Tried a new 'ultralight' stove in the Wind River Range and it almost didn't light

I was testing a new canister stove that weighed only 2.3 ounces on a trip last week. The first night, the piezo igniter sparked but wouldn't catch, even after ten tries. I had to use a backup lighter, and the flame was weak and orange in the cold morning air. It turns out the burner design doesn't work well below 40 degrees. Has anyone found a reliable micro stove for cold weather?

3 comments

3 Comments

markhall1mo ago

What stove were you using? Those piezo lighters are trash in the cold, I never trust them. My old MSR PocketRocket Deluxe has been solid down to freezing, but you gotta keep the canister warm in your bag.

the_drew1mo ago

Was it the lighter or the stove that gave up first? My money's on the piezo, those things are basically mood rings for temperature. I've had them quit on a chilly morning just trying to light a camp stove, let alone in real cold. You're right about keeping the fuel warm, it's the only way to make those canister stoves behave.

henry60416d ago

The real trick is putting the canister inside your jacket for ten minutes.