For the backpacker having the right stove is
critical to an enjoyable hiking experience. Depending on the type backpacking
you do, will determine the best stove for your needs. Most backpackers will use
a canister stove or a liquid-fuel stove.
For the
backpacker having the right stove is critical to an enjoyable hiking
experience. Depending on the type backpacking you do, will determine the best
stove for your needs. Most backpackers will use a canister stove or a
liquid-fuel stove. If you backpack in a wide range of elements, the liquid-fuel
stove will be your best fit. Unlike the canister stove, the liquid-fuel stove
can accommodate larger groups. The downside, they weigh more. Liquid-fuel
stoves have a separate bottle for fuel that attaches to the burner with a hose.
For the most part, the fuel bottle has to be purchased separately. Most liquid-fuel stoves can be turned up for
high output and lowered to just a little simmer.
Liquid-fuel
stoves are a compact, single burner stove that has high heat output, which
makes these stoves ideal for harsh winter conditions and high altitudes. Most
liquid-fuel stoves come equipped with a wind screen to help improve on their
efficiency and have wide legs to enhance their stability and to support larger
pots. A separate fuel bottle attaches to the stove with a small hose and has an
adjustable valve to control the heat. Liquid fuel in their containers is not
pressurized, resulting in the need to use a primer pump to create pressure that
will force the fuel through the hose to the burner.
Most
liquid-fuel stoves are versatile with the ability to burn white gas, which is a form
of gasoline that contains no additives. This in turn allows the stove to burn
cleaner and hotter and performs well in sub-zero temperatures’ and high
altitudes. Most liquid-fuel stoves will burn kerosene, diesel #1, auto gas, and jet fuel. When burning these fuels,
some liquid stoves require a more volatile fuel such as alcohol or primer paste
to prime them. Because these fuels do not burn clean, liquid-fuel stoves
require regular cleaning to work properly. However, the Optimums Nova Stove
will allow users to rest assured that this stove will always burn clean with
the built in magic magnetic cleaning needle. If you need to purchase gas for
your stove, avoid oxygenated gas especially in the winter, for this gas will
break down vital stove components.
The
liquid-fuel stove is environmentally friendly as they have the refillable fuel
tank. However, some of the fuels that liquid-fuel stoves burn can have an
unpleasant smell and create smoke. The fuel tanks are refillable which allows for the
backpacker to carry only what is needed for the camping trip. Remember never to
fill the tank completely full, gas expands as it warms and can cause excessive
pressure buildup. Also, avoid spilling fuel when filling the fuel bottle; most
fuels can be highly explosive with the smallest spark. Try to always empty the
fuel tank when storing it. An important reminder, never use any type of fuel
burning stove inside of a tent for cooking or for warming the tent. This could
create a fireball and/or cause serious injury from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Liquid-fuel
stoves perform better than all other camping stoves in certain conditions.
Therefore, these stoves are ideal for the backpacker that likes to hike in high
altitudes and colder weather. In addition, liquid fuel stoves are great for out
of the country camping due to the many fuels they will burn.
