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Most liquid-fuel stoves and some canister stoves are good options for snow camping. As a general rule, liquid-fuel (white gas) stoves tend to work better than butane canister stoves in the winter because the latter lose performance in colder weather. White gas works as well in sub-zero temperatures as it does in the middle of the summer, so you can count on it in any conditions. This becomes an important consideration when you think about that fact that you’ll be melting snow to get most of your drinking water and make your meals a couple times a day. No stove means no water or food, which means going home early. Plan for about eight ounces of fuel per person per day for trips where you’ll have to melt snow for all your water.
Liquid-Fuel Stoves
Liquid-Fuel Stoves
Liquid-fuel stoves run on white gas, which burns hot and clean and performs well in below-freezing temperatures. But, they tend to be heavier and slower to boil than canister stoves, and you typically have to prime them before you can cook. Some multi-fuel stoves can also run on unleaded auto gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel and/or diesel, making them a great choice for international travel.
Canister Stoves
Canister Stoves
Canister stoves are lightweight, compact and quick to boil, but they don’t all work well in cold weather. If you decide you want to use a canister stove for winter camping, make sure it has a built-in pressure regulator. In cold weather, canisters can depressurize and produce a weak flame. A pressure regulator helps combat this. Also, keeping your fuel canister warm by stowing it in your sleeping bag at night and in a jacket pocket when you’re around camp and getting ready to cook can help stove performance.
You may want to bring a backup stove, just in case your primary stove malfunctions. Having a second stove can also speed up the group-cooking process. Work out the number of stoves as part of your group pre-trip planning.
Using Your Stove
Using Your Stove
Fuel - Keep in mind that it takes extra fuel to melt snow for drinking water. And, you’ll use more fuel at higher elevations.
Never Heat a Dry Pot - This is important! Always keep a little water in the bottom of your pot to efficiently transfer energy to the snow. Put an inch or so of water in your pot, then pile in snow. As the snow melts and the water level rises, pour out the water, keeping that same inch at the bottom. Without this water, you can actually scorch the snow and damage your pot.
Don't Heat Drinking Water - When melting snow for drinking water, don't waste energy heating the water. Your goal is to melt, not boil. Once you've got liquid water, you've got what you need.
Use a Lid - Putting a lid on a pot greatly reduces the amount of energy needed to boil water. There may not be much of a difference in boiling speed, but there is typically a significant difference when it comes to melting snow. Putting a lid on your pot traps hot air and steam inside the pot, which speeds up the melting process, and greatly improves melting efficiency. This also allows you to regularly swirl your pot, mixing up snow and water, without risk of spilling anything. Again, boosting fuel efficiency.
Insulate - Using a piece of insulation that’s sized to fit your stove as a stove base can improve performance. If you’re using a liquid-fuel stove or a canister stove with a remote burner, the base will prevent your stove from sinking into the snow and becoming unstable as it heats up. If you’re using a stove that sits on the fuel canister, wrap the base in tin foil to reflect some heat back up and help keep the canister warm.
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