Backpacking Stoves

RULES for using a backpacking stove:

1. keep all fuels below 100 degress F
2. let stoves cool before refilling
3. check all fuel line fittings
4. never operate a stove in an enclosed space (tent)
5. always operate a stove on a level, secure surface
6. keep extra fuel at least 20 feet away from stove
7. do NOT hover over stove when lighting
8. refill stoves/lanterns well away from open flames
9. recap stoves/lanterns/fuel_bottles before lighting
10. do NOT overload stoves with pots/pans/etc
11. do NOT leave stove unattended
12. perform regular maintenance
13. always dipose of old fuel containers properly
14. use stoves ONLY when permitted to do so
15. use stoves only with supervision

The ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES of different backpacking stove fuels (in decreasing order of preference):

1. White Gas (AKA "Coleman Stove Fuel")
   • ADVANTAGES: Fuel readily available in the U.S. (Wal-Mart, etc); Highest output of heat per fuel weight; Lanterns are available; Widest selection of available stoves.
   • DISADVANTAGES: Most flammabible of fuel; Most expensive of fuels; Stoves can be finnicky. Stoves require pumping/priming
   
   
2. Kerosene ( AKA #1 fuel oil)
   • ADVANTAGES: Fuel available world wide
   • DISADVANTAGES: Fuel hard to find in the U.S.; Can be sooty; Requires a primer fuel to pre-heat generator; Stoves can be finnicky.
   
   
3. Propane
   • ADVANTAGES: Light weight fuel; Lanterns are available; Simple operation: turn-on gas and light.
   • DISADVANTAGES: Doesn't work in cold weather; Heavy weight fuel canisters
   
   
4. Butane
   • ADVANTAGES: Light weight: fuel and canisters; Lanterns are available; Simple operation: turn-on gas and light.
   • DISADVANTAGES: Doesn't work in cold weather; Doesn't produce as much heat as propane