good old coleman 2 burner

[CDN_Cruiser]

I'm a fan of the white gas stoves (even for car camping - I too have a whisperlite for other trips). Carting less crap around / less garbage (esp if using the little bottles), better heat output, cheaper fuel, bomb proof construction (the propane ones seem so flimsy) and one of the most important ones for me is the ability to use it with full heat in the winter.

Cheers, Hugh

 

[swank60]

What are the drawbacks using the Propane Stoves, Lamps, etc? It seems that propane fuel would be the cleanest fuel for camping since it is self-contained in bottles. I know it is a little more expensive.

SS

propane is generally better for high altitude situations.

That said, I've got a wisperlite that I never use for backpacking and a Coleman dual-fuel setup that's similar to the wisperlite that's bulkier, but I choose it every time. Has a nice adjustable flame where the wisperlite doesn't.

Love my Coleman 2 burner for car camping, though it hasn't been out in a while, and I also love my Coleman lantern.

As for LED headlamps, I liked my orig Tikka. Bought the Tikka Plus and though I like the different brightness settings, I'm not crazy about the adjustable headlight angle. I'm trying to get used to it, but the simplicity of the orig design was nice. I never go anywhere without some sort of headlight, if I can help it.

As for other great stuff, say what you will, but I love my Craftsman hand tools. I generally don't have any problems with them, and anytime I have, I've just taken them in and gotten them replaced. Can't beat that.

 

[Buckru]

There is a disadvantage to using propane stoves. If you are at an altitude above 8000 feet you begin to loose pressure in the canister. Which equates to a longer time to cook your food which means more fuel is needed.

I agree that the MSR whisperlite is a goood stove. However, its ability to simmer isnt that good. I use the MSR Dragonfly and absolutely love it. Fully adjustable flame control and simmers as well as my stove at home. I have never had a problem baking with it either. MSR makes great products period.

My Petzel Tikka headlamp has never let me down on backpacking trips or general day to day use.

Buck

 

[Trollhole]

I cannot believe nobody has mentioned this. The one drawback to propane is when temps get down in single digits. The propane will turn to a solid and be worthless. I used to have a Gaz stove until one camping trip it got down to 10 F or about -12 c and the stove wouldn't light. Since then my MSR XGK Expedition has been my favorite.

Other drawbacks of Propane
more expensive than white gas
having to pack out multiple canisters
If you use one down till there is a quater left means you have two take two next time.

Great thing about propane.
Easy to light
compact
coleman twin burner stove with propane is the bomb though I use and prefer the White gas version.
And great for car camping

My MSR will burn
kerosene
diesel
automobile gas
mineral spirits
white gas
aviation gas
Barcardi 181

 

[stayalert]

I too prefer white gas. I have a small propane grill that works well but I havn't used it much in the cold...

 

[swank60]

I got it backwards on the propane/altitude thing...and I was thinking that propane was better in cold weather, too. Oh well, what do I care, all of my stoves are white gas.