By Daniel Leathers
Special to NKyTribune
Chet was getting ready to go on his very first backpacking adventure with a couple friends, Frank and Joe. None of them were overly experienced, but between them they had decided to learn everything they could before hitting the trail.
As they went through the list of supplies they needed, one of the many items Chet would need to buy was a backpacking stove. He thought this should be pretty easy. He had been camping before and had used the nice propane double-burner camp stoves and decided that finding a backpacking stove ought not to be too hard.
Chet ventured off with his list of items that he needed to pick up. Acknowledging the fact that he needed some guidance, he searched out the camping “expert” at the local outdoor outfitter. Biff was indeed a wealth of knowledge about camping, backpacking and pretty much anything outdoors. When they got to the stoves, Biff asked, “What kind do you want? Propane, butane, mixed, chemical?”
Needless to say, Chet was overwhelmed. Many of us have found ourselves in a similar dilemma when shopping for any type of camping equipment, stoves included. While everyone has their favorites, there are a few general considerations that need to be attended to. Ideally, the stove should:
– Be lightweight and compact: Many stoves today are still a single burner coil style stove that screws on to the top of a propane cylinder. These are okay in a pinch, but every ounce counts when backpacking. Single burner stoves today come as small as 2 inches high by 5 inches wide. Some are even smaller. They should also have their own carrying case, making it easier to protect them in your pack.
– Rely on readily available fuel: Your fuel, whether butane, propane or a mixture, should be readily available along the trail (if you’re hiking numerous days) and be lightweight. Small containers of butane/propane mixtures can be fairly lightweight. A canister that weights 8.9 ounces can last about three days, depending on use. There are also numerous chemical options.
– Be easy to light: Some stoves come with an igniter attached while others rely on external sources such as a lighter or match. Whatever you choose, be sure the igniter is working properly and you have matches as a back-up.
– Have wind protection for the flame: Most modern backpacking stoves come with wind protecting pot supports which serves duel purposes. However, do not presume your stove has them. Be sure to read the specs. The protection from the wind ensures proper cooking flame.
– Have flame control: The ability to control your flame allows you to go from a simmer to a boil and will assist in conserving fuel.
One other item to consider is your expected elevation. Some fuels burn better at higher elevations than others do due to lack of oxygen in the air.
Seeking out experienced, knowledgeable help in picking out a stove (as well as any equipment) is always a good idea and will help you just like it helped Chet. The person you ask for help should have a teacher’s heart and not just push their favorite item. They should help you find what product is best for you.
Remember, no matter how you choose to spend your time this season, don’t leave the outdoors out. Make it a part of every season.
Veteran outdoorsman Daniel Leathers is a U.S. Army veteran and also has worked as the director of the Outdoor Program for the Boy Scouts of America in Central and Western Kentucky and as the regional director for the National Wild Turkey Federation. He is the co-founder of Longhunter Outfitters, an outdoor skills, guide service and experiential learning company. Email him at leathers11@live.com.