Posted: 11/27/2008 2:57:39 PM EDT
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I have the MSR Pocket Rocket and the Coleman single burner butane stoves.
I want a hikeable stove that will burn on gasoline. I saw a coleman at Wal Mart for $50. Anyone have or know about this one? It has to be reliable yet user friendly. What do you got? Thanks. |
| I'm still using an older Coleman Peak 1 but I actually like to cook (it's very adjustable unlike many of the stoves out there) and I like the fact that it's very quiet compared to most stoves. The MSR Dragonfly and XGK are excellent stoves too but man they're loud and not as adjustable as the Coleman. I don't have any experience with any of the newer Optimus stoves, but their older ones are very durable. |
| For backpacking you want a flexible fuel stove. I have a Peak-1 Backpack and it has worked good for me but I am always stuck carrying more fuel than I need since you are never sure how much fuel is left in the pressurized cans. That being said as far as the Wally-world stove goes you just want to make sure you get the right hitng for your needs. I would hate to go out and buy a $50 stove and find out it is not reliable especially if you could have gone to REI or EMS or whatever and gotten a more reliable stove for a few bucks more. |
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steepandcheap.com....they offer one item at a time, at a steep discount. Check them out, you can get a feed in your browser or subscribe to e-mails if you are wedded to your PC like some folks.
To burn gasoline and other fuels? You want to look at the Optimus Nova, and there are several models from MSR...I think the XGK is among them. Oh, and Primus makes the MultiFuel IIRC... But yeah, second the idea to go online or to REI or another place...I would be reluctant to buy main-line stuff at wally world... |
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I like MSR stoves, they seem to hold up real well, but if you don't need it right away, I would wait until there is a sale somewhere. No use spending hard earned money at full list for a stove. +1 Mine has been running fine for >20 years now –– never even have used the rebuild kit of washers and o-rings |
| MSR Whisperlite International is a tried and true road warrior. Burns coleman fuel, unleaded and kerosene. On sale right now at Eastern Mountain Sports for $64.00. The MSR liquid stoves are known to be real flame throwers and won't simmer but for boiling water they are great. I personally carry the Pocket Rocket in my GHB due to size and convenience of gas canisters. Hopefully won't have to use it long-term, I also carry Esbit tabs for backup. Have had an Optimus Nova stove for years and it is very bulletproof but I find carrying liquid fuel not as convenient for keeping ready for SHTF although theoretically you could keep stocked up on fuel almost indefinitely. |
I have this
I've only used it with Coleman fuel (white gas) and haven't tried it with regular unleaded gas, (I think it would stink/smell, but I haven't tried it). It works reliably but if its cold out it takes awhile to get going. (the instruction manual says to use some kind of "paste" to get it warmed up before you light it in the cold, but it eventually lit up in 40ish degree windy wet environment (weather courtesy of Arfhunt 2008)). I'm experimenting (playing with fire) with beer can alcohol stoves now. site for Penny ultralight beer can stove The alcohol stove is way lighter and smaller, and you can use everclear instead of denatured alcohol. Everclear is expensive but it has "medicinal purposes" too; you can drink it and use it as a disinfectant. |
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There are a number of good multi-fuel stoves available. My favorite is the Optimus Nova. It burns anything. While the stoves like the MSR XGK-EX, Whisperlite International, and Dragonfly are all good, I somehow don’t completely trust the plastic MSR pump. The Nova has a more rugged metal pump.
The Army has military stock numbers for the Nova and Dragonfly. They burn the same JP-8 used by all the vehicles. |
| for unleaded gas svea 123 and don't look back. this is the most reliable unleaded gas stove ever produced. though unless i had to melt snow and ice for water, i would suggest an alcohol stove like the brasslight, trangia, or pop can if weight is truly an issue. the fuel can be found any where in the us. it's vapors are less harmful, you won't smell like gas when it spills and who cares if it takes a minute longer to cook. i have baked muffins on my brasslight and i don't think there is a lighter, more durable stove. no stove is more reliable than the alcohol stoves. there are no moving parts on the alcohol stoves. |
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MSR Whisperlite International is a tried and true road warrior. Burns coleman fuel, unleaded and kerosene. On sale right now at Eastern Mountain Sports for $64.00. The MSR liquid stoves are known to be real flame throwers and won't simmer but for boiling water they are great. I personally carry the Pocket Rocket in my GHB due to size and convenience of gas canisters. Hopefully won't have to use it long-term, I also carry Esbit tabs for backup. Have had an Optimus Nova stove for years and it is very bulletproof but I find carrying liquid fuel not as convenient for keeping ready for SHTF although theoretically you could keep stocked up on fuel almost indefinitely. I second the MSR. I have been using an MSR stove for more than 30 years. It is the AK of the stove world. Simple, durable, light weight, field repairable (though I never had to repair any thing) and unquestionable reliability. |
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MSRs are nice, I owned a few, still have a few, gave a few to friends but one did break. The dragonfly is pretty nice however mine broken a few months after using it. The pump started cracking when you pump it at. Being plastic a few have had this issue. However serveral friends still use theirs. In the last few years the stoves on the market have tripled in numbers and keep coming out with new features or materials. I purchased a Omnifuel and was so impressed that I bought another and keep it in my car. The omni fuel is heavy but built LIKE a tank, it has interchangable jets that allow it to burn anything, it can hook directly up to the backpacking fuel canister (jet boil ones) or the use liquid fuel bottles and pumping the pressure yourself. I used to carry a jet boil in the car since the canisters are pretty good as long as they do not get too hot. 2 plus years never had a issue, but now I can keep this omni fuel with a large canister in my cookware, then spare empty bottles with syphon pump to fill from the fuel tank (and yes I tried it before placing it in the car to make sure all works as I wanted). It a bit more bulky/ alot more heavy than the jet boil, but being able to replensih fuel with almost anything awesome. Current set in the GHB:
Omnifuel stove. GSI dualist cookware set Brunton ti spork, then a few pieces of plastic utinesils from a picnic leftover. 220g propane fuel canister in the cookware Brunton Crux, stored in base of above propane cylinder in cookware 1 22oz and 1 33 oz fuel bottle Empty but syphon pump also in car 2 32oz empty nalgeen bottles with SS GSI netsling cups 100oz bladder in camelbak BMF (GHB) besides the packed bag, I keep a milk crate with 18 28oz factory packed bottle waters (like you get att he gas station) then cycle every spring. Hiker pro water filter MP1 tablets packets of MH freeze dried entrees rotated every 2-3 years or whenever I forget to pack lunch or work late and do not want to order out at work, I have prepared using my kit then replenish when I get home. IF anything ever happens I plan on empting the water into the bladder and the nalgeens and drink a bit up. Fill the gas bottles from teh tank. And use them first. Keeping the gas cylinder and Crux as backup only. The dualist Nform pots can not go into a fire (most backpacking stoves can not do this either). So if it comes to it, the fire can heat a smaller amount of water in the SS cups that nestle the nalgeens. I have made the not so fun trek to my brother in laws place using what was just in the car a firday after work both in spring and late fall. His place is the furthest that I keep items at, ~33 miles from work. The late fall trip a highway patrol officer seen my tarp shelter and pulled over to questioned me.... that was a bit nerve racking, he was actually impressed that I was doing it so he must be on board with some preping as well. SO I know what I have works for me no matter what happens, but it is a bit much to a few. |
Well I dug thru my insurace photos and dug up the ones of the stove when I bought it, think it was a bonus for finishing a big project if I remember right. While they do not look as nice as these photos, I will say it again, this is my favorite stove because of flexability.
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The Primus is a top shelf product, and may be a better choice for a SHTF situation because of the bottled fuel option. Also the the increased weight is not much of an issue if the stove is carried in a vehicle.
The MSR Dragon fly is a more user friendly version of what I have used. The most recent model that compares to the old GK is the XGK. |
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FWIW, I was on a trip this summer to a part of the world where gasoline is uncommon. I brought an MSR Whisperlite Int'l, and two other guys brought XGKs. All three of us learned that our rated-to-burn-diesel stoves (with proper jets installed) would not burn the local diesel fuel, which was a biodiesel that looked like thin peanut oil and smelled not at all like American diesel. All the trucks, tractors, etc. burned the local brew, but our stoves wouldn't. So, for folks looking at stoves for backpacking outside the US my best advice is know what you're putting in your fuel bottle, and try to run your stove before you hit the trail. We probably could have found some gasoline or kerosene if we had known we needed it. In response to the OP, my Whisperlite Int'l has been used quite a bit to burn regular unleaded gasoline. Works great. It does get sooty burning gasoline, but the shaker jet is easy to clean. Regardless of fuel type, Whisperlites have two settings: 'Scorch' and 'Off'. |
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I have a Jetboil which is very nice if all you need to do is boil water. Maybe with the group cooking system it's ok but I don't see myself paying $50 for a frying pan or large pot. It's very efficient when it comes to fuel and boils in just over 2 min. It's nice that it has a coozy on the cup, the bottom cover is a measuring cup, everything fits inside, etc. It's a bit bulky but not too bad. It is possible to cook with non-JB cookware but you have to be very careful or you'll damage your pots/pans.
I find myself using my Giga now. It's not quite as efficient as the JB but it's still not bad at about 4 min per boil. It's very small and lightweight but it starts to reach the weight of the JB as you figure in the cup/pan. I use a Trek 900 in alum. Again, the stove, fuel canister, and lighter (since I have the manual stove) fit inside the cup. I recently purchased a Primus TechnoTrail II off steepandcheap. It weighs quite a bit at 6 oz but it's very well made and falls between the Giga and the JB for boil times. It's really a nice little stove, I just wish it weighed less. It's also more bulky than the Giga. I haven't checked to see how well it fits inside the cup. Now I'm experimenting with various alcohol stove designs. I have yet to get one anywhere near a 4 min boil as I've read others have. I'm still testing and trying new things but it's definitely not for someone in a hurry. A windscreen is pretty important. I made one out of a disposable Reynolds cookie sheet. Cut the edges off and slice the remaining flat alum foil in two and you have two pieces to make your screen. Fold the ends over each other and punch some holes in the bottom so there's still some airflow. Works well and it's cheap. |
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In response to the OP, my Whisperlite Int'l has been used quite a bit to burn regular unleaded gasoline. Works great. It does get sooty burning gasoline, but the shaker jet is easy to clean. Regardless of fuel type, Whisperlites have two settings: 'Scorch' and 'Off'. I have one too and I like it. It works for me for now. I haven't fired it up on anything but white gas so far, but I like it. You do have to pay attention when you are cooking, but other that that I like it alot. Fits nicely in my mess kit. |
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Ill stick with my Jetboil. I have used others but the 90 second boils are kick ass. 90 secs? WTH? How much water? The best I've ever done is 2.5 min for 2 cups. I haven't timed it but 2 to 2.5 minutes seems about right. I have been very happy with my Jetboil, being fairly inept when it comes to mechanical things I find it is simple enough to keep me out of trouble. I am not one to whip up fancy dishes with a camp stove so it handles my needs great. I do want to pick up a multi fuel stove down the line, just because. The last one I had (Coleman white gas / gasoline) I managed to catch fire to the third time I used it. I guess I'll have to try again at some point... 
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I own one of the Coleman single burner dual fuel stoves. I've had it since about '93. I usually burn coleman fuel instead of gasoline, only because it burns a bit cleaner and does not soot pots as much. Mine is 100% reliable.
I do prefer the dual fuel stoves over propane/butane/whatever. Thte dual fuel capability (using regular gas) takes my hiking/camping gear and dramatically increases its utility as a survival tool. I also find that I can get more cooking per ounce of carried wieght with naptha than I can with propane. As far as user friendly, its simple. Fill. Pump. Turn lighting handle up. Light. Let it brun a minute, turn lighting handle down. No problems of any kind. |
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Just remember, most all stoves burn well at low altitude in the summer.
In thin air, wind and snow blowing, below 20 degrees F? Not so much. Mountaineering lore is rife with flaming tents from priming liquid stoves too, just about every epic written includes this element. For the money, you can't beat the Pocket Rocket. Two cannisters, one in your coat while the other freezes up on the stove. If it won't light, especially in cold weather, torque the stove down one extra quarter turn, till you hear gas escaping from the unlit head. The rubber gaskets are a little thick and 'grabby" at lower temps. Below zero, you'd probably need a heat sink to keep the cannister warm enough to pump gas right. Quarter inch copper wire works well by accounts from Alaska mountaineers. I have a problem with the whole idea of heating explosive propane cannisters, so when the tent is below zero, I'll just build a wood fire outside. Remember, only the outer 1/16th inch of logs on the ground for years ever gets wet. It's all nice and dry inside. YMMV, but you wont know that till you're out there drinking hot coffee in the worst weather your area can throw at you. Now that I hav a larger stockpile of gasoline, I'll invest in a stove that burns it. I'll post here when I have a feel for how it works at HA in full winter conditions. |
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I second the MSR. I have been using an MSR stove for more than 30 years. It is the AK of the stove world. Simple, durable, light weight, field repairable (though I never had to repair any thing) and unquestionable reliability. THE NSF antarctic program use MSR XGK stoves in their survival kits. And if you open the kit, it is a case of possable death if the stove won't light. I think the pump is plenty strong, and the NSF must have had good luck with it at low temps. But as others have said, it pretty much has an on off switch. Off is cold, on is afterburners. |
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I've been using a canteen cup/stove w/ trioxane for years (mostly beacuse I have something like 1400 triox bars I bought in bulk a while ago).
It's ok, but cook times can be lengthy. That penny stove looks real interesting; I "commissioned" a few buddies to drink some heinikens for me (I don't drink) and plan on making one today. we'll see how it goes. Speed |
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I second the MSR. I have been using an MSR stove for more than 30 years. It is the AK of the stove world. Simple, durable, light weight, field repairable (though I never had to repair any thing) and unquestionable reliability. I have to agree with this. My first MSR, I bought used in 79'-80' and have carried one ever since. I now have a couple of white gas only Wisperlites. They work great in all conditions... tempatures and altitude. Minor problems: The original Wisperlite did not have the shaker jet and needed frequent cleaning. I had one of the gray plastic pumps crack but it didn't disable the stove. MSR sent me a new red pump for free. Enjoy 
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I have the MSR Pocket Rocket and the Coleman single burner butane stoves. I want a hikeable stove that will burn on gasoline. I saw a coleman at Wal Mart for $50. Anyone have or know about this one? It has to be reliable yet user friendly. What do you got? Thanks. I use my Primus Micron (very similar to your Pocket Rocket) for backpacking, but have owned a lot of liquid fuel stoves over the years. My favorite hands down is the OPTIMUS NOVA. If you don't mind carrying a little more weight to get more performance in cold windy conditions, check out the Trangia Nova, which fits inside a Trangia Storm Cooker: 
ETA, I've also had no problems with MSR stoves over the years (GK, XGK, Whisperlight and Dragonfly––The Dragonfly is my favorite, FWIW). I just like the Nova better. |
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I have got 4 MSR stoves: a Whisperlite International pre-Shakerjet, a Dragonfly, and 2 XGKs, one with Shakerjet, one without. In experimenting around with the stoves, I have found that the XGK will simmer at a lower temperature than the Whisperlite. The one modification I did to the XGK was to use the kerosene/diesel jet with Coleman fuel instead of the gas jet. The kerosene/diesel jet is slightly smaller than the gas jet. Using the smaller jet seems to result in less flame fluctuation at the low fuel tank pressures you have to use to simmer.
What I do is pump the stove just one time, prime and preheat (the priming is very slow because of the one pump stroke), then when the stove is running, close the valve down about 1/10 of a turn from completely closed. The flame will fluctuate between blue and yellow, but it will not go out as long as it is protected from the wind. I left 2 cups of water on the stove with it running like this for 20 minutes, and it never came to a boil. The Whisperlite will run very efficiently at low pressure, but when I tried to get it to a low simmer by closing down the fuel valve, the flame would sputter and go out. I think this is because of the way the fuel and air are mixed before going into the burner head. Also, in the approximately 20 years I have been using MSR stoves, I have never had to clean a jet orifice. I think the reason for this is when I shut down the stove, I turn the flame down low, and then physically blow the flame out. |
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I have this http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k54/brain_06/stove.jpg I've only used it with Coleman fuel (white gas) and haven't tried it with regular unleaded gas, (I think it would stink/smell, but I haven't tried it). A buddy of mine has the same one like yours. He has tried unleaded gas. He did mention that it burns on the dirty side. But it does the job if no white gas is available. I have the a similar model but with a lesser fuel capacity tank and have not tried it with unleaded gas. Do have a spare pump assembly on hand. Mine failed on me on a recent family trip. Would not build pressure while I was pumping. Lucky I had a back up, trioxane fuel and a small folding stove. |
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I'm still using an older Coleman Peak 1 but I actually like to cook (it's very adjustable unlike many of the stoves out there) and I like the fact that it's very quiet compared to most stoves. The MSR Dragonfly and XGK are excellent stoves too but man they're loud and not as adjustable as the Coleman. I don't have any experience with any of the newer Optimus stoves, but their older ones are very durable. Just dug an unused Coleman Peak 1 400 out of some 'buried-in-the-attic-forever' stuff and am planning on putting it to use. 
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| I've had a Primus multifuel stove for a couple of years now and it always works when I need it. It's a little heavy but it's built like a tank. If I want to go superlight then I'll take an alcohol stove. I saw a 10 pack of the swiss alcohol stoves on sportsmansguide for $20. They get them in for really cheap from time to time. |