Comments on: Stove Comparison – Real World Use

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:43:43 +0000

In reply to Pete. Good information is never late. :) thx for sharing!

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:13:15 +0000

Hi Paul, super late to this, but just to add to the info database here… For the Esbit tabs, I have found an easy way to light them is to use a short thin strip cut from a bike inner tube, say a 700c road bike tube. Cut a strip about an inch long and maybe 1/4″ wide. Put the strip just under the Esbit tab so it sticks out beyond the tab. Same concept as a fireworks fuse. Light the rubber strip and the strip will then catch the Esbit tab. Works every time. Dirtbaggery at its finest 🙂 Thanks Paul!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:56:55 +0000

In reply to Arlen. Assuming you want to schlep the weight of a chimney or cut a hole in your delicate and expensive shelter, of course.

By: Arlen

Arlen — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 03:25:03 +0000

In our high tech world there should be no campers cooking outside their tent in the wind. A chimney as small as 2” diameter and serving as a centre pole keeps air inside the tent safe.
Use of a spark arrester is ancient technology, they get plugged with soot. A baffle in the stove takes care of all sparks and never plug. https://www.wintercampingsymposium.com/forum/gear-equipment/wood-stoves/2329-new-ideas-for-cooking-under-tarp

By: Alcohol stove vs Canister Stove: Which is best? - Perfect Stove

Alcohol stove vs Canister Stove: Which is best? - Perfect Stove — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:14:17 +0000

[…] stoves. They are available in different sizes, including 4oz, 8oz and 16oz sizes. According to Paul Mags, an average use of a 4oz canister can last about 8-10 uses. Most of the canisters are easily refilled […]

By: A Quick and Dirty Guide to The CDT |

A Quick and Dirty Guide to The CDT | — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 20:49:24 +0000

[…] a stove without an on/off valve is often not allowed. No alcohol, no Esbit or campfires basically. Please see this doc I wrote earlier for more information. Please pay attention to the stove bans. […]

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 04:42:51 +0000

In reply to Laura Slade.

In the less populated Canadian Rockies, that is not my experience vs the US Rockies.

Note the lack of places in this great divide trail guide:
http://www.greatdividetrail.com/trip-planning-resources/resupplying/

Rural gas stations did not typically carry Heet or similar. Unlike their US countetparts. Larger towns, such as your city of nearly 500k people, did in the hardware stores, of course.

Also, the link I gave about Canadian alcohol fuel is from a Canadian outdoor company.
https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/expert-advice/gear-equipment/fuels-for-trangia-alcohol-stoves/

By: Laura Slade

Laura Slade — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 03:19:23 +0000

You mention alcohol stove fuel being difficult to gt in Canada and while it’s true we have different options and names for things, it’s not necessarily true that fuel is harder to get. For my tuna can alcohol stove I use fondue fuel. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia and I buy it at any grocery store (supermarket in the US). It’s $3 for 500ml (16 oz).

By: The Ultimate Bikepacking Microadventure Gear Setup - BudgetBikepacking.com

The Ultimate Bikepacking Microadventure Gear Setup - BudgetBikepacking.com — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:02:32 +0000

[…] Here is a good article comparing the real world performance of the different stove systems. […]

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:51:08 +0000

In reply to Pat. A good alternative in some case for sure.