Winter Cooking Gear
It is vital to have the proper gear for winter outings. Part of your gear should include a cook system that will work in the winter, heat your meals and be able to melt enough water to keep you healthy.
Recommendations:
Isobutane Stove
Inverted canister system allows for reliable function in subfreezing conditions
Remote canister allows you to use a tight windscreen and ground reflector to reduce fuel use and boil times
Low profile is much more stable than traditional stove systems and allows you to use larger pots
Simple and reliable system for 4-season use
The Windpro is better in the winter, but the PocketRocket is easier to pack
If you just want one stove to use all year round, this is a great one
Best fuel blend for winter use
1 8oz canister per person for each 2 days in winter
Find at REI
Bic Lighter
It won't create a flame when cold, but sparks can ignite stove
Backup Ignitor/Firestarter (one of the following)
Ferrorod
Storm Matches
Arc Lighter
Thin Plywood Base
Large enough for your stove system, mug and spoon
Winter Cooking Concerns
Snow Melts
Running a stove over snow will melt the snow under the stove
A stove sinking into the snow and cause your meal/water to spill
If you place a hot pot on snow, it will melt enough snow for ice to form on the bottom of the pot
If you place an icy pot on a stove, the ice will melt and put out the stove
Winter is Cold
Certain fuels won't work in the winter
Butane does NOT work in subfreezing temperatures -
You need a special fuel with propane and isobutane
Propane does work in the winter as long as your stove has a good regulator
White Gas generally works if stove is well maintained
NOT recommended for younger Scouts
Water is Frozen
You may need to melt snow for water - this requires a LOT of fuel
Winter Winds can be Harsh
Unprotected gas flames can easily get blown out
It is hard to melt snow when your flame is being actively blown away from your pot
Subpage
Snow System
Large pot for melting snow, Stove, Base, Cups, Spoons
Stove is Whisperlite International Universal running Propane
Not shown: windscreen
Stove and Cook System
A Stove is vital in the winter for cooking, providing emergency heat and for melting snow to drink
There are many types of stoves to consider
Isobutane Stove
Isobutane is very easy to use, but can be problematic in subfreezing temperatures
Butane will fail to work at near freezing temperatures
Special blends of isobutane and propane will work much better at lower temperatures
Special training and techniques are required for use in subfreezing temperatures
An isobutane stove that uses an inverted canister works so much better in subfreezing temperatures than a stove over canisters system. See below.
Traditional Stove over Canister Systems
Fuel canisters contain liquid fuel. A small amount of it will vaporize within the canister and float to the top of the canister. As gas is expelled from the canister, more liquid fuel will vaporize. The transition for fuel from liquid to gas state caused the temperature of the canister to drop. If the temperature of the canister drops to a critical point, the liquid fuel will stop transitioning to gas. For pure butane, this happens at around 31°F. Isobutane has a boiling point of 11°F and propane is around-42°F. If your canister has a mix of other fuels, they will vaporize and fuel your stove until they run out. If heat from the stove heats up your canister enough, the warmed butane will heat up enough to keep the stove going.
Keeping a canister warm in your sleeping bag or in your jacket will make it easier to start up your stove in subfreezing temperatures.
Remote Canister Systems
Remote canister systems have a lower center of gravity, making them a bit more stable. If your system allows you to flip the canister upside down, it will work far better in the cold. As liquid fuel vaporizes, it forces liquid fuel through the fuel line towards the stove. If your stove has a generator tube, fuel will pass through flames and heat up. The heated up fuel will be expelled as hot gas, ready to ignite.
This system significantly reduce the amount of fuel being vaporized in the canister. This reduces the amount of canister cooling. If you have a mix of isobutane and/or propane, these fuels will vaporize at lower temperatures and push the remaining liquid fuel into the stove. Isobutane and propane work to feed the stove cold butane instead of being used up first (as they are if the canister was right side up). This dramatically improves stove function in subfreezing temperatures.
Butane and Isobutane Canisters
Butane by itself does NOT work in subfreezing temperatures. That said, there are several fuel mixes out there specially designed for winter camping.
See our Winter Stove Fuel Page for more on fuel selection.
White Gas Stove
White gas stoves are not affected by subfreezing temperatures as much as Isobutane stoves are affected
Polar expeditions use these over canister stoves
Reliable at severe subfreezing temperatures
High heat output needed for melting larger volumes of snow
Not recommended for general use by Scouts
Not recommended for use by younger Scouts
Should undergo maintenance annually
MSR Pump Notes:
Older MSR pumps had issues and can crack, spilling fuel everywhere. If you have an older pump (different color than newest model), consider getting a new one. Some have had luck replacing their old one with a newer one through MSR.
MSR has a blue O-Ring designed for Arctic use and ONLY for subfreezing temperatures. This is NOT needed for most of what we do.
MSR has an Arctic Fuel Pump with a blue pump seal and a blue O-ring. This is NOT needed for most of what we do.
Expedition quality stove
Adjustable setting
A Universal version is available and is excellent but expensive
Uses Isobutane bottles
Adapter allows you to run propane
Another favorite expedition quality stove
Two settings - full blast and off
Loud and more stove than needed
Great for melting large quantities of snow quickly
Optimus Svea
The Svea 123 (now 8016279) was first made in 1922 and is considered the first compact backpacking stove. It has a very simple design and is considered one of the most dependable stove designs ever made. It is a cult favorite for climbers.
Instead of using a pump to pressurize the stove, you first prime it by warming it with your hands. This pushes a little fuel out for priming. After the stove heats up, the stove self pressurizes.
Early stoves were made in Sweden, but newer stoves are/were made in Taiwan.
Antique Spirt Stoves
Old school "Spirit Stoves" were designed for kerosene, naphtha, white gas or other petroleum distillates. These were really something in World War 2 and become very popular on the civilian market following the war. These allowed so many to travel into the backcountry without the need to chop down trees for fuel.
This may have been something passed down through generations and is a fun part of history.
For winter camping, this type of stove has several fail points and can leak all over your gear, as the one in the picture did. Replacement parts are hard to come by and repairs may require special metal working or fabrications skills.
In good working order, this is more of a collector's item and is something you might not want to bring on a Scouting Outing.
We saw several stove failures in the past to include leaks (some small and some HUGE) and pump failures.
Propane Stoves
Propane fuel vaporizes down to -40° (F or C)
Most are too big for backpacking use
If you bring a pulk, these are GREAT for Patrol use
Some of our Scoutmasters use Propane Stoves
Higher heat output for melting a lot of snow
Dependable in subfreezing temperatures without preheating - good for emergency use
No fuss compared to white gas stoves
We have refillable canisters
Valve can freeze and lock in the open position
Sprayed fuel is extremely cold and can cause flash frostbite
Care must be taken when disconnecting fuel canister in cold environment - especially right after use when the canisters is colder than the outside temperature
Examples:
Coleman Bottletop Propane Camping Stove
Very unstable stove-over-bottle setup
Very heavy for a stove over canister system at around 2 pounds
"Compact" compared to other propane systems
This is commonly used by some Troop and Hunters
Simple to use
Fuel is more economical than isobutane
These are really easy to knock over and are not a good choice for younger scouts
These systems are also really heavy compared to an isobutane setup
Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
Double Burner
Works great when regulator if functioning (check before use and pack extra in vehicle)
Excellent Car Camping Stove
OK for a basecamp stove if you use a pulk to bring it in
11+ Pounds!
There are MANY systems very similar to this one
Camp Chef makes nicer (and more expensive) ones that are heavier but have higher heat output
Kovea makes a lighter version
Excellent if used with Jetboil 5L FluxPot
Expensive
3.5 pounds (not including regulator)
Still heavy for a stove system
Really nice system for basecamp
Expensive
Double burner
"Compact" compared to other dual burner systems
6lbs 3oz
Still heavy for a stove system
Coleman has something similar theirs weighs 9 pounds
Expedition Quality Remote Canister System using Propane
Isobutane Stove with Adapter - aka FrankenStoves
Adaptors are readily available to connect propane bottles to butane/isobutane appliances
A lot of outdoor enthusiasts use stoves designed for isobutane with propane
When used with a remote stove system, these configurations are excellent
Very stable setups are possible
Example: WhisperLite Universal with Propane Adapter
There are many remote feed stoves made in Asia and seem to work, but these don't have a built in Propane regulator
Cold weather dependability and economy of propane
These are some of the best setups for cold weather
A stove designed of isobutane will not have a regulator designed for propane
Is it safe to use propane with an stove without a propane regulator?
We do not recommend FrankenStoves in our Troop
Wood Stoves
These are nice and we talk about some in our Winter Campfires Page
Small stoves powered by twigs are generally not practical in the winter in our part of the world
Local fuel is often soaking wet or buried under snow in the winter
Usually banned in the summer due to wildfire risk
Plan to pack your own fuel - some pack wood pellets
Musher Stove
An operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least three gallons of water at one time is one of the mandatory safety items for the Iditarod Race, the 1000 mile dog sled race across Alaska in the winter. These stoves put out enough heat to melt snow and heat up enough food for an entire dog team and their musher.
The musher stoves used in the Iditarod are powered by methanol. Methanol is used because of its dependability in the winter. Pour it in a pie pan and light it with a match. These stoves don't have any moving parts to fail or freeze up.
In Alaska, gear must be simple and dependable as your life will depend on it.
Musher Stove Examples:
These are generally DIY projects which are banned by the BSA
One shown here was made by one of our adult leaders and used in multiple Iditarods
Winter Firestarter
You need a dependable firestarter for emergencies, which is why it is part of your 10 essentials. You also need a firestarter to get your stove started. Some come with a built in ignitor and many don't. The built in ignitors don't always work.
In the winter, you MUST have a firestarter that will work
Butane Lighters
Butane Lighters DON'T WORK in subfreezing temperatures!
This should be your Primary Firestarter in ABOVE freezing temperatures
There are tricks to get lighters to work in subfreezing temperatures, but if you are really cold and have cold hands, you may NOT be able to get a butane lighter to work
This is the WRONG Primary firestarter for winter camping
You might be able to get your lighter to work by warming it inside your shirt, but should have a more dependable firestarter
These DO work as a stove igniter
Sparks from a lighter should be sufficient at starting your stove if you are using isobutane or propane
Matches
Work when dry, which is a challenge in the winter
Storm Matches are water and wind resistant
This should be your Primary Firestarter in the Winter
Example:
UCO Stormproof Matches are fantastic - make sure you use a waterproof case for them
Electric Lighters
Work great at starting gas stoves
This is a great options for your primary stove igniter
These are great at starting ember fires and igniting fine tinder
These are not good firestarters for most users
Working Arc Lighter Examples:
NOTE: Piezo Igniters are NOT High Output Arc Lighters
The produce about 1000V, but very little electrical current
A Piezo does NOT produce enough electrical current to ignite anything other than gas
A Piezo is NOT an acceptable Firestarter
Some stoves, such as the MSR WindBurner and Reactor stoves will NOT ignite with a Piezo Igniter
Ferrorods
Ferrorods usually work fine for starting a stove, but the burnt metal dust can muck up a stove over time
A Ferrorod takes a LOT of skill to use proficiently
This should NOT be the primary firestarter for most users in the Winter
Most ferrorods work about the same
Anything 1/4 to 3/8" should be fine
Bayite 1/2 Inch X 6 Inch is a survival instructor favorite, but is way more rod than you need
Windscreen
Vital for your cook system:
Protects flame from wind
Protects flame from falling snow
Drastically minimizes heat lost and reflects heat back to pot
Minimizes boil times and fuel use
Can also be used to reflect heat back at cold hands
Note: a tight windscreen wrapped around a Stove-over-Canister System can result in overheating the fuel canister and an explosion!
Use ONLY for remote fuel stoves (where fuel canisters is NOT surrounded by windscreen)
Do NOT use for Stove-over-Canister Systems
Cooking Gear
Pot
750-1600 mL Solo
2000-4000mL Group
Use for boiling water
Wider pots make it easier to melt snow
May be used as a bowl if you are not eating out of a bag
Not ideal if you are using pot to melt water
Great pot for solo snow melting use
Titanium makes it lighter than steel
Can fit 8oz fuel canister and PocketRocket Stove
The 3L pot in this set is great for melting LOTS of snow
Good for 2-3 people
Stainless Steel is durable and easy to clean
Something smaller and titanium would be easier to pack
Fits nicely on WhistperLite
These are designed for cold and windy conditions
Heat Exchanger and regulator help with efficiency
May not work as well as advertised but do work
Excessively expensive
Can be difficult to light
JetBoil Systems
Favorite system for many
Insulated pot/mug feels really good in your hands when filled with boiling water
Pot is a little small and narrow for melting snow
Pot Cozy
Consider making a cozy for pot
Slows cooling
Examples:
Cup
Use for Hot Brew
Use to scoop out water from pot
Consider making a cozy for cup
Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset
Excellent quality
Use larger 28oz mug for brew
Use smaller 10oz cup as scoop
The newer 2.0 is a bit larger with 30oz./14oz pots
You can find more affordable options on Amazon
Spoon
Long handle allows you to eat out of deep bags
Toaks Ti Long Handle Spoon is excellent
Go Far Gear - Custom Printed Titanium Spoons and Sporks!
Snow Collection Kit
20L Water Basin used to collect snow for melting
Sanitized Trowel used to break up and scoop snow
Note: ANY other color for a trowel would be better
Orange is the prefect color for a trowel and the price is right
Screenshot: sportco.com
Snow Scooper
Something to scoop up snow for melting
A trowel made for digging catholes works great - just make sure it's only used for snow or sanitize before your trip
Using a dull scoop is fine and is less likely to cut your basin or gear
Choose something other than white or clear as these disappear when left or dropped on the snow
Plastic is also not as cold as metal when working in subfreezing temperatures
Water Basin
Used to collect snow if you are bringing snow to your pot
You can easily get away without this if you build a kitchen with a wall you can later consume
20L seems to be a good size
Wood base used for food and hot cups and pots
Snow Base
Place stoves and hot foods and drinks on a stable platform. This protects them from the snow and prevents snow from melting and freezing onto your cookware.
Thin plywood is fine
Smooth off or cover sharp edges
Extra insulation such as closed cell foam or mylar bubble wrap is a nice addition
Keeps stove from sinking into snow
