Stoves

Whether you are a trekker, camper, mountaineer, hunter, fisherman etc., autonomy requires a diet based on hot meals. The stove will be an integral part of your kit, just like your tent or sleeping bag during your adventures.

What type of stove to choose? Not so obvious. This will depend mainly on where you use your stove. There are 4 main categories of stoves, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Gas stoves

These are the most commonly used stoves in outdoor applications. They are reliable and easy to use. They require little maintenance, the flame adjustment is precise and the heating time is fast. The latter can be further improved with optimized stoves with integrated burner, diffuser and popote.

Cartridges in standard sizes of 100g, 230g and 450g are used. The international standard is the valve cartridge that is screwed in and out. Most brands of stoves (MSR, Optimus, Jetboil) use this system. In France we know, Campingaz pierceable cartridges not compatible with these stoves ( there are adapters) and very difficult to find abroad.

However, gas stoves have some disadvantages:

-You can't take your cartridges with you by plane and it's not always easy to find them in remote places. We are obliged to bring the number of cartridges we need since they are not rechargeable.

-the gas cartridges do not withstand altitude and cold very well. To optimize mixing and efficiency at low temperatures, use a remote and inverted cartridge stove.

-Not reusable, they produce waste (please don't throw them into the wild).

Multi-fuel stoves

Multi-fuel stoves work with a liquid that is pressurized in a suitable cylinder. They generally accept C gasoline, unleaded gasoline, kerosene, kerosene and diesel fuel. Some stoves, with an additional burner, can be converted into a gas stove.

The advantages of the liquid fuel stove:

-fuel can easily be found anywhere in the world.

-it is more economical to use than the gas stove.

-It works well in cold weather and high altitude, it is the perfect stove for expeditions in hostile terrain.

The disadvantages of the liquid fuel stove:

-The implementation is more difficult, there is a preheating time. Pressure can be difficult to apply in very cold weather.

-It requires regular maintenance

Wood stoves

The interest of the wood stove and that you do not need to carry your fuel. Moreover, its effectiveness is quite remarkable. There is no waste (empty gas cylinders) and wood is free:).

However, its use is limited (presence of wood and prohibition to use it, in national parks for example). Incomplete combustion will produce soot and blacken your kitchen utensils.

The implementation can be complicated if the wood is wet.

Alcohol stoves

It's the stove to help out. Whether in liquid, solid or gel form, alcohol is easily and cheaply available. There is no maintenance.

However, combustion efficiency is much lower than other types of stoves and there will be almost no way to regulate the heating power.