How to Make an Alcohol Backpack Stove

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Backpackers, being a self-reliant lot, are usually imbued with a do-it-yourself spirit. One popular means of combining "homemade" with "lightweight" is the soda can stove. It might not be fuel-efficient or convenient to light, but it is imminently portable and can be made using common tools and parts in under an hour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Measuring tape Permanent marker 2 aluminum soda cans Push pin Hammer Metal wood screw (short and of 7 to 10 gauge) Sand Screwdriver Camp stove fuel alcohol Matches
Measuring tape
Permanent marker
2 aluminum soda cans
Push pin
Hammer
Metal wood screw (short and of 7 to 10 gauge)
Sand
Screwdriver
Camp stove fuel alcohol
Matches

Step 1

Use a measuring tape and a permanent marker to draw a line around a soca can about 1.5 inches from the can bottom. Cut away the remainder of the can with metal clippers, keeping the bottom part.

Step 2

Note the raised rim on the bottom of this can. Poke the burner holes around it.

Poke 16 to 24 roughly equidistant holes around the outside of the rim on the bottom of the soda can. This will form a circle of holes that make up the burner of the can. This can will be the stove's burner.

Step 3

Mark and cut a second soda can, repeating Step 1. This can will be the stove's base.

Step 4

Tap the screw with the hammer so the tip penetrates the center of the burner, then take a screwdriver and drive the screw the rest of the way in. This will create a hole in the center for pouring in fuel, and it can be plugged with the screw.

Step 5

Use the metal clippers to cut 3- or 4.5-inch slits around the sides of the open end of the burner. This will give it some flexibility for when you put the two cans together.

Step 6

Pour enough sand in the base to fill it up to a depth of between .25 and .5 inches.

Step 7

Push the two cans together until they fit snugly.

Tips & Warnings

To use the stove, remove the screw plug and fill it halfway with camping stove alcohol. Replace the plug, and then pour a little fuel into the center of the burner. Rub a little of the fuel around the burner vent holes as well. Then light the puddle in the center of the burner with a match. The burning alcohol will heat the fuel inside the can, vaporizing it and driving it out of the burner vent holes, where that vapor will ignite.

Never use a stove of this type inside a tent.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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