Esbit stove and backpack question

Posted by: gpl916

Esbit stove and backpack question - 01/23/08 05:31 PM

Hi,

I am considering making a windscreen stove similiar to a caldera. My idea is to just put the esbit fuel on the ground, or a small rock, instead of using a stove. Has anyone tried this? Does the esbit have to be placed off the ground?

My other idea is to make a lightweight vest, similiar to a photographers vest (but much lighter) with a mesh back and attach a bag to the back for the pack. This way the load would be distributed more evenly ( 7 or 8 lbs font and back) and essential/ survival items could be placed in the pockets on front. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Greg
Posted by: tarbubble

Re: Esbit stove and backpack question - 01/23/08 07:08 PM

at least put the tab on a piece of foil, so you don't leave tarry black residue on the ground.
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: Esbit stove and backpack question - 01/23/08 09:00 PM

What tarbubble said about the residue. Esbit is messy. LNT. A bit of foil weighs almost nothing and it may reflect some extra heat toward your pot. Also, placing the tab on the ground may make it too far from the pot, depending on the design of your cone.

Regarding the vest, I've tried that idea and I still sometimes use a vest for dayhikes. The good: Easy access to your stuff. The bad: Bending over forward is more difficult. If you're crawling or climbing on rock the pockets scrape. Can be uncomfortable on a hot day.
Posted by: finallyME

Re: Esbit stove and backpack question - 01/24/08 06:52 AM

I have thought about a vest like that for hunting. But, when I was in the army, I had a vest and didn't like it. For me, I like a big belt with suspenders. Very similar to the old military web gear with a butt pack. Just use a little more padding under the belt, depending on how much weight you want to carry. It has worked for me, but may not work for you in your application. YMMV. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Esbit stove and backpack question - 01/24/08 11:12 AM

Quote:
Hi,

I am considering making a windscreen stove similiar to a caldera. My idea is to just put the esbit fuel on the ground, or a small rock, instead of using a stove. Has anyone tried this? Does the esbit have to be placed off the ground?

My other idea is to make a lightweight vest, similiar to a photographers vest (but much lighter) with a mesh back and attach a bag to the back for the pack. This way the load would be distributed more evenly ( 7 or 8 lbs font and back) and essential/ survival items could be placed in the pockets on front. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Greg


yeah greg, the World is'nt coming to an end so don't panic, regardless of what your broker is telling you <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Just buy the NEW Esbit stove with the three tabs; it's a folding origami type piece of steel and you don't have to worry about starting a newbie forest fire....thank God <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, just don't try to leave yer house wearing the suicide bomber looking vest in public.....unless you enjoy proctology exams by strangers <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Lighter weight fabrics are'nt necessarily going to be strong enough or comfortable enough in the vest application. Just get a bird hunting vest and modifiy it if you must. Better yet just pony up for a real photog' vest and it's not re inventing the whell. heck, they have to wear them all day sometimes, with a lot of weight in them...you think' they'd have beat you to it no <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: gpl916

Thanks for the posts! - 01/26/08 09:21 PM

I was looking at the tri-wing esbit, but then I thought; It's function only real function is to support the pot. I plan on carrying a windscreen anyway so it could do that easy enough. I will use a piece of foil under the fuel tab though. I have not used solid fuel yet so I didn't realize how messy it may be. I will be at a class on the ice this week and will try it for a nice hot lunch.

I have looked at photographers vests and a few look pretty good. The pockets are generally bigger than I would want on the front though. One of them does look like web gear, i would like to try it on.

Thanks,

Greg
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Thanks for the posts! - 01/27/08 10:27 AM

B&H Camera in NYC has a great selection of vests IME. You can also sew up sections of pockets that are too large for what you need you know <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: CamperMom

Re: Thanks for the posts! - 01/28/08 06:20 AM

A tri-wing Esbit stove does more than support the pot. It gets the fuel tab off of the ground so no heat is wasted by being absorbed by the ground/rock/whatever. It also sets the flame at the ideal height from the pot bottom and protects the "table top." I go the extra step and place a piece of cardboard, wrapped in aluminum foil under my stove. If you come across picnic tables, look at all the burn marks carless people have left behind and you will see why.

CamperMom
Posted by: dsk

Re: Esbit stove and backpack question - 02/12/08 04:48 AM

A tiny bit of foil under the Esbit wil be OK. The gratest loss of heat will probly be caused of even very little wind, so dont forget to bring, or build a chimney like protection directing the heat up on the sides of the kettle.
The design of a stormcooker may be a good hint.

dsk