Myth Busted Winter Alcohol Stoves

This has been posted before, but here we go again…
Use a cotton ball impregnated with Vaseline (petroleum jelly) That will light up well below freezing (no idea down to what but at least -10c …) , the ball will then light up the alcohol. Apparently liquid paraffin works even better ( I have not tried this one)
Franco

Never had problem lighting an alcohol stove in cold weather. Early on someone told me that the stove wouldn't light around freezing… so I just made sure the alcohol was warm by putting the fuel bottle inside my jacket so it would get too cold and/or sleeping with it under my quilt. Sounds like this is overkill… but since it's worked I never really thought about it.

–Mark

This is pretty cool.  First ever thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.  The Trail Designs Sidewinder alcohol stove performed very admirably according to these guys.  http://www.pcta.org/2015/meet-two-guys-winter-thru-hiking-pct-19-incredible-photos-26687/

Just because some people are using it doesn’t mean it’s the best option.

When all your water is coming from melted snow, the fuel weight advantage (over time) goes to something that packs more BTUs/pound, and in the case of denatured alcohol vs isobutane it’s roughly 10K BTU vs 21K BTU. (Offset by the weight of the containers, yada-yada-yada) And there’s also the time element and ease of use, and also the fact that melting snow for all water needs is going to require about 3 times as much fuel.

Best to try both yourself to see which one you prefer. Compared to the other 3 seasons, real winter is no place to take somebody else’s word for it.

Bob, I don’t think the issue is just about melting snow.  I *think* most would agree with you that a white gas or canister stove will do a lot better in that regard.  I’ve heard a lot of people say that alcohol just flat out won’t burn in the winter, and I’m guessing that this is what the post was pointing out.  But I could be wrong.  If I was getting all of my water from melted snow, I’d sure want to go the way of a canister or white gas to get the job done much faster and with less fuel.  I’d hate to be standing around in the middle of the day getting cold while I’m waiting on a slower stove to do it’s thing.

OK, I didn’t think of that (alcohol combustion in cold) as an issue because I’ve tested at temperatures well below freezing and know it will burn. A bit tough to get it lit (the twig trick is good), but once lit and warmed up the output is fine… which is the same as with much warmer ambient temps.

I’ve also used the Sidewinder Ti-Tri Inferno (basically CC with wood burner insert) to melt snow and that also works but is slower and requires more attention (feeding it sticks) than I really want to put up with.

At the end of the day, I’ll use whatever I’ve got to work with and adjust accordingly for the limitations of the system. But when it’s -20°F I’d rather have hot grub in my belly sooner rather than later. :^)

But when it’s -20°F I’d rather have hot grub in my belly sooner rather than later.
And you need to allow for the likelihood that you may be a bit cold, clumsy and possibly shivering, and in urgent NEED of warmth. Your IQ may also be down a little. You need something simple, robust, effective and reliable.

Cheers

Alcohol is the fuel of choice for many mushers on the Iditarod dogsled race (as well as the running race).  They use pretty big stoves for melting water and weight is less critical that functionality.  Canisters are just not reliable enough and white gas needs priming.

Jon, I’ve read that too.  Apparently using two full bottles of Heet is often required per use, which may seem like a lot.  But as you said, weight is less of an issue, and the simplicity of literally just dumping two containers in and lighting it is a perk for sure.

http://zenstoves.net/MusherCooker.htm

By the way, Jon, I ordered a Bobcat Kovea from you.  Looking forward to a new toy ;)

Bob Ellenberg’s comment above about making a “lighter stick” from wire and fiberglass (I used carbon felt) worker perfectly for me! I just had to insulate the wire to protect my fingers, but is solved the alcohol stove priming problem beautifully for me.

Just  hold the the alcohol soaked felt over the bic flame and voala! Now I just keep the bic in my parka pocket instead of the alcohol.

Thank you!!

Now I just keep the bic in my parka pocket instead of the alcohol.
Many experienced snow campers do this.

Cheers