What is it about alcohol stoves?

What is it about alcohol camping stoves? I just love 'em. They are a great choice for a budget camp stove. A great choice for an ultralight stove if that's your backpacking style. They are compact and the fuel is readily available, They work in pretty much all conditions....go on....you know you want one.
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[@ryanhuntermedia]

Jen just asked, “what are you watching now?” I said “I’m watching Paul boil water again”. She just walked out of the room. They just don’t get it. Cracking video again mate.

[@PaulMessner]

Haha. Thanks mate. Jo says similar. ‘They’ve seen the orange mug’ ‘yep…it’s boiling again’ 😂😂

[@johnw2758]

Mine usually says.......not ANOTHER stove...🙂

[@andybarbour3620]

😂

[@laaaliiiluuu]

Man see Paul Paul boil water Man happy

[@steviezxr]

Considering they are born for cooking and all. Only joking

[@CalmingAnxiety]

Paul, I spent the weekend out on Dartmoor, all down to your channel. Going through some extra hard sh*t at the mo but felt so alive, the weather was just as I needed, windy, wet and awesome. Keep sharing it all with us, we love it. Thanks

[@stetomlinson3146]

Massive respect to you friend. Outdoors can be a great place to empty your head. Walking along and letting your thoughts meander is a fantastic way of getting perspective on things. Sitting waiting for your water to boil with an alcohol stove can mean passers by are always happy to join you for a brew, (if you want them to of course!) I hope things improve for you and you have many more good days out. Cheers!

[@lrdisco2005]

Keep going, it does get better.

[@Theorangeman.]

Keep going, were not here long and everything is temporary

[@danielbailey818]

To add to my last comment.... an easy simmer ring modification is to put a small magnet on the steel revolving lid of the simmer ring (top surface). This part is steel, so a magnet will stick to it. Now....instead of burning your fingers trying to take it off you now just use a metal item to attract the magnet and allow you to remove the ring without burning your fingers... Hope this helps and allows you to retain your fingerprints!

[@PhilHaddon]

Magnets will turn into useless bits of metal with repeated heating. Try holding a soldering iron on a magnet

[@danielbailey818]

@@PhilHaddon Hello Phil, Thank you for your comment. Of course I agree... Heat does degrade magnets. I am expecting mine to fail as I have now been using it for two years. At a cost of 10 pence for a small silver (in colour) button magnet in my opinon is brillant payback to allow me to retain my fingerprints. There are many alternatives, leather glove, retrieving magnet (magnet on an telescopic ariel)... Everyone to their own and what suits them.. One thing to note is that the magnet is never in direct heat. Placing it on the side of the swiveling simmer lid puts it out of the direct flame as soon as the simmer lid is opened. I havent met many people who use the simmer ring half closed, in my experience the simmer lid is used as a snuffer to extinguish the flame and prevent the O ring being damaged in the transport lid. Or used wide open to just close out just the vapour jets. Closing it more is pointless and you would better off using a candle if using the standard Trangia setup. I prefer to stir the food and take on and off the heat. The Trangia does have a habit of burning in the centre of the pan if left. In fact the only substance I haven't burnt in the centre of the pan is water! I posted this to provide the user of a Trangia an option to try out for themselves. I am not forcing anyone to do it.. Its not a must.... This is purely from my experience over the last two years and for 10p I will let people experience it for themselves. Two years in use should say something. Again, thank you for your post. I will continue to use my magnet ;-) R Dan

[@tubthump]

@@danielbailey818 well I think it's a brilliant idea!

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

I just carry a bit of stiff stainless steel wire with a hook on the end. This can be used for retrieving the simmer ring or prodding it to change the setting.

[@LeeLocke]

Thanks for this priceless tip. Best comment reply ever! ​@danielbailey818

[@magnuspym]

AGREE: No noise....no smell.

[@coachhannah2403]

That is what I understand. But, my stove runs on low for two or three minutes then off. Not a lot of noise. Propane has almost no smell (certainly not like white gasoline! 😁). I keep looking at them, will likely make one someday, and play with it on solo trips eventually. Fuel is WAY expensive in comparison (I refuel my canisters from my 9 kG bbq tank).

[@melissahoffman4687]

You can also use purell liquid hand sanitizer for fuel. Add a pinch of salt to the fuel and stir it to add a little bit of yellow to the fuel so you can see it. :)

[@azriramli6939]

that is an amazing tips, thank you

[@melissahoffman4687]

@@azriramli6939 Purell hand sanitizer works as well. Try that. It will leave a little bit of residue inside the burner. I'm so glad this helped! :)

[@lioneljonson161]

The great thing about the Trangia is that the burner is made more efficient and delivers optimum “bloom” when it’s used with the base and windshield provided with the 25 and 27 series sets. Their designs ensure the heat is used efficiently, greatly improving boil times but admittedly bulky and comparatively heavy. As a Scout leader, I’ve taught countless kids to cook and brew up outdoors using Trangia sets and they are impossible to wreck even for hyperactive adolescents. Lang may their lums reek! 😉

[@Chris66able]

Hilarious using the term ' efficient ' when talking about Trangia !

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@Chris66able efficient needed mean the quickest?

[@Chris66able]

@@lauriebloggs8391 No I mean efficient ! Although it is very slow too !

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@Chris66able sorry, should have read, "efficient need not...."

[@krimke881]

”Hear hear!"

[@robinj.9329]

I really like that ancient stone wall behind you. On a farm in "New England" where I spent part of my youth ( till about age 12) we had ancient "Pasture Walls" of fences built out of shale, rocks, borders pulled out of the fields way back in the 17th century! As I walked down the farm "Lane" between two of these walls, there would be all sorts of living critters living in the cracks! My favorite were the Chipmunk 🐿

[@jimawhitaker]

Removing that pot stand and snuffing that flame was expert 👏

[@aapelikahkonen]

If I had to have one stove for the apocalypse, it would be the Trangia. Hell, it is the stove that kept me fed in the army when we trained fighting behind the enemy lines. I do use a Pocket Rocket 2 and sure it is fast and fancy, but when it comes to absolute reliability in freezing temperatures, you cannot beat a Trangia.

[@escapetherace1943]

wood

[@dmythica]

@@escapetherace1943 depends where you are.

[@escapetherace1943]

@@dmythica wood

[@maskddingo1779]

How are you going to fuel it in an apocalypse? Nah. Give me a stick stove that i can use with multiple fuels like a firebox nano any day over a purely alcohol burner.

[@maskddingo1779]

@@dmythica if there is not enough wood for a stick stove where you are going (hard to imagine) then I still wouldn't choose alcohol. The fuel is too bulky and risk of it leaking in your pack is much higher than other options.

[@craigdyson3089]

I am not the only one!!! I too, as soon as my alcohol stove arrived, I made a cup of tea with it. I now have a 1 man tent and all the wild camping gear to got out on multi day hikes. So I am officially a person with all the gear and no idea at the moment.

[@R0han-579]

Great video Paul as usual, personally I’m a big fan of alcohol stoves just for how quiet,simple and reliable they are,I especially love the whole trangia system with how well designed it is.

[@danoutdoors1586]

Yes i agree

[@pault1289]

Absolutely, and as there have been so many made, you can usually pick up a good one on eBay for reasonable money. A great way to start without spending a fortune on titanium gear.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Definetly the Swiss Army knife of cooksets. Versatile and reliable.

[@Robb-jf7vg]

This is "my kind" of "Camping" experience! Just sitting and enjoying THE QUIET! All the delightful 😊 sounds of "Mother Nature"! From bird song, to the Humm of the honeybees. To the cheep of the little 🐸 frog down by the pond !!!

[@tonyg6103]

What I love about your videos Paul is that you explain it about as practically and cleanly without so much of the useless banter. ❤From Michigan! Cheers

[@Phil.Oakley]

Trangia is my go to stove. Used alcohol for years but recently added the gas burner to it. I find the alcohol more reliable. Yeah it burns slower but its consistent and I have cooked full English many times!

[@jjjnettie]

I absolutely love my trangia knock off. It lives in a small soft cooler bag along with a couple of packs of noodles, dehydrated veggies, small tins of chicken, tea, coffee sachets, cup, spoon, knife and tiny chopping board. As I live in the bush you never know when a trip to the city will turn into an impromptu over night camp out. Lol

[@dont_delay]

I love the quiet when using it . And being able to know how much fuel to take

[@jamesdonoghue9358]

Last night I bought the X boil after watching your review. I have just had an email from X boil informing me I am the first Irish man with an X boil. I replied telling them they can thank Paul messner..

[@bocskai98]

The sticks in the ground trick is so cool. It's so simple and I never thought of it. Thanks for sharing. You're right. People do get addicted to these toys. I have made my alcohol stoves (aprox 10 pcs) years ago. Periodically they get taken outside and put to good use.

[@SuperAnatolli]

I use all kind of stoves. But if I am on a tour where the stove _must_ work, I go with the Trangia 28 (mini trangia). Bomb proof. It is possible to use wood in the small stand on the mini if you for some reason can not get alcohol fuel. It is slow, but works. I have also made a 3D-printed tool (aluminium, printed at Shapeways) to grip the pan and kettle.

[@MattGriffiths81]

Love alcohol stoves. I made my own from an old shoe-polish container, which has the added benefit of having a lid. Borrowed some loft insulation and bought a coffee filter gauze. Stuff the insulation in, cut the gauze so you can stuff it down the sides of the insulation inside the tin and it's spill-proof. The bottoms of these thinner cans can get a bit warm though, so watch out for that.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

upgrade - to a dubbin tin!

[@stevenboyd593]

Over and over again with the quiet of the woodland thing, ( it took me several hours to let the whining noise of the city actually subside ) you are gently guiding us in the way we MUST go...oh and by the by, the world is in a state of financial crisis. Your heart is a little medicine to the average bloke. God bless you and your family. In His Shalom

[@pootlingalong8928]

Love alcohol stoves. I’ve just purchased a Speedster 30ml stove and Ti pot support for simple hot drinks, soups and the like. The joy of not fussing over how quickly it will come to a boil - it’ll come to a boil when it does! 😁

[@MichiganHiker]

You are not alone in your addiction to alcohol stoves. The elegant simplicity of the stoves and as you mentioned they are dead silent. I just spent two days in the backcountry cooking on my trangia and I could hear the sounds of nature not a small rocket engine firing from a canister.

[@kke]

First time I tried those soba pot noodle things, I didn't read the instructions properly and didn't get rid of the liquid before adding the sludge, just mixed it in. It's actually very nice that way, like soup. You can drink the remaining liquid once you fished out most of the noodles. Stays warm longer too, when you ditch the liquid, the noodles cool off quite quick.

[@canopus101]

Good tip.

[@goldeneddie]

Oh wow, that's how I've been cooking and eating them all my life, I had no idea it was the 'wrong' way! Are you sure!? I mean, who would throw away a hot flavoured soup when you're outside trying to keep warm? Honestly, I'm laughing my head off thinking how I've NEVER read the instructions... but I think WE are right and anyone chucking out good soup is crazy haha. Because you're right - it's tasty, soupy, and hotter longer!

[@lawrencemartin1113]

I love them too! I take one out on my canoe trips. They are quiet and do not cause any disturbance to wildlife or other folk out enjoying themselves. I also enjoy the pause you take in order to boil your water and make tea. (It makes the tea taste better!! 😂 ) I also cook on it from time to time which is great.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

The trangia (or similar) has its place, I find it works best if our on a hike and only wanting to boil water for drinks or a meal. Silent, and can fill it up ready for the day. Anything longer than I prefer my Soto windmaster and gas.

[@sweatmanjim]

I am hooked on simple...it just works every time.

[@jouzel8951]

I have been backpacking for 30+ years, I used a MSR whisperlight for the first twenty years, still have it, still works, (it has needed maintenance, new O-rings, gaskets, pump bits....) great stove. For last ten years I have been using a Trangia, I love how quiet and simple they are.

[@lynnamandernacht2211]

Love the sticks in the ground for the pot support 👍🔥

[@pngit1]

I use my trangia with a firebox nano titanium. It’s made to fit the trangia, it also gives me the option of using wood if I run out of meths. Love the simplicity of alcohol burners.

[@maskddingo1779]

I started off doing this, but quickly realized the alcohol stove was no longer a valuable part of this setup. Ironically, the nano is the thing that made me ditch the trangia. Never looked back. I just carry 4 or 5 solid fuel tabs with me for emergency and use the nano's solid fuel plate. But I rarely need that because the stick stove works so well! I'm done carrying bulky (potentially leaky) alcohol around (unless it's the stuff for drinkin). When I'm car camping, I do use the nano with the tangia gas burner. I just don't see alcohol as a great option for any of these situations anymore.

[@miguelmorales9667]

I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2011 with nothing to cook with except an alcohol stove made from a metal beer bottle. It worked great! 😊

[@motorboy23]

Big fan of Speedster stoves myself, cracking bits of kit from a UK cottage maker

[@archer721]

I love the simplicity of alcohol stoves. I also have quite an extensive collection and have found that they are by far the best stove for my little sailboat. they’re super easy to set up on the beaches, mountain tops or anywhere between!

[@JamesSouthwood]

Agree. Something about the simplicity is so satisfying to use. I love mine - it's silent, the bioethanol gives off nice smell, never needs fixing.

[@eddieallen6401]

I share your love of alcohol stoves and the Trangia in particular. In fact in a recent gear purge the only stove I’ve kept is my 27 series set. Yes it’s bulky compared to some setups but once you’ve added a pot support, pot, windshield etc it soon adds up. It’s rugged, stable, windproof and gives me a childlike joy when I use it. One thing I’ve bought is the winter attachment, which clips onto the bottom of the burner and allows you to preheat the burner in freezing conditions. Blooms super quick even when the burner and alcohol are cold. Great video as always Paul.

[@c.d.3485]

Yup, alcohol stove every time. Even use mine in a Kelly Kettle Trekker and Robbens twig stove on occasion. Usually light it with a fero rod.

[@luckybuccaneer]

Aye, if you don’t use a fero rod you were clearly in the Boys Brigade and not the scouts. Lighters…pfft! 😂

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Alcohol stoves can be lauded for their lack of noise and in certain situations that would be very useful. I actually find the noise of a gas/white gas stove quite reassuring and know I will have boiled enough water for two cups in under two minutes. Cold weather not really an issue if one has a stove that will work with an inverted gas canister. I also have quite a few Alcohol burners and stoves to accommodate them but they don’t get used that often.

[@davewalton2358]

I have several stoves now of various types (yes, I have the bug!) and am always poking around online looking at new and used ones. The wife gets suspicious whenever I hang around the mailbox now! I replaced the rubber Trangia o-rings with silicone ones from ebay and these are excellent. Handle heat really well, don't go hard and crack, fit firmly and don't fall out, make the lids easier to open and seal beautifully. Love cooking on alcohol stoves, and do so quite often on the table in the garden out in the backyard when I can't go bush, just for the sheer enjoyment of it. In cold weather, stick the Trangia in your pocket and warm it up while you get things ready, lights much easier as the fuel evaporates better...

[@davidyendoll5903]

Thanks for another inspiring and useful video Paul . One tip for you maybe .... if you need to melt frozen water , remember to melt ice not snow . This was a surprise to me when I read about it years ago , but snow has air in it and the air insulates , keeping the cold in . Strange , but there it is !

[@fjb4932]

When melting snow, fill cup with snow and add water. The snow has air pockets, the water will melt the snow and conduct / absorbs heat faster. Always retain water for the next boil up. . . . - - - . . .

[@perceptionpressurecleaning9948]

Love your collection! You have inspired me to create my own stoves for fun and camping

[@morgs4mountains]

I still use my trangia burner and I love the relaxing aspect of sitting down and the ceremony of making a cuppa in the countryside.

[@dougfields5798]

You could put a coin or a large washer on that burner to cut the heat down .

[@russel2352]

From S Africa. I love my alcohol stove. Don't care how long it takes to make my coffee. The simplicity and the beauty of the stove with a small kettle on a cold winter morning is a joy to watch. Good video Paul, you are lucky to be able to walk so freely in magic woods. Here I carry a 9mm parabellum pistol, not looking for trouble but ready for it.

[@RonOrud]

I love them too. Hard to beat in the woods.

[@soaruk3697]

Have a Trangia stove and cook set bought at least 25 years ago - still works - and a top of the range multifuel stove still in its bag that I bought over 10 years ago for a cycle trip and never used.

[@pauljenkins2501]

I think it is the simplicity of a trangia, as well as the silence and the total reliability, that are the attraction.

[@Sam2sham]

Thanks for the video. I have replaced my sterno stove with an alcohol stove. Used it this weekend to fry sausage and made red beans and rice with my propane burner. They make a great compact second stove top. Nice video.

[@Oldsparkey]

I have used some form of a alcohol stove for most of my 79 years on this earth. Everything from home made to the Trangias and the rest in between. My favorite for the last 30 years has been the Evernew Titanium Appalachian stove set. For a combination of a wood burner and alcohol . It's the Firebox , Nano Gen 2 in titanium and the standard Trangia ( *****or Steampunk EDDY-X ) as a second form of heat for it. I like the alcohol ones for their silent operation. Plus when camping I am not in a hurry so what's a few more minutes when getting my food ready. Only more free ( tranquil ) time to enjoy being out there. *****Several years back I found a brass alcohol stove at Goshawk outdoors in Australia. It's the Siphon Alcohol Stove Steampunk EDDY-X. It has the fastest bloom time of any stove I have or have seen , 12 seconds to a full bloom. it's the same size as a Trangia and can be used in their accessories.

[@Excommunicated-ei1ep]

I made a pressurised alcohol stove out of a couple of beer cans once, just like all the KZbin videos show you how . . . . . . and it worked VERY well for me, just as well, because i was “In-between housing”, in a tent for a month at the time! It boiled water pretty well, around 10 minutes, for hot drinks and a noodle block, mixed with the contents of a (minestrone) cupasoup sachet. And i even boiled water for a strip wash too! All in all, that DIY stove served me very well and i still got it somewhere, if i ever need it again . . .

[@bmac2899]

Had my Trangia for 25 years what I love is the simplicity no moving part and availability of fuel,, yes its a bit slower but after all your out in the bush and gives you time to enjoy the moment.

[@danjeory3659]

I've often wondered why anyone would choose one type of stove over another when they're all so compact, but I like your comment about the noise of the gas burner. Great point!!

[@andersnrregren9087]

The thing about the old trangia alcohol stove is its the 1. Stove ppl get then get a few or many other stoves but when 20years gone past we all still got the old trangia

[@Hengists_Wild_Camps]

Great video Paul. I love Trangia's and they're my favourite stove (The Trangia 27 storm cooker will always be the king of camping stoves for me). I remember that Trangia used to state that you shouldn't put your pot, with contents, on the stove straight away, as the heat can be dissipated and not provide enough energy for the stove to bloom before cooking. I also like the fact that Trangia's have an internal wick, unlike other spirit burners, which draws the fuel up towards the jets.

[@sorrows_touch]

I love my trangia, I'm never in a rush so the boil times ain't too important to me

[@GunnarTheF]

I started backpacking this year and the x-boil was one of the first things I got. Love its weight and simplicity. Will get a gas stove as well for longer tours with friends, but nothing beats the (missing) noise of alcohol stoves.

[@farstrider79]

I've got two gas backpacking stoves, they stay home when backpacking. If you enjoy your alcohol stove, I don't think you'd get much more out of cannisters stoves. But, buying things is fun......

[@mikedownsman]

Hi Paul, I recently bought some stuff from Speedster Stoves, a little company that make quite a bit of their own kit or re-purpose other items for backpacking use. They have some very good combinations of lightweight and compact windshield/pot stands and some brilliantly simple and effective alcohol burners in various sizes. Lots of other useful cooking and backpacking bits and pieces too, and their prices are much lower than most. I think they are great. Thanks for all you contribute to the camping and backpacking scene Paul - much appreciated!

[@Amack1966]

Love mine …… brought it because of your brilliant reviews. Got others too (all your fault lol). But my trangia is the never let you down one bit of cheap kit I always take. Thank you Paul for all you do and the knowledge you share 👍

[@davidbernadine]

I'm a big fan of alcohol stoves too. I have the 1-2 person and the 3-4 person Trangia kit. For those that don't have the full kit (including pots, frypan, pan/pot handle, stand and windshield), I love your tips to make a support base with rocks or sticks. I do have a Jetboil, which is better if you want to boil water quickly, but for safety, simplicity and environmentally (you don't throw away empty cannisters), I prefer the Trangia kit. As for melting snow, rather than putting snow in the pot, I put the snow in the frypan lid on top of the pot, so I'm cooking my meal and melting snow at the same time! The Trangia is great in the wind (unlike most other stoves). I position the support base so that the wind is coming in through the holes,which allows more oxygen into the flame. Some say the weight of a Trangia kit is a negative. Although it is heavier in comparison to gas stoves, it is not a fair comparison as when they compare the weights of say a gas burner to a Trangia kit, the gas burner excludes the pots, windshield, frypan and pan/pot handle that are standard in the Trangia kit.

[@frodelangset9790]

I loaded a Primus eta pot (the 1.8 l version) with 1 kg of snow and put it on a Trangia triangle with an ordinary Trangia burner (I think it is named B25, the same one that you have in the video). It took 17.2 g of alkohol (denatured) to melt all the snow and then 26.7 g of alkohol to get it to the boiling point. That is in total less than 50 g of alkohol to get 1 liter boiling water from snow. No need to refuel the burner (I think it takes about 75 g alkohol).Total time was 20 minutes from I lit the stove (10 min to melt the snow and 10 min to boil the water). I think that is awesome! I love those little burners too.

[@dessiediamond7414]

Love your enthusiasm for the alcohol stove Paul. It has been self evident over the years on several of your camping trips.

[@davidaxman]

The stick-trick was very neat! Keeping the alcohol close to your body in cold temps is an easy "trick" to ensure an easy ignition, learned that in the army in Sweden. You can even keep the actual burner in a pocket as well.

[@davidaxman]

I'd like to add that I too like the simplicity and zen of an alcohol stove. All the stoves has their purpose and for enjoying nature at a calm pace, nothing beats it. For a day hike you can almost fit everything for a brew, food, and a light shelter, just in your pockets 👍

[@kitchencarvings4621]

I love them too. I remember the first time I used my Trangia mini set. It was at Cathedral Campground on Embargo Creek. I got up before everyone and made coffee in the pre-dawn. The flames glowed blue under the pot.

[@ianhassall3757]

Alcohol stoves are relaxing, mellow, peaceful, quiet, simple, and contemplative. If I wanted to boil water quickly I'd stay home and use the kettle. I hate being in a group where everyone's using a Jetboil to boil water in 3.58 seconds, the noise is mental. 100g tuna tins make great ultralight disposable stoves.

[@garier6652]

I think everything depends on what you want to do. For a one or two day trip an alcohol stove is a lightweight option. But a small gas can with an ultra lightweight burner that fits in one cup is an option, too. If you travel around countries, a multifuel could be the best option. If it depends on weight, a gas stove with small canister weighs just 100 gramm more than an alcohol stove, both included fuel.

[@wilsonwombat3456]

I’ve had my Trangia stove kit for 44 years and it still gets use. Best Buy I ever made.

[@henriccarlsson9052]

My goto is the Bushcraft essentials ultralight and a Trangia alcohol. Great setup :)

[@LostInIce4]

I modified my Trangia with steel wool on the bottom, carbon felt on top and steel mesh to hold it all together. Burns longer and no spillage if accidentally tipped over.

[@mokotramp]

Cracking little stove, only stove I've ever take on my bikepacking adventures. Just ordered a little Lixada Ti as a spare, can't wait to try it out! I've got an MSR Dragonfly multi fuel burner too, it never gets used nowadays, always the Trangia! ✌️

[@paulmccullough8548]

I started off with a Trangia 30 years ago and then went lighter and faster as time went on. I’ve recently bought a Trangia 27 to slow things down a bit appreciate a good meal outdoors. So reliable and easy to use.

[@rickkearn7100]

Love my ESBIT alcohol stove. Been using it for decades, beats white gas blowtorches, and jet-boil type stoves hands down. I don't need boiling water in 3min. I'm out there relaxing, 6min is just fine by me. No hassles, cheap fuel, not cannisters or pressurizing gizmos for white fuel etc. Nice post PM! With you 100%. Cheers.

[@HardyBunster]

The fascination for me with alcohol stoves is all the different ideas that are out there. Some good some not so good but there’s much more creativity going on with alcohol stoves than there is with gas burners. 👍

[@OscarTahr]

All of the above compliments - and I just enjoy watching the flame when its dark, as my brew comes to the boil

[@daveslaughter8290]

Just a comment for viewers in the USA. During fire season sometimes the national forests will impose a fire ban. Stoves which have a shut off device, such as most propane or gas stoves have are legal for backpackers to use during these times. I read that alcohol stoves are considered an open flame and are not legal to use when fire bans are in effect. Personally I think this is a good rule especially given the invisibility of the alcohol flame and the ease with which they can be bumped over. I like my trangia otherwise for short trips, but use an old svea gas stove for longer trips due to the volume of fuel needed. Otherwise great video!

[@matthewfrostmedia3286]

Living in and around the Surrey Hills, I ride my Gravel bike a lot. I carry my Hammock/DD Tarp and my alcohol stove. I either use liquid or ge, my go to gel is the Fire Dragon, as I find the pouches great for packing down small. I love it, as like you say it is quiet. I am out for a relaxing and enjoyable time, and sitting in my hammock in the woods with the sound of a my Fire Maple blasting away ruins the experience. I am not in a rush for my brew, the relaxing wait all adds to to experience. Strangely it helps me feel like I am really in with nature. Riding with my saddle pack, it is all about packing down as small as you can. Best adventure was a ride in awful storms, pitched up in the woods up Boxhill, set the tarp up above me, set the hammock up, got a brew on the go and just chilled in the hammock with the rain lashing down with me nice and warm. I soon dried out and spent 6hrs in total silence bliss :-)

[@JohanSimonsson]

Spot on with the comment about sound, sure it takes a little bit longer to boil water with them but since they are silent it’s a nice relaxing wait.

[@GlenT1D]

I purchased a gas stove once, only used it once as well. The silence and simplicity of an alcohol stove is golden.

[@stef2198]

I’ve just went and bought an alcohol stove. My go to for years has been an MSR dragonfly. I just think there is something therapeutic about the quiet, laid back alcohol burner. I can’t remember using one of these some 25 years ago when I was a kid. The dragonfly is good on longer trips. 4/5 days easily out of a bottle of kerosene including plenty of water for dishes etc.

[@zch2439]

Perfect. Exactly why we love Trangia. Nothing to break and available around the world.

[@rozmcgarry7688]

What an awesome video! I love your addiction! Even though I'm super happy with my Jetboil... I think its great to be aware of other options and be able to diversify your kit to be sure you can adapt to any situation and reduce weight by changing up your kit if your next adventure requires it. Thank you Mr Messner

[@danielbailey818]

I have used Trangia for many years and like all of you I have quite a collection. I even keep a Trangia stove, stand, and Trangia mess tin in the car. Now thats light weight and small cooking system! I also have the Trangia Triangle, although its a little to big to use with just a cup, but you can put a stand on top of the burn within the Triangle to use with a cup.. Triangle is circa £22K and no regrets for this price. I am not going to mention the 25, 27, M40, and the numerous spare burners just in case one fails! I believe I may have underlying issues that need to be addressed! Our Canadian friend mentioned priming the stove, Trangia provide a primer as an option to heat the fuel up from below. Doubtful that we will need it in the UK. Bow down to the Candians at -10! You might want to try this in cold weather (UK temperatures) or if you just want to speed up the time it takes for the flame to pop and then bloom, this will also reduce the boil time (hope you know what I mean, pop and bloom!).... There is a small trough/moat/recess on the top surface of the main body of the burner. This is the preheat ring running around the burner main body outside of the vapourising chamber. You are meant to run a small amount of meths around the inside of this trough, just dip a stick in the meths and run it around the trough/moat. Not too much, no need and you obviously dont want meths everywhere and its only for start up. Light the trough containing meths and then light the centre of the burner. The idea is that you now have heat on both sides of the vapourising chamber instead of just one side, this immediately heats the brass from both sides (part with lots of holes) the meths will heat and vapourise far quicker causing the stove to pop and bloom and start to heat the remaining meths. This is more noticable in cold weather. I do this now even in the summer. Also keep your fuel next to your body in an inside pocket to keep it warm. Try it, you will always do it in the future! It is actually the correct way of using a Trangia in colder weather. I hope this is some help? Try it before you critque me!

[@StevenKeery]

Daniel Bailey: I am presuming you mistakenly typed £22k for the Trangia Triangle?

[@danielbailey818]

No it was £22k, and 50 pence. 😉 yes you are right £22…

[@kentmulter]

Hi Paul, lots of good tips here! But I do want to offer a correction. I don't do winter camping myself, but my understanding is that melting snow takes a LOT of energy. Small stoves aren't up to the task unless you carry very large amounts of fuel. And eating snow, or letting it melt in your mouth, steals a lot of precious body heat. Anyone planning on using snow as a water source needs to be able to burn wood that they gather at camp, instead of carrying fuel.

[@PaulMessner]

You’re correct but I don’t need a correction. I do mention in the video about the use of a multi fuel or petrol stove. They are considerably more powerful than gas canisters it petrol stoves. Something like an MSR whisperer lite will work just fine. They aren’t burning wood on the side of mountains like Everest.

[@gmarrese91]

I winter camp fairly often.. while burning wood is the easiest way to melt snow, any canister stove works really well. Just bring a little more fuel, and put a bit of liquid water at the bottom. Don't need as much fuel as you think as long as you use low power.

[@scottplumer3668]

I had my scout troop make alcohol stoves. We used small cat food tins, then we had a contest to see who could boil half a liter of water first.

[@maskddingo1779]

Oh neat. I bet they had fun! Building them is the part of alcohol stoves I enjoy😊

[@apcwjw]

I use a mix of gas (c500) for a cadac safari chef and 2 trangia 25l and bioethanol for the trangias for boiling water for brews, noodles and pot cleaning. As noted in the video bioethanol/meths easier to get hold of in more remote areas.

[@pauledwards499]

Great video Paul. I'm also a stove addict, love testing them out and i've tried all kinds but my favourite is one I made with an old shoe polish tin, some fibreglass loft insulation and a piece of fine wire mesh, very similar to your X Boil. It's spill proof and can boil 3-4 mugs of water on one fill. I got the idea from Gareth from Gareth & Zoe

[@lizkent2624]

I have one of the original trangia 27 stoves which I bought over 30 years ago. Used it extensively and also a mini trangia. I find it really interesting that a lot of people are using them now without the windshield and pan package but just with a small lightweight support. Haven't tried that setup but may give it a go; I enjoy using gas stoves now! One safety point I haven't seen mentioned, it's really important to let the burner cool right down if refilling. Interesting video, thank you!

[@jarmosalonen2068]

The cross stand what Paul used for the Trangia burner, is no where as fast as a Trangia stoves you mentioned (excluding the mini). With a proper wind shield around, it is a very fuel efficient system though.

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Amazing the things people get hooked on My Friend is into boat trailers !!

[@davewoodward1155]

I love trangia burners and stoves. I go camping for peace a quiet and hate the roar of the gas burners.The slow burn encourages a slower more mindful pace.I have used them since I was a teenager which is a very long time ago.

[@jonathansmythe6273]

Love my Trangia, not fast but reliable. "2nd goto is a gasefying twig stove, but 10 mins to light & needs dry fuel. Those Soba noodles are nice, a step up from pot noodles, add a bit of protein, makes a meal.

[@robertkoper3039]

Nice that you spend some time on trangia (type)stoves.I like cooking normal meals instead of these expensive add water blubber bags 😊.Got the big 25 size and the smallest trangia too ,so easy when I need two burners.I go camping to enjoy the slow pace so spending a bit of time to make a good meal is a part of it.

[@primus7776]

Love the simplicity and ease of use. Really useful. Thank You Paul!

[@wanderwithmac]

The early alcohol stoves of my childhood were mince, 60 years later I am hooked.

[@pedroclaro7822]

For me the alcohol stoves’ appeal comes from MYOG. DIYing them is so fun and addictive - and cheap. Plus they’re super light and the alcohol is always handy as a disinfectant. I mainly use a twig stove, so alcohol is there in case any park ranger comes around. I always make my coffee an alcohol stove though - it’s just simple enough where I can set things up at night and light it up in the morning without leaving the comfort of my sleep system. Alcohol stove’s so light that I can carry a spare for boiling in my pot AND my mug. As said, alcohol can be bought anywhere - whereas gas or even gasoline is sometimes scarce. Where there isn’t wood there’s alcohol. Alcohol is also nice to light up a wood fire, so it doubles up as a fire starter. Free, available, versatile. Can’t get much better than that.

[@StellaGreymoore]

I love my Trangia stove. Alcohol burners don't make a lot if noice so if you are camping close to others or stealth camping, they are the way to go.

[@cabbagemechanic]

I love that loo roll hack - I used to be a "twig man". Nice video!

[@drsquirrel00]

I have a simmer ring for my speedster stove, multiple sizes too. I use the upside down lids to snuff them out.

[@craigelliott4338]

Lol Paul, that wee disclaimer at the end.... please purchase responsibly!

[@leopardx746]

I like these stoves as well. Reach the camp site, fire up the stove then pitch your tent/bivi and have a hot brew when done. They're slow so use the time and enjoy the peace.

[@brotherlittlefoot2216]

Adding a little perlite,which a soil/gardening additive,will allow the perlite to act a wick and give you a longer burn time.

[@Rob_65]

I love my Trangia so much that I decided to buy a new burner after almost 35 years of loyal service (well, that and the fact that I accidentally flipped my pot and dumped food in the Trangia ...). The cooking time is actually not that bad at all when comparing to my gas stove. My new pot with heat collector at the bottom cooks water almost as fast as my gas stove with my regular (titanium) pan. Yes of course: that heat collector pot on the gas stove is even faster. That Trangia fuel bottle is also great: perfect dosing and never spilling any fuel. I do love to cook on gas but as soon as it is getting cold outside I only use my Trangia. An almost empty gas can will not cook water at all withou me warming it up (and getting cold myself)

[@MajorMalfunction]

I made my own kit. Cat food tin/tomato paste tin, with carbon felt wick. I got the felt on ebay for about $10 for 50cm square. For the wind shield I just used some aluminium siding used in building. Cheap as chips at big hardware stores. Just trim it to suit your pot. For a support I just used a wire coat hanger. Cut a couple straight pieces just wider than the pot. Then bent a little triangle divot in the middle of one. That's important in a second... Then, I set up the pot with the stove and shield on a level surface, and marked on the shield how high I want the support. And drilled 4 small opposing holes in the shield. Now, you put through the bent wire, and then the straight wire, and the straight wire nestles in the bent wire, giving you a flat support. And all packs in your pot. Dammit! Watching this vid made me start thinking of even better designs! Off to the shed! :)