RE: [Philmont]: Propane Stoves

As has been pointed out the PowerMax cartridges contain a mix of propane and butane.

Pure propane works well down to 0°F. Butane will not work below 32°F. Propane will vaporise at lower temperatures than butane.

I found the following information on REI's website.

Butane, Propane or Isobutane Blend Fuel ===============================

Positives

1. Convenient, clean-burning and easy to light. Burn hot immediately and do not require priming. Can be adjusted easily for simmering. Can't spill.

Negatives

2. More expensive than other fuel types. You must carry and dispose of the fuel canisters, and most are non-recyclable. Performance may decrease in temperatures below freezing, however blended alternatives - butane/propane and isobutane - works better than straight butane in cold conditions. Pure propane works well down to 0°F. Butane will not work below 32°F.

Overall Review

3. Great for warm- to moderate-weather campers who want easy adjustability, few hassles and who don't mind carrying a little extra weight in their packs.

White Gas Fuel====================================================

Positives

1. Inexpensive, easy to find throughout the United States. Clean, easy to light, spilled fuel evaporates quickly.

Negatives

2. Volatile (spilled fuel can ignite quickly), priming is required (fuel from the stove can be used). Can be hard to find outside of the United States.

Overall Review

3. A great overall performer, perfect for travel throughout North America in just about any weather conditions. Reliable, inexpensive and efficient.

Consider Performance

Finally, once you've narrowed down your stove choice to a handful of specific models, consider their overall performance. A good way to do this is with REI's in-store printed comparison chart or stove test centres. Consider variables like:

1. Average boiling time - Measures how hot the stove burns.

2. Water boiled per pint of fuel - Measures how efficient the stove is. It's like comparing cars based on how many miles-to-the-gallon they get.

3. Burn time at maximum flame - Measures how long the stove will burn on a given supply of fuel before it has to be refilled.

Hints for improving your stove's performance:

1. Use a lid when cooking.

2. Use a windscreen.

3. Use a heat-exchanger on trips of more than a few days (to improve fuel economy).

4. Learn how to clean and maintain your stove properly.

5. Use a coffee filter to filter all of your liquid fuel before use.

-----Original Message-----

From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On

Behalf Of Larry Sims - KBR Elec

Sent: Monday, February 13, 2006 11:34 AM

To: Multiple recipients of list philmont

Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Propane Stoves

a. Propane Propane/ butane mixed fuel works well at PSR.

b. Backcountry commissaries carry Powermax fuel cartridges for Coleman

Exponent Xtreme Stoves.

c. In 2004 our crew of 12 carried one propane stove and two white gas

stoves. Base camp commissary filled our fuel containers with kerosene

instead of white gas, so the propane stove came in handy the first night

out. We were able to get white gas a Ponil the next day and if needed we

could have used the kerosene jet on our Whisperlite.

d. Best wishes on your crew's trek.

Larry Sims

Philmont 2004 Expedition Coordinator

Troop 1288 Katy, TX

610-C4 2004 Trek #24

2002 Philmont Expedition Coordinator

609-A3 2002 Trek #5FM (Fire modified trek)

718-G1 1965 (The Monsoons of '65)

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Received on Tue Feb 14 08:03:25 2006