Thanks Lori..went in to MEC today to further investigate stoves,left more confused then when I went in,lol.So far all the gear I'm buying is as lightweight as I can afford.I'll be under 25lbs,carrying some of my daughters and mothers gear :)I'll research the cannisters for a day or two and see what i come up with.another thing that occurred to me today..which is more efficient on time/fuel...my daughter and I each having our own smaller pot(eating differnent meals) or the one 2L for us both?If we share,I'll be on a neverending mac n' cheese dinners thanks to her!lol.