Re: [Paddlewise] Stoves and sleeping bags

It seems there are quite a few Whisperlite fans out there.  I had a Svea 123
for almost 30 years and it finally died last year.  I bought an MSR
Whisperlite to replace it and I guess it was just too different from the
Svea.  It was a white gas model, like the Svea, but, as someone mentioned,
it was fiddly.  It was easy to tip, it was a pain to put together, and it
just seemed flimsy.  I took it back and traded it for a new Svea 123.
Though the Svea is a pain to start, doesn't simmer well, and is noisy, it
really cranks out the BTUs.  It's also rugged with very few separate parts.
Since I bought the Svea, I got a Gaz butane/propane stove as a gift.  What a
treat to start!  It's just like a gas stove at home.  It also simmers well
and is exceptionally quiet.  The burner itself takes up very little space
but the propane canisters take some space.  Though I love the Gaz's strong
points, it is exceptionally expensive to operate compared to the Svea.  I
can get a gallon of white gas for the Svea that will last me about 3 to 4
years and cost about $5.  For that same $5 I get a 220 gram Gaz canister
that lasts for about 8 meals.  To cover one camping/kayaking/hiking season
I'd need about 4 canisters.  That's $20 for a year, $80 for 4 years.  I'm
not sure the Gaz's benefits are worth a 1,500% increase in operating cost.

While on the subject of stoves, the Campmoor catalog includes a windscreen
for stoves.  It's a great gadget!  It folds up, is light, doesn't get hot,
and makes stove-starting in the wind a breeze (sorry).

As for sleeping bags I have a NorthFace down mummy and a couple of L.L. Bean
manmade fiber mummy bags.  Though they're used in a marine environment, they
both perform well, though, ounce for ounce and cc for cc, the down bag is
the champ.  That, after using it for over 20 years!  However, the minor
stress of having a down bag near water all the time is an issue you might
want to consider.  Get it wet and you'll have a long, chilly night.  The
L.L. Bean bags are well-made and come in a variety of weights, cuts, and
temperature ratings.  They're not the cheapest around but I think they offer
good value for your dollar.

As for "gizmos", besides the stove windscreen, Campmoor sells a "Li'l John"
and a "Jane" attachment that are great for toilet stops on the water if
you're not completely wrapped up in a wet or dry suit.  It's one of those
gizmos I wouldn't go paddling on the ocean without.


			Bill Ridlon
			Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network

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