Make A Canister Cozy

Bill,
Thanks a lot for the pictures. I really like seeing what you’ve made yourself. It definitely gives me an itch to get into a house where I can have “my space” that the wife would let me tinker in.

I had a question, when cutting neoprene, I assume you just use scissors? or do you use a hot knife?

Joshua, It doesn’t take a lot of space. It is nice to have a lot of space. You can do a lot in a small space or even if you have to pack everything up in a box when you are done for the day and slide it under a bed.

I just cut the neoprene with a pair of scissors.

Nicely done Bill!

Can you fill me in on why the canister cozy? Is it for transportation or…?

Hi Rick, Good question. Used mostly for really cold weather.

I’m trying (and failing) to get my brain around the idea of a canister cozy for cold weather. But since I’ve not used a canister in the cold I suspect I’m just missing something.

Cold weather reduces the vapor pressure of the fuel and if it’s cold enough it won’t evaporate fuel fast enough to meet the stove’s needs … is that correct?

The act of evaporating fuel requires energy and that results in cooling the fuel and the canister. I’m somewhat confident of that.

Wouldn’t insulating the canister would seem to result in a colder canister (less ability to absorb energy from surroundings)?

I guess I can see a cozy helping if the cannister were comming from a warmer environment (inside your jacket or sleeping bag).

It

I have the same question. The release of fuel cools the canister quickly, even if it started out warm and is insulated.

The two most effective techniques I know of to counteract this are:

1. Placing the canister in water (even cold water) while in use.
2. Using a wire as a heat exchanger. Wrap one end a few times around the canister and put the other in or near the flame. Diligently monitor the canister to avoid overheating.

If I am backpacking in cold weather and need to melt ice or snow for water I use one of those small chemical heat packs in the cozy. They are simple to use and light. When I am finished melting water or cooking I put the heat pack in a pocket or a mitten or if I have my sleeping bag out I put it in a sock and throw it in the bag.

Interesting. I think the combined elements might be heavier overall than the wire, but maybe it has a performance advantage. Have you compared them?

By the way, I’ve really enjoyed the pictures of your creations.

Alex, I am talking real cold, middle of the winter Mt Washington, cold.

I carry a few “Grabber MyCoal – Mini-Mini Hand Warmers” (at 1.38oz for 2) with me always – anyway. They are great when your fingers get cold. Yes, I have great Mit’s and liners but you know what they say about **** happens.

The cozy in the picture will also fit my Snow Peak 700ml Ti cup.

i made a prototype cosy for my snow peak mini solo from an old closed cell sleep mat–seems to work ok—-is neoprene a better material to use?