[Vine Maple Victim]

Salish, that's pretty inspiring. I just built the pop can stove this afternoon, hopefully it will burn well tonight when I try it. I still need to make a pot stand and a simmer ring, but I'm excited. My next weight saving target is my eating and drinking system. For one, the hydration system is going (though not because of weight...because it's a pain), then I'm going to make a insulated cup/bowl combo. By using parachute cord instead of 1/4 inch rope for hoisting my pack at night, that will save weight and bulk.

[salish]

Oh that's nothing; a mere drop in the bucket compared to some of the folks around here who, I'm sure, have gotten their pack weights well below that. Cool idea on the pop can stove. I've looked at the instructions many times but I'm just too lazy to try it. I like the esbit wing stove, but the alcohol sure would be cheaper than those fuel tabs. Good luck on your quest.

[Vine Maple Victim]

I just lit it up a minute ago for the first time. Probably 15 seconds till it was warm, then burned a beautiful 31 blue flames (one hole is apparently too small). It amazed my dad who never believed the project from the start. The sad part is it only burned for 3 minutes or so. I didn't have a timer, that's just a guess. Maybe there just wasn't enough fuel, maybe it needs tweaking. We'll see. I've only invested about 3 hours and 0 cents in the project!

[Odonata]

The pop can stoves burn faster than expected if you're used to a jet stove. I've filled mine up more than 1\2 with de natured alcohol with no negative affects for the bigger meals. They fabricate alot quicker after your first one. Before long you might be making them for your friends with the heavy and loud stoves. For me, 16 oz of fuel seems to be plenty for a long weekend + fudge factor. I use a clearly marked plastic pop bottle for fuel (outside of pack) .

[Vine Maple Victim]

I think I had too little fuel in it. I made a simmer ring from a pop can top and put a little bit more fuel in (though I haven't measured anything yet), and it burned for 17 minutes! Now all I need to do is a windscreen, a pot stand, and get some heat resistant tape, then I will be done!