MSR XGK liquid fuel stove

[TradLife406]

A long time ago I had a Whisperlite then sold it.

But this year I'll be hunting basically all November. And I know how canisters can be when it's cold.

I'm hoping for some snow so I can hunt up higher and not have to worry about water. Where I'm going water can be hard to come by. Or requires dropping a lot of els to get to.

The MSR Reactor is awesome but those canisters are the weak link.

Don't like the idea of hauling a liquid gas stove around but I've had canisters go dry trying to melt snow. That really kills them fast.

Looking at the XGK. This the way to go? Seems like it's easier to keep clean than the whisperlite. Self cleaning sort of.

This the way to go?

 

[EdP]

You might also consider a Primus liquid fuel stove (Primus Omnifuel). Mine will use liquid or canister but they don't seem to make that option any longer.

 

[TradLife406]

You might also consider a Primus liquid fuel stove (Primus Omnifuel). Mine will use liquid or canister but they don't seem to make that option any longer.

Actually looking at it I think I had the Primus before.

Anyone just use a reactor for this? Melting snow? My kid could probably pack in an extra canister. But just dang it seems risky.

 

[UncleBone]

Actually looking at it I think I had the Primus before.

Anyone just use a reactor for this? Melting snow? My kid could probably pack in an extra canister. But just dang it seems risky.

Ive used canisters with my windburner in some pretty cold conditions. I just throw them in my sleeping bag at night and that seems to do the trick. Up to younifnyou want to take the chance though.

 

[tkabzems]

I have and use both. The reactor more often, as mentioned you can baby the cannisters and they are usually fine. I personally choose the xgk on trips where im deep in and the stove is a critical item (ie snow is my only water source, winter ski traverse etc) because the liquid fuel stoves and specifically that one are just bomb proof

 

[TradLife406]

I have and use both. The reactor more often, as mentioned you can baby the cannisters and they are usually fine. I personally choose the xgk on trips where im deep in and the stove is a critical item (ie snow is my only water source, winter ski traverse etc) because the liquid fuel stoves and specifically that one are just bomb proof

Yeah kinda what I'm looking at. Hate packing my fears. Could have the kid carry an extra canister or two. And I'd probably be at the same weight of a liquid stove plus fuel...


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[Lawnboi]

Iv got a dragonfly that I have burned gallons of white gas on. Thing works awesome in the cold. It sounds like a jet engine when running, and looks to be the same basic design as the xgk. I’d personally be looking at something like the whisperlite.

I hate haven’t g to baby canisters. If it’s that cold will you have a wood stove? If you did that’s another decent option to melt snow on.

 

[EdP]

For a trip of a few days or longer liquid fuel is hard to beat. The only advantage to canister stoves is that they simmer better. If I've got a fire at camp I don't bother simmering anything on a stove anymore. Once the pot boils just put it close to the fire and whatever requires simmering (rice or pasta) will do just fine.

 

[TradLife406]

Iv got a dragonfly that I have burned gallons of white gas on. Thing works awesome in the cold. It sounds like a jet engine when running, and looks to be the same basic design as the xgk. I’d personally be looking at something like the whisperlite.

I hate haven’t g to baby canisters. If it’s that cold will you have a wood stove? If you did that’s another decent option to melt snow on.

Yep I'll have a wood stove at camp too. Thinking melting snow while I'm glassing. But that's definitely cut back on fuel use.


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[TradLife406]

This might work too. Obviously slower.


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[kodiak725]

I have an XGK and they are great stoves. There is not a a lot of adjustment in the flame so its basically all or nothing. Great for boiling.

 

[Lawnboi]

Yep I'll have a wood stove at camp too. Thinking melting snow while I'm glassing. But that's definitely cut back on fuel use.


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If that’s the case I would avoid the xgk and dragonfly for white gas. They are loud! Like stupid loud on a cold still day.

I would take advantage of long nights and melt stove on your wood stove in the morning and evenings.

 

[TradLife406]

If that’s the case I would avoid the xgk and dragonfly for white gas. They are loud! Like stupid loud on a cold still day.

I would take advantage of long nights and melt stove on your wood stove in the morning and evenings.

I saw this thing. Might work for the canisters.


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[Lawnboi]

I saw this thing. Might work for the canisters.


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If your actually making water for a decent time in the cold I still think a white gas stove is the way to go.

I wouldn’t waste your money on an insulator.

I also wouldn’t waste any money on those mini wood burners. They are a mess and not very effective. A decent white gas stove and a wood stove back at camp should be more than adequate.

Like I said I personally have a dragonfly and have used it for a long time now, it works great but it’s a loud bastard when ripping at full power. Liquid fuel stoves also have some technique to lighting that you’re going to want to be versed in.

When days are that short you should be able to make any water you need for the next day in the evening. Just don’t let it freeze at night. Water in your pack should be fine from movement.