Alcohol Stove at 12K?

You'll be fine, Ben. I've burnt alcohol at around 12K using a simple wedding tin stove and had no problems getting to a boil.

Thanks, Dondo, and good to know — mine is a wedding tin stove too!

Do you remember if there was much difference in performance, boil time, fuel usage, and the like?

Hi ben

The only real difference between 12k and sea level is the air pressure. I can't see that the air pressure will make a significant difference to a 'simple non-pressurized, top burner alcohol stove'. Wind and weather excepted, of course!

At 12k you shouldn't be under any serious physiological stress, so you should be able to operate it fine.

I've never done careful measurements but I suspect that Roger is right on this. Wind will be more of an issue than it is in lower, more protected places so look for natural wind breaks and bring a good, tight windscreen. Carrying more fuel than you think you need is probably a good idea.

Bill, who builds the White Box Stoves is always touting how well his rigs work at high elevation. And yes, wind will however probably play games with you up there so be prepared for that.

Ben,
I just used my caldera cone at 11-12k for 2 weeks (trip report forthcoming) with no problems. I did learn, though, that the alcohol lights a lot easier when it is warm. I started sticking the alcohol container under my armpit in the morning to warm it up.

Dan

Warm alcohol is always best. After rehydrating my dinner and pouring water for tea I simply stick my flask of brandy into the remaining hot water in my BPL Firelite SUL 1100. After dinner, enjoy a warm sip or two. Or three.

The campsite is protected by low stone walls. I'll bring my alky stove along — and I'll remember to warm up the fuel prior to use. Thanks, everyone.