"Stove-in-a-bucket" winter system

I'd like to introduce my tip-proof winter stove system here as some might find it interesting for use inside a tent in winter.

It consists of an aluminum housing from an old saucepan (ebay) for a Primus OmniLite stove with silencer. Holds a 2,5L saucepan safely in place. Big enough for snow melting for 1-2 persons. At the price of a little more weight (600g - weight is not so much an issue when you travel with a pulk in winter), it returns valuable advantages: Extremely tip proof. No accidental burn risk by contact to open flame for safe use inside the inner tent [yes, it CAN BE safe to use a stove inside the inner tent as long as you arrange for some CONSTANT VENTILATION and don’t fall asleep. So sit upright while cooking!]. Can be packed when the burner itself is still hot. Wooden handle and wooden bottom for insulation and placement directly in the (compressed) snow. Takes also small fuel bottle even without hose dismount. Burner is simply pressed onto three screws for fixation and can be removed within seconds.
The system is so stable and heat protected that I ran it even inside a bivy bag, sitting on my pulk.

I built a similar system for 3. persons with a 4.5 Liter saucepan and an Optimus Hiker 111 burner.

I wonder if any of you know / built similar setups? Please show photos!

 

I rarely use a stove inside and I have my KAP Arctic stove or Sigg Tourist setup for wind conditions. Cheap setup for you, mostly using what you have.
Duane

 

A bit of thought has gone into that setup, well done, it gives me ideas now.

 

Very cool.

 

with proper ventilation, a stove is safe inside even a small space.

 

I have not done it, I thought it was a no no, just never thought about it but there you go. With proper ventilation and not using it when you go to sleep it should be ok. You have to do something to make sure it doesent catch the tent on fire which you have addressed. Still I would rather have a open fire and sit by it until I hop in the sleeping bag.
Cheers
Rob

 

@Steffen Wagner
Nice system.

 

I like it. Somewhat heavy, as you state, but very safe for use in a tent.

I have used stoves in the inner part of a tent, though with some trepidation. My usual practice has been outside, in a deep snow pit if necessary.

....Arch

 

Here is the 4.5L setup with Optimus Hiker 111 burner inside a Trangia base:

 

I must admit I've used a Trangia system inside many a tent or bivvy set up for my first early morning brew.

Si

 

I have used an XGK, melting snow and making food and drinks, in the vestibule of a tent. Mostly closed up, in a raging wind and snow storm, ventilation at the minimum. Definitely not while sleeping.
It dried out hanging clothing, handing from extra support lines inside the North Face Mountain tent. A 2 man tent with 3 of us in it. Fond memories. A failed Mt Rainier attempt.

 

I've done the same in a Jansport Mountain Dome, but I was on edge the whole time. Have to say, both stove and tent performed admirably.

....Arch

 

I have a candle lantern for emergency heating(sitting under emergency blanket or poncho) but also for CO2 detection, placed at the bottom of the vestibule or a snowcave.

 

... using a candle as CO warner is an interesting idea!
Trust you mean CO, not CO2.

 

No, CO2 as it's heavier than air while CO is lighter AND as I wrote CO2 will ALWAYS be produced where there is combustion using oxygen, (or a breathing animal) so quite important.

 

Having already registered 'yes' on the poll I've got to thinking that could be mis-interpreted. There is a very big difference between using a stove inside a 'laavu' type winter tent which is designed to accommodate a stove of some sort or other, and bringing one into the inner sanctuary of a small backpacking tent where it would be just inviting trouble.

 

CO is far more toxic than CO2. When running a stove inside a closed compartment, you'll die of CO, not of CO2.
As I understand, CO can not be detected by means of a candle. So constant ventilation is a must.

 

Actually, CO2 will kill you too, but your brain has a reasonably effective CO2 detector/alarm. As CO2 levels rise, you "feel" more and more as if you "can't breathe". Unfortunately, we don't have as effective a sensor for CO. "A slight tingling sensation" in your lips is much less likely to get your attention than a sensation of drowning.

CO is also worse, because it binds to the hemoglobin in your blood (like oxygen does), and so (assuming you move before it kills you) it takes awhile for your lungs to blow off the CO once you move into fresh air.

....Arch

 

Our big tent, a 20'x12' Alaknak, is of traditional big wall tent configuration, but of modern design. Well-ventilated, including ridgeline as well as lower vents. And the stove, a 4-Dog, is well-built and draws perfectly.

We sleep 8 and more in cots and bunk cots and probably generate a lot of CO2 from breathing alone.

 

Nice setup. You might want to add Kap Arctic style gutter to the burner base. It helps tremendously, just pour the alcohol down the drain and light the wick.

I used stainless steel straw that I opened, bent and added a Zippo wick into it.