Bushwalk Australia

Hi

Always interesting to watch day one walkers on the the Overland Track coming to terms with the new equipment. Some issues are simple like just not screwing on a gas canister on tight enough so the stove does not work or others planning for new years eve fireworks. Fuel stoves are always tricky things to come to terms with first up, so if most of us are honest we have had a few flare ups ourselves. Here is a good show from a brand new Whisper-lite international.

Shellite in a Trangia is also interesting

I saw someone nearly burn the hut down on my first sojourn down the OT. I vowed from then on I would never consider using liquid fuel. Gas is just so much safer/easier/lighter/convenient (IMHO).

I saw someone cut off the upper of his brand new hiking boots above his big toe with a leatherman (hadn't worn them in/wrong size/didn't have a first aid kit/just an idiot?). He was "spewing because now he would need to go to a shop in Hobart for a new pair before he started the SCT a few days later).

And I saw someone pitch their tent with the fly inside out - and then poke holes in the fly to attach tie-outs because they didn't know why the manufacturer hadn't installed points for guy ropes.

It takes all types

South_Aussie_Hiker wrote:I saw someone nearly burn the hut down on my first sojourn down the OT. I vowed from then on I would never consider using liquid fuel. Gas is just so much safer/easier/lighter/convenient (IMHO).

It takes all types

I've always been a little uncomfortable with the idea of using liquid fuels indoors - at least shellite. The only stove fire I have ever seen however was someone bumping over a Trangia and getting flaming metho all over the place - rather disconcerting considering how difficult it can be to see the flames. That incident has given me a healthy respect for alcohol stoves - the fact that their fuel is not securely contained has always worried me. - I know, that is a totally irrational fear, because enough good care will prevent spills.

Most of us would argue that canister gas is the safest. Can't spill it, and it doesn't go blazing up as when priming with Shellite.

Still, I've had a canister valve stick open after removing a stove, and I know I'm not the only one. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to screw the stove back on, but for a minute I stood transfixed with a gas canister spewing fuel. It's only by the grace of God that there were no fire or heat sources nearby. I hadn't given it a thought when detaching the stove. Gas stoves are safe you know.

There's a certain hut I read about recently that burned to the ground. Someone was changing gas canisters by candle light. Canister valve stuck open. No more hut.

Not trying to talk people out of gas. Just saying that there are dangers with every fuel. Except kero of course. The perfect fuel.

Seriously though, when changing canisters, don't do it near flame or heat.

HJ