[pct-l] Canister Stove vs. Alcohol

[Kathi]

So I just recently got an alcohol stove. I haven't used it in the field 
yet but have lit it on my patio. I like it cuz there's not much to it 
and it's light, but am very concerned that I can't see the flames. Kinda 
scares me for out in the wilderness even if I do have a nice area clear 
from flammables. It also doesn't seem like the most stable thing either 
on the ground or putting a pot on top. One of the nice things is how 
light it is, but to ad legs or something for stability would put the 
weight back up.

Any advice from seasoned alcohol stove users would be appreciated. I 
plan to go cookless for most of the trail, but in the areas of lots of 
rain or snow I want the possibility of a warm meal once in a while.

Thanks!
Kathi

Steve McAllister wrote:
> Regarding:
> "If you can safely operate a homemade alcohol stove, go for it.  If
> not, take a canister stove. If you burn down the forest, you should
> pay."
>
> But only if you are confident with a canister stove. Many are not and
> a canister produces a flame that can get out of control in the hands
> of someone who doesn't know what they are doing. They can be tipped
> over and they have potential of being explosive should there be a leak
> in the tank, gasket or stove.
>
> It is best to practice using your stove of choice in windy conditions
> so you know what to expect.
>
> And don't light your stove on or near flammable materials!
>
>
>
>