PSA: My Coleman stove versus a single burner backpacking stove for a week in the Smokies

I had to pick gear for a seven day trip in the Smokies last fall and the big choice was my old reliable two burner Coleman propane stove or a new lightweight single burner canister stove. The Coleman is bulky and heavy, maybe ten pounds with fuel, but it lets you cook a real meal fast. The single burner is tiny and light, under a pound, but you are basically boiling water for freeze dried food. I went with the single burner to save pack weight. Honestly, it kind of sucked. After day three I was so tired of just adding hot water to bags. I missed making a proper breakfast and having a second pot going. The weight savings was nice, but the trip felt less fun. Has anyone else regretted going too light on the kitchen setup for a longer trip?

3 comments

3 Comments

samrodriguez4d ago

You said the trip felt less fun, and that's a real thing. I see it all the time where chasing efficiency kills the simple joy of a task. Sometimes the heavier, slower way is the right way because you actually like doing it.

gavin_kim4d ago

Reminds me of that old line @samrodriguez, "the journey is the destination.

matthewmiller4d ago

But joy doesn't pay the bills or save time.