Westwind Stove Set Quiet, Light

Product: Westwind Stove Set

Description: A 6.6-ounce alcoholburning stove combined with a 2.8-ounce aluminum pot support.

Pro: Using denatured alcohol, this stove is whisper-quiet, meaning you can actually hear yourself think and the night owls hoot while cooking. Denatured alcohol is not as explosive as white gas or butane, so it is somewhat safer to use in confined spaces such as a tent vestibule or backcountry cabin for those moments when weather forces you inside. But it’s still an open flame, so don’t assume there is no risk (always provide plenty of ventilation as any flame puts off carbon monoxide and uses oxygen). No moving parts or preheating required - just light the stove and presto, you’re cooking. Compact and then some! The pot support collapses into three flat segments for easy stowing alongside the very small brass stove unit.

Con: It’s awfully tough to find denatured alcohol unless you traipse the aisles of large drugstores or hardware stores. Alcohol produces half the heat of white gas, so boiling times for water are doubled at best. Denatured alcohol still costs more than white gas - although that may be changing soon.

Comments: This stove is for a select few die-hard minimalists who insist that weight efficiency means everything. For quick trips into the backcountry when all you are doing is heating a cup or two of water for soup and maybe coffee, the stove will bring smiles. I wouldn’t recommend it, however, if serious cooking is in your plans.

Suggested Retail: $25

Company: Mountain Safety Research, P.O. Box 24547, Seattle, WA 98124; (206) 624-8573