Pop can stoves at high altitudes

imported
#1

Does anyone have any feed back on the home made pop can stoves burning at high altitudes, say above 10,000 feet? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Xman

#2

I’ve used my alcohol stove many times above 10k feet here in Colorado (including a trek on the Colorado Trail in 2004). Also used the stove in the High Sierra in 2002.

Highest use was 13k+ feet on the Continental Divide in late October. Be sure to use a windscreen!

Paul Mags

#3

Thanks Mags,
I have been building a few and they are working well down low were I am. Its good to hear yours worked well for you high up. Thanks again.

Xman

#4

i’ve also had no problem using my alcohol stove at altitude. it work flawlessly on the jmt last year and when we camped on top of mt. whitney, 14,500’, it boiled water with no problem.

jerm

#5

I use a 20 oz soda bottle to put my alcohol in, does anyone use anything better that would avoid drips?

Prospector

#6

Soda bottles are the best fuel containers I’ve found. They’re resiliant, designed to hold liquid under pressure, and as an added bonus, they’re free and easy to replace anywhere. I’ve never had one leak. I like to choose one with an odd-colored cap to remind me that it is not something I want to drink. (Coke lime green caps serve nicely.)

Gatorade bottles have a nasty tendency to leak because they have so few threads, and aluminum fuel bottles are overkill.

-Jenn

Chipper

#7

I’ve used the same bottle now for a while. I’d go with 20oz bottle. I also suggest a Mountain Dew or Sprite bottle because they are green and tend to stick out a bit more than a clear bottle.

Paul Mags

#8

I use a listerine bottle because it has totally different shape. I do not worry about mix ups.

Bearly There

#9

Ditto on other altitude comments, I used a red bull can stove throughout the JMT (highest camp was around 11,500) with great results.
Two options for fuel bottles - Nalgene makes a bright red fuel bottle with spout included, very sturdy and distinctive; or, lighter and compressible, a Platypus bottle with spout also works well.

Shelly Culbertson

#10

I heard at backpackinglight.com that actually at high altitudes it takes less time to boil but more time to maintain a boil at higher elevations.

gruel