He's been posting about it at the Backpacker Magazine forum for some time now and sending out demo models. All I have to read is "weight with cooking pans: 32 oz" to reconcile myself to steam baking biscuits in my pot.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
Over the years there have been countless oven options made. If weight is a concern any sort of oven is going to be too heavy. From a weight standpoint, the steam in a bag method is the only option with minimal weight.
If it weighed a lot less it would be a hit. I think he has a great idea and he will see business from those who don't watch pack weight. IMO, the kayak or canoe crowd would be a great target audience.
But in all honesty, if I want goodies I either steam them in a bag or silicone liner in my pot or I pan fry biscuits in my lid frypan (on my 2L pot) if I have the guys along.
Though I am sure my husband would love a batch of cinnamon rolls it isn't likely that will ever happen in the wilds. He is just as happy with cold Pop Tarts and hot chai. I suppose someday I should use my Outback Oven I got for a song....all I have used is the heat diffuser. Great idea, just too heavy to carry.
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I used to make an oven in the field simply by digging a hole and lining it with rocks. Place food such as potatoes wrapped in tin foil into the hole surrounded by hot coals from the camp fire. Cover with the soil and wait a half an hour. Dig them up and eat. No mess no fuss, but one needs a fire is the only drawback. I used to amaze my friends using this technique. They didn’t believe it would work.
This is the original point I was trying to make and requesting input on. My original comment was that it is heavy. What I am wondering is. . . A) What does it look like? I can't really tell how it is put together from the non-informative photos on the website. B) Has anybody made one out of lighter weight materials or does that seem to be a possibility? C) Has anyone had any direct experience or know anyone who owns one? Dunno, maybe I should have posted in the Make Your Own Gear forum but thought the questions were a little broader . . . Thanks for comments so far.
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Thanks for the link. That was what I was looking for. Obviously, not for lightweight solo usage under any imaginable incarnation. However, I wonder if it might be suitable for a small group of 2-3 if it underwent substantial weight reduction. Anyone know what it might weigh in Titanium? What else could be chopped out to make it lighter. . . . Fabric or foil instead of sheet metal?
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Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.
For a TRULY lightweight oven look at the food forum. I posted a thread on my Outback Oven from Backpacker's Pantry. It's a fiberglass "yurt" shaped hood W/ a 1" dia hole in the center so you can read the aneroid thermometer built into the pot lid handle. Beneath the pot is a corrugated steel heat diffuser, which I replaced with one made of aluminum. This setup bakes great AND is light.
Eric
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That is from the UL oven set up. I can use it on most of my canister stoves, then put a 2L pot or 8" or so fry pan on it. Prevents burning! Really important if you are doing pan biscuits.
Thanks for the link. That was what I was looking for. Obviously, not for lightweight solo usage under any imaginable incarnation. However, I wonder if it might be suitable for a small group of 2-3 if it underwent substantial weight reduction. Anyone know what it might weigh in Titanium? What else could be chopped out to make it lighter. . . . Fabric or foil instead of sheet metal?
Actualy the weight of Titanium is 60% more than aluminum. If you have some spacific questions that I can answer for you I would be glad to do so just send me PM. I am not sure that a fabric or foil would be durable enough. 24oz is a bit heavy for solo hiking but for a group I think it would be great. I use it for solo hiking anyway as I enjoy the baked breads and cakes, cookies etc.
Actualy the weight of Titanium is 60% more than aluminum.
That is by volume. But, most titanium items are much thinner, and thus have a much smaller volume of actual material, making them lighter. Titanium is also much stronger.
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That is true but the Aluminum used in the Backpacker Oven is an .025 and if you got any thinner you would be cutting yourself and your pack unless you rolled the edge. Also the cost of Titanium is much much higher. The oven would probobly cost over $150 and I don't think it would sell at that price.
Hey, there are good reasons to use aluminum (you named a few). I wasn't criticizing the choice of metal for the oven, I think it was a good choice. I am just saying that you can't throw out a metal candidate on density alone. Other factors play a role as well.
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Any baking is going to require longer cooking times (more fuel) and a stove you can control heat on (canister fuel best). Here is an UL oven option I have used..I generally pack with Alch. stove but when I plan on baking I use an MSR pocket rocket..
I purchased a titanium pot set which as a larger pot (1.5 L) and a smaller pot (1 L) that nests inside. Lids for each double as 1 inch deep fry pan. Total weight with lids approx 10oz. I mix all dry ingredients and pack. In camp I will get some small stones or sand (1/2 inch) and fill the larger pot. I mix all the ingredients in the smaller pot or the smaller lid which ever is appropriate size for recipe. DO NOT COVER THE INSIDE POT. Cover the outside pot and cook on the lowest setting you can cook at without wind blowing your stove out (slightly over a sputter).
It works well and the sand or rocks work well as a heat diffuser...cooking times are a little longer than normal. Don't be tempted to take lid off to check every two minutes...won't cook right...try at home first to see how it works...
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