Happiness in a great prank. On our October backpacking trip, we got up and cleaned up before hiking back to the cars, one mile tops. While DD was off having fun, I thought I'd help him train for Philmont a little better by adding some weight to his pack. Specifically a large rock from the fire ring. We found 2 more ofr the front pouch and closed his pack up.
He packed a few more things in the side then struggled getting it on, and hiked out complaining about the weight, but never really putting 2 and 3 together. I mean he drank all the water, ate all the food, used a bunch of fuel, and had switched most clothes out for a pair of wet jeans. It has to be lighter now right???
Thankfully everyone kept their mouths shut. We got back to the trailer, he pulled back the flap to get his tent out, everyone saw the rock poking out the top, except him. Covered it back up and loaded it into the car. He didn't find it till he got home. 23LBS in all. He was pissed but is also a really good sport.
Our troop was looking at backpacking stoves since we were doing more of it and seem to have a group that enjoys doing it. It was suggested that we look into buying troop backpacking stoves. I started researching it. and found a lot. Only a few looked really good. I didn't like the liquid fuels because of handling and our scouts....it wouldn't have been a good combo. Alcohol is superlight, but slow. Scouts don't comprehend patience. You don't figure that out till you are a leader. Butane/propane was looking good even though it doesn't work well at low temps.
Coleman has a 2 burner liquid fuel model, and I remembered they used to have a mix style one, but knew the canisters were hard to find. It was also a bit pricey for me. ENTER Sierra Trading Post (.com) I find they carry the stove and now it's the same price as a good single burner stove. ($40) Long story short, these stoves kick ass.
We got up this weekend it was between 15 and 25 degrees out. The guy with the propane stove was pushing a large sooty yellow flame, the liquid fuel guy had a mystery leak somewhere in the pump, and the standard mix guys were okay for a little bit but soon found their stoves freezing up and going dead. The xpedition uses powermax canisters which liuid draw with a diptube, or regular canisters on a special adapter. It blistered, and ran like a champ. I love it and I'm glad I bought one. They do make them in single burner models which are nice for one person. I did enjoy being able to make my ramen and chili at the same time though.
We won't discuss how badly I want to shoot my computer.