Would like input on how well the Thermacell Backpacker Model has worked for those that have experience using it. Looking at reviews they seem mixed. Some say they will never camp without it and others say that they are a piece of junk.
Specifically, does it matter which fuel canisters you use or is this interchangeable.
We have used other Thermacell products and they really work well on our trips. If the Backpacker works we could use the same canisters that we use with our stoves.

Also curious. Backpacker model or any other for that matter. Noticeable difference when using one?

We take one in the hight of summer when the mosquitos are swarming. Seems to make some difference. They're very helpful for taking with you to the latrine so you don't get completely mobbed by bugs when there's nothing you can do about it. You have to be fairly close though. I've found a screen shelter is much more effective at camp for giving yourself a place of refuge from the bugs.

I give them two thumbs up. I take 2-3 of these on a trip depending on the crew size and spread them around the main camp for max coverage. Also to Kermit's point - good to have one to take to the latrine! They have worked decently well as long as the breeze is light. Too strong and it just blows the vapors away - but then the breeze keeps the bugs down at that point. I'm more toward the 'always take them' end of the spectrum, but not fanatically. They work on any canister that has the proper valve and you can also get an adapter (about $20) that will allow them to work on the 1lb propane bottles if you take those. It's so convenient that you can run them on the same fuel source as your stove. They work perfectly fine on propane - I've run them that way. The quality is decent, but test them out before every trip, as I've had a couple that would just not stay lit and had to return for new one. It's also great they have a built-in piezo ignitor. They burn very little gas and when a canister runs too low to use for cooking, they'll still burn for hours with the Backpacker. It's a good way to run out your near empty canisters. A screen house is going to bet the best thing - as long as you're willing to do all that goes along with that - pack it, set it up, take it down, keep the door closed, etc.

PeaceFrog: "Also curious. Backpacker model or any other for that matter. Noticeable difference when using one? "

They work well - give it 10 mins to take full effect and if it’s sitting directly in the breeze, it obviously won’t work- a lot of people think they are junk while they set them on a log out in the open breeze. I usually start mine and set it by the latrine and 10 mins later it’s all cleared out for a peaceful sit down

You confirm everything I was feeling about these. Trying to trim weight every chance I get. not sure it will be in my pack unless I trim weight in other areas.
Thanks for the input

I bought one of these just today for a Christmas present for a friend. Ironic that this post should come up just hours after I bought it. I'm glad to see that they work. I had never seen The backpacker model before.

Tony

These work good! To the fuel question, just make sure that any brand of canister fuel you get, sterno, msr, jet boil, etc etc. is an Iso butane/propane mix. So basically, the same exact fuel you would use for any compact camp stove like your jet boil or pocket rocket.

Some people might argue this, and that’s fine. If you use the adapter to have the ability to use the green propane tanks, use caution. It’s completely doable, and safe (ventilate it), but you can get extra propane forced out of the stove and it’s not safe to use… say under your vestibule or confined space. Yeah, common sense but believe me, I’ve seen & heard of some people doing some wacky things that otherwise could be potentially dangerous. So just use some smarts if you do that.

But! If weight is an issue, stick with the standard mixed canister which you can get pretty much anywhere. The green bottles are heavier and the fuel inside doesn’t exactly burn as efficiently, so it’ll burn more per volume

portagedog09: "I give them two thumbs up. I take 2-3 of these on a trip depending on the crew size and spread them around the main camp for max coverage. Also to Kermit's point - good to have one to take to the latrine! They have worked decently well as long as the breeze is light. Too strong and it just blows the vapors away - but then the breeze keeps the bugs down at that point. I'm more toward the 'always take them' end of the spectrum, but not fanatically. They work on any canister that has the proper valve and you can also get an adapter (about $20) that will allow them to work on the 1lb propane bottles if you take those. It's so convenient that you can run them on the same fuel source as your stove. They work perfectly fine on propane - I've run them that way. The quality is decent, but test them out before every trip, as I've had a couple that would just not stay lit and had to return for new one. It's also great they have a built-in piezo ignitor. They burn very little gas and when a canister runs too low to use for cooking, they'll still burn for hours with the Backpacker. It's a good way to run out your near empty canisters. A screen house is going to bet the best thing - as long as you're willing to do all that goes along with that - pack it, set it up, take it down, keep the door closed, etc. "

Absolutely agree with the above review by Portagedog.. Another 2 Thumbs Up here...

I have 2 of the standard version. The range on all Thermacell version are the same, 16 feet. so the only significant changes is the heat source/duration. They do work well but effectiveness depends on the wind.

butthead

I have one and take it on every trip but as most have pointed out, it is very dependent on the amount of wind. I find that between using permethrin on my clothes (and hammock) as well as a spritz or two of Deep Woods Off (deet), I almost never get any attention from mosquitoes even in June & July. Still good to have on a trip though.

Went back and forth between the standard and backpacker models. Ended up with the standard model for a few reasons:

- Others I travel with also have the standard, so interchangeability.
- Already have an adapter that can refill the standard cartridge from an Iso/Pro canister after a simple mod to the Thermacell fuel cartridge. This allows me to not worry about always burning fuel reserved for cooking, or carrying an extra Iso/Pro can but I can also refill in the field if needed. ($13 by Soto)
- Can more easily see amount left in a Thermacell cartridge, vs an Iso/Pro canister.
- Standard model can attach to you.

That said, I would've been totally good with the Backpacker model too. Costco carries for $43 and includes an extra back of repellant refills.

Thanks for all the input. Looks like the key to the Backpacker model is using the right fuel mix of isobutane/propane. We have used the standard models for years and have been happy with them but I like the idea of being able to use the last part of the cannisters for the backpacker model. Looks like a good Christmas buy for one of the grandkids!

I totally concur with portagedog. They work. Note that if you set it up, it will take ten minutes or so to get up to speed. Put it as close to you as possible. If you are at the picnic table, put it under the table. As others have said, wind will reduce it's effectiveness. It burns VERY little fuel. My guess is that it could run for a couple days on the smallest isobutane cannister.

The blue pads are kind of expensive. Watch for a sale at REI or other places and buy in bulk. They are supposed to last for four hours each. At the end of three hours you'll notice that they are fading. When there is no blue coloring left, they are spent. Note that the device itself is extremely lightweight.

Hmmm....I usually cook those biscuits til they're black. Maybe that's why my crew starts 'buggin' on me! ;P

Bjfinnegan: "Went back and forth between the standard and backpacker models. Ended up with the standard model for a few reasons:


- Others I travel with also have the standard, so interchangeability.
- Already have an adapter that can refill the standard cartridge from an Iso/Pro canister after a simple mod to the Thermacell fuel cartridge. This allows me to not worry about always burning fuel reserved for cooking, or carrying an extra Iso/Pro can but I can also refill in the field if needed. ($13 by Soto)
- Can more easily see amount left in a Thermacell cartridge, vs an Iso/Pro canister.
- Standard model can attach to you.


That said, I would've been totally good with the Backpacker model too. Costco carries for $43 and includes an extra back of repellant refills. "

Very close to my line of thought with the additions,
1. All the varieties have a 16+ foot range so no benefit tween versions as far as range.
2. I tend to use liquid fueled stoves, little use of canister fuel.

butthead

Just to be clear for the OP....the range is about 15-16 feet DIAMETER. So about a 7.5-8 foot radius.

If you really don't burn any canister gas, there's another model that's kinda flat...
Almost.like a big stud-finder, which takes proprietary butane cylinders about the size of two C batteries end to end. They are pretty expensive but there are YouTube videos showing how to refill them yourself.

Just to nail it down in my use I find this pack Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Refills relects my own use with this style of Thermacell A butane refill will last 12 hours and almost 4 hours on a repellent pad.
I believe the repellent pads are the same size and duration with all versions.

butthead

Remember the old mosquito coils you burned like incense sticks? I have used their citronella replacements for the last couple of years to good effect. I break off several 2" pieces, light them and place them around the sitting area; works better than you would think.