Has anyone tried the cat stove (sometimes called "super cat")? It is the simplest alcohol stove really. Just some holes cut in a cat food can and the top is left open. I thought I might try that on my next trip, but I thought I mighty ask here about it. I have used all sorts of stoves. Time to cook isn't a big issue for me. I'm usually not in a hurry at dinner time. I wouldn't use it in winter of course where I might have to melt snow for water.

I’ve used one of the original cat stoves for about ten years. It is simple and easy to make, a plus. It works best on wide based pots since it is a side burner. It can stick to the pot bottom if you take the pot off while it is burning. In my mind that can be a fire hazard.

I made one, but I have never taken it backpacking. I also think it can be a fire hazard. It is a very light, open can of fuel. It can be a bit of a challenge to get it centered under the pot and in the wilderness can be a bit tippy where its not sitting on a flat surface. I think it would be better if you pair it with a Caldera Cone type arrangement... though something with batting like a Zelph Starlyte would be the best.

Made lots of them but candidly, never took one backpacking. Esbit or tiny cookfires where legal, are lighter, safer, and more efficient.

Went through an alchy stove phase a few years ago and never felt they proved their worth. Just me.

There are 2 different common versions of stoves made from cat food cans, the original, and the Super Cat. I've made a Super Cat and used it camping a few times (can't remember if any of those trips were backpacking). I have not tried the original. I pretty much agree with everything others have said about it being hard to center/balance, sometimes sticking to the pot when you lift it, being a fire hazard, etc. I would add that it's very prone to wind, so I think the suggestion to pair it with a caldera style cone is probably a good one. It could definitely work if you're aware of the quirks and dangers and are willing to fiddle with it, but in the end, I settled on a light weight canister stove. It's heavier, at least for the short trips I do, but it's worth it for me personally.