I use the plastic egg carriers and buy eggs every few days, farm fresh are the best if you can find them, better than the ones in the grocery stores for longevity. When we took them for long periods of time, sailing, we would dip them in water glass (sodium silicate)
those would keep for several months at a time.

Aaron:)

i use an egg carrying case.

$3

http://www.rei.com/product/696008

i have 2 of these.

sometimes, i carry a dozen eggs!

I agree, that blacklight stuff is horrible. Get the GSI.

Did a 4 day backcountry hike in the Grand Canyon with some friends a few weeks ago. The first night one of the guys used his coke can stove and we were all amazed at the elegant simplicity, the light weight, and the efficiency.

Second night was just a bit windy and he could not keep it lit. Someone else had to boil water for his dinner.

We often use our Dragonfly stove within the rain fly of our tent (not inside the tent itself) during storms. This would be somewhat more problematic with a pop can stove.

That said, I still like the design. For those not excited about making their own, he bought his from Antigravity gear for $12.

Really?? Mine's doing fine...but I don't use metal utensils on it. (or any non-stick pan) Is the GSI stuff comparable in weight?

edit...just checked it...10.8 oz. Not too shabby...and it is cheaper. I'll keep it in mind the next time around. Thanx.

I have had good luck in fairly windy conditions setting up in the wind shadow of something and using a windscreen.

I am curious why you say that. I have seem pressurized white gas stoves become a fireball, but have never seen a pop can stove do that. Probably better to not use any stove in a vestibule, but I would have though a pressurized white gas stove would be worst, an unpressurized alcohol stove next, and a isobutane one safest of the three.

Mountaineers have been cooking in their vestibules for ages. It is the only way to eat anything but a popsicle on Whitney or Everest. I certainly would think twice in a single door tent with no escape hatch.

It is true that pressurized gas stoves, while they are more stable than pop can stoves, can become a fireball. Generally this is due to user error/stupidity. At least that's how it is with me. Alcohol pop can stoves are far less stable. A flapping tent vestibule on a stormy day could send an puddle, albeit a small one, of flaming alcohol underneath the tent. That would be a disaster.

This is a very interesting discussion, as I've only recently been experimenting with a mini Trangia that I purchased last year (but ended up taking the Dragonfly on that tour). I recently became more interested in the Trangia because:

1. More simple than the pressurized gas stoves - no pumping, no little tiny bits to break
2. Denatured alcohol is available just about everywhere in one form or another (Heet etc)
3. Weight and size - the thing is just so small and light
4. Less chance of flare-ups
5. Quieter by far - almost silent in fact, as opposed to the jet sound of the Dragonfly
6. Not as much blowtorch effect, which might reduce hot spots on the pan (which can burn food)
7. Only downside: It's slower to cook, but that might be a good thing (see burning food, above)

So far, I really like it, and may try it on a future tour in preference over the Dragonfly.

I also purchased, after reading numerous positive reviews, the ClikStand and associated windscreen:

http://www.clikstand.com/
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/revi...tove%20System/

This seems to make for a better and more efficient environment for the Trangia.

I am also kind of torn between the Trangia and just going completely stoveless. On my last TransAm back in 1998, I ended up sending all my stove equipment home somewhere in Virginia (going E-W). It was just too much hassle, and I'm actually ok eating cold food most of the time anyway. In the summer particularly, I don't think cooking is so important, and I actually enjoy stopping at diners and cafes to eat - it breaks the monotony, and allows you to meet the locals a bit more than if you just sit in your tent in the woods and cook by yourself. All I ended up keeping was a bowl and a spoon, so I could eat my cold cereal in the morning. I notice that most of the people who say they "need" a stove talk about it in terms of making coffee. That is something I don't need.

Also, I notice that when people talk about alcohol stoves, they are only discussing the soda can versions. I would think that unless you're really counting the grams, the Trangia is a better choice since it's much more robust, and you can store unused fuel in the stove by using the screw top lid.

Does anybody here use the mini Trangia as their touring stove, or is the soda can version the one people turn to if they are going the alcohol stove route?

Neil

I haven't done any touring yet (still working up to it physically, and I've got too much going on at work at the moment), but I've done a good bit of backpacking.

I like to have at least one hot meal a day, but peanut butter and honey sandwiches are tasty, can keep you going for quite awhile, and don't require refrigeration. If you are riding through populated areas and can stop at a restaurant for a hot lunch, I can see another benefit to going stoveless that no one has mentioned. Since you won't be spending a lot of time cooking at night or in the morning, you can get on the road earlier (or sleep later) and ride later in the day. Riding later could be nice because you could get more miles in if that's your focus, or you could choose to stop for a while longer at a restaurant/bookstore/whatever in the hottest part of the day. But it just depends what your preference is.

The stove question was the subject of a poll on crazyguyonabike back in 2006:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/poll/?poll_id=11

Neil

I just read this thread, and I didn't think I was in such a minority -- I mean, I've run into other tourers who seem to share my approach.

There are three ways to classify people:

1: (a) "Why would you ride a bike that far?" vs. (b) "I ain't goin' unless it's on my bicycle".
2: (a) "A meal isn't a meal unless it's cooked" vs. (b) "A meal is a meal if I end up full".
3: (a) "Can't live without hot coffee" vs. (b) "Instant coffee in cold water is an effective caffeine delivery system".

I'm a 1(b)/2(b)/3(b) guy.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to cruise the national parks in a convertible, there's nothing like a well-cooked ten-course supper, and I'd sleep-walk for the aroma of fresh-brewed java. But I can do without, especially if 2(a) and 3(a) mean carrying an extra 4 lbs of cooking gear and fuel for four months. I've carried it before, and didn't use it enough to justify the hassle. Especially the fuel part -- I'd rather shop for cookies. As for long stretches without services, sure (been there...), but we just plan on how many sandwiches we need, double it for safety, and make a date for the next grocery store.

That's doesn't mean cold meals/cold coffee are preferable. Not at all. We sometimes use a campfire for simple meals, and I still drool when I smell what the next guy is cooking up. But considering the pains we're going through for 1(b), daily life is already a trade-off. I mean, who would sleep in a tent when you have a nice warm bed at home?

Deep down, you probably don't need a stove. Want one, yes. Everybody draws their line in a different place.

-- Mark

(Note: I'm talking about road touring in North America.... crossing Siberia or the Andes is a different case.)

Gosh it's been awile since I've been camping. (Now that I'm older I like my comforts)
I have the old 8R myself...I'd forgotten the rocket sound. I never had the primer pump though...it looks like it would come in handy.
I'll be passing mine on to my son as well.

My other stoves are the good ol' 123 SVEA (I have 2), a Coleman 533 (a little heavier but it has always been reliable), a Triangia (the larger size), and coke can stoves of various designs.

I actually like the coke can stove if I'm out by myself and use it mainly to heat water for tea, coffee or freeze dried meals. Contrary to others experiences on this post have never had a problem with one in the wind. I've found that once lit they are nearly impossible to blow out (I have a "snuffer" can for that if needed).

If I'm cooking anything more elaborate, I'll take one of the gas stoves.

Did you use the directions that tell you to use the goofy shaped Heineken cans? I want to try one of those, but can't find the cans in the right size anywhere.

I am a big fan of alcohol stoves from Trangia nowadays -gravitated to them after many years of using an Svea 123 and other stoves.

I used to field test gear for MSR until they got sold to Cascade Designs. while I really, wholly endorse and enjoy all their gear (MIOX!!!), find a Trangia much easier and simpler to use than any other liquid fuel stove as long as you don't have to melt snow.

My Primus Omniful is great, I got the recommendation to buy it from an ex-SAS guy in England I met who used one in the regiment, so I figured that was quality advice and he was right for sure.

I built one of those a couple of years ago, really like it. I used the same cans in the directions, looks like a small keg. works for simmering too.http://www.flickr.com/photos/2595972...7594061105607/

I have been coveting this stove for a while but have yet to find it at a price less than retail. I have an MSR Dragonfly which I really like. The Primus Omnifuel seems to have a few advantages that appear to make it the best choice for me:

-The Primus has the ability to change from liquid fuel (gas, av fuel, diesel, kerosene) to LP canisters, making it very versatile. DukeArcher, do you know if you must use Primus LP canisters or can you use those made by other companies?

-The Primus is all metal construction. On our last tour I carried two pumps and the field maintenance kit for our Dragonfly because the pumps are plastic. It turned out to be a good thing. Upon returning home MSR warrantied both pumps. I am tough on my gear and used the stove two or three times a day for years, so I guess this is not unreasonable. I was wondering if the fittings on the metal pump seem fragile. Since I know MSR guarantees their stuff without question I hesitate to make the jump at full price...

http://www.primuscamping.com/images/catalog/732230.jpghttp://www.actionoutdoors.co.uk/shop...onfly_pump.jpg

-Noise of operation. The Dragonfly is loud. I am an early riser. I need my tea first thing in the morning. In close quarters camping, which happens quite frequently, I have to hike to a far-away spot to boil water. Has anyone used both the Primus Omnifuel and Dragonfly to compare the noise produced by the two?

There is a middle ground between cook-less and 4 pounds of cooking gear and fuel, at lest when touring where you don't need to carry much fuel at a time. It is possible to cook with a lot less than 4 pounds of gear and fuel.

We all make the choices that suit our style.

That's quite an understatement. It's like a Harrier jet hanging overhead. I'm not comfortable using it in public campgrounds either. I also had a pump failure on my last trip. Fortunately, I found a small shop carrying MSR equipment and they were nice to break a full stove kit and sell only the pump. I was thinking of using an alcool stove for the first time but with the prospect of many windy beach campsites, I went with familiarity at the last minute. Another thing I don't like about the Dragonfly is that it packs akwardly.

Yeah, it is supposed to fold up in the bag inside a pot. That never really worked for us. I fold up the stove and keep it in a clean peanut butter jar after ours broke.

http://www.vwvagabonds.com/images/MS...nflyBroken.JPG

This was an older version of the stove. When I called MSR they admitted the weakness which they have since redesigned and warrantied it.

You're right, of course. My "4 pounds" experience was 'way back when, when 4 lbs was lightweight for cooking gear. But my present experience is the same: I found out then that I can live easily without hot meals in camp, and that hasn't changed.

My original point was also that it's a personal choice. Just a reminder to the OP that going stoveless is an option, if that suits him then he won't be kicked out of the touring club :)

-- Mark

Making stoveless a little more appealing.

Yes it is the tour you want. For me I don't need hot food every day or hot beverages. I understand that for me cooking sucks even in non-touring life. Why do I want to add more complexity when I am trying to be simple?

You can cold brew coffee or tea. You can also buy your coffee in advance (thermos) or have it cold.
Here is some lightweight options.
http://www.trung-nguyen-online.com/c...ccessories.php


Thanks it makes a lot of sense if you are not on a cooking tour (as I call them)

Ok coffee mentioned that already.
I asked locals, saw signs, or looked at a map. I always keep a couple days of food by default if I didn't see a big town on the map.
A raw diet is actually better for 100 mile spreads, because where your stove, fuel, and cookware goes you can put food there. FYI you can steep Oatmeal and Pasta. I used empty .5 gallon milk jugs.

One example. I spent 5 days in the forest with a filter and raw food.

I disagree I spent 83 days in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona on mostly raw food to keep cost down from going to restaurants. After riding for 7 hours I really didn't care how my food tasted. Yet that was me. I spent 112 dollars on restaurant food. I had to spend 40 dollars on one meal (which was two separate items). I didn't prepare myself for the 150 mile jaunt in between food stores.

There is so much truth here I can't even begin to tell you. The range of food that doesn't need to be cooked is enormous.


Agreed a lot of our normal life bleeds into touring.

My Stoves have lasted a long time between changes all leading to lighter yet effective cooking kits for varied conditions on bike and kayak tours. I have come full circle over the years.

I bought Trangia stoves in the mid-sixties and liked them but was seduced by the gasoline stove propaganda and tried the other Swedish alternative.

The Optimus 8R and the larger 111B were boat anchors but effective blowtorches for decades. When MSR offered the XGK I was pleased to make the change. It burned almost anything I could find and did it well from sea level to 5000 meters/16500 feet. After 20 years I tried the MSR Dragonfly but found that the design and quality control had been turned over to bean counters at Cascade Designs. CD offers replacement kits for a reason- design and/or production failures.

I returned the stove and returned to the Trangia alcohol stoves I had purchased over forty years ago and had liked because of their silent operation and durability. The speed factor for cooking meant nothing to me anyway.

As I planned for the Divide Ride and looked to reduce weight I came across the Brasslite alcohol stoves weighing barely an ounce or two. It worked amazingly well in all conditions and was durable as well compared to a DIY one. In my more decadent modes I carry both the Trangia and Brasslite to cook for a larger number or for a more elaborate meal. Simple durable and effective. full circle indeed!

Good points.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...m/S4300019.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...m/S4300020.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3.../S43000232.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3.../S43000262.jpg

Made this a while back and it has worked great.

I have not used it on long trips but carry it as a spare when I'm car camping. My propane bottle ran out last summer just as I was starting to make fajitas. I fired this little guy up and carefully balanced a big skillet on the tripod. It had enough juice to cook the steak and all the veggies as well as simmering( although I need to cut another simmer ring because I stepped on the last one!!).

I have a bunch more cans from the 12 pack I bought and have been meaning to make some more one of these days.

Philip