pedadidact

Trangia stoves are iconic. Like Zippos and Swiss Army Knives, they are always imitated, but never replaced. So what are they? Well, Trangias are practically invincible, lightweight brass stoves that burn methylated spirits such as HEET (yellow bottle, not red!) available at auto and convenient stores, or -- even better -- Denatured Alcohol located in the paint section at Wal-Mart, etc. 32 ounces cans run about $5, and one ounce of fuel will burn for about half an hour. Typical burn times are 7 minutes for one liter at room temp, or less. Despite an impressive flame Trangias are virtually silent, which I think is wonderful for not disturbing the natural ambiance.

I have used my stove pretty extensively in a variety of conditions. It was my choice for a Pacific Coast cycle tour lasting several thousand because it is economical, durable, and predictable.

Trangias function essentially the same whether in winter snow or summer sun, only varying in how long they take to "bloom" (check out videos on youtube) into a full flame. Just pour fuel in the inner cup, light up, and the heated gas will be pushed out holes in the rim where they ignite to look like your kitchen burner. Wah-la!

Every Trangia comes with a simmer cap / flame snuffer, and and an O-ring sealing lid that allows you to store fuel inside (about 1.5 ounces).

If I haven't stressed it enough, the Trangia stove is extremely efficient and reliable, owing to it's solid, no-moving-parts design. I could throw mine off a cliff and expect it to cook at the bottom. It may not boil as fast as one of those jet-pack canister stoves, but why fool with gadgets on a long journey when there is a bullet proof option with readily available, cheap fuel? Your dinner might depend on it.

The Westwind base is also excellent for the minimalist, weighing almost nothing and taking up no room, while doing its job admirably.

Feel free to add your thoughts or ask questions, thanks!