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Stoves

When selecting a stove to bring to Philmont, it’s essential to remember that Philmont is a crew-centered experience. Meals are designed to be prepared and shared by the entire crew, so planning to cook individually or in smaller groups, like tent partners, won’t work well. Your choice of stove should reflect this approach and meet the needs of the entire crew. Specifically, you’ll want a backpacking stove with a large, sturdy base that can handle cooking for 8-12 people at once.

Personal Stoves vs. Crew Stoves

While personal-sized stoves, like the MSR Pocket Rocket, are excellent for boiling water for one or two people, they are ill-suited for Philmont’s larger-scale cooking. These stoves are designed for small pots and light use, not for supporting a large cooking pot filled with 6-8 quarts of water. Under the weight of a full pot and the heat needed for cooking, the prongs of these stoves can easily bend, leading to unstable or inefficient cooking. Similarly, stoves like the JetBoil, though fantastic for quickly heating water for a single meal or beverage, lack the capacity and efficiency to handle crew-sized meals. These stoves may still have a role for individual coffee breaks, but they aren’t practical for Philmont’s group cooking requirements.

What to Look For in a Crew Stove

For Philmont, you’ll want a stove with a wide, stable base, capable of supporting large cooking pots and handling extended use. Many crew stoves are fueled by liquid white gas, which is available for purchase at every commissary along the trail. These stoves are robust, efficient, and well-suited for group cooking. A time-tested favorite among crews is the MSR WhisperLite. This stove’s design has remained consistent for decades because of its simplicity and reliability. It is easy to maintain and troubleshoot on the trail, ensuring your crew can always rely on it. Another excellent option is the MSR DragonFly, which provides more precise control over the flame, making it easier to simmer meals without burning.

Canister Stoves: Pros and Cons

Many crews are drawn to canister stoves because of their perceived safety, ease of use, and virtually maintenance-free operation. These stoves won’t spill fuel and are simple to set up, making them a popular choice. However, most canister stoves are designed for personal use, not for cooking large meals. Additionally, they can be less efficient for crew-sized cooking. Crew stoves often feature windscreens or heat reflectors to boost performance, but using these with a traditional canister stove can create a dangerous situation. Heat reflected back toward the fuel canister can cause it to overheat, expand, and even explode.

Modern Innovations in Canister Stoves

If your crew prefers the convenience of a canister stove but needs the efficiency and safety of a liquid gas stove, MSR offers hybrid options like the MSR WhisperLite Universal and the MSR WindPro II. These innovative stoves position the fuel canister away from the burner, similar to traditional liquid gas stoves, allowing you to use a windscreen or heat reflector safely. This setup not only enhances performance but also allows you to invert the fuel canister, enabling you to burn all the fuel efficiently. These stoves combine the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a canister stove with the reliability and performance of a liquid gas stove.

Preparation and Support

Whatever stove you choose, make sure it is well-suited for group cooking and tested before your trek. Having a reliable stove is critical to the success of your crew’s meals, and the right choice can make cooking on the trail a smooth and enjoyable process. If you’re considering a new stove or need more information, the team at MSR provides excellent resources and guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Gear Category: CrewRecommended Quantity: 3

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