The MBD Nion 3 Simmering Alcohol Stove

Here's a really interesting little stove, the Nion 3 from Mini Bull Designs.  I'm showing it here next to a Trangia burner so you can get an idea of just how small the Nion 3 really is.  The Nion 3 is made from 5.5 fl. oz./162ml aluminum beverage cansA standard Trangia burner (left) and a MBD Nion 3 (right).  Note the primer pan under the Nion 3.Showing a Nion 3 next to a Trangia burner is actually quite appropriate:  Both are...

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The MSR MicroRocket -- Packability Report #1

This is an installment in my series on the new MicroRocket stove from MSR.  Other installments in the series include:The New MSR MicroRocket -- First LookThe MSR MicroRocket -- Trail Report #1The MSR MicroRocket -- Trail Report #2The MSR MicroRocket -- Cooking Report The MSR MicroRocket -- Packability Report #1The MSR MicroRocket -- Packability Report #2The New MSR MicroRocket -- Completed ReviewIf you're interested in traveling light,...

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The PackaFeather Cap

Here's another "make your life easier" stove gear tip:  The PackaFeather Cap from PackaFeather.com, an ultralight gear provider.Basically, it's just a flip top spout for a bottle of alcohol, but it has a very nice little enhancement:  a nice, long plastic tube is well seated in the spout.  The tube can be pulled out, but it doesn't come out on it's own and is air tight.A PackaFeather Cap. Note the long plastic tube.The plastic tube...

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The Soto Pocket Torch

This isn't exactly a post on stoves.  This is however stove related.  I've got a "make your life easier" gear tip for you.  Today's featured gear?  The Soto Pocket Torch.A Soto Pocket Torch Um, gosh, Jim, isn't that just, um, a lighter?Well, I guess, but it's pretty darned nice lighter.  Let me tell you what I like about it.First, it's got a piezoelectric ignition.  A good one.  One that works pretty reliably. ...

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100% Propane for Backpacking? YES!

What's the "holy grail" of canister gas for cold weather backpacking?  100% propane.  Propane is the best.  Plain butane won't vaporize below 31F/-0.5C.  Even isobutane just sits there and looks at you below 11F/-12C.  But propane?  Propane vaporizes all the way down to -44F/-42C.  Sweet!What's that you say?  Propane is only available in those big heavy steel cylinders that are 16.4oz/465g net weight? ...

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The New MSR MicroRocket -- First Look

I'm in the process of writing another review for Seattle Backpackers Magazine, this time of the new MSR MicroRocket.  I've got a ways to go yet on the review, but I thought I'd at least let people have a preliminary look at the stove.  Look for the full review in about a month's time.This is an installment in my series on the new MicroRocket stove from MSR.  Other installments in the series include:The MSR MicroRocket -- Trail Report...

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