Alternatives to Pressurized Fuel

Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where they held a Pressurized Fuel Training session. The focus of this training was to teach leaders what they should be teaching boy scouts about safety rules for using primarily cooking stoves, but also lanterns and heaters that use propane or liquid fuels under pressure. The point was not at all to teach how to use these devices, but was purely about safety.

The point of this article is not to discuss the specifics of the safety rules. I'm sure you can find them elsewhere on-line, and frankly a lot of it was common sense (like reading the manual that came with the device you are using and following their instructions). The point of this article is to offer answers to the following questions that came up in my mind during this training: 1) If there are so many safety issues with pressurized fuel, why use it? and 2) What are the alternatives?

The answer to the first question has to do with the BSA and other organizations adopting the Leave No Trace philosophy. I won't go into all the details on this either, but suffice to say that Leave No Trace is an environmentalist movement which among other things discourages the use (or over-use) of wood found in the wild for campfires or for building camp furniture, etc.

This is somewhat at odds with the old tradition of scouting which is closely linked with the woodcraft movement of the early 20th century. This oft misunderstood social movement heartily encouraged people to get out of the over-crowded cities and re-discover the joys of primitive outdoor living. The term "woodcraft" not only referred to the fact that camping, hunting, and fishing activities were often conducted in the woods, but it also referred to the skills required for survival in the woods with a bare minimum of modern equipment. Such survival skills included the ability to start a fire without matches and the ability to build shelters in the wild. Naturally, it wasn't enough to just know about these skills; they required some practice, and some people over time came to feel that the practice of these skills was unnecessarily destructive.

Leave No Trace presents us with new problems. First, unlike wood found in the wild, pressurized fuel and the devices that use it are not free. Many people are reluctant to buy something like this that they would only use once or twice a year. Then there is the safety issue. Even when handled properly, these devices sometimes malfunction. And last but not least, people simply enjoy gathering around a campfire to tell stories, roast marshmallows, etc.

So, what about the alternatives? For lanterns, there are very good battery-powered models. There are even models with remote controls and night lights. These are plenty bright enough (remember that even a dim light seems bright when you are in the woods at night), don't make any noise, and are perfectly safe to leave unattended or to give to a child.

For cooking, match-light charcoal works quite well. This does not require any special skills. You can bring along a small portable grill or use whatever fire pit or grill is provided by the park. Charcoal is probably better than wood for dutch oven cooking, and definitely better than pressurized fuel, because some dutch oven recipes require coals to be placed on top.

For campfires and cooking over wood, first and foremost you need to know and obey the rules of the park you are staying in. If you decide to use wood, you can use less wood by simply building smaller fires. The old-time woodcrafters were fond of pointing out the wisdom of the Indians who would build a small fire and gather in closer to it while white men would waste materials by building a big fire that was so hot they'd have to back away from it.

For staying warm at night, throw on an extra blanket or buy a sleeping bag that is rated for lower temperatures. I recently read about a family that had some kind of heater in their tent and were found dead the next morning due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Is getting a better night's sleep worth that kind of risk?

I'm not saying I won't use pressurized fuel, but I don't think people should feel obligated to use it due to environmental concerns if they are uncomfortable with the safety issues or just like cooking on an old-fashioned campfire while observing park rules.

The author, Greg Bonney, is the owner of Bonney Information and E-Commerce and founder of Scoutcamping.com (http://www.scoutcamping.com).

Copyright © 2005 Bonney Information and E-Commerce.

---

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes... Read More

A Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More

The Best Backpacking Food

Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More

The Different Styles of Tents Available

The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More

Journey to Haypress Creek

It was the end of my first year as a... Read More

On Safari in Northern Tanzania ? Back to The Sixth Day of the Creation

Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled.... Read More

Costa Rica: Land of Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120... Read More

Kayak Travel and Trips

If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More

Bicycling Down The River

My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More

Cycling in Europe: There?s More to the Tour de France than Lance

For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More

Lake Jipe straddling Tanzania and Kenya

So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More

Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More

Shark Pictures Not The Real Thing

Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More

Taking an Alaskan Cruise ? What to Pack

Packing in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More

A Thumb Sketch Outline of Tanzania?s Attractions and National Parks

The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More

The Great Outdoors is to be Explored and Loved in all its fullness

The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More

Whitewater Rafting Trip

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More

Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii

Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More

Hiking Safely on the Hills

SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More

Edible Wild Plants For Backpackers

Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

Finding Adventure In Little Things

We recently planted our saskatoon berry trees. I am sure... Read More

Find Outdoor Camping Gear Online at Great Discount Prices

Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More

Mount Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More

Is There Such A Thing As A Romantic Camping Getaway In Minnesota?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More

A Fishy Road Trip in Cairns

The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More

No Artificial Ingredients Indeed

Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am... Read More

The Classy Way to Do WA

Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More