Ditched the pricey hiking stove for a twig burner last trip

Everyone in my group was using those fancy canister stoves at the campsite near Estes Park, but I tried a $15 twig burner instead. It took about 10 minutes longer to boil water for coffee, but I didn't have to pack out a spent fuel can. Has anyone else switched to burning found wood for longer backpacking trips?

2 comments

2 Comments

black.patricia12d ago

Right there with you on ditching the canisters. I used a twig burner on a five day trip through the Smokies last fall and honestly, it was a game changer. I loved not having to guess how much fuel was left or carry out those empty cans. The extra time boiling water was totally worth it for the peace of mind and lighter pack. Just make sure you grab dry, dead twigs when you stop for the night, it saves a lot of hassle in the morning.

morgan.nancy12d ago

That twig burner in the Smokies reminds me of a trip I took in the Adirondacks a couple years back. I was camped near Lake Colden and tried to use a twig stove but everything was soaking wet from a storm that came through. Ended up spending an hour trying to get a fire going with damp birch bark and pine needles. Finally just gave up and ate a cold dinner of trail mix and instant oatmeal I couldn't boil. Learned real fast to check the weather and scout for dry wood before setting up camp. You ever had a fire fail on you like that?