So up here in Calgary we had a cold front blow in. When I got home from work it was -13 C. Not a lot of wind. I thought this would be a good opportunity to see which stove did the best in cold weather. I put several stoves (and fuel) outside in my backyard for about an hour to let them get good and cold. Each one was using Coleman fuel [except the Soto, for obvious reasons]. First I tried my Coleman 440. It didn't work at first. I was using a lighter and the flame of the stove would go for a second, but then would go out right away. After fiddling with it like that for a few minutes, I put it aside in frustration. Next I tried my Soto Microregulator LPG stove. I didn't expect it to work that well, but I wanted to see. I was right. It lit, but the flame was weak and didn't improve. I concluded that this stove isnt to be relied upon in cold weather outings. Then I went to my Svea with the pump. This took a long time to prime. Actually it took a couple tries of priming even with the pump, but eventually I did get it to work. Then I went to my Primus Multifuel EX. This stove was a joy. It was easy to pump, quick to prime, and worked very well. Then I went back to the Coleman 440. My lighter at this point, wasn't working any more, and I was reduced to matches. Turns out, the matches work way better with the Coleman. With the lighter I'd remove the lighter flame right away when I saw a bit of blue flame come, and then it would go out. But with the match, I just left it to burn in the bowl. This provided a longer ignition source, and allowed the stove to light. It got going well with the match. Then I tried with my Whisperlite. This stove has been with me for over a decade. It is "ol' reliable". It fired up with a bit of priming, and quickly went to a strong blue flame. Next I might try some boiling time comparisons.
What mix of gas did you use with the LPG stove? I'm using the propane/butane/isobutane cans and they perform pretty well especially on remote feed stoves where you can 'flip' the canister. Last year at about -10c my Omnifuel ran like a rocket on gas.
Personally I'd just move to Spain or the South of France... I know it's beautiful scenery etc, but even England is 20C too cold for me in the winter so it's not for me. I wouldn't set foot outside the house for six months of the year!
Rik Can you suggest anywhere (cheap lol) online to get the canisters? as our local source has shut. Alan
For cold and canisters, if upside down, I thought that you need a generator. Does the SOTO have a generator? A strip of brass inserted into the fuel feed and up in the flame is enough. I have pictures of the one I made somewhere. Backpacking Light had an article on the alteration written by Roger Caffin. Ken
I'm surprised you had any issue with the Svea. I havent' got a 123, but have used the 8R with midi pump dozens of times, down to about -20C, and never had a problem with priming. Just 1 or 2 strokes of the pump, fill the cup with fuel, and torch'er off. Always fully heated on first attempt. Now, if I were to use too much pressure at startup, it's possible to overwhelm the vapourizor, which then passes a mix of liquid droplets and vapourized fuel, causing minor excitement (more show than anything). J
The MSR's do run. Did you prime the 440? I don't rely on that type of Coleman stove to light off the vapors, I prime with some alcohol/meths then let some fuel thru. The canister for the Soto, dip it in water first or down your shorts for a bit. Duane
One more comment on the 440. Remove the screw in the center of the burner. Flip the top plate over. Reinstall the screw. Now you have a priming cup. This works for the suitcase stoves too.
You know what... that was probably what my problem was. I probably had it pressured up too high. Maybe I'll try again this evening. It's still supposed to be chilly outside.
The cansiter I used was made by Optimus, was green, and had propane, butane, and isobutane. Although this stove claims to have a microregulator allowing it to burn at colder temps, it sits on top of the canister like a MSR pocket rocket, so flipping the fuel is impossible. To flip it you definately need a generator to vapourize the liquid fuel coming out the bottom of the canister. I'd like to get one like a MSR Windpro or the new Optimus Vega. Leaning towards the Windpro because the larger diameter burner will work better with my outback oven.
Pressure problems.....cold weather.....need to burp the tanks by opening the filler cap for a few seconds. Try that. Ron
