Hexamine Stoves: A Lightweight Camping Essential
I love hiking and trekking, but I prefer things that are compact, quick to set-up and easy to use. When I was planning my Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk, my mom recommended a hexamine stove, and I’ve been using them ever since.
Hexamine stoves are a great option for lightweight camping. They are small, lightweight, and easy to use. They also burn very hot, making them perfect for boiling water or cooking quick meals.
To use a hexamine stove, simply unfold it and place it on a flat surface. Light a hexamine fuel tablet or two and place it in the center of the stove. Place your cooking pot or pan on top of the stove and wait for the water to boil or the food to cook.
Hexamine fuel tablets are available at most camping stores or online. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Here are some of the benefits of using a hexamine solid fuel stove:
- Small and lightweight: Hexamine stoves are very small and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport. 8 square fuel tablets fit within the stove when its packed up and the total weight of stove with fuel is 400g.
- Easy to use: Hexamine stoves are very easy to use. Simply unfold them, light a fuel tablet, and place your cooking pot or pan on top.
- Burn very hot: Hexamine stoves burn very hot, making them perfect for boiling water or cooking meals. One-two fuel tablets will burn for 7-10 minutes, which is enough time to boil two cups of water or cook a quick meal.
- Inexpensive: Hexamine fuel tablets are relatively inexpensive.
There are some considerations of using a hexamine stove however;
- Susceptible to wind: Like most camping stoves hexamine stoves are very susceptible to wind, so it’s important to find a sheltered spot to use them.
- Not suitable for cooking large meals: hexamine stoves are not suitable for cooking large meals. They are best suited for boiling water or cooking quick meals.
Overall, hexamine stoves are a great option for campers and backpackers who are looking for a small, lightweight, and easy-to-use stove. However, it’s important to be aware of their limitations, such as their inability to cook large meals.
