What effect if any does altitude of about 11,000 to 13,000 feet have on (1) IsoPropane cannisters, like with the Pocket Rocket, and (2) Esbit tabs
steve hiker
Altitude affect fuel?
system
#2
At that altitude the air pressure is a few psi lower and most stoves will run a little rich. Also nights will and can be below freezing even in the summer. Typically a white gas stove gets you more heat and is more reliable having used both. I think the butane would be alright using a large can to keep the pressure stable. I have a Superfly. Also boiling points and lower, around 180* I think. you can stick your finger in the water while its bubbnling and its not really hot. Some of the foods you cook, don’t, they soggy so pick something not involving starch noodles or you get mush. Ramen at altitude is nasty…they are any other time for that matter. Stick with beans and easy freeze dried menues. the freeze dry method opens the cells of the food so all you have to do is heat and eat.:cheers
Bushwhack
system
#3
Butane only works at high altitude or warm (close to room) temperatures. Almost 30 years ago, many liked the convienience/safety of butane stoves over white gas inside high altitude tents (although I advise against any stove in a tent).
The atmosperic pressure at 13000 is about 9 lb/sq.in.(absolute) compared to 14.7 at sea level. When the pressure in the butane cylinder is 13 to 16 lb/sq.in, this is a large difference. None-the-less, I do not consider butane acceptable for cold temperatures.
The propane/butane blends have a much lower boiling point and work in most conditions. Running rich is not a problem because you adjust the stoves fuel valve.
In addition being cooler, it is often windy at high altitude, so the comments about white gas stoves are worth noting. A good white gas stoves is manditory if you plan to melt snow.
I think you will be pleased with your Pocket Rocket. Take an Al foil windscreen.
Ambler Rambler