DIY Backpacking Stoves

Do it yourself backpacking stoves are popular because they are lightweight, cheap, simple and rather reliable. Homemade backpacking stoves are almost always fueled by wood or a type of alcohol. Alcohol stoves are popular because the fuel is easy to find, cheap, and reliable. There are five recommended types of alcohol fuel: denatured alcohol, methanol, ethanol, gelled alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. There are dozens of designs for do it yourself backpacking stoves, each with it's own advantages and disadvantages. Some stoves offer great efficiency, but are harder to light. The stoves are constructed from common materials like soda/beer cans and cat food cans.

Things You'll Need

  • High temperature RTV silicone
  • Aluminum flashing
  • Pliers
  • 2 empty soda cans
  • Empty tuna can
  • Scissors
  • Thumb tack
  • Sandpaper
  • 2 metal tent stakes
  • Paper hole punch
  • Sewing tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Make a Pressurized Jet Stove

    • 1
      A pressurized jet stove when lit.

      Mark a line around the bottom of two soda cans. The simplest way to do this is to hold a permanent marker on top of an inch thick book. The tip of the marker should stick out about a little from a side of the book. Then spin the soda can while it touches the marker tip. This should make a nice straight line.

    • 2

      Cut the two soda cans along the line. To make a starting hole, use scissors to punch a hole in the upper portion of the can. Then start cutting slowly down to the marker line. Be careful to not damage the bottom portion of the cans. Mark one can "top" and one can "bottom."

    • 3

      Crimp the "top" can. Crimping is needed so that the top can fit into the bottom. Grab the can with the tips of your pliers along the edge you just cut. Then twist the pliers to crimp the soda can.

    • 4

      Apply high temperature RTV silicone to the inside of the bottom can. Put dabs of the silicone on the along the upper edge of the can. Spread the silicone evenly using a toothpick or paper towel.

    • 5

      Slide the top can into the bottom can. Stop pressing when you feel the pressure increase. Be gentle to avoid bending the cans.

    • 6

      Make the stove jets. Use the marker to mark holes along the outer ridge of the stove top. Stoves commonly use between 6 and 24 holes. Try to space the holes as evenly as possible. Once the holes are marked, use a thumb tack or needle to punch holes into the stove.

    • 7

      Make a filler hole. Punch a hole as close to the center of the stove top as possible. You may want to widen this hole, but it is not necessary. You will add fuel through this hole.

    • 8

      Let the cans sit overnight to let the silicone set properly.

    Build a Priming Dish

    • 9

      Mark a line along the bottom of the tuna can. Place the marker flat on a table. Then rotate the tuna can along the marker tip. This should create a straight line about a quarter inch up the tuna can.

    • 10

      Use scissors to cut down to the line.

    • 11

      Use sandpaper to smooth sharp or rough edges.

    Build a Windscreen/Pot Stand

    • 12

      Determine the length of your windscreen/pot stand. Using the sewing measuring tape, measure the circumference of the pot you will use with the stove. Add 2 inches to this measurement. This will add breathing room.

    • 13

      Cut a rectangle of aluminum flashing. The flashing should be about 5 inches high and the length will be determined by your pot size.

    • 14

      Use the hole punch to make holes along the bottom of the aluminum flashing. The holes should be about 1/4 inch from the bottom and spaced about 1/2 inch apart.

    • 15

      Use the hole punch to make holes along the top of the aluminum flashing. The holes should be about 1/2 inch from the top and spaced about 1 inch apart.

    • 16

      Make a buckle to hold the windscreen together. Cut an additional strip of aluminum flashing. The strip should be 8 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Lay rectangle piece for your windscreen on top of the buckle strip. Fold the top and bottom pieces of the buckle down.

    • 17

      Assemble the windscreen/pot stand. Wrap the ends of the windscreen/pot stand toward each other to form a circle. Then slide the buckle over to hold the edges in place.

    • 18

      Add tent stakes so the windscreen/pot stand can hold a pot. Slide each tent stake through two of the top holes. The tent stakes should be parallel to each other.

    Light the stove

    • 19

      Place the stove inside the priming dish.

    • 20

      Fill the stove with fuel through the filling hole. Use about 2-4 tablespoons.

    • 21

      Cover the filling hole. The hole can be covered by inserting a screw or just by covering it up with a penny.

    • 22

      Add a few drops of fuel to the priming dish.

    • 23

      Set the windscreen/pot stand around the stove.

    • 24

      Use a lighter to light the fuel in the priming dish. Wait while the fire from the priming dish heats up the stove and pressurizes the stove. After a few seconds the stove should light and a full "bloom" should occur.

    • 25

      Place your pot in the pot stand and cook a meal.