Gas Stoves & High Altitude
At high altitudes, harsh conditions and lower atmospheric pressure increase cooking times and make food preparation difficult. Having the right gas stove can make the difference between a successful summit push and misery.
Liquid-Fuel Stoves
In general, liquid-fuel stoves perform better than canister stoves at high altitudes. They produce more heat and cope better with cold, but they require priming.
Canister Stoves
High efficiency canister stoves with insulated sleeves, such as Jetboil stoves, function well at high altitudes. These stoves require no priming and focus heat on the cooking surface to decrease cooking times. However, these stoves don't burn as hot as liquid stoves.
Mountaineer's Fuel Type
Since white gas efficiently produces high temperatures at high altitudes, it is the mountaineer's go-to fuel type.
Amount of Fuel
Since water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes and you must fend off high winds and cold temperatures, cooking times increase. Therefore, factor in more fuel than you'd normally use at lower altitudes.
Maintenance
Look for stoves that can be repaired and maintained in the field.
Ignition
Self-igniting stoves are notoriously unreliable, so bring plenty of waterproof matches and fire sources.
Tags: high altitudes, cooking times, Stoves High, canister stoves, High Altitude
