Buying a good camp stove could end up saving your life someday. With that in mind, take extra consideration when you choose a butane camp stove. A butane camp stove is not the type of camping equipment you would pick up in a thrift store. Even though the label will say that it meets quality assurance measures, many brands avoid detailed inspection. This results in a butane camp stove that could be dangerous. The following tips will help you to make the right decision when choosing a butane camp stove that meets your needs.
Safety and Durability
Manufacturers design butane camp stoves to burn hot, clean, and soot free. Check to see that the stove’s manufacturer built it to specifications. You can even ask a store clerk to operate the stove for you to try it out first. A butane camp stove that is working properly will have a steady blue flame and no odor. If the stove gives off an odor of butane gas, do not buy that stove. If the flame is more reddish in color, it indicates a flame that will create too much soot. A butane camp stove is supposed to be a clean burning stove, not like the old-fashioned kerosene burning cast iron stoves.
The stove’s durability is another major factor to consider when you are inspecting the equipment. When you inspect it, look for signs of rust, and take your fingers and get an idea how thick the steel shell is. You want a stove that will last for many camping trips. If possible, stick to name brand butane camp stoves. Brand name equipment will always be a little bit more expensive, but it is worth the cost. The best part is that the more expensive, well-made stoves come with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Portability
If you will be hiking long distances on your trip, buy the most lightweight butane camp stove you can find. Why? According to experts, a person should not have more than 10% of his or her body weight in additional load when hiking. If you try to carry a load that is more than 10% of your body weight, you increase your chances of strain, especially in the back.
Sidebar: Wishing our readers a very happy and prosperous 2010.