Re: [Paddlewise] Lightweight backpacking stoves (was: Introduction)

In a message dated 1/3/2003 1:48:27 AM Central Standard Time, 
generic_elias_at_yahoo.com writes:


> You must paddle a very low volume boat if you have to take into 
> consideration
> the weight (rather than mass) of your tent.  It is nice, however, to be 
> able
> to cram more in there.  Typically, kayak camping is more a problem of
> minimizing volume, rather than minimizing mass.
> 
My issues with gear choices, weight and mass, come from a pretty simple 
backpacking background. I like simple camps and well made lightweight gear.I 
camp all year round in the PNW with occassional forays into Alaska, BC and 
the Desert Southwest. Less weight is less stress on the back and knees. 
Simple weight saving choices equals better food and water options. 

For instance, Let's say you have a kayak the manufacturer suggests a maximum 
payload of 325 pounds. Let's say I weigh 225 pounds. That leaves food, water 
and gear allowance of 100 pounds. Now, let's say you want to paddle Baja or 
the Everglades for 7 days. Each gallon of water weighs 8 pounds and a minimum 
of 56 pounds for 7 days of waterless/wilderness travel. What do the water 
containers weigh? That leaves me less than 44 pounds for all gear, food and 
paddle equipment. Start weighing your pfd, paddles, flares, paddlefloats, 
etc. It all adds up. The beauty of following lightweight principles does not 
result in lousy gear, bad dehy food, etc. You get different gear, gear that 
can handle the environment, but help make it still comfortable. 

Here's another reason to use alcohol stoves if it might work for you: alcohol 
is available worldwide. In Baja they had no cartridges for my propane stove, 
though they assured me they did, but made an honest mistake. They made 
another honest mistake and rented me a coleman propane stove that did not 
work. I use my Dragonfly often, it works well but is very heavy and needs a 
load of fuel in a metal bottle. My Optimus alpine micro is very light, 
efficient and I can buy cartridges all over the US and Canada. Its simple 
availability of fuel where you are going that dictates the type of stove to 
bring. I know people who don't even bring a stove! Well made alcohol stoves 
work well, and are weight and cost effective. Their main components are field 
replaceable too, just find another beercan!

Cheers,

Rob G

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