Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: Twig Stoves
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Northwoodsman |
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Frenchy19 |
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boonie |
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mpeebles |
I might check out the Solo Stove as well and return the 180 to b in law. Let us know what you think. ......Mike :) |
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mastertangler |
Frenchy19: "My Solo Stove arrived yesterday. Sturdy little thing! I hope to be able to pay around with it this weekend, but that will depend on the forecast here in the Twin Cites. Right now, it looks like it is again going to be uglier than a goat's ass in this area." Don't be a dope like me and forget to take the inside ring out and turn it upside down on the stove (onto which goes the pan or pot). When i first tried it out I made that mistake and figured I had been hoodwinked "this thing doesn't work"!! Duh! |
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FOG51 |
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Bannock |
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GraniteCliffs |
It is interesting, however, as an alternative. Probably just not for me. |
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boonie |
I'm pretty much a KISS guy like GraniteCliffs and HappyHuskies, and the weight of my JetBoil is a small price for the simplicity, speed, and convenience. It takes 1 1/2 minutes to boil water for my dinner and 1 minute (or less) to get water hot enough for my coffee. I have found that a 100g of fuel canister (total weight 7 - 7 1/4 ounces) will burn 30 minutes, so good for over a week for me at 2 coffees and a dinner per day. I have an old alcohol stove but don't use it much anymore due to the shortcomings and disadvantages. There are some better ones out there today that minimize those. The one that pops up most often is the Caldera Cone system. Here is a link to a review by Andrew Skurka. He suggests packing .5 oz. alcohol for a dinner and .3 oz. for a hot drink, so 1.1 oz. per day for my 2 coffees and one dinner. That would be 8.8 oz. for 8 days plus a .1 oz. fuel measuring device and a .8 oz. re-purposed plastic bottle fuel container, or 9.7 oz. total vs. the 7.125 oz. of my fuel canister. Admittedly, the rest of the stove system - stove, windscreen, pot, pot lifter - weighs about 5 oz. less, but that's comparing titanium to aluminum. On a longer trip (2X) a canister with 2.3X as much fuel will weigh less than twice as much (13.5 oz. or less), while the alcohol will weigh 18.5 oz. and the advantage in weight disappears. No advantage there for me. I'm still interested in the idea of the twig burner, but not sure if the weight savings would be worth it even on a fairly long trip, especially in relation to the weight of the food! |
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boonie |
If I take my Lean on a long trip and leave the tarp behind, would I be comfortable using it in the front of the Lean under the awning? After you use the Solo, I'd be interested in your thoughts on that. |
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Frenchy19 |
Will give it another shot when it warms up; it is 9 degrees out right now... |
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Frenchy19 |
boonie: "Here's another question I've asked myself, which might be relevant to you too, Frenchy. That is a good question. Last year was the first time I used a Lean, and I left my tarp behind. It rained 10 out of 11 days as I made my way around Hunters Island, and there were a couple days when I cooked IN the Lean as it was pouring out. That was with my MSR Dragonfly. I would not do that with a twig burner, and I am not sure if I would do it under the awning, either! This summer will be the first time ever that I have gone without the Dragonfly on any paddling trip. I have a Pocket Rocket and may bring that with one 4 oz canister on my July trip into Clearwater. That trip will be about a week long; a warm up for my July Beaverhouse to Moose Lake meander. |
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butthead |
Never packed one for a trip, figured I can cook over a fire. I didn't need one. Is nice to have boiling water in a few minutes early in the morning! So a petrol based fuel stove always goes. butthead |
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boonie |
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Frenchy19 |
boonie: "I don't think I'd do it with a twig burner, although I've never used one. Maybe not an alcohol stove either- there's a reason they're not allowed during fire bans. A solid fuel/esbit stove I don't know enough about . . . " Did not know alcohol stoves were not allowed during a fire ban, but it does make sense. |
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Frenchy19 |
bwcasolo: "boonie: "I hardly ever boil more than a cup and a half when solo. I wonder how long it will take to boil 2 cups with the twigs or alcohol. I was kind of impressed that it boiled a liter in 7 minutes. How much fuel did it take to do that? I did not measure exactly how much alcohol I had, but it was probably about 2 oz. The canister holds 3 oz, and it was not full. There was still fuel in it at boil point. |
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Pdog3 |
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AmarilloJim |
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Frenchy19 |
AmarilloJim: "Has anyone made or seen a commercially available type of bellow for a stick stove?" Pretty sure this will work. Bought one of these a few years ago, and it sure beats fanning with a plate or bending down and blowing on a fire. Cannot see why it would not work with a twig stove. |
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mastertangler |
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Frenchy19 |
I recently purchased a Vargo, and today I ordered a Solo. I really like the idea of not having to haul in fuel, and when I solo, all of my meals are either freeze dried or dehydrated. It seems that most who use these stoves also bring in some sort of back up (like an MSR Pocket Rocket with a canister or two of fuel), but to me, that defeats the purpose of using one. Curious if anyone uses a twig burner exclusively. So, I am wondering how many of you use said twig stoves and what your thoughts are, pro and con. |
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mastertangler |
bwcasolo: "gkimball: "For solo trips I use a home made, 3 lb coffee can stick stove to heat water and as a backup for cooking if my alcohol stove fails. These two in combination have proven light, efficient and very simple for solo trips. That will work but the physics of the Solo stove are far superior...........the design gasifies the air and a much better burn occurs. I'm not knocking your stove BTW.........just pointing out that there is a significant difference in design. |
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boonie |
It is also true (from my experience) that can be difficult to tell when they are still burning or have burned out. Hope you don't find out the way I did ;). |
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Frenchy19 |
boonie: "I think it is because the fuel is not contained . . . ? Come on, Boonie-now you have to tell the story! Either you got burned, or you had something not quite cooked... |
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dasunt |
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boonie |
Frenchy19: "boonie: "I think it is because the fuel is not contained . . . ? A man's gotta have some secrets . . . Let's just say my first aid kit now contains burn bandages and ointment, Frenchy. Not as bad as this A little texture in those camps meals isn't always a bad thing :). |
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bwcasolo |
dasunt: "I've never used a twig stove. Do modern designs still lead to the bottom of pots getting all sooty?" yes, my main problem with them, not that i am a neat freak, but i like my pan clean on the outside. |
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Frenchy19 |
Like you said, we have all done things best kept at bay. One solo, in particular comes to mind... |
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boonie |
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Dooger |
https://www.silverfire.us/new-for-2014-silverfire-scout-backpacking-bug-out |
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HappyHuskies |
I've never timed how long it takes to come to a boil, but it seems reasonably quick. I am most likely to use it on day trips and overnight trips. On those trips I find using twigs to be entertaining. On longer trips I generally use either a gas or canister stove, alcohol, or even esbit. Even thought twig stove is not much work, on longer trips I want something as easy as possible when I'm tired (or lazy). I've always been intrigued by twig stove and am having fun following this thread. |
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mpeebles |
.......Mike |
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muddyfeet |
It may seem silly, but the major detractor for me is all the soot and ash all over the stove/pot. No big deal if you are used to a lot of fire cooking, but I guess my history of mostly using gas backpacking stoves has me somehow only complacent if I am loading my pack with a shiny clean pot with a shiny clean stove nested inside. I've used a friend's solo, and yes, the stuffsacks are there to contain things- the system is just not my preference I guess. The trangia copy alcohol burner mentioned does work really well with the solo, but alcohol stoves on their own can be so much lighter and simpler than that. |
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TDBauer |
Last year I bought a Solo Stove Lite and the Solo Pot 900. The stove fits inside the pot perfectly and is super easy to pack/carry the pot. I love it for all my trips, solo or otherwise. Boils up water fast. I have even used it to fry fish. The Solo Stove is pretty expensive though, and the pot can also add up. But they work so well together and are easy to pack. Otherwise there are some really cheap twig stoves you can find on amazon for around $15 bucks that fold flat and are even easier to pack. But since I boil a lot of water to rehydrate food, or to make tea, or coffee... having the pot combo is well worth it to me. SOLO STOVE AT AMAZON |
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Ausable |
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Frenchy19 |
I also ordered the little canister that holds denatured alcohol for the Solo, so that is another toy I am excited to play around with! Looks like the Solo Stove sale is going on for another 14 days... |
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Frenchy19 |
boonie: "Here's another question I've asked myself, which might be relevant to you too, Frenchy. Another thought on this. I am considering bringing a tarp along with the Lean this year. With all the rain I had last year, it would be nice to have a tarp under which to cook. The awning on the Lean is pretty low to the ground and at 5 x 7, it is pretty small as well. Then again, the point of using the Lean is to eliminate the need for a tarp and bug shelter...although I could bring all three and still save some weight over my BA Copper Spur 2! |
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OldFingers57 |
Frenchy19: "boonie: "I don't think I'd do it with a twig burner, although I've never used one. Maybe not an alcohol stove either- there's a reason they're not allowed during fire bans. A solid fuel/esbit stove I don't know enough about . . . " Alcohol stoves and other stoves that do not have a mechanical shut off valve to them are not allowed during fire bans. |
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mpeebles |
dasunt: "I've never used a twig stove. Do modern designs still lead to the bottom of pots getting all sooty?" The one we used did. That's one aspect of them that I don't care for either. .......Mike |
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Bannock |
OldFingers57: "Frenchy19: "boonie: "I don't think I'd do it with a twig burner, although I've never used one. Maybe not an alcohol stove either- there's a reason they're not allowed during fire bans. A solid fuel/esbit stove I don't know enough about . . . " I did not know this. Maybe 10 years ago I asked the NFS about esbit stoves in regards to fire band and was told they were ok. Things may have changed. But I have also learned that you may get different answers from different sources. |
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mastertangler |
I was also a bit bummed at the thought of soot. Not a fan...........but it actually wasn't nearly as disturbing as I thought it would be nor did any soot transfer to the rest of my kit as I thought it might. Pretty much stayed within the confines of the stuff sack. I would much rather go the twig stove route than the "make a fire" route. Mostly because I believe it is quicker and more efficient. I have used what I believe to be the ultimate alcohol stove (Caldera cone) but even with alcohol your still carrying fuel for 20 plus days. It weighs a bit and takes up space (which is better used carrying extra fishing lures which never see the water ;-) |
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Frenchy19 |
mastertangler: "Frenchy19: "My Solo Stove arrived yesterday. Sturdy little thing! I hope to be able to pay around with it this weekend, but that will depend on the forecast here in the Twin Cites. Right now, it looks like it is again going to be uglier than a goat's ass in this area." I can see myself doing this...I purchased the Solo alcohol insert, and it arrived today. Looking forward to playing with these toys, but we are expecting another 7-15 inches of snow this weekend. This weather is real old... |
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gkimball |
Coffee Can Stick Stove |
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bwcasolo |
gkimball: "For solo trips I use a home made, 3 lb coffee can stick stove to heat water and as a backup for cooking if my alcohol stove fails. These two in combination have proven light, efficient and very simple for solo trips. look's hot! glad it works for you, couldn't do with the black pot's, that's just me, looks like a fine water boiling diy, nice job! |
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gkimball |
mastertangler: "bwcasolo: "gkimball: "For solo trips I use a home made, 3 lb coffee can stick stove to heat water and as a backup for cooking if my alcohol stove fails. These two in combination have proven light, efficient and very simple for solo trips. Absolutely no doubt that someone with a more mechanical mind has made a unit that burns better - but hey, it's cheap! When I decide to quit being such a miser I am interested in the the Firebox Stove - pricey but it gets some good reviews. I do recommend using a stick stove, whatever make or model. Saves so much stove fuel plus they are fun to use. I haven't used it cooking yet due to the blackened cookware issue. The pot in the picture is the only one that I have used on the stick stove so far. I like to sit and watch it burn - a simple soloing pleasure? Kind of like having a little campfire for a few minutes. FireBox Stove |
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Frenchy19 |
gkimball: "For solo trips I use a home made, 3 lb coffee can stick stove to heat water and as a backup for cooking if my alcohol stove fails. These two in combination have proven light, efficient and very simple for solo trips. That is awesome! |
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Frenchy19 |
Fun little toy! |
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boonie |
The alcohol stoves usually really need the windscreen. |
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Frenchy19 |
boonie: "Well, that's better. How much water will you need to boil at a time on your trip? I cannot see the need to boil more than 2 cups max at any given time, and that is only if I bring Mountain House products with me. I find their single servings to be too sparse, and the doubles mostly take 2 C of boiling water. I want to avoid the prepackaged/store bought food as much as I can, but I have a bunch left over from last year. Hoping to dehydrate more of my own this year as I do not see the need for all the sodium that is in most store bought freeze dried/dehydrated products. |
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boonie |
The dehydrated meals I buy are mostly pretty low in sodium, but that's definitely the exception compared to Mountain House, etc. |
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bwcasolo |
boonie: "I hardly ever boil more than a cup and a half when solo. I wonder how long it will take to boil 2 cups with the twigs or alcohol. I was kind of impressed that it boiled a liter in 7 minutes. How much fuel did it take to do that? the fancee feest alcohol stove i use boils 1-2 cups in about 5-6 minutes, with windscreen, and 1 ounce of fuel. |
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bwcasolo |
Frenchy19: "bwcasolo: "boonie: "I hardly ever boil more than a cup and a half when solo. I wonder how long it will take to boil 2 cups with the twigs or alcohol. I was kind of impressed that it boiled a liter in 7 minutes. How much fuel did it take to do that? i have a 1 ounce plastic container that nest inside a fancee feest which i can measure before each use. consistent measure and burn time for 2 cups. |
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Frenchy19 |
Pdog3: "I brought one last year, planned to use just it. Rain in the forecast made me nervous and no esbit to be found in Ely made me rent a gas stove. Glad I did. Wet wood, longer boil times and knowing the simplicity of just turning a valve was too much for this lazy guy. " Not lazy at all! |