Soda-can stove

Sometimes, either due to local laws or restrictions, it is not possible to have (even a well managed) open fire in a wilderness area. Under these circumstances, many hikers and travellers will resort to hiking stoves and these stoves bring problems with them in terms of weight, reliability and bulk.

The backpacking style we favour is the ultra-lightweight kind (base load of less than 7kg). For ultra-lightweight backpacking, the alcohol stove is king. Requiring no more than 2 tablespoons of fuel to heat two cups of water, these stoves are literally worth their tiny weight in gold! The picture shows the same type we make with students to use on our Bushman course. Teamed with a small metal mug these really are the ultimate in lightweight brew kits.

The whole stove is made from a single discarded drinking soda-can and a piece of insulation tape (optional) in about 20 minutes from start to finish and requires only the simplest of tools. The complete stove weighs in at around 25 grams (that is less than an ounce). The stove burns denatured ethanol, Isopropyl “rubbing alcohol” , 140 proof liquor or common household “meths”. These fuels are readily available in most hardware stores, drug stores or camping supply centres.

The Soda-can stove has no moving parts to go wrong and can be lit with a firesteel, match or lighter. A separate pot stand is not required as the cooking pot sits right on the rim of the stove, the side jets heat the contents of the cooking pot evenly and the stove will bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in around 5 minutes. A 200ml store bought bottle of meths (ensure you have a tight fitting lid when carrying this in your pack) will give you around 12 - 15 boils.

This is an easy and efficient way to make a warming drink and it uses recycled materials which is very satisfying when you consider that the cheapest lightweight gas stoves cost at least £ 30 plus the canisters. Even trangia style alcohol stoves cost £7-10, this stove is yours for the price of a soda.

These stoves very accurately meet our motto of “travel light but right”

Come back soon

Andrew