My Last Alberta Campout: Biolite Camp Stove
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Sorry for yelling, the cascades were loud! Just before heading East, I do one last campout in the Alberta Rockies. I also try out a Biolite Camp Stove 2 that I bought as an alternative to the traditional campfire, do a mail read, and a new idea to secure camper cupboards. Don't miss the secret invitation at the end!
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/ @slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
Music Credits:
Amber by Vyen
Communicator by Reed Mathis
Products Mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliate Links):
Childproof Straps: amzn.to/35wPFUh
Biolite Campstove 2: amzn.to/3cNhyvE
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Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX53: amzn.to/3fqW7jd
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Portable Power Station: amzn.to/2LEZt4Z
How I get around:
Trailer: 2008 Outback by Trillium trilliumtraile...
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 200,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!
Some missed this in the video description: Sorry for yelling, the cascades of the river were loud! SP
Thanks fpr putting this here, I really didn't see it above and I was worried because you sounded stressed! But your control made the vocal content even handed though not your normal calm. I am the sort who would enjoy football if it just sounded like golf! lol Lovely spot Slim.
The noise of the cascades were beautiful 😍
@Top Cat Hey! We resemble that remark.
It made me laugh, don’t be sorry!
@@deepriver6155 Enjoy them.
Good to see you smiling Slim. Seems like you've been through some tough times, I hope all that's behind you now.
When I see slim made a new video I drop what I'm doing and watch
DITO!!
"The actions of a small few are destroying it for the others", never truer words spoken for so many things happening today...
That's true in so many things....people must self-regulate so as to not intrude on other's freedoms, so we can all enjoy the best that life has to offer without regulators ruining it for everyone.....thanks Slim 🤓
This is why the Walmart overnighting is disappearing. It went from overnighting to living in the parking lot. Last winter while in Florida we noticed a couple of class a living in a Walmart parking lot over the course of our visit to the area. Slides were out generator running and lawn chairs out.
True boondocking......yep leaving trash and human waste everywhere.....making new campsites and cutting down live trees.
With all the no outdoor types buying RVs now more areas will close because of either their lack of knowledge or poor outdoor ethics
Walmart should not be a place we’re people stay over night. That’s only for people that wants to buy at Walmart. Just imagine the wear and tear on the parking lot when people are using it overnight.
@@exploringnature6319 as a man of small means an included night after food purchase allows my travels. Living on the east coast there isn't a lot of free camping and a campground isn't in my budget every night while traveling.
@@jerrygundrum1 with a little planning there are some free places to camp especially in Florida. The trick to keeping the free camping in parking lots is cleaning up after ourselves and others and being knowledgeable about Leave no Trace and Tread Lightly. We all need to try and teach these principles to the new on the road. The tricky part is approaching the offenders in a loving and non preachy way. Best wishes in your travels.
Just waking up this morning, see a new video posted. perfect way to start the day.
It's just the opposite for me, returned from work (tired 😞). Watching Slim's new video (feeling refreshed 😁). Perfect way to end the day 👍.
I think a lot of us stayed to the end. You make everything either entertaining, informative, or both. Safe travels!
The two snowboard/deflector brackets should be hockey stick blades, ala Julian's spoiler :-)
Thats how it always goes, you know how everyone has to take off their shoes at an airport now to go through security...because of one person... and somehow I doubt that the jerks that are causing all the damage to the campsites are watching this...
That's the problem with preaching to the choir...that's not a criticism...just an observation. Life is one continuous transition as you are making changes to your personal life downsizing. You are now on a new life adventure especially after we all experienced or endured our lost past year. We are all trying to find a 'new normal.' ....me too in my life. As l age on the doorstep of 75 l have relearned all l really can do is change myself. Yes l pick up, clean up and conserve. But there's still room in my personal life to improve. Slim your example inspires us all. Thanks and safe journey to your new situation as you continue to camp.
Decades ago, before my back started going out, I was an extreme light weight hiker and camper. I evolved a very reliable stove out of stuff I had with me: three aluminum tarp stakes and a bit of aluminum foil. If you plant the wire type stakes firmly in the ground and angled inward, they will support a pot. If you wrap a strip of aluminum foil around them, it will retain and funnel flame upward. The fire itself is naturally very small, made of tiny sticks and tree fall found on any forest floor - nothing bigger round than a pencil is needed to complete a cooked meal. Sort of looks like that gadget you bought in action, but made of materials you've already got for other purposes. When you are done, the ashes can be covered by your foot, and ground out to invisibility.
Is there a photo anywhere of that setup?
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- No, but it is pretty simple. Once you try it a couple of times, you'll figure it out. You have to do things in order, you have to be sure the stakes are stuck in enough and angled in right to be stable with a pot of water on them, you have to double the aluminum foil to stiffen it. You can't easily change things once it gets hot. You have to leave one side open a little to feed the fire (small twigs burn up hot and fast), but be able to close it when you are not feeding it. The fire won't funnel up and concentrate otherwise. It requires attention, but pretty soon it looks like a little volcano. The foil will thin out after a few fires, but it is cheap and folds up flat. Candle shavings help with wet twigs. The whole thing built up is about half as big as a coffee can stove, but takes up no room in storage and is every bit as stable if done right. If not more. But it's a cooking fire, not a watching fire.
@@bobgiddings0 Thanks!!
@@bobgiddings0 Very cool. I'd like to try this out sometime. Thanks!
@@bobgiddings0 Thanks for the additional details about how to use it. This sounds like a perfect little DIY "rocket" stove. Very clever indeed.
Godspeed on your new journey, Slim!
will we be assimilated? lol
"I made it for $35 Canadian, which is almost free in US dollars..." 🤣
😂
Lunch with Mr Slim, marvelously timed.
David in the UK.
You're leaving Alberta?!
How did I miss this news???
You are the ultimate make-do guy; creative, ingenious and frugal. Your videography and photography is always amazing. I have been debating buying this product for months. I would add the grill if I do. I wouldn't be buying it for the charging purpose. I've made some "homemade" ones and they just need some tweaking to work well I think. Downsizing is tough.
I thought that bug was a bee. Lovely site to camp. Thank you Slim.
Robber flies are neat, i think they pretend to be a bee to sneak up and kill other insects. I used to have a few that would stop by my pond.
Snowboard deflector, where there's a will, there's a way.
Or, necessity is the mother of invention.
I love it! Just dissapointed a pool noodle wasn't involved... Haha
I'm ready to try it
@Patrick Fort: I thought that was Frank Zappa! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Ahhhh My favorite musician! Glad your back Slim.
Good video again like the snowboard as wind deflector Take Care in your travels
Thats how you leave a place. 1 last camping trip wich is essentially just 1 last look back at what youre leaving behind. 1 last memory for the road.
Outstanding scenery again, Slim. I know in your travels and finding a new home base, if you do, there will be wonderful photography and scenes you will share with us. Be safe and traveling mercies be with you. Can't wait till the next video. You have great content all the time.
I am so glad to hear from Slim and hope he finds new places to show us the beauty of Canada.
That's one sharp dressed fly.
Yep. 'cause every bug crazy about a sharp dressed fly! SP
@@SlimPotatohead lol
As a hint-When a faster charge for the cell phone is required, put on the ‘airplane’ mode & ‘low power’ mode. Love your videos
Or just turn the phone off while charging. The Biolite will still struggle to charge it.
Wherever you are traveling too , I hope you find your peace , my friend.
Good video and information.
May I also suggest that people know how to check their tires and air pressure and add air if needed. They also need to check their oil. All these basics for owning a vehicle seem obvious, but I am surprised at how many do not know how to do those basics.
Greetings from AZ . I truly wish you the best in your new adventures.
As for the biolite, just gadgets for techies. I bring an old hibachi or small grill so I don't need large wood to still have fire. I keep my ashes for my plants at home, and I bring my own wood. No scars on the land. And I can still grill and cook.
I also carry a small power pack 3000mah with a built in solar panel. Put in window while I'm driving. Works well to charge my camera batteries several times on full charge. Also, all my small campground lights are solar charged and are power packs. Not expensive either. Got em all from Amazon.
Just some ideas. Again, best of luck.
I made a small campstove out of a 5L beer microkeg. That and a 10 watt solar panel is a better solution than a $150 US Biolite that doesn't work well.
I've had BioLife for over 6 years and have excellent experience in all kinds of conditions. It's not a set and forget kind of stove
I’m wondering when the border will open-I highly recommend Canada’s campgrounds around Lake Superior’s northern shores. 😢
my parents and aunts & uncles have made the trip around L Superior and all have enjoyed it. I have yet to make it but its on my todo list. The border is an issue and I have yet to get the new ID to get me across the border. I sure do miss the days of the past when things were easy so to speak.
Baby Houdini Straps: "Easy! Cheap! And it works!". My kind of gear!
link only shows them in white...how did you get dark ones, Slim?
Good stuff Slim ! 😏
Was just camping with folks that used the BioLite. Interesting. My thoughts to share: only one heat setting HOT - no simmer setting for cooking. Also, highly suggest tongs to refeed fire. Thank you for the great idea to keep the fridge closed! Will look to get the baby proof straps.
Hello Slim!😁🥰. Leave it up to you to make your own wind deflector and you did!😂🤣. I’m betting that it’ll work!😁. Nice to see you again! God Bless you!
I see your fan cover lifting in the breeze as you drive off into the sunrise. My problem too, and it's serious when raining. Suggestions?
Glad you noticed, it was the first time I saw this happening. Forgot to confirm I had it tightened down in the first place, but will monitor. Thanks! SP
Im guessing you have a gap or play in the lift track, allowing lift. Stuff foam in that gap. You aldo could mount a rain shroud over it which helps w rain but not w gas mileage...
Slim, you always are great for bringing us info! Thanks. I bought the Biolite1 for $50 a while ago. Instead, I bought several DeWalt batteries because I use them with tools, and the USB adapter to charge what I need…. The Biolite is great for when I run out of canned fuel. Gathering twigs is easier than carrying wood.
Yeah, neat little mini stove, maybe give you a bit of something to do to pass time (feed it sticks to partially charge a battery) but the power you get out of it is very low... Really it's "emergency level" low... Just carrying a power bank of some sort is better, even a little $4 single cell powerbank.
I missed you
That was a beautiful river, thank you for taking me along. I really love your videos they’re awesome your friend Dawn
700 comments, wow ! I guess one more can’t hurt . Thanks for that he review of the BioLite - I really like your solar panel lift.
Re: Emailing you to say hello... we can just say hello here! Great video as always, Slim! I am always very interested in those small alt-power items. I guess I am something of a geek. ;) I my though on the stove is that I have to wonder if you weren't over-filling it with fuel? I don't think stuff is supposed to be sticking out the top like that. Some tips I'm seeing online about it suggest against overfilling it.
No, really the stove is just twitchy. I've had mine about eight years.
That wind deflector is cool I hope it works ingenious. That stove is cool 👍 awesome video. We on the move east couple weeks. Hopefully be able to go south in October 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦
🙋♀️😍🇨🇦🤞let's hope eh?!😍
Slim.. aka the Canadian Macgyver .. ;) next episode he will turn that tesla camp stove into a fax machine . Stay tuned. ;)
Beautiful setting for a goodbye trip! Now, it’s hello to the adventures and good meetups ahead! My hello is from Northeast Oklahoma. Safe travels!
Nice to see ya Slim 😎❤️
Good morning from South Texas
Morning Wes!
I own the big Biolite stove and the electronics died after 3 uses. I got a warranty replacement but that one died after 5 uses. The charging is pretty useless when it's working.
Some have had problems with the peltier block not sitting fully flush with the mount. A few of my friends have modified them for better contact. Consensus with my friends is great stove, forget the charging. Just think of it as it generates its own power for the fan.
Hi Slim! Greetings from Poland! Great video!
cześć!
Good to see you again. Somehow I missed the announcement of your move, but good luck!
Great, just waking to your new video, listening to the rant next to the river’s running water, got me out of bed on my morning mission quicker than I had planned. Sorry I missed the commercial about the stove, maybe I’ll watch it later.
Enjoyed all aspects of your video. The scenery, tips, stove experiment and hearing your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
FWIW.... Don't know for sure, but suspect that the internal Biolite battery should be fully charged, for best results, before trying to charge something else. If the internal battery is low, then running the fan and charging that battery is about all it can do efficiently. I could be wrong, but some comparison testing of phone charging with a fully charged Biolite battery should "tell the tale" so to speak. Along with determining how long it takes for a fire, itself to restore the Biolite to full charge.
Godspeed on your journey.
I wanted to see how well it produces and stores power on its own, as in off-the-grid and emergency situations. If I could just plug in the stove, then I could also plug in the phone! SP
Think it's a marketing over reach. I see the value of adding the fan to support and coarsely control the fire's heat. But beyond that wishful thinking. I too like the small gooseneck LED lamp for use inside the trailer.
Calgary is no longer your home base, and you got rid of all your stuff, and you're heading east, is that mean you're living in your RV for a bit?
I typically live in my camper for 6 months of the year, however the world crisis put a hold on that. In a few weeks, I hope to return to the freedom I enjoyed! SP
As most things the majority suffer because of the actions of a few, then they are the first to complain. You keep on.
Fantastic idea with the snoboard
hi slim from south Africa. it's been a long time, during which I've had a mammoth war with smart phones, this being, most reluctantly my first. Anyhow, MOST happy to make the odd comment. As for your roof foil, you should get a fuel improvement, but don't be too optimistic. Used one called a dragfoil on a jaguar xj 6 and a solid top caravan in the late 70s rgds warren
Great video of the fly. Super detail.
Biolite stoves? good stove or a charger. Really it's a stove that creates its own electricity to run the fan. I have a mk I
What's a Mickle?!? SP
@@SlimPotatohead lol a mark one Sorry English abbreviation. (MK I MK II etc)
Funny I carry mine in the car, and was in the Rockies at Johnson Campground.
Well slim, I'll be blunt. Don't you ever get lonely? I hiked and camped the desert southwest mostly alone for a year and although I had a wonderful time, sometimes I was terribly lonely and would have loved someone to share the beauty of the outdoors with.
I'm talked about this in several videos. My "Montana: Enjoying the Solitude is one of them:th-cam.com/video/O0snSUNJmO8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks! SP
I share your environmental concerns. I have not made a fire since the 1980s due to concerns over tree damage caused by fire makers. Event eh foraging for dead fall is so extreme it short circuiting the forest food chain by turning the decomposing wood (the fuel for the entire forest system) and turns it into ash, Take nothing but photos and leave only footprints. Thank you for bringing attention to this important concern. =Cosmo.
Slim , Kudos for joining the Biolite generation, if I may offer some stove tips. Summed up in a word it's bottom feeding. You can scrounge fule any where. Right now I'm burning cow dung,wood chips and "charcoal" (the kind left in a cold fire pit) which makes an excellent fuel for grilling due to low even heat and smokeless flame. You want to fill the cup with about 1cm to 3cm chunks. Light from the top of the heap. You're right about charging, a thermoelectric chip is a micro miracle great for small tasks. The other giant task this pocket stove is good for is starting camp fires when wood is wet. Just make a cup of coals and dump for an instant start. Cheers.
I must have missed the vid where you stated where you're moving? A camping trip in the midst of a move, you're a trooper for sure.
Hopefully your "waste" isn't bio waste 😀
Loved the video! Wish you the best with your travels! Great commentary on free sites, neat stove, and love the straps! Thank you for making great content!
man I sure like your videos !
I always learn so much from you. Keep 'em coming.
Nice work Slim! I always love your ingenious ideas for making improvements. Great job on the video....as always!
I can't believe that you are moving from Calgary. Where are you moving to?
I'll be an Easterner! SP
@@SlimPotatohead You are getting closer to me here in the UK.
Nice look at that biolite. I considered that but was concerned it really wouldn't give much of a charge, which for the price is what would be important for me. I use an uberleben flat pack twig stove often as a small fire so this vid makes me think I will stick to that bc the charging aspect seems to just be a novel addition that isn't going to justify the purchase for me . Happy travels.
I definitely need those Baby Houdini Straps, thanks for the tip!
Newfoundland is waiting for you slim
I really enjoy your videos, always entertaining.
PEACE and Good Health.
I wend west on the Trans-Canada Highway half a century ago. It was a highlight of my life. I was amazed how the landscape changed along the way.
Would you still recommend Aliners to first-time camper trailer owners, or are you a total convert to these fiberglass box style trailers?
I think they both have their merits. I'd just be very careful in buying a old one. Many issues with worn-out campers. Thanks! SP
Absolutely buy one. It’s the best! Slim had a fixer upper. The newer ones work great! I’ve got 10,000 miles on mine. Cheers!
Please read the directions for the biolite.
I've found getting rid of everything except what I need to be very freeing. Owning too much stuff begins to own you instead of you owning the stuff. Now I am wary of owning anything that I don't need. Stuff takes away your freedom.
Happy travels, Slim. Thanks for taking me along on your life's grand adventure.
Thanks once again. What a beautiful sight. Namaste Jay
Having mechanical skills make travel more affordable. The largest cost of a repair is the labor charges. I had an alternator fail on a recent trip....got to an auto zone and $150 and an hour later I was back on the road. Opposed to the $400 I was quoted at the shop.
I really like the use of the snowboard. I use my ZipZtove a lot and really do not need the charging option of the stove you featured. You proved out what I suspected, that the charging power is not very much. Keep on camping Slim :-)
Great video as usual!! And you never know I may be able to say hi to you when visit the best Atlantic province!! And yes I’m a bit bias!! Lol
Slim the guy pounding on the spare may of known what he's doing - GM Trucks (1500's, Suburban's, Tahoes, etc) have a known issue where a safety latch becomes frozen and won't unlatch to let the spare drop down. The way you free the spare safety latch is to pound the heck out of it. This is especially common in cold climates where salt and corrosion are prevalent. Good advice you gave on knowing where the spare is and I would add make sure you regularly check the spare is full of air and is not stuck. I learned the hard way too, my salty Chicago suburban got a flat in sunny CA on the 210 outside of Pasadena and would not come down. I never tested taking it down before then and I had to tow.
Love your videos! So relaxing and well shot. Happy camping!
Hé, hi!!!! I am from Québec, Shawinigan city ....give me a signe
I Will be happy to see you and make a pie and give IT to you for travel!!!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Slim, really enjoyed the beautiful scenery! Clever idea on the snow board!👍
Watched til the end.. I see lots of ☕& 🍩 in your near future! Enjoy!
May you find peace on your new journey ✨
Happy & safe travels, Slim!
great video but i am sad you leaving Calgary , feel like I losing a friend
Great video as always! Thanks for the biolite review, I wondered how effective they would be. Happy travels to you!
Nothing beats grid tied electric in my $12K 2017 purchased shanty. Each new month I redo my cost. $12K/40= $300 a month. @60 months here will be down to$200 a month and I can still sell and get my money back.
Built a wind scoop on my front end 65 VW... PLYWOOD...stay on hwy when 18 wheelers blow by ..
Have a great trip! I have been following you for a couple of years. Partly by watching I have come up with a very similar rig. NUCAMP T@B boondock light. My tow vehicle is a BMW X3 diesel and it has proven to be quite economical. 12 l/100 kms, more when the wind is bad. Diesel is less than gas so when you replace the Jeep, consider a Mercedes GLK 250d Or an X3 28d.
Hey Slim. We left a message on your website, but not sure if it sent ok. We did a SHOUT-OUT poem for you on our channel, if you want to check it out!? It is our “Coffee in the Van-Cup #5” that we just posted today. 😊 Hope you can stop for a cold one on your travels!? 🍺
"I made my own." Of course you did. 😄
morning everyone
Glad your making videos again
wish I had connected a few months back... we live about 500 meters off the Trans Canada on the edge of Wpg... maybe I'll catch you in NB summer of 2022...
There is no thing I can say, to thank God for the world He made. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. THANKS LORD.
Regarding camping and mechanical knowledge i would suggest know: 1) how to check daily the fluid levels and tire pressure, 2) how to change a tire, 3) how to add air.
I know that Alberta was trying to pass an annual pass for wilderness camping. They claim that lately its having to be more actively managed.
Safe travels Slim
Good points. All Alberta needs to do is hand out huge fines for campsite destruction and educate the ignorant. When their pocket gets lighter they tend to smarten up a little! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Nature/habit destruction is a huge problem here along Colorado's Front Range as well. We live at 2500 meters and see evidence of this from tourists all summer long. It's gotten so bad in some areas that the Forest Service only allows boondocking/dispersed camping in designated sites -- and now it's $15US/night to camp with no amenities in a forest we already own.
At least we're still allowed petrol powered tow vehicles. How will we pull travel trailers when we only have battery power? Have you started pondering what you will use as a tow vehicle that far out Slim? Or is it just too far into the future to think of yet?
Safe travels Slim. Thanks for taking us along. Also - thank you very much for not using foul language in your videos. Our kids watch these with us as a family since we all love to camp. You set a good example and we appreciate you for that.
Peace.
Slim thanks so much for showing this....at this point technology has advanced so much...this might as well be magic.....can't believe we can make electricity from a fire!!!! And great use of the dead tree as a table..nothing wrong with that!! WE LOVE you and your vids!!!! Safe trails handsome stranger!!
I have been a fan of the Biolite products since they first came out. The add on grill to the kettle are great attachments.
Interested in biolite but is it really worth $150?
Hi Patsy, it depends on your needs. $150 is not much if you never need to buy firewood or propane. As for the expensive kettle, that IS hard to justify! SP
@@SlimPotatohead yes was hooked on no propane or butane. Easy to use, cook food/water, light weight, possibly to keep bugs away, warmth all good. Thumbs down on charging and cost. Maybe wood burner without the power/charger part?
Well. I have always appreciated your photography Slim. That crescent moon at the end was spiritual🙌 My heart feels so heavy for you leaving-I hope your family is going with you 🙏 May God bless 🙏🌎✌💞
Hi Slim from Turkei🇹🇷🙋🏻♂️
Hi, thanks for inspiring me... Soon we'll be travelling like you!
With my best regards from Cebu, Philippines!
I absolutely love all your videos. I feel like I’m with you on your travels 😀
Slim, you are probably on your way as I type this but if not please do not go across the Prairies via the TransCanada. Go south, see Fort Walsh/Cypress Hills (the Saskatchewan side is more boondocking, the Alberta side more developed out) use the old Redcoat Trail, explore the Qu'apple Valley, the Souris River Valley, hope for a true Prairie thunder/lightning storm.
When using the Biolite with pellets, you can fill it up to just below the holes around the top and start the fire on top of the pellets. It will burn from the top down for more than 30 minutes. Plenty of time to cook a meal.
What pellets do you use David? I found hardwood pellets a little challenging to keep lit. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead I bought a small bag of Biolite branded pellets when I purchased the stove. I broke up a piece of the included firestarter into small chunks, mixed them in the top layer of the pellets and lit them in several places. I let it go for a minute and the kick the fan on. I'm almost out of the Biolite pellets so I picked up some hardwood pellets from Wal-Mart to try next.
Good to know. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Anytime. I enjoy the videos. Come down to southwest Virginia when the border situation gets back to normal!
I’ve used Treagar brand wood pellets with similar results to Dave T. Fill it first and start the fire on top of the pellets
If you’re driving east, don’t stick to the Trans Canada. I think you would really appreciate taking the Manitoulin Island/Chi Cheemaun Ferry/Bruce Pennisula Route. Check it out on a map. :)
You should try the grill attachment that comes with it, also the light. Biolight makes a pot that is designed to sit on top of the stove....great pot and comes with a French press for coffee....biolite also makes a little solar panel that charges the battery real good and quick when not using it.....the instructions tell you to make sure the stove battery has a FULL CHARGE ( 6 HOURS BY OUTLET OR SOLAR PANEL) on it before using it first time...the idea with the generater on the stove is it does not work like and electrical socket....using it keeps it charged, but the lower the charge, the longer it takes to charge other bateries. ie phones etc......it isn't meant to charge things instantly....I have used these stoves, biolite 1 and 2 for years...it takes a bit of using it to get good at it, and it does charge things up fairly quick, just do not let them get below 50 percent, ( which is more tasking with any kind of charger, be it a power pack or solar panel). The pot that is made just for the stove cuts cooking and boiling time in half....LOVE that wind deflector....it also makes a great shelf when not in use.....