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by RetroTechie 394 days ago
> Then for another 3 day hike where I used it to boil water for two persons it took so long that other people were done eating where we started.

There's quite a spread between the heating output of alcohol stoves. # Of holes, alu vs. Ti vs. brass, filler materials (if any). Some have simmer rings, some don't. Outside temps matter too.

The trick is to use it a # of times before you go out camping / backpacking. So that you're familiar with its behavior.

Disclaimer: cooking daily on a deluxe model (Origo 3000). Safest method to cook on a boat.

Propane/butane burners are easier to regulate, but these gasses have the nasty habit of sticking to the floor. So a leak could cause a deadly explosion (which happens semi-regularly).

That Origo: I could flip the whole thing over while burning & it wouldn't start a fire. Can't remove the burner from the stove while it's on due to a safety catch.

Also have a Trangia stashed somewhere (just the burner not pots/holder). Also used many times.

Both Swedish design & highly recommended. Cheap/ubiquitous fuel is a big plus too. Sadly the Origo isn't made anymore afaik.

1 comments

Most of the stoves used for backpacking have the same basic design. I have two: an Esbit and a Toaks, the latter is lighter (it's titanium) but both have the same design as a small Trangia or the one in the article.

It takes 7-10mn to boil the water I need for food + a coffee, while using my gas burner it takes 2-3mn.

One issue I forgot to mention is that it's almost impossible to get the remaining fuel in the burner back into the container.

The Origo 3000 you mention looks really cool!