The "no windscreen with a canister stove" is to prevent ignorant users (the kind corporations' legal departments worry about) from overheating and blowing up the canister, resulting in the usual lawsuits. Common sense and close supervision are needed with any stove. You are, after all, using fire and flammable fuel.

I use a windscreen that goes 3/4 of the way around the canister. I also feel the canister frequently to make sure it isn't getting too warm. With the 3/4 windscreen, the stove is far more efficient, especially when it's windy.

The boiling point of water does depend on the air pressure, which of course decreases with altitude. Boiling Points of Water at Various Elevations. Presumably Rick did his tests (thanks, Rick!) at sea level.


Edited by OregonMouse (05/07/14 11:46 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey