Rajan Wilcox
A trip down the Devils River in Texas is not for the faint-hearted. It is a challenging river to plan, exhausting to navigate, and can be life-threatening if you are unprepared. It is not a trip for beginners, and only experienced paddlers in good physical condition should attempt it. It is important to plan and prepare well in advance for this physically demanding, remote river trip. Cell phone service is limited, and there are no stores nearby, so it is crucial to bring all your supplies with you. One of the key considerations for your trip is how much fuel to bring. While there is no definitive answer to this, it is recommended to bring a containerized fuel camp stove for cooking, as fires are typically not allowed. In addition, you should bring enough fuel or cooking sources for hot meals, as wood can be hard to find. It is also recommended to bring at least one gallon of water per paddler per day, and at least two water filtration or purification systems, as human waste must be contained and removed using WAG bags to protect the river ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 47.7 river miles from Baker's Crossing to Lake Amistad |
| Time | At least 4 full days |
| Permit | Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) for $10 |
| Sanitation | WAG bags for human waste |
| Trash | All trash must be removed |
| Cooking | Containerized fuel camp stoves |
| Water | Minimum 1 gallon per paddler per day |
| Weather | Flash floods, high/low temperatures |
| Cell service | Limited or unavailable |
| Camping | Only one-night stays allowed |
| Difficulty | Only for experienced paddlers |
| Supplies | Bring everything with you |
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What You'll Learn
- Fuel type: Containerised fuel camp stoves are recommended for cooking
- Fuel amount: Consider the length of your trip and the fuel needed for cooking
- Fuel weight: Packing light makes the trip more enjoyable, so consider fuel weight
- Fuel storage: Store fuel securely to avoid losing it if your canoe/kayak floods
- Fuel alternatives: Solar cookers can be used as an alternative to fuel stoves
Fuel type: Containerised fuel camp stoves are recommended for cooking
A trip down the Devils River can be challenging to plan, exhausting to navigate, and even life-threatening to the unprepared. It is recommended that only experienced paddlers embark on this river trip. One of the key aspects of planning for this trip is bringing the right fuel for cooking.
Containerised fuel camp stoves are recommended for cooking while on a Devils River trip. The fuel type for these stoves can vary, with options including gas, liquid fuel, solid fuel, alcohol, and twigs. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on factors such as convenience, versatility, availability, weight, and environmental considerations.
Gas canister stoves, such as the ubiquitous MSR Pocket Rocket and Jetboil, are widely available and a popular choice among backpackers. They are super easy to light, have excellent flame control, are affordably priced, lightweight, and the fuel maintains its full potency for years. However, they can be harder to ignite in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, and fuel can be harder to find in less developed countries.
Liquid fuel stoves, such as the Primus Omnifuel, use fuels like kerosene, petrol, white gas, or unleaded auto gas. They maintain full performance in cold weather and at high altitudes, and fuel is widely available. However, they require priming each time you fire them up, are heavier than gas-fueled stoves, and more expensive.
Solid fuel tablets, such as Esbit or FireDragon Fuel tablets, are light, inexpensive, and store forever. However, they can leave a sticky residue on pots and have a noticeable odour. Alcohol, available from hardware stores, camping stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations, is another option. It is inexpensive, ultralight, and easy to source, but alcohol stoves are not super easy or precise to use.
Finally, an innovative option is to use a stove that burns twigs, such as those made by BioLite, Solo, and Vargo. While this option is environmentally friendly and the fuel source is free, your fuel supply may be limited by the availability of dry twigs, and you may encounter ethical restrictions on gathering firewood in certain areas.
When planning your Devils River trip, it is important to consider not just the type of fuel but also the quantity. The river trip can take a minimum of four full days, and you may encounter unexpected delays due to repairs, portaging, exploring, or fishing. Therefore, it is recommended to bring slightly more fuel than you think you will need to avoid running out.
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Fuel amount: Consider the length of your trip and the fuel needed for cooking
The Devils River is a challenging river trip, even for experienced paddlers. It is critical to plan and prepare well in advance for a physically demanding trip. Paddlers should bring all their supplies with them, as there are no stores nearby. Cell phone service is limited and unavailable near and on the river.
When considering the amount of fuel to bring, it is important to take into account the length of your trip and your fuel needs for cooking. If you are doing a one-day trip, it is recommended to plan for at least overnight, with supplies for an extra day or two. For a four-day trip covering 15 miles, you will need to bring at least three days' worth of supplies. For a longer trip of 47.7 river miles, it will take a minimum of four full days, and possibly longer if the river flow is under 75 cfs.
It is recommended to bring a minimum of 1 gallon of water per paddler per day, and at least two water filtration or purification systems. If you want hot meals, you will need to bring a cooking source, as fires are typically not allowed, and wood can be hard to find. Containerized fuel camp stoves are recommended for cooking.
It is also important to consider the weight and capacity of your kayak or canoe. You will need to be able to carry all your gear, and you don't want to be riding too low in the water due to overloading.
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Fuel weight: Packing light makes the trip more enjoyable, so consider fuel weight
A trip on the Devils River can be challenging to plan and exhausting to navigate, so packing light is essential for an enjoyable trip. The river can be life-threatening to unprepared paddlers, so it's crucial to carefully consider what fuel to bring for cooking and how much weight it will add to your load.
The Devils River is located in a remote area, and there are no stores nearby, so it's important to bring all your supplies with you. This includes fuel for cooking, as open fires are typically not allowed. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends using containerized fuel camp stoves for cooking.
When planning your fuel weight, consider the duration of your trip and the number of people in your group. A general guideline is to bring at least 1 gallon of water per paddler per day, and at least two water filtration or purification systems. If you're comfortable filtering river water, you can save weight and storage space, but be sure to follow the specific guidelines for drinking water from the Devils River.
Additionally, think about the meals you'll be preparing and the type of fuel you'll need. Dry ice, a Yeti cooler, or freezing water bottles can help keep things cold, but they add significant weight to your load. A lightweight option for cooking is to use a containerized fuel camp stove, which can be paired with a lightweight pot or pan for cooking hot meals.
Portaging and navigating the river can be physically demanding, so consider the weight of your fuel and how it will impact your overall load. Remember that you'll need to carry all your gear, and you don't want to overload your canoe or kayak, as this can affect your ability to navigate the river safely.
Overall, carefully planning your fuel weight and packing light will make your Devils River trip more enjoyable and help ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
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Fuel storage: Store fuel securely to avoid losing it if your canoe/kayak floods
A trip on the Devils River can be challenging to plan and exhausting to navigate, so it is important to be well-prepared. The river can flash flood and become dangerous very quickly, so it is crucial to check the latest weather forecast and water levels before embarking on your trip. The best times to go are spring and fall, but be aware that extremely high or low temperatures can occur unexpectedly. It is also recommended to start each day early to take advantage of daylight.
To answer your question about fuel storage, it is important to note that the primary recommendation for canoe and kayak storage is to keep them indoors, which would prevent flooding. However, if you are taking your canoe or kayak on a trip on the Devils River, it is unlikely that you will have access to indoor storage. In that case, here are some tips to securely store your fuel to avoid losing it if your watercraft floods:
- Use a containerized fuel camp stove for cooking, as recommended by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Store your canoe or kayak out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause permanent damage to most canoe hull materials, such as "oil canning" and discolouration.
- If you cannot store your watercraft indoors or in a shaded location, use a tough, weather-resistant tarp or cover that is suspended above the hull. Avoid direct contact between the tarp and the hull, as this can promote mould or fungal growth in wet conditions.
- Spread out the weight of your canoe or kayak over its entire length. Support it at several points along its length using padded cradles, angled surfaces, and/or wide nylon straps that match the curve of the hull.
- Avoid storing your canoe or kayak upside down on the ground, as this can be too harsh on the gunwales. Also, avoid supporting it from its ends only, standing it up on one end, hanging it from its grab handles or thwarts, or laying it on its side on a flat surface for extended periods.
- If you are storing fuel separately from your watercraft, keep it in a secure, elevated location within your watercraft to avoid direct contact with water in the event of flooding.
- If you are storing fuel inside your watercraft, ensure that the fuel system has been treated and that all entry points are sealed to prevent pests.
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Fuel alternatives: Solar cookers can be used as an alternative to fuel stoves
Planning a trip to Devils River? It's a challenging river trip that can be life-threatening to the unprepared. It is recommended that you bring all your supplies as there are no stores nearby and cell phone service is limited.
Now, let's talk about fuel for your trip. While fuel stoves are commonly used, solar cookers are an excellent alternative, especially if you want to reduce your environmental impact and fuel consumption. Solar cookers are eco-friendly, portable, and compact, making them perfect for outdoor adventures like the Devils River trip. They harness the power of the sun to cook food, reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources and cutting costs.
Solar cookers, such as the Sun Oven, can prepare a variety of meals and support different types of cookware. They are safe to use and easy to operate. However, they may take longer to heat up and cook food compared to conventional stoves, and they are dependent on sunlight availability.
- Solar cookers require an outdoor area with ample sunlight to function effectively. Ensure you have a suitable location for cooking during the day.
- Solar cookers take longer to cook, so plan your meals accordingly, especially if you have a busy schedule or need quick meals.
- High-temperature cooking techniques like frying may not be suitable for solar cookers, so adjust your meal preparations accordingly.
- Protect your eyes when using solar cookers by avoiding direct contact with the reflective surfaces and wearing sunglasses.
- Be mindful of extreme weather conditions that may impact the performance of your solar cooker.
- Consider the weight and space constraints of your trip and choose a solar cooker that is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry.
- If you're camping on the river, solar cookers can provide a self-sufficient and fuel-free cooking option.
By following these tips, you can effectively use solar cookers as a fuel alternative during your Devils River trip, reducing your environmental impact and enjoying a unique outdoor cooking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel you need for a trip on Devil's River depends on the length of your trip and the number of people in your group. It is recommended that you bring a minimum of 1 gallon of water per paddler per day and at least 2 water filtration/purification systems. If you want hot meals, you will need to bring a fuel stove as fires are not allowed.
The time it takes to travel down Devil's River depends on the length of your trip and the speed of your boat. A 15-mile trip can take four days, while a 47.7-mile trip can take at least four days.
There are designated public camping areas at Baker's Crossing, San Pedro Point – Del Norte (river mile 15), Mile 12 Paddler camp, Mile 20 Paddler camp, and Mile 29 Paddler Camp – Dan A. Hughes Unit. Camping is also permitted at the lake's edge within the Amistad National Recreation Area.
Devil's River can be a challenging and life-threatening trip, even for experienced paddlers. It is important to check the latest weather forecast and water levels before your trip, as the river can flash flood and become dangerous quickly. Cell phone service is limited, so it is recommended to bring a satellite communication device for safety.
