Meths vs Gas for cooking

[RedLeader]

I love my Jetboil, it's king of awesome if you want a hot drink or for boil in the bag stuff. I have a Trangia but thought it was a bit slow and hear terrible things about using them in the cold or if it's windy. However, 666_pack seems to be able to use his efficiently in all conditions and obviously it's much more versatile.

What's everyone think?

Also, does anyone know if you can buy the Mini-Trangia windshield separately? I already have a burner and pots etc.

[Mouldsy]

I have to say I would not go outdoors without my Trangia, It has not failed me yet, yes it's a bit slow to boil water but if you are in a hurry when you are out , why go out in the first place? Another reason I favour the Trangia is that meths will light at a lower temp to gas, I think the difference is about 35 degrees, I think at below -15 gas stays at a liquid and wont light were as the meths lights at -50 (dont quote me on this) a friend has witnessed this but I am not going to bore you with details, plus the fact that the Swedish army will issue meths burners instead of gas.

For the wind shield for the mini Trangia, have you tried Cotswolds yet? I think they sell them separately, If they dont try Trangia's own site and if that fails use a piece of tin foil.
Davy.

[Celt_Ginger]

Gas is ok during the summer, but at lower temperatures, it will give you problems. (this is my own personal experience) Also, if you are getting low on a gas cartridge, the drop in pressure will hit your cooking times and you may need to carry an extra cartridge. Meths is ok, but needs preheating in cold weather, but that's not really too difficult. My main problem with meths is that it is slow, though reliable. My favourite method, and I am only a recent convert, is pressurised petrol. It's the dogs danglies and will work the very best in cold conditions and is super fast.

[666_pack]

as jonno said I use the trangia mini and yes the windshield is pretty poor but this can be solved with a few well placed rocks. For me it's the dogs and has yet to let me down both on performance and weight 330g. The wind can huff and puff all it wants but it still keep truckin were gas units are blown out.

So I vote meths.  

maybe you should add a poll.

[RedLeader]

as jonno said I use the trangia mini and yes the windshield is pretty poor but this can be solved with a few well placed rocks. For me it's the dogs and has yet to let me down both on performance and weight 330g. The wind can huff and puff all it wants but it still keep truckin were gas units are blown out.

So I vote meths.  

maybe you should add a poll.

Steady on! My Jetboil was brilliant - didn't blow out and boiled in no time
I still want a Mini Trangia though. Much more flexible and more fun to use. Plus I just hate carrying gas cannisters.

[666_pack]

i think all agreed that your jetboil came out on top jonno.  I know its now on MG1's wishlist.


But on the hill that day your gas stove was the only one that managed a boil. I think Ulsterwalkers stove got blown out inside his closed porch.

[Pete]

I swear by trangias I have used one every time I stayed in the mournes and it has never given me any problems!i am also yet to come across a more versatile cooking system!The larger trangias have excellent windshields and have never blown out for me always providing a good heat.

[666_pack]

oh and by the welcome to the forum pete

[RedLeader]

We should have a stove off!

[ulsterwalker]

I think Ulsterwalkers stove got blown out inside his closed porch.

On sat eve my pocket rocket did blow out a couple times when cooking out in the open but got boiling easy enough all the same, the stone really wasn't doing much wind blocking. When I had it on later that night in the tent it did get blown out by the wind again, probably cause it was on low, and the wind was bloody hard!

I used hexi's for years and then moved onto gas, havent used meths so can't really comment on it that much.

Hexi is aiiight, but leaves a rash residue after burning, and you don't want to be sitting in a confined space when its burning. Nothing better than a bit of Hexi T.V if youve got plenty to waste and time to burn (excuse the pun  )

Gas is safe efficient and clean, and can cook both slowly and with speed. My stove blew out with the wind inside my fly, but I would like to see you cook with meths from the safety of youre tent without ending up with melted nylon over youre face  If your cannister is geting low or its really that cold to affect performance then your cannister should be in your sleeping bag with you, and you should insulate the canister from the ground when cooking.

Meths obviously has its pros as well, you can find it anywhere, its cheap, you can make a stove for free etc. but for me gas is just more convenient; I like being able to make a brew in minute get it down my neck and then move on without any bother.

[Celt_Ginger]

Am I the only one using petrol then?

[RedLeader]

I've not used petrol but I hear that it has a dirty burn and once you spill it on anything it smells for hours. Is recommended for any trips to less organised countries though since it's easy to find.

What sort of petrol stove do you have?

[666_pack]

Gas is safe efficient and clean, and can cook both slowly and with speed. My stove blew out with the wind inside my fly, but I would like to see you cook with meths from the safety of youre tent without ending up with melted nylon over youre face

very true mate.

As much as love my trangia in the wind, when cooking/boiling in sheltered areas I do secretly envy the boil time of a gas stove.

Still think we should add a poll.

[666_pack]

jonno have you seen that they have "pimped" the jetboil.

[RedLeader]

jonno have you seen that they have "pimped" the jetboil.

Dammit, I'm out of date! The Jetboil is a brilliant cooking system (for boiling water) but I'd still not pay full price for it. £80 is ridiculous.