Hiking stoves

I've had a GoSystem stove for years, not sure which model, it's an average stove compared with other more expensive stoves eg. MSR gas stoves. However it certainy does the job, even at 3300m.

andrew r wrote: Useful discussion & insight so far... notwithstanding the fact that it seems most experienced hikers (well the ones that have posted here) prefer liquid fuel to gas, has anyone any experience of the GoSystem Venture or GoSystem Fly Ti stoves in the Drakensberg? They are on sale at Cape Union Mart online at present...

I don't have personal experience but I personally I wouldn't have a problem buying this stove. Of more importance though is the gas mix they use in the cylinders, or which gas you buy. I think the MSR butane/propane mix is better for altitude. I haven't really gone high enough to test the Gaz cylinders I use. Also, remember to keep your cylinders warm in the cold, keep them in your sleeping bag at night.

Thanks. I think that's what I'm after: reliable (simple), fit-for-purpose, easy to use, not too costly, & light, more or less in that order.

Will experiment with windshields and base supports to make the stove more effective and stable.

Wind is a big issue. I use the burner from an old Gaz Globetrotter stove, which has great wind protection. That's why I love Gaz, its cheap, gas isn't as expensive as it used to be (compared to other brands) and it hasn't let me down yet.

I also find Butane to be a good option. I have an MSR XGK which is great but it just some much simpler and quicker to use the Reactor stove. All I do in screw on the cylinder turn on and light. 2 min. later I have boiling water.

I used liquid fuel for 10 years but haven't looked back since using Butane gas... have only used MSR so I can't compare to any other

joshilewis wrote: Wind is a big issue. I use the burner from an old Gaz Globetrotter stove, which has great wind protection. That's why I love Gaz, its cheap, gas isn't as expensive as it used to be (compared to other brands) and it hasn't let me down yet.

When you say 'Gaz' is that the same as CampingGaz? also, I did a quick wiki search but didn't get a conclusive answer: are the CampingGaz canister threads EN417 like the other screw-on cannisters (MSR, Kovea, JetBoil etc)?

Yes, Gaz = CampinGaz. The cylinders are valved but not threaded. MSR makes a stove that fits both types but that's the only one I know of.

Thanks. Couldn't help myself and bought the GoSystem FlyTi (R250 on sale at CapeUnionMart). Thanks for the heads-up on the CampingGaz cylinders, hadn't picked up the fact that they are EN417 but not threaded. CUM Pavillion didn't have stock of any gas cylinders, will look at OutdoorWarehouse tomorrow.

Will let you know how it goes in due course.

Ok, so I tested the GoSystem FlyTi stove today with the standard 500ml & 750ml 'time to boil water' test; apperatus as per picture i.e. GoSystem FlyTi stove (valve opened medium-high), Kovea 230g butane-propane blend cylinder, tap water (approx 20degC) in small aluminium non-hiking type kettle, ambient temp about 28degC, no wind. Time to boil 500ml: 3min50sec (used 6g gas), Time to boil 750ml: 6min15sec (used 10g gas). Stove & canister were weighed before & after each test on a digital kitchen scale accurate to 1g.

Also worth noting that test was conducted at a whopping 35m altitude above sea level...

Hi guys,
Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.
Does anyone know if it's more efficient (in terms of gas usage) to use a stove on low or high heat? On low heat the rate of usage is obviously slower but then it's burning for longer and the pot loses more heat through dissipation into the air. On the other hand high heat uses gas faster but for a shorter space of time as there's more flame in contact with the pot and the pot loses less heat to the environment.
Any ideas?