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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: DWT on July 02, 2013, 07:07:00 AM

Title: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DWT on July 02, 2013, 07:07:00 AM
Though Ive hunted elk 17 times Ive never done it from living out of a pack and want to. I have odered a 3 man tent and now am looking at stoves what has worked for you, what would you do different. I have heard some dont work well at higher elevation but I would say lets talk 10,500 ft and less.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Steve O on July 02, 2013, 07:54:00 AM
JetBoil and freezer bag cooking. Quick, simple, no clean up, and no scent to attract bears or other critters to camp.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DarkTimber on July 02, 2013, 08:16:00 AM
For trips 4-5 days or less I use a MSR Pocket Rocket with a MSR titanium pot and 1 small fuel canister.   For trips longer than 5 days I use a JetBoil.  The MSR outfit weighs less but the Jetboil is more efficient (burns less fuel to boil the same amount of water) So it actually saves weight on longer trips because I have to carry less fuel.  

For what it's worth, I have used the MSR at 12,800 ft in 25-30 deg weather and never had a problem with performance.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: two4hooking on July 02, 2013, 09:08:00 AM
Homemade cat stove works the best for me.  Ultralight and effective if saving weight is important to yuo.  it does the job.

  (http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Colorado%202012/Colorado086.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Colorado%202012/Colorado086.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: wingnut on July 02, 2013, 09:23:00 AM
Jet boil is hard to beat for light weight and handy.  We used two of them on our Alaska moose trip three years back and they worked great.

They are for boiling water for dehydrated meals and coffee.

Now the FAA has outlawed flying with the canisters so we are back to MSR pocket rockets.  They should be fine but a step down from the jet boil IMHO.

Note: not the pocket rocket but a white gas model of MSR

Mike
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: John Scifres on July 02, 2013, 10:04:00 AM
Here's my "cook system".

   (http://jdspics.webs.com/photos/Outdoor-Pics/cookset-1.jpg)

MSR Pocket Rocket, Snow Peak Titanium cup, backpacker's plastic spoon.  I eat Knorr/Lipton Rice or Pasta meals.  They are cheap, taste great and can be cooked in their own bag.  I also eat instant oatmeal cooked in its own bag.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: slivrslingr on July 02, 2013, 10:28:00 AM
"Now the FAA has outlawed flying with the canisters so we are back to MSR pocket rockets. They should be fine but a step down from the jet boil IMHO."

Mike-Not sure I understand this statement.  Doesn't the Pocket Rocket run off a canister as well?
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: lovethehunt on July 02, 2013, 10:34:00 AM
Don, The Best way to cook/eat in the back country is to have someone else cary it for you. See if Tom will go with you. He carried of Dan's food last year! Ha Ha. Really though, the best i have found is a MSR pocket rocket stove and Titaniun pot. Make sure yuo bring a hole punch for your belt. Tom droppped 16lbs last year in 10 days.

Aim Small,  Todd
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: FerretWYO on July 02, 2013, 10:46:00 AM
Big fan of the jet boil myself
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Dirtybird on July 02, 2013, 11:26:00 AM
I'm a jetboil fan.  Been using it for about four years and love it.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Bjorn on July 02, 2013, 11:41:00 AM
Jet boil and my Optimus 99
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Gdpolk on July 02, 2013, 12:31:00 PM
I prefer to cook over a fire or coals from my campfire and do without carrying the extra weight of fuel and a stove.  When I backpack during a burn ban and can't do that, I'll use a snow peak set that I picked up on clearance for $40.

Here's the set, it works extremely well:
 http://www.rei.com/product/787957/snow-peak-starter-kit?preferredSku=7879570013&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-7879570013&mr:referralID=a840f236-e334-11e2-9dea-001b2166becc
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Kevin Hansen on July 02, 2013, 12:46:00 PM
check out the little bug stove. no fuel to carry with you. the ultimate and simplicity. makes for a big weight savings
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: tracker12 on July 02, 2013, 01:03:00 PM
My daughter recently gave me a Jet Boil and it sure is the cats meow for light weight travel.  Big step up from my previous setup.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Northwest_Bowhunter on July 02, 2013, 02:01:00 PM
I currently use a MSR Whisperlite, had it for years but am about to upgrade to this:

 http://www.rei.com/product/830341/msr-whisperlite-international-backpacking-stove#video-inner
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: stykbow67 on July 02, 2013, 02:09:00 PM
Jetboil for me as well!!

Steve
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: halfseminole on July 02, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
I cook over a campfire as well.  Don't do much out when there's a burn notice in effect, as around here if it is everything's holed up.  Still ought to invest in some stuff to cook with just in case.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: wingnut on July 02, 2013, 02:25:00 PM
Yep your right we are using a different MSR stove that burns white gas.  John has two of them but I don't know the models.

Mike
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: fnshtr on July 02, 2013, 03:27:00 PM
 (http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq19/fnshtr/P1040792.jpg) (http://s429.photobucket.com/user/fnshtr/media/P1040792.jpg.html)

Optimus Crux... But I would also recommend the jetboil. The biggest difference in the two for me was the $$$$. (Optimus Crux was $39.95)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: fnshtr on July 02, 2013, 03:29:00 PM
 (http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq19/fnshtr/P1040787.jpg) (http://s429.photobucket.com/user/fnshtr/media/P1040787.jpg.html)

2 cup pot for MH meals and 4 oz. canister included. Just realized you need to stay away from canisters though.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Rob W. on July 02, 2013, 04:06:00 PM
Homemade gasifier and a halulite ketalist cookset. Bowl, insulated mug w/ sip top and spoon nest into kettle and can fit a fuel canister if needed.

  (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130414_114643.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130414_114643.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: fnshtr on July 02, 2013, 04:43:00 PM
Rob...

I've given some thought to a wood gasifier and/or an alcohol stove. I've made my own alcohol stove from pop cans that does great. Considering putting one together from heavier aluminum containers.

I suppose you could stash some wood to keep it dry in case of bad weather.

COOL!
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DWT on July 02, 2013, 05:27:00 PM
Thanks for all the replies, I feel im on the right track as I have been looking at the msr and jetboil stuff.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Rob W. on July 02, 2013, 05:52:00 PM
Fnshtr,

I used a quart paint can and a progresso soup can. They fit together perfectly. I put some Fatwood inside if bad weather is in the forecast. Works great.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: PowDuck on July 02, 2013, 08:18:00 PM
JetBoil Flash for me. Used it last year for the first time and loved it. Very efficient for boiling water. I barely used over a canister all week. If not using it for heat in the morning one canister would have lasted easily. (Glad I had an extra though.)

Here's a link to my topic last year on it.

   Click here. (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=116238;p=1)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: slivrslingr on July 02, 2013, 08:23:00 PM
I think Wingnut is refering to a MSR Whipserlite, it's also a good choice though heavier.  They don't suffer the cold or elevation issues canister stoves do.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: JEFF B on July 02, 2013, 09:18:00 PM
im with two 4 hooking i have made heaps of these little stoves and they are awesome   :thumbsup:    :campfire:
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: ShadeMt on July 02, 2013, 09:56:00 PM
I'm really happy with my MSR Pocket Rocket and GSI Outdoors Halulite Minimalist cookware.  Very compact and lightweight.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Tajue17 on July 03, 2013, 04:48:00 AM
heres mine

 http://www.rei.com/product/768603/snow-peak-litemax-stove

I use a titanium cup/bowl with mine
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DWT on July 03, 2013, 06:41:00 AM
Im looking real hard at the whisperlite by msr, not as light as the pocket rocket but uses white gas instead of the canisters it was selected among the best in a backpackers head to head and was stated if they could have just one stove that it wuld be this. Anybody tried one of these?
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Tutanka on July 03, 2013, 06:53:00 AM
One word of caution regarding the whisperlite is the space between the support legs on the cooking surface. If you are using small diameter cooking cups they will not be large enough to fit on the cooking surface.  Because of this I returned mine.  I ended up with a Primus omnilite.  I couldn't be happier with this stove, it's a multi fuel stove, but the pump system is metal rather than plastic, and the cooking surface allows me to use smaller diameter cups.  I feel the omnilite is a far better stove.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: John Scifres on July 03, 2013, 09:47:00 AM
I have used the Whisperlite a lot and there is a definite advantage in getting fuel when you travel by air and can't carry it with you.  I think I still have my old one if you are interested in buying/trading. PM me.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: smokin joe on July 03, 2013, 11:25:00 AM
I have an old Coleman white gas stove. It's heavy, but small, stable, and I can't seem to wear it out.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Onions on July 03, 2013, 12:56:00 PM
I recommand the pocket rocket.  I had a MSR whisperlite, however, one day I almost burnt my house down with one! I was testing it out on the kitchen counter, and the gas in the little "primer pan" spilled as I lit it, and gas/fire ran down the counter, and on the floor. I ended up running outside with the stove engulf inflames. When I went back in the house, I had two towels, two floor mats and a number of coats on fire!! After I got all the fire put out... I realized that I also burned my hands VERY badly. Just picture blisters the size of grapefruits on the backs of my hands!
The pocket rocket is VERY simple and much safer to use.

chris <><
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: highPlains on July 03, 2013, 01:47:00 PM
I've been using this one for a long time. Mine has to be ten years old and it's fired up on the first push every time.

Brunton Raptor.
 (http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/large/BRU/BRU0122/BUT.jpg)

I like this pot but I'm looking at something smaller for the future. When camping with a partner is it great because I can heat up enough water for both of us.

GSI Pinncale Dualist.
 (http://www.moontrail.com/details/gsi/dualist-cook-system/duallist-setinhand.jpg)


And of course the spork!

Vargo Titanium Ultralite Spork
 (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41C8dX7s3XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Knobbir on July 03, 2013, 04:32:00 PM
Emberlit is my newest toy.  With a Olicamp cup and a lightmyfire ti-spork, I'm good.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: ausjim on July 03, 2013, 06:05:00 PM
When I've flown direct to the field (and can't bring gas) I've just used the old military style kidney stove with matching cup and hexi bricks. The stove is easy to use with hot coals etc from the campfire as well. Jetboil is the most efficient I've used though.

Jim
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: wahoo on July 03, 2013, 07:48:00 PM
ck out the solo stove. Burns alcohol or wood. Works great
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: john fletch on July 03, 2013, 08:36:00 PM
I have both the MSR Whisperlite and an Optimus.
I have had them each for nearly 40 years.  I made a couple of lightweight wire 'trivets' to account for the pot diameter problem.  I have used them in the mountains of Montana and in Alaska (all seasons)

They never failed me but now you do have to travel with extremely clean tanks and buy fuel at your destination if you fly.  For that I think the MSR is better because you can either clean the tank or take a new one.  TSA may get pretty snarkey with their 'sniff tests' !!!
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DWT on July 03, 2013, 10:31:00 PM
again thanks for the input fellas.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Rob W. on August 06, 2013, 03:50:00 PM
My new addition. Should be perfect for short overnight/weekend hunting trips. So far I have been amazed at boil time. 2.5 oz.

   (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130806_152916.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130806_152916.jpg.html)

   (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130806_153154.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130806_153154.jpg.html)

   (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130806_153029.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130806_153029.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Missing Impossible on August 06, 2013, 07:00:00 PM
Here's a denatured alcohol stove my buddy just got and it's impressive!

 http://whiteboxalcoholstoves.com/

Very well made, light, and cheap.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Biathlonman on August 06, 2013, 08:28:00 PM
Think I'll be running my backcountry boiler with fire wick as backup this fall.  If not that my tried and true triangia with gsi haulite kettle.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Bear Heart on August 06, 2013, 08:36:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by John Scifres:
Here's my "cook system".

    (http://jdspics.webs.com/photos/Outdoor-Pics/cookset-1.jpg)

MSR Pocket Rocket, Snow Peak Titanium cup, backpacker's plastic spoon.  I eat Knorr/Lipton Rice or Pasta meals.  They are cheap, taste great and can be cooked in their own bag.  I also eat instant oatmeal cooked in its own bag.
That is my exact setup down to the spoon.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Kris on August 06, 2013, 08:37:00 PM
Good post.  

Nice departure from the draw weight discussion.  

Love learning good tips from fellow Trad. Brothers!

Best of hunting this fall!

Kris
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: high desert rambler on August 06, 2013, 10:22:00 PM
i live at 8500 feet and have backpacked (not hunting, though) to over 14,000 feet... my favorite stove is the SVEA 123 (now optimus?)... it's a classic design, about a century old if i'm not mistaken, simple to operate (a bit finicky until you get the hang of it) and doesn't need any pumps or attachments, etc. and will run on unleaded gas and coleman fuel... some folks hate 'em cuz they're not all modern and "techy", but what you'll hear over and over again is "i've had mine for 50 years and it still works good as new" or "had mine in storage filled with gas for 20 years and it started right up!"...

if you like your stove a little more high-tech and if the ability to control the flame from simmer to full-on roar is important, i like my brunto nova (also optimus now, i think?) quite a bit... it'll burn most everything (except alcohol - alcohol isn't sufficiently volatile to produce a good flame in a gas stove.)  it's a great stove, but i like to keep things as simple as possible and all that control comes with a price:  more parts, more stuff to lose, break, etc... but i still wouldn't part with mine... great stove...
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Harry on August 06, 2013, 10:26:00 PM
Trangia meth spitits stove.  Light and always works.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on August 06, 2013, 11:40:00 PM
I like the Jet boil works great.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: DWT on August 07, 2013, 06:44:00 AM
When I started this topic I didnt realize there were so many options avalible and maybee I will change in the future but I ended up with a MSR pocket rocket and pinacle soloist cook gear, so far so good. I played with my backpacking tent and stove and such at the Elm Hall shoot and it was kinda fun. I made lasagna and mac and cheese and mountainhouse is really not that bad. The biggest hit was a colman outdoor food product called dirt and worms ( pudding and gummy worms) my 5 and 8 year old daughters said they could live on it for at least a month.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Legolas on August 07, 2013, 10:23:00 AM
Well I like this:
 http://foldingfirebox.com/
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Tree Killer on August 07, 2013, 10:51:00 AM
I used a Jet Boil on a 3 day back pack a couple weeks ago. It boiled a cup or two of water in short order. Much faster then the stove my buddy was using. I brought along a 2nd canister of fuel, but barely used much of the first canister.

Very efficient stove...highly recommend it!
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: lt-m-grow on August 07, 2013, 11:38:00 AM
I have used many of these and it is really hard to beat the jetboil, and frankly finding fuel once you fly in isn't that challenging either as they are so popular.

Some of what folks offered are lighter or maybe cheaper, but  the jetboil isn't heavy and it is self contained and CLEAN in the pack.  

I also don't like the MSR flash pan thing. It works, but can be a pain sometimes.  Jetboil, push the button done.

The ONE thing I would like is a stove that can fry fish on.  Backcountry and fish are a natural, but most of these stoves don't do it, or don't do it well IMO.  Fires work that best, but that always isn't an option.
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: PeteA on August 07, 2013, 12:02:00 PM
I put together a Trangia knock off alcohol stove, Optima Solo pot, Small measuring cup also functions as a drinking cup, spork, DIY flashing windscreen pot stand, matches, fire steel, bandana-for cleaning, small piece of scubby all nests into the pot for transport. I also carry a 4 to 8 oz bottle of alcohol (Heet) for fuel. I use 1-1.5 oz of fuel to boil 2 cups of water. Water boils in about 7-8 minutes. The entire kit weighs in at 18 oz. I usually use it to rehydrate foods or freezer bag cooking. I have a plastic insulated cozy i also made to help speed up rehydrating time. I also make some of my own dehydrated meals using cheap store bought ingredients. Coscos and salmon packed in those foil pouches. The meal is rehydrated in about 3 minutes!
Title: Re: Best backpacking cook system u have used
Post by: Gil Verwey on August 07, 2013, 12:26:00 PM
The MSR Reactor stove for me. I spend long periods time in the back country at high altitudes. This stove is like a catalytic stove and doesn't blow out. Works great in high altitude and boils water in seconds. It is good on fuel too.

Gil