Hi, I've recently bought an Optimus 8R and intend using it as the makers intended and will be touring on a motorbike with it. I use Aspen 4T so won't be syphoning from the bike's tank which makes the safe carrying of spare fuel a concern. I think I'm really looking for a small metal bottle that would take the knocks of being in my luggage yet be guarranteed not to leak. One thought I had was a metal water bottle but was concerned the fuel may rot the seals and leak. So, what do others use and any recommendations for a supplier (in the UK)? Cheers, John
I know MSR, Sigg and Optimus make them. You could try local specialized sporting goods stores, but E-bay is probably the best bet.
Hello John, the answer is Sigg. This swiss company is I believe the inventor of non-leaking, unbreakable fuel bottles since the 1950's, if not earlier. Do not confuse them with the drinking bottles, which Sigg foresaw in that both category bottles and their stoppers do not mix (fit). Importers made and make big money on them, so they are not cheap. However, I learned early in life that it is best to buy a lawnmower in the fall, and consequently I have been looking for this motley crew unhurried. Best bet is secondhand stores, recycling shops etc. The red one is a copy but fits my Primus stove. The tall ones I stick in my saddlebags as an emergency fuel supply for the bike, but I run my Primus on them too on short trips. No problem so far on Unleaded, which is what I am feeding my Optimus 99 too. Good luck! Mike
I must be going soft in my old age - why I didn't just search eBay for 'fuel bottle' I don't know Well, I just did and bought one of these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190319004280 Problem solved, thanks for waking me out of my doziness - it's not as though I'm averse to using eBay... after all, that's where the stove came from! Cheers, John
thumbs up on the Trangia... advantage of handling any fuel (such as alcohol), and has a superior spout, negating the need for a funnel... btw, i've found that my MSR and Optimus (puke green) bottles' o-rings have been getting 'sticky' when sealed with naptha (Coleman fuel)... not so, my trusty Trangia bottles...
Hi all: Here is a really cool funnel / spout that takes up little room and works great. I purchased it from REI in the early 70's but am sure they are still around. Mike...
Hi I have the same Trangia plastic bottle ... but mine is leaking at the cap when you fill a stove - it is dripping at the knob that pushes the valve so you get a petrol finger and some spill on the stove tank. I wonder if that is only my bottle or if they all are doing that? Now I am trying to put a little O-ring between under the turning knob ... Andy