What's the fastest, hottest white gas stove out there? I want something to get water boiling in a hurry and melt snow if necessary in deep freeze winter conditions.
_Thinktraub_Fastest, hottest white gas stove
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#1
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#3
I used to use a Svea 123,it was like a blow torch heating water in seconds.Don't know if it's still made,but it was a classic.I still have mine, but I went super light and use a "pepsi can" for backpacking now.Still miss my Svea which now sits on my fireplace mantel,remindes me of all the hikes I made in the 60's,70's,and 80's.It sure could wake up a shelter of people trying to sleep in the morning.LOL:lol :pimp
_old&in the way_
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#4
I carried a Svea 123 on my nobo in 06, at least till Pinkham Notch, when I sent it home. It is very fast at boiling water, once you get it lit. But it can be very slow getting lit in cold and/or windy conditions. And LOUD.
_Mango_
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#5
I have to replace my Simmerlite which went south on my with leaks. The Simmerlite is OK but I don't know how fast it would be in say, 5 degree temps when I'm trying to melt snow or ice.
The MSR XGK EX looks interesting and is supposed to be fast, but is it much faster than the Simmerlite? I’m also considering a Whisperlite. Won’t try to use my alcohol can stove in midwinter; it might light but would be too slow.
_Thinktraub_
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#6
Sorry I don't have a definitive answer, not having tons of white gas experience lately. And I'm usually not in that much of a hurry in a winter camp--the nights are sooo long. If you're melting snow, you may not want the hottest stove. It's possible to burn a pot if you go too fast at first. It's also best to be able to insulate the fuel tank from the snow, which you can do with a stove like the Whisperlite (neither of which is true, btw). Warmer fuel always burns better.
I’m a convert to alcohol, which works great for melting snow as I discovered last winter, to my surprise.
_garlic_
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#7
As a guide I used the whisperlite extensively, I also carried a pepsi-can stove just for boiling water. In cold weather I used a MSR heat exchanger that directs wandering flames up the sidewalls of the pot. This combo boosts the effiency and lowers boil time. I'm also a convert to alcohol but If I were going out in the middle of winter (with a group) I would definately take my whisperlite and heat exchanger. If you know what you are doing,these stoves are completely field maintainable and throw off alot of heat if you needed it.
_Spigot_
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#8
Spigot's advice sounds good. The problem with alcohol for melting snow is the excessive fuel consumption and weight. The heat exchanger sounds like a great idea.
If you’re just out alone for one night and can carry the first day’s water or may be able to find some flowing, don’t discount the alcohol stove. I’ve gotten mine to work with denatured at below 0 F.
_garlic_