I know this topic has already been talked about a lot in the past. I apologize in advance. Over the last few months I have been trying out a few new spirit cans. (I know I need a life) I am looking for a main user spirit can to replace/take over for the originals. I didn't want a plastic container though they most likely are the best/cheapest choice. I needed a spirit can that would hold a good amount of alcohol but also fit inside many stove cases/tins. I take a stove to work everyday in the winter for lunch. I have found three that fit the bill. And one that passes very well. From left to right. To the right of the Primus No.1738 spirit can. (small round one) Is the reproduction can from Basecamp for £4. The next one is from ebay.uk (seller hootflipflopandfly) is where I found that one for £3. And the all brass one on the end is a British Bren oiler for machine guns. For $5-15$ For longer than weekend/day trips I would take the Trangia 0.3 litre container or larger. As seen below. The Bren oiler has quickly become my favourite spirit can. This one is marked 1949 and I feel safe to say the is the year it was made. I don't feel as bad about using for this purpose. The brush unscrews from the cap as seen in the 4th picture. It holds approx. 120ml of alcohol and is all brass. I have seen a few other gun oilers used for this purpose. They don't stand out when in the company of classic stoves and might outlast some stoves but do cost more. The Bren oiler with its stocky height is able to get down beside the 111 burner to fill the spirit cup. The other two cans I tried out are great but are made out of steel and over time will most likely rot out from alcohol being left in. The miniature alcohol bottles work very well too as seen in picture 1 and 2. Does anyone know of any other spirit cans/bottles that one can buy online? Best Regards, Jeff McKnight
Jeff, REI sells those plastic bottles of a different composition which are also used for alcohol and the same size as the primus. I guess its just a matter of preference or purpose. Ron
Hi Jeff, Interesting post! I too collect spirit cans ancient and modern and like you tend to favour the metal ones when I can find them. I am sure that I posted on this topic in the past but can't find the link. My tip was to look out for the very small "hip-flasks" used for "drinking alcohol". The 1 to 2 oz. size, in stainless steel are ideal for 1-pint stove kits. These small flasks can be found on Ebay and at flea-markets as many booze manufacurers now offer them as a promotional item. Here is one image I did find: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/10656 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Jeff; Very nice collection of spirit cans. I too have posted this before but I think it is the perfect spirit tin. Cheap and easy to find at gun and surplus shops in the U.S.. Seals tight, spirit does not leak or evaporate regardless of position. (on side, upside-down etc. This also was originally a firearm oilier. Also it looks good with the stoves. I see them for sale from 3 to 15 U.S. dollars. Mine was the lower price if memory serves. Mike... I especially like the long neck and that it does not drip till you squeeze the tin and you can't misplace the cap.
I don't think this hip flask would look out of place in a stove outfit: Hip Flask Also available on ebay, but hopefully this link might last longer. BTW, I think 170ml is around 6oz Cheers, Graham.
How about this: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear...rentPage=&ip_sortBy=&searchKeywords=hip+flask Or this: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___92385
Thank you Backpacker56 for the links! Those flasks would nice with a nickel plated stove and a nice petromax lantern. ATB Jeff
If you have access to Walley World (walmart), they carry the stainless steel flasks in the camping section for $3.99USD. I bought several and they work quite well with all sorts of alcohols, not to mention priming alcohol (meths).... sam
