The
Basics
The
first
reason
that
there
are
so
many
models
and
types
of
portable
camping
stoves,
is
that
there
are
so
many
different
user
needs.
Some
backpackers
are
only
going
for
a
hike
through
the
local
park
woods
in
the
autumn,
and
don't
worry
much
about
anything
more
than
how
to
get
a
fresh
cup
of
bullion.
But
the
guys
who
go
ice
fishing
at
-20
below
zero
have
different
needs,
and
so
has
the
daring
climbers
who'll
sleep
on
a
snowy
shelf
a
high-altitude
mountain
side.
The
scout
patrol
will
be
looking
for
something
simple
and
safe,
while
more
than
a
few
old-timers
won't
accept
any
stove
without
a
copper
fuel
tank.
Basically
you
have
to
consider
the
following
factors
when
judging
a
stove,
new
or
used:
Keep
in
mind
that
the
priority
of
these
factors
will
vary
according
to
your
personal
needs.
The
weight
of
the
stove
Anyone
who
has
ever
carried
a
backpack
over
a
longer
distance
will
be
intensely
interested
in
the
weight
of
the
gear
within.
The
purchase
costs
of
stove
and
fuel
Multifuel
stoves
are
definitely
the
most
expensive
stoves;
they
need
separate
fuel
systems
and
multifunction
nozzles.Gas
stoves
are
normally
the
cheaper
alternative,
but
then
they
are
sometimes
just
a
nozzle
with
wings
that
you
put
on
top
of
the
gas
tank.
The
absolutely
cheapest
stove
is
the
alcohol
stove,
but
the
fuel
is
more
expensive
per
heat
unit
than
gas.
For
dayttrips
the
gas-stove
is
a
pleasant
companion.
For
week-long
trips
it
is
always
neat
to
bring
along
a
small
alcohol
stove
and
a
small
bottle
of
red
spirit
for
a
backup
measure,
but
the
main
stove
would
be
a
white
gas
or
kerosene
stove.
Of
course,
no
expedition
into
real
wilderness
would
blink
at
the
cost
of
a
multifuel
stove
-
all
things
are
relevant.
The
sturdiness
of
the
construction
Portable
camping
stoves
are
as
sturdy
as
the
metal
they
are
made
of;
the
Optimus
111
Ranger
can
be
run
over
by
a
car
while
some
gas
stoves
are
flimsy
enough
to
be
curled
like
a
paper
cup.
Weight
is
usually
a
close
associate
of
sturdiness;
it
takes
good
metal
to
keep
any
gadget
stable
enough
to
withstand
the
odd
hard
knock.
For
maximum
sturdiness
the
Optimus
range
of
models
stands
out
with
their
stoves
enclosed
in
heavy
metal
boxes;
the
original
design
was
made
for
military
purposes
and
can
withstand
a
heavy
direct
hit
from
a
boot,
falling
down
from
a
truck
or
catching
the
occasional
ricochet.
This
is
a
bit
more
sturdiness
than
your
average
backpacker
need!
But
when
your
life
really
do
depend
on
your
gear,
why
go
for
second
best?
The
cross-country
hiker
will
do
quite
well
with
simpler
transport
security
measures
like
putting
the
stove
in
a
normal
storage
tin,
which
an
increasing
number
of
new
models
are
equipped
with
by
default.
Sturdiness
while
in
use
amounts
to
how
much
wear,
tear
and
general
hitting
the
model
takes.
Most
gas
stoves
aren't
really
made
for
heavy-duty
wear,
and
several
models
have
more
movable
parts
and
fuel
pipes
than
what
is
good
for
extreme
environments.
The
ease
of
use
The
gas
stove
is
the
easiest
to
use
of
all
the
types;
you
twist
the
fuel
wheel
and
light
the
gas
with
a
match
or
the
attached
piezo-lighter.
No
fuss,
no
fooling
about.
Switching
the
gas
tank
is
a
breeze
and
you
don't
risk
spoiling
the
backpack
or
food
with
a
fuel
mishap.
Getting
fire
on
white
gas
and
kerosene
stoves
is
messier;
you
need
pump
the
tank,
preheat
the
fuel
pipe
with
solid
or
liquid
fuel
and
get
it
properly
hot
before
you
can
start
actually
lighting
the
flame.
At
extreme
temperatures
this
is
not
fun
at
all,
expecially
if
the
gaskets
have
become
brittle
or
the
pipes
clogged.
But
you
don't
have
all
that
much
choice;
normal
gas
just
don't
cut
the
cookie
when
the
temperature
falls
below
zero.
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