In this article, I present a DIY testing device (and test results for 30 fabrics) that allows me to measure the hydrostatic head of “waterproof’ fabrics at home.
Science & Technology
Dive into the "how things work" side of lightweight backpacking gear and techniques. Our S&T articles include summaries of testing reports, research projects, and more. Discover the validity of manufacturer claims, the scientific basis of design, or how and why equipment performs differently in response to various environmental conditions.
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Is a heat exchanger pot worth the weight?
This article attempts to determine how a heat exchanger welded to the bottom of a pot actually affects fuel consumption.
Estimating the Age (Lifespan) of Your Backcountry Water Filter
The goal of this test is to determine the effective age of your backpacking water filter based on comparing its current flowrate to its flowrate when new.
StoveBench: A Stove Testing Protocol for Comparing the Performance of Backpacking Stoves
StoveBench defines a protocol that is used to measure two important backpacking stove performance features (power and efficiency) in order to determine a single, quantifiable performance factor called the StoveBench Score.
Evaporative Heat Loss in Upright Canisters (Part 4 – Propane and Cold Temperatures)
This technical series addendum addresses the role of propane and cold temperatures in canister stove performance.
Evaporative Heat Loss in Upright Canisters (Part 3 – Transferring Gas Between Stove Canisters)
Instead of buying a new fuel can for each trip, discover techniques for transferring gas between stove canisters.
Evaporative Heat Loss in Upright Canisters (Part 2 – Evaluating the Efficacy of Canister Warming Techniques at Temperatures Below Freezing)
This article tests various canister warming techniques for preserving the efficiency of canister stoves in sub-freezing temperatures.
Evaporative Heat Loss in Upright Canister Stoves (Part 1: Measuring the Temperature Drop of Evaporative Cooling)
Evaporative heat loss in upright canister stoves extends boiling times and changes fuel mixture composition. Here’s how to combat it.
A Brief Look at Lindal Valves
Testing shows debris could be inside canister fuels.
The Evolution of a Winter Stove – Part 5: Infra-Red testing
Dissatisfied with what was commercially available at the time, the author has been working on the design of a lightweight winter canister stove since 2007. This installment focuses on infra-red testing.