I'm so happy to hear you cover fuels, especially C10 - C20 fuels. I haven't heard anyone else cover the importance of fuel and it's effects on health and equipment. Thank you.
My understanding is that pure white gas fuel evaporates away if spilled, whereas kerosene is much harder to clean up. But personally I feel safer with Kerosene as it is less explosive for my safety and also for anyone else who may use the stove with less experience with liquid stoves and less awareness of the dangers. This is also why I like the multi fuel stoves like the MSR Universal and Optimus Polaris which can use canisters whenever possible, as this makes the stove lighter in warmer weather and more safely usable by others with less experience using liquids
I've just subscribed after watching this video. Despite using an MSR DRAGONFLY since 1994, I learnt alot from your video, especially use in cold/Arctic conditions, e.g. alcohol priming, use with gloves etc. I'm on my 4th DRAGONFLY, tried Primus Omifuel, preferred the DRAGONFLY. I used it for White Water kayak trips, (not below 5c) in Alps, California mountains, international backpacking trips, e.g. around Andies Patagonia, Sea kayaking and Open Canoe trips. So mostly 5c to 35c conditions. I nearly always use unleaded automotive petrol/gasoline as the most common fuel after a flight or walking off a river, is petrol, anywhere in the world. Your video was therefore excellent as it from long experience in an environment that I've not been in. In 25 years of using the MSR DRAGONFLY, the big plus is the dual valve, excellent flame control. The minus, is the plastic pump, the restrained for the plunger is a small plastic lug. Also aggressive baggage handling has broken the brazing of the burner from the swinging stand. Albeit the stove is still usable after. After long periods simmering, I crank to full power to clean jet before shutting off. By comparison, I found the Primus Omnifuel a dirty more difficult stove, but I only used it on one 6 day trip. Based in UK, kerosene is known as paraffin. Paraffin home heaters, once common in 1970s , are now a thing of the past, and paraffin is harder to get. Although, I've watched many utube videos, you have niche knowledge from use in harsh environments. So please, more content 🙏.
Sorry, due to unknown technical problems I cant answer direct to jaktkit any more. Therefore I post my reply here. I once accompanied a biologist to Greenland to work as his polar bear guard on his research trip to "Hold with Hope" to gather data of the arctic wolf. He lived in Alaska and worked all his life in Greenland. We discussed CO poisoning and the risk of loosing a tent by fire in length. He told me he doesent know and not even heard of a single professional (guide, prospector, pilot, hunter) who cooks outside of the tent. And the sirius Patrol has decades of experience as a unit in arctic terrain. They consist basically only of 6 two men teams of the danish army, which travel for two years on dog sledge through the high arctic in winter. They have a standardized equipment and as military they follow strict procedures to minimize the always present risk in the artic, as you mentioned. They also cook inside the tent as a general practice.
Just to rudimentary clarify the difference between numbers and risk; There are shitloads of people in the world who eat themselves fat beyond recognition. However, that in itself is not a confirmation that such behavior is desired, good or riskfree. More specifically concerning cooking in the tent, it's both very cozy and inviting to do so. Consequently, it's no surprise that many people do it. Furthermore, as mentioned in the video, it works excellent, until suddenly one day it doesn't and you die. Just to mention one example. A very nice and experienced outdoor guy from Finland guided expedition on the north pole. Cooking inside all the time, no problem. Then he went to Himalaya for some R&R and soft climbing. Coking EXACTLY the same way as on the north pole. If it was the difference in elevation or just a fraction too little wind that day, he don't know. However, that dinner cooking almost had him killed. He still cooks inside when weather is really shitty, but now with CO meter and a lot of different precautions. In many outdoor situation its necessary to take calculated risks, and choose the least worst option given the situation at hand. The reason for raising this topic is that very few would think it to be a good idea to start up the bbq in the living room or run the car in the garage for extended period, still people don't necessarily reflect of the risk in the tent.
Thanks, love your video. I have a Primus Omnifuel, similar to the Nova. Kerosene is king! It absolutely works all the time and is inherently safe. And I learnt something about the C20 structure. The Primus is a little bit more primative in that it has a separate pricker for the fuel jet. But I don't mind. I do have an Optimus Hiker+ which is a Nova disguised as a 111 stove and love the magnetic jet cleaner in that. I detest those gas canisters that realistically end up as landfill (or far worse, discarded in the wilderness) because many curbside recyclers will not handle them due to fears they may explode in the hands of their people who are sorting this material. I urge all to seriously consider kerosene as a fuel, even for fair weather camping.
Tip for Gas Canister Recycling: Punch a whole in the empty canister before you give it to the recycler - that way he sees it is defenetly empty and will have no complains.
Great information here and has helped me decide on the Nova over some other options I was looking at. The information about fuel was very interesting and revealing.
A lot of critical information shared in your review including the fuel structure & health hazards to be mindful of. Now it made me want to get the Optimus Nova. I'm glad I stumbled into your channel. Subbed!
Exactly how I feel, I have looked at several different options and was starting to lean towards the old Nova and watching this has made up my mind. Already own a SOTO storm breaker which run on white gas or LPG but a true liquid stove like the Nova seems like a good choice.
Have you tried the combination of MSR Whisperlite Universal with the Optimus Polaris pump? This combination fixes all the issues with each stove, the MSR has specific jets for each fuel type, is built relatively quiet out of the box so no ‘silent/quiet caps’ are needed, has a cleaning rod for cleaning out the fuel hose if dirty fuels need to be used, the stove is slightly lighter than the Optimus Polaris. The Optimus Polaris pump has the on/off ability by flipping the bottle over so system is dry, and the pump has a fuel valve on it as well as the MSR fuel hose also having a fuel valve so these two valves together enable the Whisperlite Universal to simmer with liquid fuels similarly well as the Optimus Polaris, also the Optimus pump is more durable than the MSR pumps
MSR Whisperlite Universal is an excellent stove, that will be fit for purpose in any situation. However, the reason we would still choose the burner from Optimus Nova is that the pre-heat area is bigger and easier to fill. Also the feets are bigger and less prone to poke hole in the aluminum foot print in e.g. snow. MSRs clear advantage is that it require less pre-heating since the fuel tube passes through the flame, vaporizing the fuel more consistently.
Thank you very much for your video. I learned a lot and honestly bought the Optimus Nova afterwards and tried to burn lampoil for the first time. In the past it was always powerfuel. The oil burned perfect. Thanks again and please share more of your experience. Take care
Thanks for kind words. Time permitting more content will come. Always great when meeting new people who also know the importance of making the bed. ;-)
I have the original brunton nova,Optimus Polaris, omnilite Ti, Optimus Explorer No.11 and several other box stoves like Optimus 111t, 111c and 199 that I love. Sometimes I use an Optimus alcohol cookset 77a or 81 trapper in summer. The Polaris doesn’t burn kerosene well at all. My box stoves are perfect running kerosene. I love using my nova or omnilite for kerosene. The omnilite and omnifuel burn kerosene very well since you change the jet to burn it but I don’t mind at all because it burns so well!
Great video and tips. I would add that my Nova responds to changes in flame plate height. As delivered, the stove will burn kerosene and white gas, but I got a good bit of a helicoptering sound, which annoyed me. I have two flame plates, so I ended up raising the flame plate to burn kerosene and lowering the other to burn white gas. You have convinced me to leave the Nova set up for kerosene, which it now does without the annoying sound. It burns like a champ with a beautiful blue flame. I think this is a way to adjust the fuel/air mixture.
I tried your tip on the flame plate for my Polaris optifuel,And it got rid of the pulsing. Granted this plate only works with kerosene now, that’s fine. All I use anyways. Thanks kindly for sharing this intel.
Glad you got your Polaris to burn well on kerosene. I got lucky with my Nova and the kerosene setting of the flame plate seems to burn white gas pretty well with no further adjusting. I have mostly been burning a good grade of kerosene.
Very interesting regarding the fuels. All of the anecdotal "advice" I have heard/read over the years was that white gas/naphtha was the cleanest burning option to use in my Nova, and that kerosene would require more stove maintenance, however none of those people have your experience/resume. I'm not sure how easy it is to find kerosene here but perhaps I will switch to using kerosene in my Nova. Also interesting regarding the priming... I have always primed using the main fuel but perhaps I will switch to a priming fuel. Thanks again for the video!
Typically the standard barbecue lighting fluid sold at gas stations and grocery store are "Kerosene". Read the label or ask someone who can check it for you. The content should typically be something like "HYDROCARBONS, C10-C13, N-ALKANES, ISOALKANES..". the carbons should typically be in the range C10-C20. Much lower than C10 will dry out your o-rings. Higher than C20 will be more challanging to burn, demand higher heat, cause more smoke and fouling.
Excellent video! I own various models including the newer Nova, the older Brunton Nova and also an older 3278 Primus Varifuel Himalaya (with the full aluminium pump) and I must say that the later is superior to any Nova. Like the Nova It's made to burn only liquid fuel but you need to change the jet. I only burn kerosene and I doubt that anyone going on an expedition would bring more then one kind of fuel. Even if it were the case it's till very easy to change the jet in a minute. I find that performance wise a designated fuel jet it superior to a jet that burns more then one kind of fuel like the Nova. Also the Primus has much less parts then the Nova. It has only one fuel control valve which is situated on the pump but still have a great simmer capability. I do understand the the Primus Himalaya has been discontinued since the late 1990s early 2000s and the Nova might be the next best thing. Again great video, hope to see more especially about stoves.
Thanks for your comment. The superior performance of old Primus comes as no surprise. External rinse needle and plastic pump fitting is what we see as downsides in modern versions. Optimus flexibility comes at a price. "Do it all" nozzles is inherently always about compromise. That said Optimus managed to get Nova rather perfectly tuned for kerosene right out of the box. Time permitting there will be more content coming. Subscribers will be the first to know. ;-)
Tack för informationen och synnerhet delen om bränslen. Har kört mitt nova på många "tunga" bränslen men biltemas tändvätska är svårt att slå både per pris och tillgänglighet.
Og biltemas spisbränsle(bioetanol) er fin til forvarming, og til bruk i trangia’n:) Og tusen takk jaktkit for flott video med masse viktig informasjon! Beste videoen på nett om multibrenner!👏🏻👍🏻🏕️
Thanks for your comment. Video is a bit long. It also can't compete with some bells and whistles of fancy TH-cam channels. However, if we can help a few dedicated winter expedition enthusiasts it's still well worth it. ;-)
Great information Jaktikit!! Would love to see you do a video focusing specifically on the different fuels types multi-fuel stoves can burn and why some are preferred over others. For instance, you recommend igniting with alcohol bc it’s cleaner…. Why not just use alcohol as your primary fuel so you use the cleanest fuel the entire cook.
These stoves are not made to burn alcohol as primary fuel. Alcohol is not suitable as main fuel during winter because of lower energy content/weight. If you want to burn alcohol as main fuel you should get a Trangia stove. They are designed for that purpose.
18:03 lol so true, I am wanting to use kerosene in my stove but I’m finding when I pour into the funnel from the 5 litre original container because of the viscosity it drips down the bottle, so when I put the bottle on the floor there is a pool of it off the bottle my only issue is the amount of wasted fuel.
Great video! I have the original Nova with the CEJN quick connects. I've heard other have had issues with the connectors, but I have not. It's been a great stove. The only problem is that you must remember to never close the spindle valve on the stove while it's still hot. Which I did when I first used it. I never close it at all now, as there really was never a good reason to close it, though it took me 2 times to learn that lesson. Evidently, there is differential expansion between the spindle and the tube housing and when it cools, the tube contracts more than the spindle. if the valve is closed, when it cools, it tightens so much that you can's open the valve. I had to heat the stove with a propane torch and it moved easily. Curious if you ever made that mistake or if they designed a fix in the later models. It burns very well on gasoline, white gas, kerosene and JP-8 but it won't burn cleanly on diesel fuel. While I have NO desire to experience extreme cold survival, I have always had incredible admiration and respect for people who do. I enjoy reading about the polar expeditions of the last century. Amundsen was one of the toughest men ever to walk the earth.
In general people who burn gasoline, white gas and other light naphtha products have more problems with the all connectors because the o-rings in the fittings dry out and becomes harder to operate. If the stove is stopped as intended, by turning the bottle and running it with spindle valve open until the hose drained, it has normally cooled long before its time to close the valve and pack the stove. I also have the impression that even in this case kerosene brings the extra lubrication to reduce the risk even the valve is closed hot.
@@mikemorgan5015 I have the impression that the burners as such runs better in cold. The biggest challenge is the handling as such. It's tremendously more difficult to make complex tasks in -30C compared to +25C. So it's all about simplifying and always go for the safe option. Never, ever try to multitask. There is nothing more frustrating than melting snow/cooking food for 40 min just to see it disappear in the snow because the stove was poorly supported/ your glove got tangled or you flicked it out while moving something in the cramped space.
@mikemorgan5015 I have the impression that the burners as such runs better in cold. The biggest challenge is the handling as such. It's tremendously more difficult to make complex tasks in -30C compared to +25C. So it's all about simplifying and always go for the safe option. Never, ever try to multitask. There is nothing more frustrating than melting snow/cooking food for 40 min just to see it disappear in the snow because the stove was poorly supported/ your glove got tangled or you flicked it out while moving something in the cramped space.
Thank you Magnus for sharing your wisdom! This is by far my favourite video on the Nova as well as extreme cold weather strategies. Very useful details! Unfortunately my previous comment did not post for reasons unknown so here’s a shorter version. Your Video sold me on the Nova! I was originally heading towards the Polaris but your comments changed my mind. Unfortunately the Nova is no longer sold in North America but it seems available in Europe. Do you know Magnus or does anybody else know what is the status of this stove? Is it still in production? Will it be completely discontinued? What is the best way for me to purchase and get it shipped to Canada? Maybe purchase a second for spare parts in the unfortunate event that the Nova is discontinued. Is the Primus Omnifuel a good second choice for running on Kero and overall quality of build? Thank you for your help!
For info: do carry the alcohol (etanol) in a plastic bottle as shown in the film. Never in an aluminium bottle since alcohol will dissolve the aluminium.
😮 thanks for this comment. Is that true of bioethanol as well... never put in an aluminum bottle? Is that also the reason why you can't use bioethanol as the main fuel in the Nova or Polaris, because it will destroy the aluminum parts? 🤔
Liked your video. Thanks for sharing your opinion as substantiated by experience and facts. I'll be looking at kerosene as a fuel with alcohol as a started ..best to avoid issues rather than solve them. Thanks again..
thank you for this video :) i do have a question, how exactly do you perform your "cleaning shakes. " ? it is out of the picture, so we cant see. Do you simply turn the burner upside down, and shake it a bit, so that potential dirt can fall out and down ?
Yes, both Nova and Polaris has the integrated (magnetic) cleaning needle. So just shake according to preference. ;-) In emergency you can also rinse the nozzle during cooking with the magnetic tool. However, this can cause the flame to die or that you get tangled between the supporting legs and tip the pot and food over into the snow.
outstanding presentation packed with VERY useful info. I wasn't aware that there were "kerosene like" fluids (your C10-C20 designation) especially charcoal fluid, even lamp oil (!!!) -- most of these things are available in Walmart like locations (i.e. COMMON). Coleman fuel (whatever brand) is not as easy to find. I too use alcohol (91% isopropyl works OK and again is easy to find but denatured alcohol (mostly ethanol) is widely available in places like Home Depot/Lowe's. "yellow HEET" (mostly methanol) is another fuel that is commonly used by those favoring alcohol stoves. I never considered the potential for Coleman type fuel to adversely affect stove parts (O rings, etc.). In some respects, the oily nature of kerosene might enhance the life of these same items. What size jet do you use with this stove for kerosene? most Primus type stoves (like yours) come w/ 0.35mm jet and I've been of the impression that 0.28mm is preferred for kerosene type fuels. I liked your snow scenes -- but found myself putting on a jacket when these came up!
Great to hear that you find the information useful. 1) Please observe difference between Methanol and Ethanol. Methanol is very poisonous and can make you blind if consumed, even in small quantity. Ethanol on the other hand is what you drink to get drunk. Consequently Ethanol is much favored fuel in any outdoor situation where hygiene is far from optimal. High percentage (85-95%) ethanol is normally sold with some additive to prevent drinking. However, it is still not poisonous and can be used to clean wounds etc if diluted with water. 2) Optimus have one size "do it all" jet. Normally this is inferior solution that make every fuel burn half-ass. Luckily Optimus Nova is close to perfectly tuned for Kerosene. Primus have dedicated jets for different fuel. That is much better since it allow optimized air/fuel mix for each fuel type. You should use jet with smallest hole (0.28mm?) for Kerosene.
Great video in a classic Scandinavian no-nonsense style. (And yes I learned something. 😀). I have a nova from about 2003 and understand it's a quality product. I also have a manaslu 121, which also runs on kerosene and primes with alcohol but without the cejn coupling to the bottle and the fuel hose. Do you have any experience of how long the fuel hose on the nova should last before failing? (The nova is great and very stable being low down, but the hose worries me....altogether it's a fairly complicated bit of kit. The manaslu is fun too, and is very robust, but feels a little tall!!)
As long as you refrain from bending the hose too aggressively and use kerosene, rather than highly refined naphtha, the hose should last you many years. The Optimus explorer 11 with similar braided construction has been running flawless since 1994.
I have just bought a primus omnifuel..Very useful information on fuels and operation of these stoves. I am not familiar with them, Thankyou. I would also be interested on your thoughts about clothing and equipment (backpacks/tents etc.). In Britain, rain is a constant problem and the further north the problem is midges and snow in the winter as you probably know. I look forward to more of your insights. ❄️❄️
Thank you for all this information, it has helped me in a big way! I was wondering though....I noticed that on the fuel bottle, you have some tape around it, is this for a specific reason? (insulation, grip, etc) Looking forward to your videos and knowledge :)
Touching aluminum in -26 C is equivalent temperature difference of taking out an oven plate at 100 C. Don't fear the winter warrior with fancy gear and overly camouflaged guns, look for the guys with the scuffed up duct taped thermos.
Thanks. Indeed. Last step before storing is to close valve on bottle. However, I normally wait until stove cool because closing any valves. I close the stove valve at the same time and it can get stuck if closed when hot.
Thank you for the useful information! Question: my thought was to buy the nova with trangia conversion kit and to use it with a silencer cap (BernieDawg Dawg-a-nova) for pretty much all year round use in northern sweden. I saw yor thoughts on that in the end of the video. Would you recommend against the silencer cap and to use the stove in a trangia? And what is kerosene in sweden, and what brand do you buy? is it ”lysfotogen” or ”lampoil” at biltema?
1) A Trangia conversion bring no real benefit 2) BernieDawg Dawg-a-nova will slow preheating and add just one more thing to loose in the snow. Optimus Explorer 11 had silencer cap but that was light weight and fixated to the burner. In practical use, with windscreen, pot and muffling snow/forest, i don't find Nova annoyingly loud. Rather it's comfortable to hear if it dies or start to have problems. 3) Normal "Tändvätska" (Kolväten C10-C13, n-alkaner,isoalkaner, cykliska,
@@Jaktkit thank you for your quick response! Ok, I just thought it’s more stable on snow and easier to use in high wind with a trangia (windscreen won’t blow away). But more versatile with other (bigger) pots and pans. Seems that on yuotube comparisons that it is a little bit more silent with kerosene than with white gas. 👍 Thank you for the tip with tändvätska!
@@mygg15 I theory all what you say is true. In practice the befits are less obvious. In high wind you usually seek protection. Not so much for the stove as for yourself. In really refreshing weather you keep it short and sweat and make lunch from thermos. In base you can always cook on leeward side of tent and dig protected hole in snow (see video 16:50). Opening the three support feet is easily done with gloves on. Inserting burner in the trangia can be more of a fiddle. I never felt original stand unstable, but also don't use heavy frying pan etc.
I got some kerosene and did some experiments with both kerosene and priming with alcohol. Results were excellent! I have a practical question: you describe an advantage to kerosene being its low volatility, which makes it more stable in the long-term. I noticed this cuts both ways - white gas evaporates, which means when you pull out the pump (or spill some fuel) it vanishes. Kerosene doesn't. This isn't a big deal around the house - a simple paper towel cleans it up. In your experience, what do you do in the field if you want to pull the pump out and cap the bottle, or worse, deal with a spill? Thanks in advance - was very impressed with the kerosene performance on a cold November night!
Always keep the pump in the bottle during tours. If you regularly switch, sooner or later you will drop the bottle, spill half the fuel and put yourself in a unfavorable situation. Kerosene spill from refilling can be adequately cleaned with snow.
Really good informative vlog, I have a Nova and just given it a full service. Runs like a dream now and will be using your advice this winter. I noticed a set of parawings on your jacket? Great vlog - stay frosty :)
Kero is stable and will save plastics and o-rings but white gas is simple and effective and requires less priming. I am used to kero with 85 Loke and 111 but I run Polaris and Nova on both gas and kero with almost no difference. Gas is sometimes even better.
white spirit( turpentine) is also a super fuel and affordable. carbon structure(C10-C13), boilingpoint 130C. But as you pointed out, you have to preheat with alcohol. And i noticed that your flame were pulsating. Perhaps I can give you an advice. Don`t fully presurize the the fuelbottle 20-25 pumps . More like 6 or 7 pumps to start with. When the stove is lit you can ad more pressure to the bottle. Thank you for informing properly how to use a multifuel burner. There are so many on u tube that doesn`t.
Turpentine is not our expertize. However, it seems to be a rather strong solvent. Did you try refined pine oil (Bio diesel HVO100)? It might be a more "lubricating" energy dense eco-option.
I haven`t tried bio diesel. Have you? When I was in the army we used white spirit ocassionally on our optimus 111 instead of kerosene. I think there are no reason not to use it. I have many times ever since including on my newly purchased optimus nova used white spirit as fuel. I think it is no different than kerosene. If you havn`t, give it a go. See what you think.♥
Turpentine main use historically was as thinner for paint. So I would be cautious with long-term use of Turpentine. I expect it to wear on plastic pumps, o-rings and other plastic details. If you rub it between your fingers I expected kerosene to have a more oily feel. I might be wrong. Kerosene is so easily available and performce so well that nowadays I put my focus on the outdoor experience rather than alternative fuels.
Ok then. If that is what you want. Then do as you please. But these burners are designed to burn a lot of different types of fuel, including white gas which is an even stronger solvent than turpentine if I am not mistaken.
@@au46tro9 Turpentine surely burns great in the Nova burner. We both agree on that. My concern is that Turpentine strong solvent property over time will accelerate aging of o-rings, pump leather and pump connection. You are right about white gas. That is exactly why I also strongly advice against using white gas/Coleman fuel/Primus PowerFuel and Aspen 4 stroke Alkylate petrol. Please see video 7:28.
Apologies for the all the questions - I'm very pleased with the kerosene performance and trying to understand the tips you've provided. As to the fuel filter: when you say that cotton is sufficient, do you mean to pry out the clogged original white filter and stuff the cotton into the tiny compartment at the end of the fuel line that previously held the white filter? Thank you!
Pretty much. Unscrew the gold colored filter cap. Remove old filter. Roll fluff from a cotton bud/swab to suitable size ball (big enough not to get sucked into the pipe). Put it in older filter place and reattach filter cap. Now new DIY filter will be fixated.
@@Jaktkit Thank you!!! I didn't know whether that end cap needed to be unscrewed - it's round, so there's nothing on the included service tool that would do that. Thank you again!
17:56 Every decent arctic explorer that I know of, uses the stove inside the tent. I did so as well on a month long expedition. Without any Co2 problems. I guess the problem starts if you sleep in a kind of Iglu or any other snow construction: thats highly dangerous.
Exploring arctic isn't risk free. Those who make wise decisions typically survive longer. In 20-30 m/s arctic wind cooking inside a well ventilated tent might be your best calculated risk, of the bad options at hand. However, as a general practice it's a terrible idea. Many climbers over the years have put themselves and others at great risk with hasty "altitude sickness" exits, when in fact their true diagnosis was p poor cooking standards. The danger of CO poisoning in tent is well documented, even if not well known. This might give additional perspectives. www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(04)70474-3/references#secd59685658e740
You wont go wrong with either. However, we would recommend Nova for the following reasons: 1) Nova bayonet fitting really is bullet proof, when you get the hang of it. 2) Polaris LPG option doesn't really bring any benefit. 3) For the price difference you can get a dedicated (light weight) LPG burner to use in 3-season condition.
@Jaktkit I want to say thank you for your time and patience with me. I am an old woman, cycling on a bike across the country indefinitely and I need all the helpful advice I can receive. 🙏
@@Beingkindfeelsgood 1) I think there is a misunderstanding. "Isopropyl" is typically not used as a fuel. However, if it were it would be likely be classified as an "alcohol", one of few fuels not suitable as main fuel in any of the Optimus stoves. 2) LPG (a.k.a. Camping gas) are typically composed of different mixes of Propane and Isobutane. Non of which in practice are particularly functional in really cold weather, independent of the fact that some are marketed as "winter gas". 3) For 3-season use (spring, summer & fall) LPG can be a very convenient fuel. Although, better used with a dedicated "propane backpacking mini burner" with a nozzle optimized for such gas and typically a total weight of less than 100g. To use Polaris for burning LPG is a wasteful use of LPG (the Polaris nozzle is a compromise for several different fuels and not optimized for any) and a lot of unnecessary weight to carry.
When running on kerosene in cold, I find the stove won’t run correctly with the silent cap. The flame spreader works fine albeit noisy. Silent cap is fine with all fuel in summer.
Ska jag köpa Nova eller Polaris? Vill he en som går som en klocka med så lite problem som möjligt. Vilken typ av flytande bränsle är att föredra och varför? Har i princip bara kört gas dom senaste 10åren.
Thanks for this very informative video! When I look at Biltema's data sheets for tändvätska, lampolja, and lysfotogen, they seem to consist of basically the same hydrocarbons. Do you know how they differ?
Occasionally one of them have a bit longer carbon chains (which will show in the data sheet). However, for most part it's just an opportunity for companies to charge a bit extra by naming them differently. People tend to be willing to pay more for their precious lamp oil than their barbeque fluid. ;-)
I have no practical experience from BRM 8. The following observation/speculations are based solely a few TH-cam videos (so take it for what it is): 1) Missing shaker needle 2) Not designed to empty fuel line before disassemble (not sure if that is a problem since flame control is on bottle, like Nova+) 3) Delayed flame control (Like Nova+) 4) Difficult to preheat due to (too) high location of preheating tube. Rendering mediocre performance on kerosene (to judge from available videos) 5) Voluminous (unproven) pump and conection Would I take the chance to test BRM 8 for tenting in civilization? Why not. Would I put my life in the hands of a BRM 8 during a winter expedition, just to save 50-60€. No.
Kärt barn har många namn. Du måste läsa datasäkerhetsbladet för att veta vad du får. Biltema har tex Tändvätska (EG-nr 918-481-9 / Kolväten C10-C13) och Lampolja (EG-nr 942-085-5 / C11-C16). Båda fungerar utmärkt.
Yes if you preheat with 85% alcohol (Ethanol), Kerosene is excellent fuel for Polaris. Kerosene will be less aggressive on the o-rings and "lubricate" the burner better than white gas. Polaris behave somewhat different than Nova, so you should test both fuel in cold weather to see which has best boil time and least consumption. My bet is that rather heavy Kerosene like lamp oil (C11-C16) will do fine.
Some topics considered are: 1) Expedition jackets - what features to look for and why typical ski resort jackets might be far from optimal 2) Backpack - How to pack properly and what features really matter on a backpack. 3) Nordic combat uniform 2021 - The good, the bad, the ugly Skies I didn't think of. Concerning shelters there are a number of different videos. What specifically would be of interest to you regarding these topics, just to know if we can contribute in any relevant way.
I'm so happy to hear you cover fuels, especially C10 - C20 fuels. I haven't heard anyone else cover the importance of fuel and it's effects on health and equipment. Thank you.
Many thanks for kind words.
My understanding is that pure white gas fuel evaporates away if spilled, whereas kerosene is much harder to clean up. But personally I feel safer with Kerosene as it is less explosive for my safety and also for anyone else who may use the stove with less experience with liquid stoves and less awareness of the dangers.
This is also why I like the multi fuel stoves like the MSR Universal and Optimus Polaris which can use canisters whenever possible, as this makes the stove lighter in warmer weather and more safely usable by others with less experience using liquids
@impermanenthuman8427 Yes, I agree with you 100%. I also choose my fuels with similar thinking as you do.
Someone who really knows what they are talking about. Very, very helpful
You are completely spoiling us with such kind and warming words.
I've just subscribed after watching this video. Despite using an MSR DRAGONFLY since 1994, I learnt alot from your video, especially use in cold/Arctic conditions, e.g. alcohol priming, use with gloves etc.
I'm on my 4th DRAGONFLY, tried Primus Omifuel, preferred the DRAGONFLY. I used it for White Water kayak trips, (not below 5c) in Alps, California mountains, international backpacking trips, e.g. around Andies Patagonia, Sea kayaking and Open Canoe trips. So mostly 5c to 35c conditions. I nearly always use unleaded automotive petrol/gasoline as the most common fuel after a flight or walking off a river, is petrol, anywhere in the world. Your video was therefore excellent as it from long experience in an environment that I've not been in.
In 25 years of using the MSR DRAGONFLY, the big plus is the dual valve, excellent flame control. The minus, is the plastic pump, the restrained for the plunger is a small plastic lug. Also aggressive baggage handling has broken the brazing of the burner from the swinging stand. Albeit the stove is still usable after.
After long periods simmering, I crank to full power to clean jet before shutting off. By comparison, I found the Primus Omnifuel a dirty more difficult stove, but I only used it on one 6 day trip.
Based in UK, kerosene is known as paraffin. Paraffin home heaters, once common in 1970s , are now a thing of the past, and paraffin is harder to get.
Although, I've watched many utube videos, you have niche knowledge from use in harsh environments. So please, more content 🙏.
Thank you so much for kind words.
One of the most thorough and informative vids on TH-cam. No nonsense, practical advice. 'Mitten proofing' and the foil base were top tips.
Many thanks. Gives energy for future videos and content.
"If you watch this video then you are lucky, you might in fact learn something"
Don't ever change you fucking legend!
Sorry, due to unknown technical problems I cant answer direct to jaktkit any more. Therefore I post my reply here. I once accompanied a biologist to Greenland to work as his polar bear guard on his research trip to "Hold with Hope" to gather data of the arctic wolf. He lived in Alaska and worked all his life in Greenland. We discussed CO poisoning and the risk of loosing a tent by fire in length. He told me he doesent know and not even heard of a single professional (guide, prospector, pilot, hunter) who cooks outside of the tent.
And the sirius Patrol has decades of experience as a unit in arctic terrain. They consist basically only of 6 two men teams of the danish army, which travel for two years on dog sledge through the high arctic in winter. They have a standardized equipment and as military they follow strict procedures to minimize the always present risk in the artic, as you mentioned. They also cook inside the tent as a general practice.
Just to rudimentary clarify the difference between numbers and risk; There are shitloads of people in the world who eat themselves fat beyond recognition. However, that in itself is not a confirmation that such behavior is desired, good or riskfree. More specifically concerning cooking in the tent, it's both very cozy and inviting to do so. Consequently, it's no surprise that many people do it. Furthermore, as mentioned in the video, it works excellent, until suddenly one day it doesn't and you die.
Just to mention one example. A very nice and experienced outdoor guy from Finland guided expedition on the north pole. Cooking inside all the time, no problem. Then he went to Himalaya for some R&R and soft climbing. Coking EXACTLY the same way as on the north pole. If it was the difference in elevation or just a fraction too little wind that day, he don't know. However, that dinner cooking almost had him killed.
He still cooks inside when weather is really shitty, but now with CO meter and a lot of different precautions.
In many outdoor situation its necessary to take calculated risks, and choose the least worst option given the situation at hand. The reason for raising this topic is that very few would think it to be a good idea to start up the bbq in the living room or run the car in the garage for extended period, still people don't necessarily reflect of the risk in the tent.
Thanks for your insights regarding the Optimus Polaris.
By far, THE BEST VIDEO on #OptimusNova in particular and generally, too!
Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks, love your video. I have a Primus Omnifuel, similar to the Nova. Kerosene is king! It absolutely works all the time and is inherently safe. And I learnt something about the C20 structure. The Primus is a little bit more primative in that it has a separate pricker for the fuel jet. But I don't mind. I do have an Optimus Hiker+ which is a Nova disguised as a 111 stove and love the magnetic jet cleaner in that. I detest those gas canisters that realistically end up as landfill (or far worse, discarded in the wilderness) because many curbside recyclers will not handle them due to fears they may explode in the hands of their people who are sorting this material. I urge all to seriously consider kerosene as a fuel, even for fair weather camping.
Yes improper canister recycling is an environmental issue.
Tip for Gas Canister Recycling: Punch a whole in the empty canister before you give it to the recycler - that way he sees it is defenetly empty and will have no complains.
I never liked the look of those gas canisters...gimmicky
Refilling the gas canisters with an adapter and butane works well for me for summer months
Make more videos, i will watch all of those 7 times, too. This is fantastic
Many thanks. We hope to make more videos.
Nice to hear an intelligent person for a change..
Such kind words. I get completely spoiled.
Great information here and has helped me decide on the Nova over some other options I was looking at. The information about fuel was very interesting and revealing.
Many thanks for kind words.
A lot of critical information shared in your review including the fuel structure & health hazards to be mindful of. Now it made me want to get the Optimus Nova. I'm glad I stumbled into your channel. Subbed!
Exactly how I feel, I have looked at several different options and was starting to lean towards the old Nova and watching this has made up my mind. Already own a SOTO storm breaker which run on white gas or LPG but a true liquid stove like the Nova seems like a good choice.
Many thanks for kind words.
Have you tried the combination of MSR Whisperlite Universal with the Optimus Polaris pump?
This combination fixes all the issues with each stove, the MSR has specific jets for each fuel type, is built relatively quiet out of the box so no ‘silent/quiet caps’ are needed, has a cleaning rod for cleaning out the fuel hose if dirty fuels need to be used, the stove is slightly lighter than the Optimus Polaris.
The Optimus Polaris pump has the on/off ability by flipping the bottle over so system is dry, and the pump has a fuel valve on it as well as the MSR fuel hose also having a fuel valve so these two valves together enable the Whisperlite Universal to simmer with liquid fuels similarly well as the Optimus Polaris, also the Optimus pump is more durable than the MSR pumps
MSR Whisperlite Universal is an excellent stove, that will be fit for purpose in any situation. However, the reason we would still choose the burner from Optimus Nova is that the pre-heat area is bigger and easier to fill. Also the feets are bigger and less prone to poke hole in the aluminum foot print in e.g. snow.
MSRs clear advantage is that it require less pre-heating since the fuel tube passes through the flame, vaporizing the fuel more consistently.
Thank you very much for your video. I learned a lot and honestly bought the Optimus Nova afterwards and tried to burn lampoil for the first time. In the past it was always powerfuel. The oil burned perfect. Thanks again and please share more of your experience.
Take care
Thanks for kind words. Time permitting more content will come. Always great when meeting new people who also know the importance of making the bed. ;-)
Just revisited your video. It is still the Best for using the stove! Love it! Take care
Great practical use tips!
Many thanks for kind words.
Bra video med många tipps ❤❤
Thanks for the kind words.
I have the original brunton nova,Optimus Polaris, omnilite Ti, Optimus Explorer No.11 and several other box stoves like Optimus 111t, 111c and 199 that I love. Sometimes I use an Optimus alcohol cookset 77a or 81 trapper in summer. The Polaris doesn’t burn kerosene well at all. My box stoves are perfect running kerosene. I love using my nova or omnilite for kerosene. The omnilite and omnifuel burn kerosene very well since you change the jet to burn it but I don’t mind at all because it burns so well!
Optimus Explorer 11 is a fun and capable stove. Very similar to the KAP stoves used by some military units back 80-90s.
Great video and tips. I would add that my Nova responds to changes in flame plate height. As delivered, the stove will burn kerosene and white gas, but I got a good bit of a helicoptering sound, which annoyed me. I have two flame plates, so I ended up raising the flame plate to burn kerosene and lowering the other to burn white gas. You have convinced me to leave the Nova set up for kerosene, which it now does without the annoying sound. It burns like a champ with a beautiful blue flame. I think this is a way to adjust the fuel/air mixture.
I tried your tip on the flame plate for my Polaris optifuel,And it got rid of the pulsing. Granted this plate only works with kerosene now, that’s fine. All I use anyways. Thanks kindly for sharing this intel.
Glad you got your Polaris to burn well on kerosene. I got lucky with my Nova and the kerosene setting of the flame plate seems to burn white gas pretty well with no further adjusting. I have mostly been burning a good grade of kerosene.
Thank you, I have learnt alot. 👍
Great to hear.
Very interesting regarding the fuels. All of the anecdotal "advice" I have heard/read over the years was that white gas/naphtha was the cleanest burning option to use in my Nova, and that kerosene would require more stove maintenance, however none of those people have your experience/resume. I'm not sure how easy it is to find kerosene here but perhaps I will switch to using kerosene in my Nova. Also interesting regarding the priming... I have always primed using the main fuel but perhaps I will switch to a priming fuel. Thanks again for the video!
Typically the standard barbecue lighting fluid sold at gas stations and grocery store are "Kerosene". Read the label or ask someone who can check it for you. The content should typically be something like "HYDROCARBONS, C10-C13, N-ALKANES, ISOALKANES..".
the carbons should typically be in the range C10-C20. Much lower than C10 will dry out your o-rings. Higher than C20 will be more challanging to burn, demand higher heat, cause more smoke and fouling.
Thank you. Excellent video
Thanks!
Excellent video! I own various models including the newer Nova, the older Brunton Nova and also an older 3278 Primus Varifuel Himalaya (with the full aluminium pump) and I must say that the later is superior to any Nova. Like the Nova It's made to burn only liquid fuel but you need to change the jet. I only burn kerosene and I doubt that anyone going on an expedition would bring more then one kind of fuel. Even if it were the case it's till very easy to change the jet in a minute. I find that performance wise a designated fuel jet it superior to a jet that burns more then one kind of fuel like the Nova. Also the Primus has much less parts then the Nova. It has only one fuel control valve which is situated on the pump but still have a great simmer capability. I do understand the the Primus Himalaya has been discontinued since the late 1990s early 2000s and the Nova might be the next best thing. Again great video, hope to see more especially about stoves.
Thanks for your comment.
The superior performance of old Primus comes as no surprise. External rinse needle and plastic pump fitting is what we see as downsides in modern versions.
Optimus flexibility comes at a price. "Do it all" nozzles is inherently always about compromise. That said Optimus managed to get Nova rather perfectly tuned for kerosene right out of the box. Time permitting there will be more content coming. Subscribers will be the first to know. ;-)
Please make more videos that explain the rest of your backcountry ski equipment
Many thanks for kind words. Time permitting, we will.
Tack för informationen och synnerhet delen om bränslen.
Har kört mitt nova på många "tunga" bränslen men biltemas tändvätska är svårt att slå både per pris och tillgänglighet.
Testa även Biltemas lampolja (C11-C16). Det är ännu lite tyngre. Våra initiala test visar att det ger ännu kortare koktider.
Og biltemas spisbränsle(bioetanol) er fin til forvarming, og til bruk i trangia’n:)
Og tusen takk jaktkit for flott video med masse viktig informasjon! Beste videoen på nett om multibrenner!👏🏻👍🏻🏕️
Thanks for the experience based tips, coupd save a finger or two in the cold!
Thanks for your comment. Video is a bit long. It also can't compete with some bells and whistles of fancy TH-cam channels. However, if we can help a few dedicated winter expedition enthusiasts it's still well worth it. ;-)
Thanks, TH-cam needs people like you to share their experiences than a useless TH-camr, thanks a lot I personally got a lot from you.
Thank you so much for your kind words. In due time there will be more videos coming.
Great information Jaktikit!! Would love to see you do a video focusing specifically on the different fuels types multi-fuel stoves can burn and why some are preferred over others. For instance, you recommend igniting with alcohol bc it’s cleaner…. Why not just use alcohol as your primary fuel so you use the cleanest fuel the entire cook.
These stoves are not made to burn alcohol as primary fuel. Alcohol is not suitable as main fuel during winter because of lower energy content/weight. If you want to burn alcohol as main fuel you should get a Trangia stove. They are designed for that purpose.
Primus Omnifuel manual says the stove is not sure for alcohols, because they destroy seals/O-rings. It may apply to Nova as well.
18:03 lol so true, I am wanting to use kerosene in my stove but I’m finding when I pour into the funnel from the 5 litre original container because of the viscosity it drips down the bottle, so when I put the bottle on the floor there is a pool of it off the bottle my only issue is the amount of wasted fuel.
Great video! I have the original Nova with the CEJN quick connects. I've heard other have had issues with the connectors, but I have not. It's been a great stove.
The only problem is that you must remember to never close the spindle valve on the stove while it's still hot. Which I did when I first used it. I never close it at all now, as there really was never a good reason to close it, though it took me 2 times to learn that lesson. Evidently, there is differential expansion between the spindle and the tube housing and when it cools, the tube contracts more than the spindle. if the valve is closed, when it cools, it tightens so much that you can's open the valve. I had to heat the stove with a propane torch and it moved easily. Curious if you ever made that mistake or if they designed a fix in the later models.
It burns very well on gasoline, white gas, kerosene and JP-8 but it won't burn cleanly on diesel fuel.
While I have NO desire to experience extreme cold survival, I have always had incredible admiration and respect for people who do. I enjoy reading about the polar expeditions of the last century. Amundsen was one of the toughest men ever to walk the earth.
In general people who burn gasoline, white gas and other light naphtha products have more problems with the all connectors because the o-rings in the fittings dry out and becomes harder to operate.
If the stove is stopped as intended, by turning the bottle and running it with spindle valve open until the hose drained, it has normally cooled long before its time to close the valve and pack the stove. I also have the impression that even in this case kerosene brings the extra lubrication to reduce the risk even the valve is closed hot.
@@mikemorgan5015 I have the impression that the burners as such runs better in cold. The biggest challenge is the handling as such. It's tremendously more difficult to make complex tasks in -30C compared to +25C. So it's all about simplifying and always go for the safe option. Never, ever try to multitask. There is nothing more frustrating than melting snow/cooking food for 40 min just to see it disappear in the snow because the stove was poorly supported/ your glove got tangled or you flicked it out while moving something in the cramped space.
@mikemorgan5015 I have the impression that the burners as such runs better in cold. The biggest challenge is the handling as such. It's tremendously more difficult to make complex tasks in -30C compared to +25C. So it's all about simplifying and always go for the safe option. Never, ever try to multitask. There is nothing more frustrating than melting snow/cooking food for 40 min just to see it disappear in the snow because the stove was poorly supported/ your glove got tangled or you flicked it out while moving something in the cramped space.
Many thanks! Very helpful
Thanks for sharing. Good form all the way. Important real life knowledge to be found here. Great. 👍❄️
Many thanks!
Thank you Magnus for sharing your wisdom!
This is by far my favourite video on the Nova as well as extreme cold weather strategies.
Very useful details!
Unfortunately my previous comment did not post for reasons unknown so here’s a shorter version.
Your Video sold me on the Nova!
I was originally heading towards the Polaris but your comments changed my mind.
Unfortunately the Nova is no longer sold in North America but it seems available in Europe.
Do you know Magnus or does anybody else know what is the status of this stove?
Is it still in production?
Will it be completely discontinued?
What is the best way for me to purchase and get it shipped to Canada?
Maybe purchase a second for spare parts in the unfortunate event that the Nova is discontinued.
Is the Primus Omnifuel a good second choice for running on Kero and overall quality of build?
Thank you for your help!
Excellent video
For info: do carry the alcohol (etanol) in a plastic bottle as shown in the film. Never in an aluminium bottle since alcohol will dissolve the aluminium.
😮 thanks for this comment. Is that true of bioethanol as well... never put in an aluminum bottle?
Is that also the reason why you can't use bioethanol as the main fuel in the Nova or Polaris, because it will destroy the aluminum parts? 🤔
Liked your video.
Thanks for sharing your opinion as substantiated by experience and facts.
I'll be looking at kerosene as a fuel with alcohol as a started ..best to avoid issues rather than solve them.
Thanks again..
well done
Many thanks for kind words.
Thanks for the video! Very instructive. Is that a 1L or 1.5L fuel bottle?
thank you for this video :) i do have a question, how exactly do you perform your "cleaning shakes. " ? it is out of the picture, so we cant see. Do you simply turn the burner upside down, and shake it a bit, so that potential dirt can fall out and down ?
Yes, both Nova and Polaris has the integrated (magnetic) cleaning needle. So just shake according to preference. ;-) In emergency you can also rinse the nozzle during cooking with the magnetic tool. However, this can cause the flame to die or that you get tangled between the supporting legs and tip the pot and food over into the snow.
outstanding presentation packed with VERY useful info. I wasn't aware that there were "kerosene like" fluids (your C10-C20 designation) especially charcoal fluid, even lamp oil (!!!) -- most of these things are available in Walmart like locations (i.e. COMMON). Coleman fuel (whatever brand) is not as easy to find. I too use alcohol (91% isopropyl works OK and again is easy to find but denatured alcohol (mostly ethanol) is widely available in places like Home Depot/Lowe's. "yellow HEET" (mostly methanol) is another fuel that is commonly used by those favoring alcohol stoves. I never considered the potential for Coleman type fuel to adversely affect stove parts (O rings, etc.). In some respects, the oily nature of kerosene might enhance the life of these same items.
What size jet do you use with this stove for kerosene? most Primus type stoves (like yours) come w/ 0.35mm jet and I've been of the impression that 0.28mm is preferred for kerosene type fuels.
I liked your snow scenes -- but found myself putting on a jacket when these came up!
Great to hear that you find the information useful.
1) Please observe difference between Methanol and Ethanol. Methanol is very poisonous and can make you blind if consumed, even in small quantity. Ethanol on the other hand is what you drink to get drunk. Consequently Ethanol is much favored fuel in any outdoor situation where hygiene is far from optimal. High percentage (85-95%) ethanol is normally sold with some additive to prevent drinking. However, it is still not poisonous and can be used to clean wounds etc if diluted with water.
2) Optimus have one size "do it all" jet. Normally this is inferior solution that make every fuel burn half-ass. Luckily Optimus Nova is close to perfectly tuned for Kerosene. Primus have dedicated jets for different fuel. That is much better since it allow optimized air/fuel mix for each fuel type. You should use jet with smallest hole (0.28mm?) for Kerosene.
Useful informations! Thank you
Great video in a classic Scandinavian no-nonsense style. (And yes I learned something. 😀). I have a nova from about 2003 and understand it's a quality product. I also have a manaslu 121, which also runs on kerosene and primes with alcohol but without the cejn coupling to the bottle and the fuel hose. Do you have any experience of how long the fuel hose on the nova should last before failing? (The nova is great and very stable being low down, but the hose worries me....altogether it's a fairly complicated bit of kit. The manaslu is fun too, and is very robust, but feels a little tall!!)
As long as you refrain from bending the hose too aggressively and use kerosene, rather than highly refined naphtha, the hose should last you many years. The Optimus explorer 11 with similar braided construction has been running flawless since 1994.
@Jaktkit thanks for your reply. Yes...only kerosene....Pressurised petrol around naked flames at arms-length gives me the Willies!! 😱
I have just bought a primus omnifuel..Very useful information on fuels and operation of these stoves. I am not familiar with them, Thankyou.
I would also be interested on your thoughts about clothing and equipment (backpacks/tents etc.).
In Britain, rain is a constant problem and the further north the problem is midges and snow in the winter as you probably know. I look forward to more of your insights. ❄️❄️
Time permitting, such content will come. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for all this information, it has helped me in a big way! I was wondering though....I noticed that on the fuel bottle, you have some tape around it, is this for a specific reason? (insulation, grip, etc) Looking forward to your videos and knowledge :)
Touching aluminum in -26 C is equivalent temperature difference of taking out an oven plate at 100 C. Don't fear the winter warrior with fancy gear and overly camouflaged guns, look for the guys with the scuffed up duct taped thermos.
Excellent video and great instruction! Alcohol for priming! Thanks! Turn the fuel cannister to off to prevent leakage !
Thanks. Indeed. Last step before storing is to close valve on bottle. However, I normally wait until stove cool because closing any valves. I close the stove valve at the same time and it can get stuck if closed when hot.
Thank you for the useful information!
Question: my thought was to buy the nova with trangia conversion kit and to use it with a silencer cap (BernieDawg Dawg-a-nova) for pretty much all year round use in northern sweden. I saw yor thoughts on that in the end of the video. Would you recommend against the silencer cap and to use the stove in a trangia? And what is kerosene in sweden, and what brand do you buy? is it ”lysfotogen” or ”lampoil” at biltema?
1) A Trangia conversion bring no real benefit 2) BernieDawg Dawg-a-nova will slow preheating and add just one more thing to loose in the snow. Optimus Explorer 11 had silencer cap but that was light weight and fixated to the burner. In practical use, with windscreen, pot and muffling snow/forest, i don't find Nova annoyingly loud. Rather it's comfortable to hear if it dies or start to have problems.
3) Normal "Tändvätska" (Kolväten C10-C13, n-alkaner,isoalkaner, cykliska,
@@Jaktkit thank you for your quick response! Ok, I just thought it’s more stable on snow and easier to use in high wind with a trangia (windscreen won’t blow away). But more versatile with other (bigger) pots and pans. Seems that on yuotube comparisons that it is a little bit more silent with kerosene than with white gas. 👍
Thank you for the tip with tändvätska!
@@mygg15 I theory all what you say is true. In practice the befits are less obvious. In high wind you usually seek protection. Not so much for the stove as for yourself. In really refreshing weather you keep it short and sweat and make lunch from thermos. In base you can always cook on leeward side of tent and dig protected hole in snow (see video 16:50). Opening the three support feet is easily done with gloves on. Inserting burner in the trangia can be more of a fiddle. I never felt original stand unstable, but also don't use heavy frying pan etc.
Great Video and very practical advise! I am from China , and we do not have the Arctic , would like to try it in TIbet(High altitude , cold),.
Interesting. I thought both TH-cam and Tibet was inadvisable.
I got some kerosene and did some experiments with both kerosene and priming with alcohol. Results were excellent! I have a practical question: you describe an advantage to kerosene being its low volatility, which makes it more stable in the long-term. I noticed this cuts both ways - white gas evaporates, which means when you pull out the pump (or spill some fuel) it vanishes. Kerosene doesn't. This isn't a big deal around the house - a simple paper towel cleans it up. In your experience, what do you do in the field if you want to pull the pump out and cap the bottle, or worse, deal with a spill? Thanks in advance - was very impressed with the kerosene performance on a cold November night!
Always keep the pump in the bottle during tours. If you regularly switch, sooner or later you will drop the bottle, spill half the fuel and put yourself in a unfavorable situation. Kerosene spill from refilling can be adequately cleaned with snow.
Thanks for kind words.
Really good informative vlog, I have a Nova and just given it a full service. Runs like a dream now and will be using your advice this winter. I noticed a set of parawings on your jacket? Great vlog - stay frosty :)
Many thanks for kind words.
Kero is stable and will save plastics and o-rings but white gas is simple and effective and requires less priming. I am used to kero with 85 Loke and 111 but I run Polaris and Nova on both gas and kero with almost no difference. Gas is sometimes even better.
LP Gas is very convenient in tempered climate. However, if you try that in multi day tent hike in sub -20C you are likely to re-evaluate.
wonderful video - great info
Many thanks.
white spirit( turpentine) is also a super fuel and affordable. carbon structure(C10-C13), boilingpoint 130C. But as you pointed out, you have to preheat with alcohol. And i noticed that your flame were pulsating. Perhaps I can give you an advice. Don`t fully presurize the the fuelbottle 20-25 pumps . More like 6 or 7 pumps to start with. When the stove is lit you can ad more pressure to the bottle. Thank you for informing properly how to use a multifuel burner. There are so many on u tube that doesn`t.
Turpentine is not our expertize. However, it seems to be a rather strong solvent. Did you try refined pine oil (Bio diesel HVO100)? It might be a more "lubricating" energy dense eco-option.
I haven`t tried bio diesel. Have you? When I was in the army we used white spirit ocassionally on our optimus 111 instead of kerosene. I think there are no reason not to use it. I have many times ever since including on my newly purchased optimus nova used white spirit as fuel. I think it is no different than kerosene. If you havn`t, give it a go. See what you think.♥
Turpentine main use historically was as thinner for paint. So I would be cautious with long-term use of Turpentine. I expect it to wear on plastic pumps, o-rings and other plastic details. If you rub it between your fingers I expected kerosene to have a more oily feel. I might be wrong. Kerosene is so easily available and performce so well that nowadays I put my focus on the outdoor experience rather than alternative fuels.
Ok then. If that is what you want. Then do as you please. But these burners are designed to burn a lot of different types of fuel, including white gas which is an even stronger solvent than turpentine if I am not mistaken.
@@au46tro9 Turpentine surely burns great in the Nova burner. We both agree on that. My concern is that Turpentine strong solvent property over time will accelerate aging of o-rings, pump leather and pump connection. You are right about white gas. That is exactly why I also strongly advice against using white gas/Coleman fuel/Primus PowerFuel and Aspen 4 stroke Alkylate petrol. Please see video 7:28.
Apologies for the all the questions - I'm very pleased with the kerosene performance and trying to understand the tips you've provided. As to the fuel filter: when you say that cotton is sufficient, do you mean to pry out the clogged original white filter and stuff the cotton into the tiny compartment at the end of the fuel line that previously held the white filter? Thank you!
Pretty much. Unscrew the gold colored filter cap. Remove old filter. Roll fluff from a cotton bud/swab to suitable size ball (big enough not to get sucked into the pipe). Put it in older filter place and reattach filter cap. Now new DIY filter will be fixated.
@@Jaktkit Thank you!!! I didn't know whether that end cap needed to be unscrewed - it's round, so there's nothing on the included service tool that would do that. Thank you again!
@@dansklrvids7303 You unscrew by hand. The lower ribbed part will separate from the part closest to the plastic tube.
17:56 Every decent arctic explorer that I know of, uses the stove inside the tent. I did so as well on a month long expedition. Without any Co2 problems. I guess the problem starts if you sleep in a kind of Iglu or any other snow construction: thats highly dangerous.
Exploring arctic isn't risk free. Those who make wise decisions typically survive longer. In 20-30 m/s arctic wind cooking inside a well ventilated tent might be your best calculated risk, of the bad options at hand. However, as a general practice it's a terrible idea. Many climbers over the years have put themselves and others at great risk with hasty "altitude sickness" exits, when in fact their true diagnosis was p poor cooking standards. The danger of CO poisoning in tent is well documented, even if not well known. This might give additional perspectives. www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(04)70474-3/references#secd59685658e740
Are you going to talk about ski use tomorrow? Maybe shelter
Iam debating whether to buy the Optimus Nova or the Optimus Polaris to us with the Trangia cookware. What is your opinion?
You wont go wrong with either. However, we would recommend Nova for the following reasons:
1) Nova bayonet fitting really is bullet proof, when you get the hang of it.
2) Polaris LPG option doesn't really bring any benefit.
3) For the price difference you can get a dedicated (light weight) LPG burner to use in 3-season condition.
@Jaktkit the Polaris can be used with isopropyl cans but not the Nova correct? Also, why do you say the Polaris LPG doesn't bring any benefit?
@Jaktkit I want to say thank you for your time and patience with me. I am an old woman, cycling on a bike across the country indefinitely and I need all the helpful advice I can receive. 🙏
@@Beingkindfeelsgood 1) I think there is a misunderstanding. "Isopropyl" is typically not used as a fuel. However, if it were it would be likely be classified as an "alcohol", one of few fuels not suitable as main fuel in any of the Optimus stoves. 2) LPG (a.k.a. Camping gas) are typically composed of different mixes of Propane and Isobutane. Non of which in practice are particularly functional in really cold weather, independent of the fact that some are marketed as "winter gas". 3) For 3-season use (spring, summer & fall) LPG can be a very convenient fuel. Although, better used with a dedicated "propane backpacking mini burner" with a nozzle optimized for such gas and typically a total weight of less than 100g. To use Polaris for burning LPG is a wasteful use of LPG (the Polaris nozzle is a compromise for several different fuels and not optimized for any) and a lot of unnecessary weight to carry.
When running on kerosene in cold, I find the stove won’t run correctly with the silent cap. The flame spreader works fine albeit noisy. Silent cap is fine with all fuel in summer.
The added mass of silent cap will make it more difficult to preheat and use in really cold weather.
Will you please tell me more about your ecpeditions
Ska jag köpa Nova eller Polaris? Vill he en som går som en klocka med så lite problem som möjligt. Vilken typ av flytande bränsle är att föredra och varför? Har i princip bara kört gas dom senaste 10åren.
Thanks for this very informative video! When I look at Biltema's data sheets for tändvätska, lampolja, and lysfotogen, they seem to consist of basically the same hydrocarbons. Do you know how they differ?
Occasionally one of them have a bit longer carbon chains (which will show in the data sheet). However, for most part it's just an opportunity for companies to charge a bit extra by naming them differently. People tend to be willing to pay more for their precious lamp oil than their barbeque fluid. ;-)
The BRS 8, appears to resemble (is a copy of) the Nova. Have you experience of the BRS 8, compared them ?
I have no practical experience from BRM 8. The following observation/speculations are based solely a few TH-cam videos (so take it for what it is):
1) Missing shaker needle
2) Not designed to empty fuel line before disassemble (not sure if that is a problem since flame control is on bottle, like Nova+)
3) Delayed flame control (Like Nova+)
4) Difficult to preheat due to (too) high location of preheating tube. Rendering mediocre performance on kerosene (to judge from available videos)
5) Voluminous (unproven) pump and conection
Would I take the chance to test BRM 8 for tenting in civilization? Why not. Would I put my life in the hands of a BRM 8 during a winter expedition, just to save 50-60€. No.
Tack för videon! Vet du förresten om om det finns något fotogen i detaljhandeln numera som man kan lita på håller hög kvalitet och fungerar vid -30?
Kärt barn har många namn. Du måste läsa datasäkerhetsbladet för att veta vad du får. Biltema har tex Tändvätska (EG-nr 918-481-9 / Kolväten C10-C13) och Lampolja (EG-nr 942-085-5 / C11-C16). Båda fungerar utmärkt.
i have the optimus polaris. should i burn kerosene in it instead of white gas? thanx
Yes if you preheat with 85% alcohol (Ethanol), Kerosene is excellent fuel for Polaris. Kerosene will be less aggressive on the o-rings and "lubricate" the burner better than white gas. Polaris behave somewhat different than Nova, so you should test both fuel in cold weather to see which has best boil time and least consumption. My bet is that rather heavy Kerosene like lamp oil (C11-C16) will do fine.
Talk about your skis and pack and where you go
Some topics considered are:
1) Expedition jackets - what features to look for and why typical ski resort jackets might be far from optimal
2) Backpack - How to pack properly and what features really matter on a backpack.
3) Nordic combat uniform 2021 - The good, the bad, the ugly
Skies I didn't think of. Concerning shelters there are a number of different videos. What specifically would be of interest to you regarding these topics, just to know if we can contribute in any relevant way.
arctic ???
Arctic.