Trails Across The Prairies
Trail Break
So as you know, I spend a lot of time outdoors throughout the year, and at this time of the year being the middle of winter, I will carry a tiny pack stove allowing me to quickly heat something for lunch on the trail.
Now I also carry energy bars that are stored in my haversack, but they are not exactly my first choice when I am out in the cold, like on this morning with the temperature sitting at -12 Celsius.
The tiny pack-stove seen here made by Snow-Peak is a stove that I've had for years, and has proven to be very reliable over that time.
This stove uses fuel canisters containing a blend of butane, and propane, which allows operation down to -10C, although I have used it in -20C temperatures by using a reflector to keep the gas-canister warm.
Partially used fuel canisters can be removed from the stove for packing and transport. The gas canisters used with these type of stoves come in 3 different sizes, the larger sizes being the most economical to use.
However because I wish to save on space in my haversack, I am using the smallest canister available, and the neat thing about the 110g fuel canister that I am using, is that it fits inside of the small pot you see being used to cook my lunch. I do own a more elaborate cook set, but this small cooking pot suits my needs for day trips.
If the wind is blowing, the wind can fight with the stove’s flame, resulting in heat loss and longer cooking times, as well as wasted fuel. If that is the case, I have an optional wind-screen that can be seen mounted in place on the burner just below the cooking pot.
Also seen in the photo and being used is a stainless-steel reflector (homemade) that helps warm the canister for more efficient operation in the cold.
However this is not recommended for use with gas canister powered stoves, as the gas canister can explode if heated to extreme.
In actuality reflectors are meant to be used with pack stoves that have the burner mounted separately from the fuel source, these stoves being the type that burn white gas, and are more efficient for use in high altitude mountaineering, especially in extreme cold conditions.
Years ago I owned one of these stoves, however for my use, I prefer the canister stoves, my not having to deal with carrying liquid fuel in a container that could leak where and when I don't want it to.
If your curious what's in the cooking pot on this morning, its as simple as oatmeal flavored with brown sugar, and come in packets that are easily carried in my haversack.
I also carry raisins with me (which I love!) and I throw a handful in the pot when I'm preparing the oatmeal.
Now you know!
Expand the photo for a closer look.....
