know?  :D

Seriously, I do hope the bowl I have on the way has steeper sides and a wider base than this one.  I know it's a little deeper so I'm confident it will pass the noodle test.
« Last Edit: April 08, 2014, 10:28:00 AM by Gareth »
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 3,516
  • Benner fan club #003
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #27 on: April 08, 2014, 01:18:57 AM
I've got one of these saucepans on the way - LINK - I'll have to cut off the handle and possibly modify a gripper to fit the rim...though it might be possible to leave a stub and fit a removable handle.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #28 on: April 08, 2014, 10:30:16 AM
I've got one of these saucepans on the way - LINK - I'll have to cut off the handle and possibly modify a gripper to fit the rim...though it might be possible to leave a stub and fit a removable handle.

Looks good mate. :tu:
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


scotland Offline Gareth

  • Admin Team
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 36,651
Re: Show off your backpacking stove!
Reply #29 on: April 10, 2014, 03:14:14 PM
And here it is, my new bowl/pot:



as you can see it's got a much broader base so should work well on most stoves:



Plus I can fit either the mug or a fuel canister in there.  Happy with how this turned out. :)
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


 

Donations

Operational Funds

Help us keep the Unworkable working!
Donate with PayPal!
March Goal: $300.00
Due Date: Mar 31
Total Receipts: $379.86
PayPal Fees: $19.62
Net Balance: $360.24
Above Goal: $60.24
Site Currency: USD
120% 
March Donations

Community Links


Powered by EzPortal