[pct-l] esbit stove

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

Hi Isabella /Pikapika,

I have used Esbits for many years (but I also use an alcohol or canister stove, too, depending on the trip -
and still use my SVEA once in a rare while, also!)...
I started using Esbits for 'convenience' when traveling by air out to NorCal - didn't have to find other fuel
before I hit the trail - and 1/2 ounce fuel per meal is about as light as one can get (unless I eat 'cold')...
Except in very windy conditions I haven't had much trouble using Esbits and boiling water...
I have found that putting a couple drops of Purell handcleaner on the tab helps in igniting it...
My windscreen only has air holes on one side, so that helps in the wind - but in very windy conditions I may
have to find a suitable location with some sort of windbreak (which I would anyway for any type of stove)...  
For calm conditions I simply prop the windscreen up on pebbles or small sticks to let in more air at the bottom...
I have also found that using a broad bottom pot (.9 L) instead of a 'cup' shaped one always gets me a 'boil'
with only one tab, even in windy conditions...  Boil time is equal or better than my various alcohol stoves...
I've heard good reports on my 'next' alcohol/esbit stove - a Caldera Cone...  Can't wait to try one...
I boil 1.5 to 3 cups of water depending on the meal and if I want tea or cocoa, too...
I used to 'save' partial tabs (snuff it out with a small square of aluminum foil), but found it more trouble
than it was worth - so I just let it burn up if some left after boiling...
I, too, find the black gunk on the pot bottom a PITA - but it's easily cleaned off at home...  I do use an old
lined stuff sack for my 'kitchen' - with everything inside the pot - so that keeps all my other gear clean...
I know some have used Esbit tabs the whole way on a thru - I haven't made a final decision as yet (might use
something different for various long segments of the PCT)...  Esbits might be more expensive overall than other 
fuels on a thru-hike, but they do have their own 'positive points' when comparing to other fuels...

As always, YMMV, HYOH, etc.  Enjoy the planning and good luck on your trek!

Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)


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