How to Make an Ultra-Light Alcohol Stove

Create an alcohol stove using a 5 oz cat food can.

Backpackers and hikers are often on the lookout for a way to reduce the amount of weight carried in a pack. A stove is an essential piece of outdoor equipment when spending one or more nights outdoors. A range of lightweight backpacking stoves are available; however, you can make your own that is compact, lightweight and efficient.

Things You'll Need

• 5 ounce cat food can
• Soapy water
• Rag
• Hand-held hole punch
• Ruler
• Permanent marker
• Alcohol

Instructions

1. Open a 5 oz. cat food can and empty the contents. Wash the can thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse the can under running water and dry thoroughly with a rag.

2. Measure 5/8 inch up the side of the can from the bottom. Use a ruler to measure and mark the position several times around the outside of the can.

3. Measure 3/8 inch down the side of the can from the top. Use a ruler to obtain the measurement and mark the position several times around the outside of the can.

4. Place the ruler on the lower mark that is 5/8 inch from the bottom. Measure around the can at this position, making a mark with the permanent marker every ¾ inch.

5. Place the ruler at the 3/8 inch mark down from the top of the container. Measure around the can at this position, making a mark with the permanent marker every ½ inch.

6. Punch holes at each marked hole near the top and bottom of the can with a hand-held hole punch.

7. Position the alcohol stove on a surface that heat will not damage. Add 1 oz. of alcohol to the stove. Insert a lit match through one of the lower holes to ignite the alcohol. Allow the alcohol to burn for at least 1 minute before placing a pot on the stove.

References

• JW Basecamp: Jim Wood's SUPER CAT Alcohol Stove