Women at CCS?

I truly hope this does not offend someone here in CCS land.

I've been curious for a bit now about the preponderance of men in the YouTube videos I watch about camp stoves. I don't believe I've yet seen but one women, an Indian woman struggling to get a cook stove going.

I asked my wife about this and she admits to having zero interest in camp stoves (unless I'm cooking up bacon and eggs while camping).

To me, on the other hand, there is something hypnotic, mesmerizing, about handling that gleaming brass, touching off the alcohol pre-heat and then finally getting that (to me) beautiful blue flame going. I even like the stink of the fuel.

Are there women members here at CCS?

No doubt there are. But I AM curious.

 

There's a few here, not a lot, mind you, but it's not due to being made to feel unwelcome!!

 

Murph, you are correct. Over the years we have had a lot of female members of CCS (and CPL).
They have always been made welcome, in fact more than welcome.
However, as the vast majority of members are male I think it is daunting for a female to make her first post.
Once they do make their first post they are often surprised at how welcoming and helpful the members are.

Personally I would love to see more female members.

 

Hi John,
As much as I too welcome it, I struggle to agree w/CCS and "alot of women" BUT +1 w/Trevor, I agree w/his message.

Does your wife now have some interest in classic camp stoves?

I've been "on" CCS regularly less than 4 years. "A bunch of guys" tend to be our active posters, imo regardless of topic or what is said, it will be the exception, that a woman herself "really feels" welcome or at home / at ease, given that (can be daunting as Trevor puts it).
There has been overwhelming encouragement for all women who visit from my perspective fwiw.
Increasing women involvement if/when it occurs will probably be a matter of a few simple things coming together. There's no stopping it ("resistance is futile" ).
I'll not call anyone out, in my time I recall at least 3 who participate as collectors.

The few women in my inner circle show interest now, when I've begun sharing/discussing c1900-1920s brass stoves. I happen to still love a 20s/30s suitcase and WW2 gas stoves but ladies here are not "feelin' it" for those fwiw. Multiply my anecdotal story by hundreds of fellow stovies where the women in their lives use classics and are interested in varying degrees.

That and several women (no different than many men) engage CCS seeking information, enthusiastic about using, new to them, stove(s). Those persons, once mission is accomplished, may or may not return.
thx omc

 

Hi @OMC, I can understand that you are struggling with my comment of a lot of females, but my membership is a lot longer than yours and so the number of female members is correspondingly larger than yours. Many have appeared briefly but some have made significant contributions.
As an aside, please don't quote me as saying 'alot' - there is no such word!

 

What about all the other genders?

 

@Murph ... I wouldn't think anyone (except, perhaps, a flaming butt-munch) of any persuasion would be made to feel at all uncomfortable by any of the gentlepersons I've encountered during my limited time at CCS. Everyone seems so inviting and helpful.

I'm not bringing this up as a CCS issue so much as an interests issue. For instance, I have little interest in the many clothing sites my wife frequents. Just does not appeal. I don't know what it is.

Perhaps there is a latent firebug gene on the Y chromosome? An attraction to shiny metal? For instance, my sons and grandsons have at some time in their lives each become fascinated with projectiles - bows & arrows, guns. My daughter and granddaughters not so much. Cultural too perhaps.

I would love to hear a woman's views on these objects that fascinate me.

 

If I become king of the world "alot" will be a word within my first sixty days.

Also there will be a war on yams.

 

John, PM sent. Pardon drift.

Trevor,
Oops, sorry. I stand corrected. Thank you kind sir. Until such a time that alot is recognized by "Webster", I will try to refrain (when you're right you're right).
I feel at this late stage it seems maybe my "lot" in life is to keep grammar slammer busy? (Grammar Slammer is keeping an eye on the way we use (and misuse!) the written word). It takes all kinds my friend. thx omc

 

That's certainly true. @pineapplerose introduced me to Monsoon Malabar coffee and it's now my favourite tipple - well, a close second to tea at least. She's an enthusiastic user and collector of stoves too of course.

John

 

I'm a CCS member and a woman. This is my initial post. I've been an enthusiastic backpacker, canoeist, and bike tripper for the past fifty years or so.

The little Gerry stove was my first. While the cute thing was never powerful, it put a powerful fear into my friends and I, when the valve partially separated from the canister and flames leapt at us. That was in about '78. I put the little clamshell away shortly thereafter.

Over the ensuing years I have purchased, used, maintained, and worn out several MSRs- XG, XGK, Whisperlight, and Dragonfly. I still have and use a couple WLs & an XGK. A couple years ago, I started using a Pocket Rocket and a Micro Rocket for bikepacking. Now my friends can more easily get the coffee going in the morning.

And there's the coleman suitcase, a thrift store find by my Mom 25 or so years ago. I replaced the generator once upon a time. It's still going strong, and is perfect for those canoe trips that don't involve a portage.

Then, of course, there was a flirtation with diy alcohol stoves. They work fine, but are best suited to solo meals.

I came to this forum while looking for a way to get the Gerry stove going again. And I'm glad I did! Norman, techguy_58, generously sent me an adaptor for modern canisters, and taught me about adaptors so I can use propane. Both work famously!

But that's not the reason I'm happy to be a member. This is the reason:

CCS is an international community of passionate, articulate, kind, and encouraging folks who happen to like stoves. Your posts are just wonderful! I haven't posted before, largely because I don't have any stovie wisdom to add. But I've certainly been reading. And catching the bug...

It started with two Sveas- 123 & 123r. The 'r' was shipped half full of fuel.
Both needed lots of work. So I followed instructions gleaned from this site. I took them apart with great difficulty, cleaned and polished the brass, replaced wicks with cotton string, etc, etc. And, when it was done, went onto the front porch on a 5 degree F evening here in Denver, because I just couldn't wait, and lit them up. They worked, achieved blue flame, and even boiled water.

The 123r went to a 26 year old friend of mine who likes things old school. He was excited by the stove, as was his dad, who brought out the 123 he had put away 25 or so years ago in favor of a Peak One.

Now I have a pair of 8rs, and something to look for at estate sales. And the fettling gave me the confidence to dive in and fix the mixer before Christmas dinner.

I thank you all.

Joan

 

@Joaniek ... Your post just makes me smile. Thank you. Your experience with stoves greatly overshadows mine, which has been limited to a few Colemans, a Svea, a Prabhat and shortly, a Ukrainian Motor Sich...

A fellow canoeist and backpacker, I read. How about that.

Best,
Johm

 

@Joaniek , Greetings, Joan!

WOW!! What a wonderful first post on CCS! I love it, and very much appreciate your having taken the time to share your thoughts. I have been here a long time, and can recall quite a few wonderful Gals stopping in and being a part of CCS, sometimes for a short period, and sometimes for a much longer period. My own Sweet Bride loves stoves, too, and very much enjoys using them to create some outstanding fare whilst camping. I well remember when I found and bought our beloved Glenwood Camp Cooker, and it's companion oven, the Bluebird. SB asked me why I had bought such a large combo! But, after using that oven once, it became HER oven!!!

I would love to read of some of your canoeing exploits, and other adventure you have had in the past. So, once again, welcome to CCS, and please feel free to post anything and everything that you feel motivated to share!! You will find an eager and appreciative audience right here, amongst your Stovie Friends!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

I will be honest. We have been camping together on a regular basis for well over 30 years and I cannot think of a single time my wife has used a camp stove. This is of any type including point and hope multi burner propane cookers

 

G,,day
over the years i have had lovely discussions with female members .
i regularly chat with Sooty . Pineapple Rose .
it is a pity there are not more here .
they add a different perspective / attitude to the forum , a very nice one !!!!!
that is not saying that you blokes are not good

kerry

 

Joan, I love your first post. You are obviously an experienced outdoors person and your comments and views will be much appreciated.
The mix of stoves you have used is impressive, but I see that you are not into pressure kerosene stoves (I think, so please excuse me if I am wrong).
I would recommend that you acquire some and give them a try; you will not regret it.

 

Joan: Welcome, love your post. By the way all, I was introduced to camp stoves and lanterns at a very young age by my mother who used them often. Mike...

 

I'd say not a lot of women, but when they do write in it is always fun to read what they have to say (as with Joan's post).

Just an impression, but women seem to be more serious about practical aspects in that they want to get their camping/boat/etc. stove working correctly and safely, because they actually plan to use it. Guys, more often than not, just want to tinker and find out what makes it tic -- and then, of course, time a boil test (because testosterone makes everything, including boiling water, a competition ).

 

, so true...

 

I think the male appeal is FIRE. It is as much of a event to make a loud fire as it is it make the bacon and eggs. The inner workings of the stove comes a close second for me.

Fire Good!