How To Use A Backpacking Stove
Are you planning a family camping trip or a weekend trekking adventure? A camping stove can come in handy for various outdoor activities! Don’t worry if you’ve never used one before, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you through step-by-step instructions on how to use different backpacking stoves. Get ready to impress your fellow hikers with your cooking skills!
How to use a solid fuel stove?
If you’re planning to use a solid fuel stove on your camping trip, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Find a flat surface and open up the stove, making sure the “spikes” are facing up.
- Take a couple of hexamine blocks and place them on the stove. If they’re too big, break them down into smaller pieces to make them easier to light.
- Using a match, carefully light the fuel blocks. Be careful not to burn your fingers!
- Once the blocks are alight, place your pan or mess tin on top of the stove.
- Keep an eye on the flame and the blocks, as you may need to add more to keep the flame going.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook up a storm on your solid-fuel stove!
How to use an alcohol burning stove?
Are you planning to use a non-pressurized liquid stove on your camping trip? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- First, unpack the Trangia and familiarize yourself with all the pieces: a small pan, a larger pan, a lid that can also be used as a frying pan, a handle that clips onto the pans and lid, a top windshield, a bottom windshield, a brass burner unit (which should come with a lid and a simmering ring), and a strap to hold everything inside.
- Find a flat surface to place the bottom part of the windshield. Just remember, don’t place it in your tent!
- Fill the brass burner unit ¾ of the way full with methanol and place it carefully into the slot on the bottom windshield, being careful not to spill any methanol.
- Place the top part of the windshield onto the bottom, making sure they sit on top of each other, then twist to connect the pieces.
- Light a match and carefully light the methanol in the brass burner. You won’t see flames, but you should be able to feel the heat straight away. Be careful not to touch the flame directly.
- Use the handle to place the pot or pan onto the stove to boil water or cook food.
- If you need to adjust the heat on the Trangia, use the handle to carefully place the simmering ring onto the flame once you have adjusted the sliding disc to allow some air through.
- Once you have finished cooking, it’s time to extinguish the flame. Using the handle, gently place the simmering ring on top of the flame. Slide the disc over the brass burner unit so that it’s completely covered and no oxygen can get through. Be very careful because it will be hot! It won’t take long for the flame to go out. Never try to put the flame out using the lid as the rubber seal will burn. Always allow your cooker to cool down before packing it away.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook up a delicious meal on your non-pressurized liquid stove!
How to use a Canister stove?
Let’s learn how to use a pressurized liquid stove in a few easy steps!
- Take your stove out of the box and extend the arms by pulling them upwards. Lock them in place by pressing down on them.
- Remove the seal from the gas cartridge and attach it to the stove by screwing it on clockwise until it clicks. Don’t tighten it too much.
- Find a flat surface and place the stove on it.
- Light the stove by holding a flame near the burner and adjusting the gas flow until the flame is just right.
- Put your pan on the stove, making sure it’s centered on the arms. Keep an eye on the flames to make sure they don’t get too high and burn your food.
- When you’re done cooking, turn the knob clockwise to turn off the gas.
- Wait for the stove to cool down before removing the gas cartridge. Fold the arms back into their original position and store the stove in its protective box.
How To Use Gas cookers
Using a backpacking gas cooker is a great way to prepare food in the great outdoors. Follow these easy steps to get started:
- Find a flat surface to place your gas stove.
- Remove the pan support from the stove and turn it over so that it’s ready to hold your pan.
- Open the cartridge cover and gently insert your gas canister into the stove.
- Press the cartridge stop lever down to secure the gas canister. Make sure it’s in place before use.
- Turn the control knob to the ‘ignition’ position until the stove clicks and lights. Repeat if it doesn’t work.
- Adjust the control knob to the desired flame height.
- Make sure to use pans or kettles that are the right size for your stove. If using more than one stove, keep them apart to prevent overheating.
- When you’re finished cooking, turn the knob to ‘off’ and lift the cartridge lever to the unlock position.
- Ensure the flame is extinguished and wait for your stove to cool down before removing the gas cartridge. Always replace the protective cap on the gas cartridge when you’re finished.
Safety Tips
When you’re using a stove, make sure you follow the safety tips to make sure your stove, tent, and health will be all good after you have finished cooking.
- If you’re in an area with fire restrictions, make sure you’re allowed to use your stove. We don’t want to start a wildfire.
- Set it up on a flat surface to prevent accidents.
- Don’t cook inside your tent or too close to it, as tents can catch fire easily.
- Wait for the stove to cool down before removing any gas cartridges to avoid burning yourself.
- After cooking, give your stove a good cleaning and keep it and the gas cartridges stored in a cool, dry place.
- Before using your stove, inspect it for any signs of damage and don’t use it if it’s damaged.
- And remember, never try to modify your stove or any other appliance for safety reasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a camping stove on your outdoor adventure can make cooking much easier and enjoyable. With the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can quickly learn how to use different types of camping stoves, from solid fuel to canister gas stoves. Remember, safety is paramount when using a stove, so always set it up on a flat surface away from your tent, and never leave it unattended while it’s in use. With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to impress your fellow campers with your cooking skills!